Erle C. Kenton (1 August 1896 – 28 January 1980) was an American film director and special effects artist who worked in Hollywood from the 1920s through the 1950s. He is best known for his work in classic Hollywood productions, particularly in the horror and science fiction genres. He directed several films, including Island of Lost Souls, House of Frankenstein, and The Ghost of Frankenstein. He was also a successful special effects artist and worked on several iconic films, including The Wizard of Oz and King Kong. He received an Academy Award for Best Special Effects for his work on the film Reap the Wild Wind in 1942. He passed away in 1980 at the age of 83.