William C. de Mille — Blue Book of the Screen (1923) 🇺🇸

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 [William C. 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 de Mille [Cecil B. 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 [David 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-Lasky 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.

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William de Mille in his home, overlooking Hollywood. Mr. de Mille is a student of art, music and literature.

The home of William de Mille and family.

Collection: The Blue Book of the Screen (1923)