Christy Cabanne
Encyclopedia
Christy Cabanne born William Christy Cabanne, was an American
film director
, screenwriter
and silent film
actor
. Christy Cabanne was, along with Sam Newfield
and William Beaudine
, one of the most prolific directors in the history of American film
.
credited him with discovering her as an extra in 1912.
Being a published author, he was hired by Metro Pictures
to write a serial. After that he formed his own production company, but was shut down only a few years later. He then became a director for hire, mainly of low- to medium-budget films for such studios as FBO, Associated Exhibitors, Tiffany and Pathe, although he worked at MGM on a few occasions in the mid- to late 1920s on films such as The Midshipman
(1925).
In the 1930s he made many films with Universal
. By the 1940s he continued to direct Universal's popular B pictures, and made himself available to low-budget, independent producers. In 1944 he directed a Bela Lugosi
thriller, Scared to Death
, which was experimental in that it was photographed on semi-professional, economical 16mm color film. (Robert L. Lippert
released it on standard 35mm film in 1947.)
, aged 62.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
film director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
, screenwriter
Screenwriter
Screenwriters or scriptwriters or scenario writers are people who write/create the short or feature-length screenplays from which mass media such as films, television programs, Comics or video games are based.-Profession:...
and silent film
Silent film
A silent film is a film with no synchronized recorded sound, especially with no spoken dialogue. In silent films for entertainment the dialogue is transmitted through muted gestures, pantomime and title cards...
actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
. Christy Cabanne was, along with Sam Newfield
Sam Newfield
Sam Newfield, born Samuel Neufeld, also known as Sherman Scott or Peter Stewart, was an American B-movie director, with over 250 feature films to his credit, and a large number of shorts, training films, industrial films, TV episodes, and pretty much anything anyone would pay him for...
and William Beaudine
William Beaudine
William Beaudine was an American film actor and director. He was one of Hollywood's most prolific directors, turning out films in remarkable numbers and in a wide variety of genres.-Early life and career:...
, one of the most prolific directors in the history of American film
Cinema of the United States
The cinema of the United States, also known as Hollywood, has had a profound effect on cinema across the world since the early 20th century. Its history is sometimes separated into four main periods: the silent film era, classical Hollywood cinema, New Hollywood, and the contemporary period...
.
Biography
Cabanne graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, and spent several years in the Navy, leaving the service in 1908. He decided on a career in the theater, and became a director as well as an actor. Although acting was his main profession, when he finally broke into the film industry it was chiefly as a director after appearing in over 40 short films between 1911 and 1914. He signed on with the Fine Arts Co., then was employed as an assistant to D.W. Griffith. Miriam CooperMiriam Cooper
Miriam Cooper was a silent film actress who is best known for her work in early film including Birth of a Nation and Intolerance for D.W. Griffith and The Honor System and Evangeline for her husband Raoul Walsh...
credited him with discovering her as an extra in 1912.
Being a published author, he was hired by Metro Pictures
Metro Pictures
Metro Pictures Corporation was an American motion picture production company founded in late 1915 by Richard A. Rowland . Louis B. Mayer who worked for Metro Pictures Corporation early on. It is not to be confused with MGM which is a much later franchise concerning itself, Goldwyn and Louis B....
to write a serial. After that he formed his own production company, but was shut down only a few years later. He then became a director for hire, mainly of low- to medium-budget films for such studios as FBO, Associated Exhibitors, Tiffany and Pathe, although he worked at MGM on a few occasions in the mid- to late 1920s on films such as The Midshipman
The Midshipman
The Midshipman is a 1925 American silent romantic drama film directed by Christy Cabanne. The film stars Ramon Novarro and Harriet Hammond. Joan Crawford had an early uncredited role as an extra. -Cast:*Ramon Novarro as Dick Randall...
(1925).
In the 1930s he made many films with Universal
Universal Studios
Universal Pictures , a subsidiary of NBCUniversal, is one of the six major movie studios....
. By the 1940s he continued to direct Universal's popular B pictures, and made himself available to low-budget, independent producers. In 1944 he directed a Bela Lugosi
Béla Lugosi
Béla Ferenc Dezső Blaskó , commonly known as Bela Lugosi, was a Hungarian actor of stage and screen. He was best known for having played Count Dracula in the Broadway play and subsequent film version, as well as having starred in several of Ed Wood's low budget films in the last years of his...
thriller, Scared to Death
Scared to Death
Scared to Death is a horror film directed by Christy Cabanne and starring Bela Lugosi. It was filmed in Cinecolor, is one of only three color pictures Lugosi made, and the only one he starred in...
, which was experimental in that it was photographed on semi-professional, economical 16mm color film. (Robert L. Lippert
Robert L. Lippert
Robert L. Lippert was a prolific film producer and cinema owner who eventually owned a chain of 118 theatres -Biography:...
released it on standard 35mm film in 1947.)
Personal life
Christy Cabanne was married to Millicent Fisher. They had two children, a son William, and daughter Audrey. Christy died on October 15, 1950 of a heart attackMyocardial infarction
Myocardial infarction or acute myocardial infarction , commonly known as a heart attack, results from the interruption of blood supply to a part of the heart, causing heart cells to die...
, aged 62.
Selected filmography
- The Battle (1911)
- For His SonFor His SonFor His Son is a 1912 short silent drama film directed by D. W. Griffith and starring Blanche Sweet. The film was shot in Fort Lee, New Jersey when Biograph Studios and other early film studios in America's first motion picture industry were based there at the beginning of the 20th century...
(1912) - The Transformation of MikeThe Transformation of MikeThe Transformation of Mike is a 1912 short silent drama film directed by D. W. Griffith and starring Blanche Sweet.-Cast:* Wilfred Lucas - Mike* Blanche Sweet - The Tenement Girl* Edna Foster - The Tenement Girl's Brother...
(1912) - Under Burning SkiesUnder Burning SkiesUnder Burning Skies is a 1912 short silent drama film directed by D. W. Griffith and starring Blanche Sweet.-Cast:* Wilfred Lucas - Joe* Blanche Sweet - Emily* Christy Cabanne - Emily's Husband* Alfred Paget - Emily's Husband's Friend...
(1912) - The Goddess of Sagebrush GulchThe Goddess of Sagebrush GulchThe Goddess of Sagebrush Gulch is a 1912 short silent Western film directed by D. W. Griffith and starring Blanche Sweet.-Cast:* Blanche Sweet - The Goddess* Charles West - Blue Grass Pete* Dorothy Bernard - The Goddess's Sister...
(1912) - The PunishmentThe Punishment (film)The Punishment is a 1912 short silent drama film directed by D. W. Griffith and starring Blanche Sweet.-Cast:* Blanche Sweet - The Fruit Grower's Daughter* J. Jiquel Lanoe - The Father* Kate Bruce - The Mother* William J...
(1912) - A Temporary TruceA Temporary TruceA Temporary Truce is a 1912 short silent Western film directed by D. W. Griffith and starring Blanche Sweet. A print of the film survives in the film archive of the Library of Congress.-Cast:* Charles Hill Mailes - Mexican Jim...
(1912) - The Inner CircleThe Inner Circle (1912 film)The Inner Circle is a 1912 short silent drama film directed by D. W. Griffith, starring Mary Pickford and Blanche Sweet. A print of the film survives in the film archive of the Library of Congress.-Cast:* Adolph Lestina - The Widower...
(1912) - Two Daughters of EveTwo Daughters of EveTwo Daughters of Eve is a 1912 silent drama film directed by D. W. Griffith.-Cast:* Claire McDowell - The Mother* Henry B. Walthall - The Father* Florence Geneva - The Actress* Gertrude Bambrick - Backstage* Elmer Booth - Backstage...
(1912) - So Near, Yet So FarSo Near, Yet So FarSo Near, Yet So Far is a 1912 drama film directed by D. W. Griffith. Prints of the film survive in the Museum of Modern Art film archive.-Cast:* Walter Miller - Howard* Mary Pickford - The Young Woman* Robert Harron - The Rival/In Club...
(1912) - The Painted LadyThe Painted LadyThe Painted Lady is a 1912 short drama film directed by D. W. Griffith and starring Blanche Sweet. A print of the film survives.-Cast:*Blanche Sweet - The Older Sister*Madge Kirby - The Younger Sister*Charles Hill Mailes - Their Father...
(1912) - HeredityHeredity (film)-Cast:* Harry Carey - White Renegade Father* Madge Kirby - Indian Mother* Jack Pickford - Son of White Renegade Father and Indian Mother* Walter P. Lewis - Indian Chief* Kate Bruce - Indian Woman* Lionel Barrymore - Woodsman...
(1912) - The InformerThe Informer (1912 film)The Informer is a 1912 drama film directed by D. W. Griffith. Prints of the film survive at the film archive of the Library of Congress.-Cast:* Walter Miller - The Confederate Captain* Mary Pickford - The Confederate Captain's Sweetheart* Henry B...
(1912) - My HeroMy Hero (1912 film)My Hero is a 1912 Western film directed by D. W. Griffith and starring Dorothy Gish.-Cast:* Dorothy Gish - The Young Woman* Walter P. Lewis - The Young Woman's Father * Robert Harron - The Young Man* Henry B. Walthall - Indian Charlie...
(1912) - A Cry for HelpA Cry for HelpA Cry for Help is a 1912 drama film directed by D. W. Griffith.-Cast:* Lionel Barrymore - The Bum* Walter Miller - The Doctor* Lillian Gish - The Maid* Harry Carey - The Thief* Kate Bruce - Undetermined Role...
(1912) - The God WithinThe God WithinThe God Within is a 1912 short drama film directed by D. W. Griffith and starring Blanche Sweet. A print of the film survives.-Cast:* Henry B. Walthall - The Woodsman* Claire McDowell - The Woodsman's Wife* Blanche Sweet - The Woman of the Camp...
(1912) - A Chance DeceptionA Chance DeceptionA Chance Deception is a 1913 drama film directed by D. W. Griffith and starring Blanche Sweet.-Cast:* Blanche Sweet - The Wife* Charles Hill Mailes - The Jealous Husband* Harry Carey - Raffles* Mildred Manning - Raffles' Woman* John T...
(1913) - Near to EarthNear to Earth-Cast:* Lionel Barrymore - Gato* Robert Harron - Gato's Brother* Gertrude Bambrick - Gato's Sweetheart* Mae Marsh - One of Gato's Sweetheart's Friends* Kathleen Butler - One of Gato's Sweetheart's Friends* Walter Miller - The Stranger* Dorothy Bernard...
(1913) - A Misunderstood BoyA Misunderstood BoyA Misunderstood Boy is a 1913 short drama film directed by D. W. Griffith.-Cast:* Lionel Barrymore as The Father* Kate Bruce as The Mother* Lillian Gish as The Daughter* Robert Harron as The Son* Alfred Paget as The Vigilante Leader...
(1913) - The House of DarknessThe House of DarknessThe House of Darkness is a 1913 short drama film directed by D. W. Griffith.-Plot:In the introduction a woman is shown descending into insanity after having lost her baby. As she mourns, she takes a blanket from the baby's cradle and starts rocking it as if it were her deceased child. This serves...
(1913) - The WandererThe Wanderer (1913 film)The Wanderer is a 1913 silent drama film directed by D. W. Griffith.-Cast:* Henry B. Walthall - The Wanderer* Charles Hill Mailes - The Father* Christy Cabanne - The Brother* Kate Bruce - The Old Woman* Lionel Barrymore - The Male Lover...
(1913) - A Timely InterceptionA Timely InterceptionA Timely Interception is a 1913 short drama film directed by D. W. Griffith.-Cast:* W. Chrystie Miller - The Farmer* Lillian Gish - The Farmer's Daughter* Robert Harron - The Farmer's Adopted Son* Lionel Barrymore - The Farmer's Brother...
(1913) - The Mothering HeartThe Mothering HeartThe Mothering Heart is a 1913 short drama film directed by D. W. Griffith. A print of the film survives in the film archive of the Museum of Modern Art.-Plot:...
(1913) - The Sorrowful ShoreThe Sorrowful ShoreThe Sorrowful Shore is a 1913 drama film directed by D. W. Griffith.-Cast:* Harry Carey - The Widowed Father* Christy Cabanne - The Son * Olive Carey - The Orphan * Frank Opperman - The Orphan's Father...
(1913) - During the Round-UpDuring the Round-UpDuring the Round-Up is a 1913 short Western film directed by Christy Cabanne and featuring Lillian Gish.-Cast:* Frank Opperman - The Ranchero* Lillian Gish - The Ranchero's Daughter* Henry B. Walthall - The Stranger* William A. Carroll - The Mexican...
(1913) - An Indian's LoyaltyAn Indian's LoyaltyAn Indian’s Loyalty is a 1913 short Western film directed by Christy Cabanne and featuring Lillian Gish.-Cast:* Frank Opperman - The Ranchero* Lillian Gish - The Ranchero's Daughter* Edward Dillon - The Young Foreman* Eagle Eye - The Indian...
(1913) - So Runs the WaySo Runs the WaySo Runs the Way is a 1913 short drama film directed by Christy Cabanne.-Cast:* Reggie Morris - Frederick A.Paulson* Lillian Gish - The Young Woman* Lionel Barrymore - Undetermined Role * Joseph McDermott - The Detective...
(1913) - The Conscience of Hassan BeyThe Conscience of Hassan BeyThe Conscience of Hassan Bey is a 1913 short drama film directed by D. W. Griffith and Christy Cabanne.-See also:* List of American films of 1913* D. W. Griffith filmography* Lillian Gish filmography...
(1913) - Judith of BethuliaJudith of BethuliaJudith of Bethulia is a film starring Blanche Sweet and Henry B. Walthall. The film was produced and directed by D. W. Griffith and was the first feature-length film made by pioneering film company Biograph, although the second that Biograph released....
(1914) (actor) - The HunchbackThe HunchbackThe Hunchback is a 1914 American silent short drama film directed by W. Christy Cabanne and written by Anita Loos. The film stars William Garwood, Frank Turner, Edna Mae Wilson and Lillian Gish.-Cast:* Frank Turner - A Hunchback Peddler...
(1914) - The QuicksandsThe QuicksandsThe Quicksands is a 1914 short drama film directed by Christy Cabanne.-Cast:* Courtenay Foote* Lillian Gish* Fay Tincher* Douglas Gerrard* Mary Alden* Bob Burns - * F. A. Turner -...
(1914) - The Rebellion of Kitty BelleThe Rebellion of Kitty BelleThe Rebellion of Kitty Belle is a 1914 short drama film directed by Christy Cabanne and starring Lillian Gish.-Cast:* Lillian Gish* Dorothy Gish* Robert Harron* Kate Bruce* Joseph Carle* Alfred Paget* Raoul Walsh -...
(1914) - The SistersThe Sisters (1914 film)The Sisters is a 1914 short drama film directed by Christy Cabanne.-Cast:* Lillian Gish - May* Dorothy Gish - Carol * Elmer Clifton - Frank * W. E. Lawrence - George * Donald Crisp...
(1914) - The Lost HouseThe Lost HouseThe Lost House is a 1915 short drama film directed by Christy Cabanne.-Cast:* Lillian Gish - Dosia Dale* Wallace Reid - Ford* F. A. Turner - Dosia's uncle* Elmer Clifton - Cuthbert* Allan Sears - Dr. Protheroe...
(1915) - Enoch ArdenEnoch Arden (1915 film)Enoch Arden is a 1915 short drama film directed by Christy Cabanne. It is based on the poem of the same name by Tennyson.-Cast:* Alfred Paget - Enoch Arden* Lillian Gish - Annie Lee* Wallace Reid - Walter Fenn* D. W. Griffith - Mr. Ray...
(1915) - Pathways of LifePathways of LifePathways of Life is a 1916 short drama film directed by Christy Cabanne.-Cast:* Spottiswoode Aitken - Daddy Wisdom* Lillian Gish* Olga Grey* W. E. Lawrence* Alfred Paget...
(1916) - Daphne and the PirateDaphne and the PirateDaphne and the Pirate is a 1916 drama film directed by Christy Cabanne and starring Lillian Gish.-Cast:* Lillian Gish - Daphne La Tour* Elliott Dexter - Philip de Mornay* Walter Long - Jamie d'Arcy* Howard Gaye - Prince Henri...
(1916) - Sold for MarriageSold for MarriageSold for Marriage is a 1916 drama film directed by Christy Cabanne.-Cast:* Lillian Gish - Marfa* Frank Bennett - Jan* Walter Long - Colonel Gregioff* Allan Sears - Ivan * Pearl Elmore - Anna* Curt Rehfeld - Dimitri...
(1916) - Diane of the FolliesDiane of the FolliesDiane of the Follies is a 1916 drama film directed by Christy Cabanne.-Cast:* Lillian Gish - Diane* Sam De Grasse - Phillips Christy* Howard Gaye - Don Livingston* Lillian Langdon - Marcia Christy* Allan Sears - Jimmie Darcy Diane of the Follies is a 1916 drama film directed by Christy...
(1916) - Beyond the RainbowBeyond the RainbowBeyond the Rainbow is an American silent film starring Billie Dove and Harry T. Morey. The film is also notable as the first film actress Clara Bow appeared in.-Synopsis:...
(1922) - The MidshipmanThe MidshipmanThe Midshipman is a 1925 American silent romantic drama film directed by Christy Cabanne. The film stars Ramon Novarro and Harriet Hammond. Joan Crawford had an early uncredited role as an extra. -Cast:*Ramon Novarro as Dick Randall...
(1925) - Altars of DesireAltars of DesireAltars of Desire is a silent drama film directed by Christy Cabanne and starring silent movie star Mae Murray. A print may survive in the Turner/MGM vaults however silentera.com lists this film as being lost.-Plot:...
(1927) - GraftGraft (1931 film)Graft is a 1931 thriller film directed by Christy Cabanne, starring Regis Toomey and featuring Boris Karloff.-Cast:* Regis Toomey - Dusty Hotchkiss* Sue Carol - Constance Hall* Dorothy Revier - Pearl Vaughan* Boris Karloff - Joe Terry...
(1931) - The World Gone MadThe World Gone MadThe World Gone Mad is a low-budget 1933 Hollywood studio drama film directed by Christy Cabanne and starring Evelyn Brent.-Plot:...
(1933) - Jane EyreJane Eyre (1934 film)Jane Eyre is a 1934 American romantic drama film directed by Christy Cabanne, starring Virginia Bruce and Colin Clive. It is based on the 1847 novel of the same name by Charlotte Brontë, and is the first adaptation to use sound.- Plot summary :...
(1934) - Storm over the Andes (1935) — about the Chaco WarChaco WarThe Chaco War was fought between Bolivia and Paraguay over control of the northern part of the Gran Chaco region of South America, which was incorrectly thought to be rich in oil. It is also referred to as La Guerra de la Sed in literary circles for being fought in the semi-arid Chaco...
- The Outcasts of Poker FlatThe Outcasts of Poker Flat"The Outcasts of Poker Flat" is a short story written by renowned author of the American West Bret Harte. This story is a good example of regionalism and local color during the Gilded Generation. His compelling combination of realism and sentimentality offers readers real and known characters, yet...
(1937) - The Mummy's HandThe Mummy's HandThe Mummy's Hand is a black-and-white horror film, produced by Ben Pivar for Universal Studios. Although it is sometimes claimed by fans as a sequel or follow-up to the 1932 film The Mummy, it does not continue the 1932 film's storyline, or feature any of the same characters, and its plot...
(1940) - Keep 'Em SluggingKeep 'Em SluggingKeep 'Em Slugging is a 1943 American film starring The Little Tough Guys.-Plot:Tommy and his gang decide to get jobs in order to free draft-age men for the war effort. Because of their previous encounters with the law, the group has a tough time getting hired. Eventually, Tommy gets a job at a...
(1943) - Scared to DeathScared to DeathScared to Death is a horror film directed by Christy Cabanne and starring Bela Lugosi. It was filmed in Cinecolor, is one of only three color pictures Lugosi made, and the only one he starred in...
(1944, released 1947) - Silver Trails (1948)