Elmer Clifton
Born in Chicago, he was an actor in touring stock companies before making his screen debut in 1912. Joining D.W. Griffith's Fine Arts Studio in 1914, he was cast as Union officer Phil Stoneman in "The Birth of a Nation" (1915) and as The Rhapsodie in the Babylonian story of "Intolerance" (1916). He was also a second-unit director for those films. Promoted to director in 1917, Clifton supervised several successful Fine Arts comedies starring Dorothy Gish while continuing to serve as Griffith's assistant. Their association culminated with the blockbuster "Way Down East" (1920). Clifton shot much of its famous "Rescue from the ice" sequence and doubled for star Richard Barthelmess in the riskier scenes. He then left Griffith to form his own production company and had a smash hit with "Down to the Sea in Ships" (1922), a colorful whaling saga made on location in New England. It made a star of future "It Girl" Clara Bow, who appeared as a cross-dressing stowaway. In 1923 Clifton signed a lucrative seven-year contract with Fox and was poised to become one of Hollywood's major directors. Then tragedy struck. He was filming "The Warrens of Virginia" in Texas when his lead actress died from burns in an accident on the set. Although Clifton was blameless in the incident, he was fired by Fox and his career never regained its momentum.
Acting
Movie
The Birth of a Nation
as Stoneman's Elder Son Phil
1915
Movie
Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages
as The Rhapsode (Babylonian Story)
1916
Movie
The Folly of Anne
as The Sympathtic Publisher
1914
Movie
A Duel for Love
1914
Movie
A Lucky Disappointment
as Jack Holt
1914
Movie
The Little School Ma'am
as Wilbur Howard
1916
Movie
The Fox Woman
as Marashida
1915
Movie
I Am Not a Racist
as Phil (archive footage) (uncredited)
2019
Movie
John Barleycorn
as Jack, 3rd period
1914
Movie
The Lost House
as Cuthbert
1915
Movie
The Lily and the Rose
as Allison Edwards
1915
Movie
The Sisters
as Frank (Carol's country lover)
1914
Movie
Burning Daylight: The Adventures of 'Burning Daylight' in Alaska
as Charley Bates
1914
Movie
The Missing Links
as Horace Gaylord
1916
Movie
Martin Eden
as Cub Reporter
1914
Movie
The Sable Lorcha
as Phillip Clyde - Evelyn's Fiancé
1915
Movie
Nina, the Flower Girl
as Jimmie
1917
Movie
Acquitted
as Ned Fowler
1916
Movie
The Old Folks at Home
as Steve Coburn
1916
Crew
Movie
The Birth of a Nation
Assistant Director
1915
Movie
Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages
First Assistant Director
1916
Movie
Captain America
Director
1944
Movie
Not Wanted
Director
1949
Movie
Assassin of Youth
Director
1938
Movie
The Judge
Director
1949
Movie
City of Missing Girls
Director
1941
Movie
Gambling with Souls
Director
1936
Movie
Slaves in Bondage
Director
1937
Movie
Gangsters of the Frontier
Director
1944
Movie
Down to the Sea in Ships
Director
1922
Movie
Isle Of Destiny
Director
1940