ONE of the notable film directors of today who does not agree that life
is as hectic as some people believe, is William de Mille, whose subtle effects
mark much of his work, as against the broader action so frequently injected
into modern productions.
He maintains that some of the greatest tragedies of human experience
are quietly enacted. Therefore he leans to plots which are the result of
character, and that are motivated from the inside outwardly, rather than
the reverse. Mr. de Mille came to filmland from long experience as writer
of stage successes, backed by intensive educational training for his future
career. Mr. de Mille, who is a brother of Cecil DeMille, was born on July
25, 1878, at Washington, N. C., and began his career as a dramatist. After
obtaining the degree of bachelor of arts at Columbia University, taking
a course at the Academy of Dramatic Arts, and studying for two years in
Germany, he took a two-year post-graduate course under Brander Mathews in
dramatic literature at Columbia University. His first big stage success
was "Strongheart," produced in New York in December, 1904. Then,
in collaboration with Margaret Turnbull he wrote "The Warrens of Virginia,"
which was staged by Belasco. He then wrote "The Woman," also staged
by Belasco.
In 1914 he undertook the task of organizing the scenario department of
what is now Famous Players - La sky Corporation producing Paramount pictures,
and has been with that organization since. Finding that the only way in
which he could carry out his ideas completely in motion pictures was to
produce them himself, he became a director. Mr. de Mille's most recent production
is "Grumpy."
Mr. de Mille is married. His wife was a daughter of the late Henry George,
who died while candidate for the office of Mayor of New York. There are
two daughters in the household. The author-director has also contracted
the outdoor spirit. He is an ardent tennis player. |