Allen Kirkham Wood's studies of animal husbandry in the University of California at Davis, where he was preparing to pursue his dream of raising horses in Argentina, were interrupted by World War I and a stint in the Navy. At his return home, he joined his father in their pioneering business of selling bulk coffee in Los Angeles.

Their company flourished until The Depression in the 30's, causing him to become part of the burgeoning career of his best friend, Buck Jones, the newest hot movie cowboy star. Wood's strong business background pushed him into more coveted Assistant Director and Production Manager positions over the next three decades.

When the prestigious Mirisch Company began it's operations in the '50's, Al was chosen to supervise all of their production activities. This successful collaboration brought in three "Best Picture" Oscar Awards and industry-wide kudos".

A whole generation of future production professionals credited him with the valuable experience, training and knowledge he shared with them in what affectionately became known as the "Al Wood School of Cinema".

After his passing, Al's widow was told that he was considered by his colleagues to have been one of the five or six most respected and revered production executives ever to have been in the Motion Picture Industry.