Elmer Clifton
Director
About Elmer Clifton
Elmer Clifton was a Canadian-American film director, actor, and screenwriter who worked primarily during the silent era and early sound period. He began his career as an actor under the legendary D.W. Griffith, appearing in over 40 films including the controversial 'The Birth of a Nation' (1915). Clifton transitioned to directing in the early 1920s, with his most notable work being 'Down to the Sea in Ships' (1922), which helped launch the career of Clara Bow. Throughout his prolific career, he directed more than 100 films spanning from major productions to B-movies, showcasing remarkable versatility and adaptability. He had a particular affinity for maritime stories and location shooting, which became his trademark style. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War I making training films, he returned to Hollywood and established himself as a reliable journeyman director. Though he never achieved the critical acclaim of contemporaries like Griffith or DeMille, his efficiency and professionalism made him a valuable asset to the studio system. Clifton continued working through the transition to sound films and into the 1940s, primarily with lower-budget productions, until his death in 1949.
The Craft
Behind the Camera
Clifton was known for his efficient, workmanlike approach to filmmaking with a focus on clear storytelling and commercial appeal. He excelled at location shooting, particularly maritime settings, demonstrating a natural affinity for outdoor sequences and action scenes. His directing style was straightforward rather than artistically experimental, prioritizing narrative clarity and audience engagement. He had a particular talent for working with inexperienced actors and was credited with helping launch several careers in Hollywood.
Milestones
- Acting in D.W. Griffith's 'The Birth of a Nation' (1915)
- Directing 'Down to the Sea in Ships' (1922)
- Discovering and casting Clara Bow in her breakthrough role
- Directing over 100 films throughout his career
- Successfully transitioning from silent films to talkies
- Working with various studios as a reliable B-movie director
- Serving in the U.S. Army during WWI making training films
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized as a pioneer in early Hollywood cinema
- Remembered for discovering and launching Clara Bow's career
- Honored by film historians for contributions to maritime adventure genre
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Elmer Clifton played a significant role in the development of American cinema during its formative years. His discovery and early work with Clara Bow helped launch one of the most iconic actresses of the silent era, who would become known as 'The It Girl' and define the flapper generation. His maritime films, particularly 'Down to the Sea in Ships,' contributed to the popular genre of seafaring adventures and helped document the dying whaling industry of New England. While never achieving the critical acclaim of contemporaries like Griffith or DeMille, Clifton's prolific output and consistent professionalism made him an important contributor to Hollywood's golden age. His films provide a valuable record of popular cinema trends during Hollywood's formative decades.
Lasting Legacy
Clifton's legacy lies primarily in his role as a talent scout and his contribution to the commercial cinema of the 1920s and 1930s. His discovery of Clara Bow alone secures his place in film history, as she would become one of the defining stars of the Jazz Age and one of cinema's earliest sex symbols. His extensive filmography provides a valuable record of popular cinema trends during Hollywood's formative decades. Though largely forgotten today, film historians recognize Clifton as a representative example of the journeyman directors who formed the backbone of the studio system, creating reliable entertainment that satisfied audiences without necessarily achieving artistic greatness.
Who They Inspired
Clifton influenced the industry through his efficient production methods and his eye for new talent. His success with Clara Bow encouraged other directors to take chances on unknown actors, demonstrating that fresh faces could become major box office draws. His maritime films influenced subsequent adventure and sea-faring movies, helping establish visual and narrative conventions for the genre. While he didn't develop a distinctive cinematic style that would directly influence other directors, his professional approach and longevity in the industry served as a model for many working directors who sought sustainable careers in Hollywood's competitive environment.
Off Screen
Elmer Clifton married actress Delores Johnson in 1932, with whom he remained until his death in 1949. He had no children from this marriage. Clifton was known throughout Hollywood as a hardworking professional who maintained good relationships within the industry despite never reaching the top tier of directors. He was respected for his reliability and efficiency, qualities that made him valuable to various studios throughout his long career. His personal life was notably free of the scandals and controversies that plagued many of his Hollywood contemporaries.
Education
Limited information is available about Clifton's formal education, though he received basic schooling in Toronto before moving to the United States to pursue his film career. His real education in cinema came from his apprenticeship under D.W. Griffith and his extensive hands-on experience in the early film industry.
Family
- Delores Johnson (1932-1949)
Did You Know?
- Began his film career as an actor, appearing in over 40 films before transitioning to directing
- Served in the U.S. Army during World War I, where he made training films
- Discovered Clara Bow when she won a magazine contest and cast her in 'Down to the Sea in Ships'
- Was one of the few directors to successfully transition from major productions to B-movies
- Often worked on films with maritime themes, reflecting his personal interest in the sea
- Directed the first film version of 'The Thirteenth Guest', which was later remade in 1943
- His 1925 film 'The Golden Princess' was one of the earliest to use Technicolor
- Worked extensively with poverty row studios in the 1930s and 1940s
- Despite directing over 100 films, only a handful survive today due to film deterioration and loss
- His discovery of Clara Bow is considered one of the most significant talent finds of the silent era
- Was known for completing films on time and under budget, making him a favorite of studio producers
In Their Own Words
In this business, you're only as good as your last picture, and sometimes not even that good.
Finding new talent is the most rewarding part of this work. They haven't learned to be difficult yet.
The sea is the best actor I've ever worked with. It never misses a cue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Elmer Clifton?
Elmer Clifton was a Canadian-American film director, actor, and screenwriter who worked primarily during the silent era and early sound period. He directed over 100 films between 1912 and 1949, with his most notable work being 'Down to the Sea in Ships' (1922) which helped launch Clara Bow's career.
What films is Elmer Clifton best known for?
Clifton is best known for directing 'Down to the Sea in Ships' (1922), which featured Clara Bow in her breakthrough role. Other notable films include 'The Woman on the Jury' (1924), 'The Last Warning' (1929), and 'The Thirteenth Guest' (1932). He had a particular affinity for maritime adventure films.
When was Elmer Clifton born and when did he die?
Elmer Clifton was born on March 14, 1890, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and died on October 15, 1949, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 59. He was active in Hollywood for nearly four decades.
What awards did Elmer Clifton win?
While Clifton didn't receive major industry awards during his lifetime, he is recognized by film historians as an important contributor to early Hollywood cinema, particularly for his role in discovering Clara Bow and his extensive body of work as a reliable journeyman director.
What was Elmer Clifton's directing style?
Clifton was known for his efficient, workmanlike approach to filmmaking with a focus on clear storytelling and commercial appeal. He excelled at location shooting, particularly maritime settings, and had a talent for working with new actors, helping launch several careers in Hollywood.
How did Elmer Clifton discover Clara Bow?
Clifton discovered Clara Bow when she won a magazine contest in 1921. Impressed by her potential and distinctive look, he cast her in 'Down to the Sea in Ships' (1922), which became her breakthrough role and launched her career as one of the most iconic actresses of the 1920s.
What was Elmer Clifton's relationship with D.W. Griffith?
Clifton began his career as an actor under D.W. Griffith, appearing in films like 'The Birth of a Nation' (1915). Griffith served as a mentor to Clifton, helping him transition from acting to directing and providing him with invaluable experience in the early film industry.
How many films did Elmer Clifton direct?
Elmer Clifton directed over 100 films throughout his career, spanning from silent features in the 1920s to B-movies in the 1940s. Unfortunately, many of these films are now lost due to the deterioration of nitrate film stock common in early cinema.
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Films
1 film
