Howard S. Moss
Director
About Howard S. Moss
Howard S. Moss was an American film director active during the silent era, known primarily for his single directorial effort 'Mary and Gretel' in 1917. Very little is documented about his life and career, which appears to have been brief and occurred during the transitional period of early American cinema. His work took place during the golden age of silent films when the industry was rapidly expanding and many directors worked on short films and features for various production companies. The fact that only one film credit survives suggests he may have been a journeyman director who worked briefly in the industry before moving on to other pursuits. Like many early cinema figures, detailed biographical information has been lost to time, with only his filmography remaining as evidence of his contribution to cinema history.
The Craft
Behind the Camera
No documented information available about his directing style, though likely typical of silent era techniques prevalent in 1917
Milestones
- Directed 'Mary and Gretel' (1917)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Howard S. Moss represents one of the many forgotten contributors to early American cinema. While his individual impact may be minimal due to his brief career, he was part of the foundational generation of filmmakers who helped establish the language of cinema during its formative years. His work, like that of many contemporaries, contributed to the development of narrative filmmaking techniques that would evolve throughout the 20th century.
Lasting Legacy
Howard S. Moss's legacy is primarily that of a representative figure from the vast pool of early film directors whose contributions have been largely lost to history. His surviving film credit serves as a reminder of the thousands of filmmakers who participated in cinema's early development but whose stories remain untold. His brief career highlights the transient nature of early film work, where many individuals passed through the industry during its rapid expansion in the 1910s.
Who They Inspired
No documented evidence of Howard S. Moss influencing other filmmakers, which is typical given his extremely brief career and the obscurity of his work.
Off Screen
No documented personal information is available about Howard S. Moss, which is common for many obscure figures from the silent era.
Did You Know?
- Howard S. Moss directed only one known film during his entire career
- His sole directorial effort 'Mary and Gretel' was produced in 1917 during World War I
- Like many early film directors, virtually no biographical information about him survives
- His career spanned what appears to be only one year, making him one of cinema's briefest working directors
- The film 'Mary and Gretel' is likely lost, as approximately 75% of American silent films have been destroyed or lost
- He represents the thousands of anonymous contributors to early cinema history
- His name appears only in filmographic databases and historical records of silent era productions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Howard S. Moss?
Howard S. Moss was an American film director active during the silent era, known only for directing the 1917 film 'Mary and Gretel'. His career appears to have been extremely brief, spanning only 1917, and very little biographical information about him survives.
What films is Howard S. Moss best known for?
Howard S. Moss is known for only one film: 'Mary and Gretel' (1917). This appears to be his sole directorial credit, making him one of the most obscure directors from the silent era.
When was Howard S. Moss born and when did he die?
The birth and death dates of Howard S. Moss are unknown, which is common for many obscure figures from early cinema. Only his film work in 1917 is documented.
What awards did Howard S. Moss win?
Howard S. Moss did not receive any known awards or nominations for his work. This was typical for many early film directors, as the major award systems were not yet established during his brief career.
What was Howard S. Moss's directing style?
No specific information about Howard S. Moss's directing style is available, though he would have likely employed typical silent era techniques and methods common in 1917 American cinema production.
Why is so little known about Howard S. Moss?
The scarcity of information about Howard S. Moss is typical of many early film figures who had brief careers during cinema's formative years. Poor record-keeping, the transient nature of early film work, and the loss of many silent films have contributed to his obscurity.
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Films
1 film
