I know what you mean about the “journeyman” director. Some produced greats though (Curtiz was also responsible for the best ever Robin Hood, The Adventures of Robin Hood, for instance). Richard Donner and Robert Wise are also excellent examples. Wise directed classics including The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Haunting, West Side Story, and The Sound of Music. Donner directed The Omen, Superman, Ladyhawke, and Lethal Weapon.

I think you’re right about Yates though. Bullitt was his stand-out film. I’m also reminded of The Taking of Pelham 123 — a blip of brilliance in the otherwise undistinguished career of Joseph Sargent (Jaws: The Revenge).