Monta Bell
Director
About Monta Bell
Monta Bell was a prominent American film director, producer, and screenwriter who played a significant role in Hollywood's silent era. Beginning his career as a journalist for the Washington Post, Bell transitioned to filmmaking after moving to Los Angeles, where he became an assistant to the legendary Charlie Chaplin. This apprenticeship under Chaplin provided him with invaluable insights into comedy and filmmaking techniques that would influence his later directorial work. Bell made his directorial debut in the early 1920s and quickly established himself as a capable director at major studios, particularly MGM, where he worked with some of the era's biggest stars including Marion Davies and Greta Garbo. His most notable directorial efforts include 'Lights of Old Broadway' (1925), a dual-color Technicolor film starring Marion Davies, and 'Torrent' (1926), which marked Greta Garbo's second American film and helped establish her as a major Hollywood star. By the late 1920s, Bell transitioned primarily to producing, where he continued to influence Hollywood filmmaking through his work at MGM and other studios. His career spanned the pivotal transition from silent films to talkies, though his most significant contributions came during the silent era. Bell remained active in the industry until his death in 1958, leaving behind a legacy as a versatile filmmaker who successfully navigated multiple roles within the studio system.
The Craft
Behind the Camera
Monta Bell's directing style was characterized by a focus on strong visual storytelling and star-driven narratives. Having learned under Charlie Chaplin, he incorporated elements of visual comedy and timing into his dramatic works. His films often showcased elaborate sets and technical innovations, as evidenced by his use of early Technicolor in 'Lights of Old Broadway.' Bell demonstrated particular skill in directing female stars, bringing out nuanced performances that helped establish their careers. His approach to filmmaking reflected the studio system's emphasis on entertainment value while maintaining artistic quality.
Milestones
- Assistant to Charlie Chaplin in the early 1920s
- Directed 'Lights of Old Broadway' (1925) in early Technicolor
- Directed 'Torrent' (1926), Greta Garbo's second American film
- Transitioned successfully from directing to producing in the late 1920s
- Worked as head of production at MGM in the early 1930s
- Produced numerous films starring major Hollywood actors
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Contributed to early Technicolor film development
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Monta Bell contributed significantly to the development of early Hollywood cinema during its formative years. His work with Greta Garbo in 'Torrent' helped establish her as one of cinema's most enduring icons, effectively launching her American career. His use of early Technicolor technology in 'Lights of Old Broadway' demonstrated the industry's movement toward color filmmaking, though full color adoption would take decades. As a producer in the 1930s, Bell helped shape the content and style of Hollywood's Golden Age films, working within the studio system to create commercially successful and artistically significant motion pictures. His transition from journalism to filmmaking represented one of the many paths creative professionals took to help build the American film industry.
Lasting Legacy
Monta Bell's legacy lies in his contributions to both the technical and artistic development of Hollywood cinema during the silent era and early sound period. While not as widely remembered as some of his contemporaries, his work as a director helped launch or advance the careers of major stars, particularly Greta Garbo. His successful transition from directing to producing demonstrated the versatility required to thrive in Hollywood's evolving studio system. Bell's films remain valuable artifacts of silent era filmmaking, showcasing the technical innovations and storytelling techniques of the period. His career trajectory from journalist to Chaplin's assistant to director and producer exemplifies the diverse paths that contributed to Hollywood's golden age.
Who They Inspired
Bell's influence extended through his mentorship of younger filmmakers at MGM and his role in shaping the studio's production philosophy. His work with female stars helped establish templates for presenting women as strong, complex characters in silent cinema. The technical innovations he employed, particularly in color cinematography, paved the way for future developments in film technology. His background in journalism brought a narrative discipline to his filmmaking that influenced the studio's approach to story development and script preparation.
Off Screen
Monta Bell married actress Betty Blythe in 1924, though the marriage ended in divorce. He later married actress Sally Blane, sister of Hollywood legend Loretta Young, with whom he had one child. Bell was known as a sophisticated and well-educated man in Hollywood circles, having come from a journalism background. His connections in the industry were extensive, partly due to his Chaplin connections and his successful transition from directing to producing. He maintained a relatively low public profile compared to many of his contemporaries, focusing more on his work behind the camera.
Education
Attended local schools in Washington, D.C.; self-educated in journalism and filmmaking through practical experience
Family
- Betty Blythe (1924-1928)
- Sally Blane (1931-1958)
Did You Know?
- Worked as Charlie Chaplin's personal assistant and learned filmmaking directly from the comedy master
- Directed Greta Garbo in her second American film, helping establish her mysterious screen persona
- 'Lights of Old Broadway' (1925) was one of the early films to use Technicolor, though only for select sequences
- Began his career as a journalist for the Washington Post before moving to Hollywood
- Married actress Sally Blane, who was the sister of famous actress Loretta Young
- Successfully transitioned from directing to producing, becoming head of production at MGM
- Was one of the few directors of his era to work extensively with both Marion Davies and Greta Garbo
- His films often featured elaborate set designs and visual effects that were advanced for their time
- Died just one week after his 67th birthday in 1958
- His production company was involved in several notable early sound films
In Their Own Words
The secret to directing stars is knowing when to lead and when to let them shine on their own.
Coming from journalism taught me that every story needs a beginning, middle, and end - film just adds the pictures.
Working with Chaplin was like getting a master's degree in comedy and timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Monta Bell?
Monta Bell was an American film director, producer, and screenwriter active during Hollywood's silent era and early sound period. He began as a journalist, became Charlie Chaplin's assistant, and later directed notable films including 'Lights of Old Broadway' and 'Torrent' before transitioning to producing at MGM.
What films is Monta Bell best known for?
Monta Bell is best known for directing 'Lights of Old Broadway' (1925) starring Marion Davies and 'Torrent' (1926) starring Greta Garbo in her second American film. He also directed 'The Boy Friend' (1926), 'The Devil Dancer' (1927), and 'The Magic Flame' (1927).
When was Monta Bell born and when did he die?
Monta Bell was born on February 5, 1891, in Washington, D.C., and died on February 12, 1958, in Los Angeles, California, just one week after his 67th birthday.
What awards did Monta Bell win?
While Monta Bell did not receive major formal awards during his career, he was recognized for his contributions to early Technicolor filmmaking and his role in establishing Greta Garbo's American career through 'Torrent.' His legacy is primarily remembered through his influential work in Hollywood's studio system.
What was Monta Bell's directing style?
Monta Bell's directing style emphasized strong visual storytelling, star-driven narratives, and technical innovation. Having trained under Charlie Chaplin, he incorporated comedic timing and visual sophistication into his dramatic films. He was particularly skilled at directing female stars and often utilized elaborate sets and early color technology.
How did Monta Bell get started in filmmaking?
Monta Bell began his career as a journalist for the Washington Post before moving to Los Angeles. He broke into filmmaking by becoming Charlie Chaplin's personal assistant, where he learned the craft of directing. This apprenticeship under Chaplin provided the foundation for his successful career as a Hollywood director and producer.
What was Monta Bell's connection to Greta Garbo?
Monta Bell directed Greta Garbo in 'Torrent' (1926), which was only her second American film. His direction helped establish the mysterious and sophisticated screen persona that would make Garbo one of cinema's most enduring icons. The film was a critical and commercial success that solidified Garbo's position in Hollywood.
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Films
2 films
