Emory Johnson

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Emory Johnson
Johnson in 1940
Born
Alfred Emory Johnson

(1894-03-16)March 16, 1894
San Francisco, California, U.S.
DiedApril 18, 1960(1960-04-18) (aged 66)
San Mateo, California, U.S.
Resting placeForest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale
Occupations
  • Actor
  • Director
  • Producer
  • Writer
Years active1912–1932
Known forThe Third Alarm
Spouse
​
​
(m. 1917; div. 1930)​
Children4, including Ellen Hall and Richard Emory
Signature
Cursive signature in ink

Alfred Emory Johnson (March 16, 1894 – April 18, 1960) was an American actor, director, producer, and writer. As a teenager, he started acting in silent films. Early in his career, Carl Laemmle chose Emory to become a Universal Studio leading man. He also became part of one of the early Hollywood celebrity marriages when he wed Ella Hall.

In 1922, Emory acted and directed his first feature film – In the Name of The Law. He would continue to direct more feature films until the decade's end. By the early 1930s, his Hollywood career had faded, and Johnson became a portrait photographer. In 1960, he died from burns sustained in a fire.

Early years[edit]

Emory Johnson was the son of Swedish immigrants. Johnson's father, Alfred (Alf) Jönsson, was born in Veinge Halland Sweden, on February 7, 1864.[1] In 1884, his father emigrated to America when he was 20. After his arrival, Jönsson anglicized his name to Johnson. Johnson's mother, Emilie Mathilda Jönsdotter, was born in Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden, on June 3, 1867.[2] At age 24, Emilie Jönsdotter departed for America and reached Ellis Island in New York Harbor, on September 24, 1891.[3] While Emilie Jönsdotter was living in San Francisco, she met Alfred Johnson. Following a brief romance, they exchanged vows at the Ebenezer Lutheran Church in San Francisco, California, on May 11, 1893. Their only son, Alfred Emory Johnson, was born in San Francisco on March 16, 1894.[4]

According to the 1900 census, the Johnson family rented a large house on Bush Street in San Francisco, California.[5] The same census listed Emory's father as a "Keeper of Turkish bath.[5] On Wednesday, April 18, 1906, San Francisco suffered a major earthquake. In the quake's aftermath, fires broke out, destroying 80% of the city and resulting in 3,000 deaths. The Turkish bath, managed by Alf Johnson, was destroyed. Following the quake, the Johnson family moved to nearby Alameda, California in 1908.[6] Emory's father established the Piedmont Baths in 1910 to provide for the family.[7]

Johnson attended Oakland High School, then studied architecture at the University of California, Berkeley. After spending a year and a half in college, he quit his studies and searched for employment. Johnson would later say, "I just got tired of pushing a slide rule around."[8]

Career[edit]

Essanay years[edit]

Broncho Billy

In 1912, 18-year-old Johnson began a motorcar journey through the picturesque Niles Canyon in the San Francisco Bay Area. While driving, he heard noises that sounded like gunshots. Out of nowhere, "a gang of cowboys rode up, shooting at a stagecoach."[8] As events unfolded, he encountered a film crew shooting a Western movie. The Essanay Studios, based in Niles, was creating one of their famous Broncho Billy westerns.

These early Essanay Westerns showcased the first cowboy star of the silver screen, Gilbert Anderson. Future Western stars were forever indebted to this "motion picture pioneer."[9] During that period, Essanay Studios was co-owned by Anderson and George Kirke Spoor.[10][11]

Emory became captivated by the Film industry. He began hanging around the film crews, offering to do odd jobs. Eventually, Gilbert Anderson noticed Johnson. In September 1912, Anderson offered to give the 18-year-old an entry-level job as an assistant cameraman, paying $8.50 per week (equivalent to $258 in 2022 or $13,400 yr). His new job allowed him to learn about the movie business from the ground up.[8][12]

Johnson operated in that capacity until September 1913, when he signed his first movie contract with Essanay. He appeared in his first film, "Hard Luck Bill" as an uncredited extra. Johnson was 19 when this film came out on September 13, 1913. He made three more Western short films in 1913.

Johnson, now Essanay's latest "most handsome actor,"[13] received his first movie credit on "What Came to Bar Q" in January 1914 when he was 19 years old. Johnson started landing more crucial roles in Essanay Westerns.[12] He marked his first top billing in a short drama, "Italian Love," released on February 19, 1914. Later, he earned another top billing in a short comedy, "The Warning." released on March 12, 1914. He landed roles in the Snakeville comedy series and the Sophie series of comedies. In 1914, Johnson made nineteen short films for Essanay. 1914 became the highest movie output of Johnson's entire career. The last film Johnson, now 20, made for Essanay, was the short Western, "Broncho Billy's Jealousy" released on June 27, 1914.

Emory Johnson worked for Essanay for two years, from 1912 through 1914. Johnson's rapid ascent at Essanay was achieved in ten months, from September 1913 until June 1914. Johnson acted in 23 short films for Essanay, including nine Broncho Billy Westerns.

However, Essanay relied on producing short films, but this dependence had consequences. Moviegoers requested feature-length movies, and Essanay lacked the resources to produce these types of films. The bottom line is that Essanay was losing money. In late 1914 and early 1915, Essanay hemorrhaged talent, including Marguerite Clayton, Carl Stockdale, Emory Johnson, Vera Hewitt, True Boardman, and Virginia True Boardman. The Liberty Film Company in San Mateo hired many actors and actresses who quit Essanay.[14]

The main factors fueling the talent exit were Essanay's inability to produce feature-length movies and the company's decline in revenue. Following a short pause in 1915, the Niles Essanay studio closed its doors on February 16, 1916.[15]

The Liberty Film Company[edit]

Emory's last film for Essanay was released in June 1914. There would be a year's lapse before releasing his next movie. In 1915, Emory turned 21 and invested in his own motion picture company – Liberty Motion Picture Company. Liberty Film Company was formed in June 1914 and is based in Germantown, Pennsylvania. The company was reorganized in November 1914. The new owners relocated the offices and lots to San Mateo and Glendale, California. The Alaskan Millionaires that purchased the company had plenty of cash and state-of-the-art facilities. Emory jumped from Essanay to Liberty films.

Because of his late start, Emory's film output dropped substantially. Emory made only four motion pictures in 1915. His first was His Masterpiece, a two-reeler released in September 1915, and another two-reeler would follow – Her Devoted Son (Several alternative listings show Devoted Son). In the waning months of 1915, he acted in his last two films for Liberty. He would share top billing with Marguerite Clayton for making the feature films – The Birthmark and The Black Heart. Both films were Dramas. By December 1915, Emory had left Liberty.

In December 1915, a receiver was appointed. Liberty burned to the ground in 1916.[16][17]

Universal years[edit]

In January 1916, Emory signed a contract with Universal Film Manufacturing Company. He would make 17 movies that year, including six shorts and 11 feature-length Dramas. This year would become the second-highest movie output of his entire acting career.

At Universal, Emory met Hobart Bosworth. Hobart Bosworth was a well-known actor and director. He took young Emory under his wing.[8] Emory's first two movies for Universal were the Westerns – The Yaqui and Two Men of Sandy Bar. Both films were feature-length and starred Hobart Bosworth. Later in the year, Emory would make two more films with Hobart. They would continue collaborating in other films in the coming years, including the last film Emory would direct. The film was the 1932 talkie The Phantom Express.

In early 1916, after Emory Johnson had signed his Universal contract, Carl Laemmle of Universal Film Manufacturing Company thought he saw a potential leading man in Johnson. Laemmle sought a leading man comparable to Wally Reid. He also hoped to create a movie couple that could make sparks fly on the silver screen. Laemmle chose Johnson to be his new leading man. Laemmle chose Dorothy Davenport to generate the screen chemistry with Johnson. She was a Universal contract player who happened to be the wife of Wally Reid. Johnson and Davenport made 13 films together. The series started with the feature production of Doctor Neighbor in May 1916 and ended with another feature production, The Devil's Bondwoman, in November 1916. Over half the films were feature-length; all were dramas. Johnson and Davenport shared top billing in most. Davenport got pregnant in October 1916, and her film output took a steep nosedive at the beginning of 1917.[18]

Ultimately, Laemmle thought Johnson did not have the talent or screen presence he wanted. He wasn't going to become Universal's answer to Wally Reid. Laemmle also believed that even though the pairing with Davenport had been financially successful, the films didn't have the screen chemistry he had sought.[19][18]

          ◆   Searching for a leading man in 1916   ◆          
Title
Released
Director
Davenport role
Johnson role
Type
Time
Brand
Notes
Doctor Neighbor May-1 L. B. Carleton Hazel Rogers Hamilton Powers Drama Feature Lost Red Feather [20]
Her Husband's Faith May-11 L. B. Carleton Mabel Otto Richard Otto Drama Short Lost Laemmle [21]
Heartaches May-18 L. B. Carleton Virginia Payne S Jackson Hunt Drama Short Lost Laemmle [22]
Two Mothers Jun-01 L. B. Carleton Violetta Andree 2nd Husband Drama Short Lost Laemmle [23]
Her Soul's Song Jun-15 L. B. Carleton Mary Salsbury Paul Chandos Drama Short Lost Laemmle [24]
The Way of the World Jul-03 L. B. Carleton Beatrice Farley Walter Croyden Drama Feature Lost Red Feather [25]
No. 16 Martin Street Jul-13 L. B. Carleton Cleo Jacques Fournier Drama Short Lost Laemmle [26]
A Yoke of Gold Aug-14 L. B. Carleton Carmen Jose Garcia Drama Feature Lost Red Feather [27]
The Unattainable Sep-04 L. B. Carleton Bessie Gale Robert Goodman Drama Feature 1 of 5 reels Bluebird [28]
Black Friday Sep-18 L. B. Carleton Elionor Rossitor Charles Dalton Drama Feature Lost Red Feather [29]
The Human Gamble Oct-08 L. B. Carleton Flavia Hill Charles Hill Drama Short Lost Laemmle [30]
Barriers of Society Oct-10 L. B. Carleton Martha Gorham Westie Phillips Drama Feature 1 of 5 reels Red Feather [31]
The Devil's Bondwoman Nov-11 L. B. Carleton Beverly Hope Mason Van Horton Drama Feature Lost Red Feather [32]


In March 1917, Emory Johnson turned 23 years old. He completes his WWI draft registration but claims exception due to a "Nervous heart" and "Chronic stomach trouble."[33] His 1917 film output drops to 4 pictures. He made "The Gift Girl" released in March 1917. He puts three more in the can before June 1917. At the end of 1917, Emory and Ella Hall were cast together playing husband and wife in – "My Little Boy" The film was released in December 1917. They would make three more films together in 1918, including their last Universal film – "A Mothers Secret," released in April 1918.

In June 1918, Universal failed to renew the contracts of Ella Hall and Emory Johnson. The news was a minor announcement buried deep in the Hollywood trade newspapers.[34] In reality, Laemmle thought Emory did not have the talent or screen presence he wanted. He wasn't going to become Universal's answer to Wally Reid. After all, Wally Reid was well on his way to becoming "The screen's most perfect lover."[35] Ella Hall was pregnant with their first child at their release. The last movie the couple filmed together also became Emory's last movie for Universal – A Mother's Secret. Ella's last movie for Universal was Three Mounted Men released in October 1918. Emory made 27 films for Universal, mostly dramas with a sprinkling of comedies and Westerns.

Independent years[edit]

As explained previously, Emory's Universal contract ended in May 1918. Thus, in 1918, 24-year-old Emory Johnson became a free agent. He could now pick and choose his projects. Emory's first movie was released in August 1918. The movie was – Green Eyes with Dorothy Dalton. Next would follow the very successful Johanna Enlists with Mary Pickford. Then A Lady's Name with Constance Talmadge followed by The Ghost Flower with Alma Rubens.

In 1919, Emory acted in seven movies, including The Woman Next Door with Ethel Clayton. Emory ended 1919 with a role in the successful Alias Mike Moran featuring Wallace Reid and Ann Little.

In 1920, Emory acted in five films, including Polly of the Storm Country, sharing top billing with Mildred Harris. Emory's film output for 1921 would be two films. In January 1921, he acted in Prisoners of Love starring Betty Compson. Finally, the successful The Sea Lion was released in December 1921. Emory shared top billing with Hobart Bosworth and Bessie Love.[36][37] It is noteworthy, the writing credit for the movie was his mother, Emilie Johnson. The movie credit would become Emilie's second writing credit after Blind Hearts.

Between June 1918 and June 1922, Emory bounced between 14 production companies, including Pickford Films, Chaplin-Mayer Picture Company, Famous Players–Lasky, and Betty Compson Productions. Emory also acted with and often shared top billing with the following leading ladies: Marguerite Clayton, Dorothy Davenport, Louise Lovely, Mary Pickford, Constance Talmadge, Ethel Clayton, Margarita Fischer, Mildred Harris, Ella Hall, Eileen Percy, Bebe Daniels, Bessie Love and Betty Compson.

Directorial years[edit]

1922 - 1925[edit]

Emory made the equivalent of indie films in the 1920s. 1922 proved to be a watershed year, creatively and financially. First, the independent actor started the year with a March release of Don't Doubt Your Wife, sharing top billing with Leah Baird. In July, Always the Woman starring Betty Compson was released. Now the year would head in a different direction.

A 28-year-old actor with no directing experience convinced a studio to let him direct and produce a melodrama written by his mother about a San Francisco beat cop. Emilie and her son had initially contracted with Robertson-Cole to write, produce and direct The Midnight Call. Then R-C was acquired by FBO. On July 1, 1922, the Robertson-Cole (R-C) Distribution company became known as FBO. All R-C contracts were honored, especially with independent producers like Emory Johnson.[38]

The first Johnson collaboration under the renamed FBO contract was The Midnight Call. The film's title transformed into In the Name of the Law. The film was released in August 1922—credit Emilie Johnson for the story and screenplay for this melodrama. The story is about a San Francisco policeman trying to keep his family together while facing continuing adversity.[39]

When the movie finished, it laid the first building block toward attaining the title of "Hero of the Working Class." This wasn't the only reason FBO released the movie. They saw tremendous potential for exploitation. Making a movie about the working class opened itself to exploitation. Thus, Emory also cemented his reputation towards becoming the "King of Exploitation."[40]

The hit led to the next Emory Johnson file – The Third Alarm. In December, FBO released The Third Alarm formerly titled The Discard. This film is the second under the FBO contract. Emory directed this Emilie Johnson story.[41] The film would become the most financially successful movie produced in Emory Johnson's career. The movie earned Emory $275,000 (equivalent to $4,807,853 in 2022).[8]

In 1923, Johnson finished the third film in his FBO contract, The West~Bound Limited. Emilie Johnson wrote both the story and screenplay for this Emory Johnson film. The film earned $225,697 (equivalent to $3,945,884 in 2022).[8][42][43]

The fourth film in the FBO contract was The Mailman. Once again, Emilie Johnson wrote both the story and the screenplay. Emory earned This movie earned Emory $179,476 (equivalent to $3,137,797 in 2022).[8][44] The mailman epitomizes an over-the-top melodrama and displays Emilie's flair for this genre.[45]

In September, Emilie and Emory Johnson signed a new contract with FBO. The contract was for 2.5 years. Emory Johnson agreed to make eight attractions for FBO, including the previous four he had completed. FBO agreed to invest upwards of 2.5 million dollars (equivalent to $42,939,453 in 2022) on future productions.[46] Another part of the signed contract stipulated – "The contract also provides that Emory Johnson's mother, Mrs. Emilie Johnson, shall prepare all of the stories and write all the scripts for the Johnson attractions in addition to assisting her son in filming the productions."[46]

1924 started with Johnson's fifth film for FBO – The Spirit of the USA. The film was released in May. Emilie wrote both the story and the screenplay.[47][48][49]

Emory finished the year with the sixth film under the FBO contract – the September release of Life's Greatest Game. Emilie Johnson had created a story about America's favorite pastime – baseball.[50][51]

In 1925, Johnson fcomplete his seventh film for the FBO, The Last Edition, released in October. This movie was Johnson's "last hurrah" for the working man series of movies.[52][53]

1926 - 1932[edit]

In March 1926, Johnson released his last picture for FBO – The Non-Stop Flight.[54][55]

Emory and Emilie were then working on a movie titled Happiness. Work had supposedly started in December 1925. Emory, Emilie, and the cast and crew had sailed for Sweden to film the movie. The fate of the movie remains unknown.[56]

In April, FBO decided to let Emory and Emilie Johnson's contracts expire; there is no published reason for this.[57]

In June, Emory Johnson signed a new eight-picture deal with Universal.[58]

Johnson also suffered a major tragedy. Emory and Ella's son were run over by a truck in Los Angeles. Alfred Bernard Johnson was only five years old when he died in March 1926. The couple was not living together at the time of his death. His death devastated both parents.[59]

In 1927, Johnson, now filming under his new Universal contact, released The Fourth Commandment.[60]

In September, he released The Lone Eagle.[61][62] This movie title is confusing, maybe even misleading. A film title cannot be protected by copyright.[63] In May 1927, Charles A. Lindberg completed his solo flight across the Atlantic. He acquired the nickname "The Lone Eagle." The Johnson movie The Lone Eagle was initially titled War Eagles. The copyright office got involved and forced Universal to change its name.

In February 1928, Johnson released The Shield of Honor.[64][65]

After completing three successful movies for Universal, Johnson reneged on the remainder of his eight-picture contract. He negotiates a new contract with Poverty Row studio, Tiffany-Stahl Productions.[66][67] Tiffany-Stahl Productions was more than happy to sign Johnson. They knew his films always made a profit and that the Johnson brand on the marquee drew paying customers.

1929 was not productive for Johnson. He spent significant portions of 1929 trying to reunite with Ella Hall to repair their marriage. Because they had lost their son, Alfred Bernard, in 1926, Emory and Ella decided to have one last child. Emory's daughter, Diana Marie (Dinie), was born in October 1929.[68]

In November 1930, Emory Johnson released his first Tiffany-Stahl Productions contract production, The Third Alarm. Although its name was the same as the 1922 version, the similarity ended there. As the quote below shows, T–S was trying to capitalize on the popular 1922 film's name recognition. This film would become Johnson's first talkie.[69]

A significant news item appeared in a 1930 issue of Variety magazine.

Emory Johnson, engaged by Tiffany to direct "The Third Alarm" on the strength of his silent film of the same title for FBO, has been off the picture since the first day's shooting. Martin Cohn, the editorial supervisor at Tiff, is finishing it, although direction credit will go to Johnson, beside a piece of the picture. Johnson objected to the supervision.

— Page 4 of the September 4, 1930 issue of, Variety Magazine[70]

Emory reneges on the remainder of his Tiffany contract and signs a new contract with Poverty Row studio – Majestic Pictures. Note – Tiffany-Stahl Productions filed for bankruptcy in 1932.

In 1932, Johnson had new contract in hand, and released his first movie for Majestic Pictures – The Phantom Express. It would become the last movie he would ever direct. It was the final curtain call for Emory's independent directing years and his mother's collaborative writing.[71][72] Emory was contracted to make one last picture for Majestic Pictures – Air Patrol, but the project never came to fruition.[73]

End of an era[edit]

The movies Emory Johnson's completed or planned to start for poverty row studios had one common thread—the would-be remakes of previous successful silent films. For example, the 1930 version of The Third Alarm was supposed to be an updated version of the highly successful 1922 The Third Alarm. The new version would also be a Talkie. Using the same criteria, the 1932 film – The Phantom Express. This Talkie would be a remake of the moderately successful The West~Bound Limited. Even the canceled film – Air Patrol was supposed to be an updated sound version of The Shield of Honor.[74]

Post Hollywood[edit]

In the March 8, 1932 issue of Variety, a minor item on page 10 read:[75]

EMORY JOHNSON BROKE
Hollywood March 7
Emory Johnson, former director, now listing himself as a photographer, has filed a bankruptcy petition. Liabilities are $4,500, and assets are $480.

Perhaps one factor leading to this bankruptcy could be an attempt to reduce the financial obligations towards Ella and the children.

Emory's mother, Emilie, died in Los Angeles, California, on September 23, 1941. She was 75. In 1944, Emory moved from Los Angeles to San Mateo, California. He established a photo portrait studio in the area – Portraits by Emory. The studio would close in 1950.

Marriage, children and divorce[edit]

Ella Hall with 3 children Oct 1924 (AI upscaled image)
Ella Hall with 3 children Jul 1924 (AI upscaled image)

On June 13, 1917, the President of Universal Film Manufacturing Company – Carl Laemmle, held a gala for his employees. He had spent considerable time managing the affairs at Universal City in California. Now, he was about to return to his headquarters in New York. "The occasion promised to be one of the most noteworthy in the history of film functions." Three thousand guests showed up, including Emory Johnson.[76][77] Emory, 23, attended the ball escorting another fellow universalite – Ella Hall.

Ella Hall had recently turned 20 years old. The petite, blue-eyed blond beauty first found work as Universal Ingénue. She had grown up in the movies. By 1915, Ella Hall had become one of the hottest box-office attractions at Universal. Emory had acted in his last picture of 1916 – My Little Boy. The movie was the first film with his future bride. They fell in love during the making of this motion picture. But, they had saved their big announcement for the Laemmle ball. At an appropriate moment during the ball, glasses were clinked, and Emory and Ella professed their love and announced their engagement.[78]

Fast-forward to Thursday, September 6, 1917. Ella Hall and Emory Johnson were busy finishing their day's work for Universal. They worked until 2  pm. After they cleaned up, Emory Johnson and Ella Augusta Hall were married in a private ceremony at 3 o'clock. After the ceremony, they hopped in Emory's Hupmobile and drove off on their honeymoon. They were scheduled to return to work on October 1.[79][80] After the honeymoon was over, the couple moved into Emory's house along with Johnson's mother Emilie Johnson. Thus, we had a girl from New Jersey married to a laid-back Californian while living with a strict Scandinavian mother, all under one roof.

AI-upscaled image of Emory Johnson's family, in 1923

Their first son (Richard), Walter Emory, was born on January 27, 1919, in Santa Barbara, California. Their second son Bernard Alfred was born on September 26, 1920, in Santa Barbara, California. Their daughter Ellen Joanna was born in Los Angeles, California, on April 18, 1923.

By 1924, their marriage was on the rocks. The conflict resulted in their first separation. Ella cited the main problem was the conflict between her and Emory's overbearing mother. Ella filed for divorce.

In March 1926, tragedy strikes – while Ella and the kids were walking down a street in Hollywood, little Bernard is run over and killed by a truck.[59] He was five years old. Bernard's death would provide a catalyst for the couple's first reconciliation.

A second separation occurred in 1929. Later that year, the couple decided to have another child. Diana Marie (Dinie) was born in Los Angeles, California, on October 27, 1929. She would be their last child together.

"Two in a family can't be picture folk and stay married, and sometimes one can't either. So I'm in neither picture nor marriage"

Ella Hall
September 1931[81]

From 1924 onwards, the couple had engaged in highly publicized disputes revolving around alimony payments, child support, visitation rights, and living arrangements. Their relationship was also characterized by a constant cycle of breaking up and getting back together. Ella had difficulty reconciling her emotions regarding Emory's status as an only child and what she perceived as his excessive attachment to his mother. She viewed Emory as a "mother's boy," suggesting that his close bond with his mother interfered with their relationship. She believed that the presence and influence of her mother-in-law in their daily lives went beyond what she considered acceptable. Ella succinctly captured her frustration with the statement, "Too much mother-in-law!"

In 1930, their stormy relationship came to an end. The divorce between Alfred Emory Johnson, 36, and Ella Augusta Hall, 34, was finalized in Los Angeles, California. At one time, they were considered one of Hollywood's ideal marriages. After the divorce, they would continue to battle over money. Neither would ever remarry.[81]

Death[edit]

On Wednesday, March 16, 1960, Emory Johnson turned 66. Now partially disabled, Emory supported himself with Social Security and small pension checks. He rented a first-floor studio in a rooming house on North Ellsworth Street in San Mateo, California.[82]

Shortly after 8 pm on Wednesday, March 30, 1960, a neighbor living directly above Emory's first-floor studio smelled smoke. He rushed downstairs, entered the smoke-filled apartment, found a badly-burned Emory, and dragged him to the walkway outside. Firemen responding to the alarm spotted him lying on the ground and called an ambulance. They rushed him to San Mateo Community Hospital in critical condition. Emory Johnson suffered 2nd, and 3rd degree burns over a third of his body. The fire inspector later noticed cigarettes and matches scattered throughout the apartment. It was determined the fire had probably started in some bed clothing and had been burning for a half-hour before the neighbor entered his apartment.[82]

Emory lingered in the hospital until Monday, April 18, when he died of burns from the fire.[83] Even though he was 30 years removed from his Hollywood glory years, his death was still front-page news in the San Mateo Times.[84]

Emory Johnson chose interment in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Daisy Columbarium, located in Glendale, California. In 1981, his ex-wife Ella Hall died and was laid to rest in Forest Lawn's Columbarium of Sunlight. His only surviving son died in 1994. When his two daughters died, they chose interment next to their mother. The bronze marker on Emory Johnson's Forest Lawn mausoleum niche reads "JOHNSON."[85]

Filmography[edit]

          ◆   Filmography of Emory Johnson 78 Films   ◆          
Year Title Role Act / Dir Production Distribution Released Genre Notes
1913 Hard Luck Bill Unknown Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 4 September 1913 Western short
The Naming of
the Rawhide Queen		 Unknown Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 27 November 1913 Western short
Broncho Billy's
Squareness		 Unknown Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 6 December 1913 Western short
Broncho Billy's
Christmas Deed		 Unknown Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 20 December 1913 Western short
1914 What Came to Bar Q Clarence Clemens Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 29 January 1914 Western short
Broncho Billy and
Settler's Daughter		 A Soldier Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 31 January 1914 Western short
A Gambler's Way Unknown Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 5 February 1914 Western short
Sophie Picks a
Dead One		 Guitar Player Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 13 February 1914 Comedy short
The Calling of
Jim Barton		 J Barton's Bro Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 14 February 1914 Western short
Italian Love Sylvana Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 19 February 1914 Drama short
Snakeville's Fire
Brigade		 Unknown Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 21 February 1914 Comedy short
Sophie's Birthday Party Unknown Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 7 March 1914 Comedy short
The Warning Larry Dale Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 12 March 1914 Comedy short
Single Handed Unknown Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 19 March 1914 Western short
A Hot Time
in Snakeville		 Unknown Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 21 March 1914 Comedy short
The Atonement Unknown Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 26 March 1914 Drama short
Broncho Billy's
True Love		 The Escort Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 28 March 1914 Western short
Broncho Billy—Gun Man Emery Rawlins Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 25 April 1914 Western short
A Snakeville Epidemic Zeke Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 7 May 1914 Comedy short
Sophie Starts
Something		 Unknown Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 28 May 1914 Comedy short
The Good-for-Nothing uncredited Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 8 June 1914 Comedy short
Sophie Finds a Hero Unknown Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 25 June 1914 Comedy short
Broncho Billy's
Jealousy		 Roy Turner Actor Essanay Studios General Film Co. 27 June 1914 Western short
1915 His Masterpiece Higgins Actor Liberty Film Company Associated Film 13 September 1915 Drama short
Her Devoted Son Paul Thomas Actor Liberty Film Company Associated Film 20 September 1915 Drama short
The Birthmark Unknown Actor Liberty Film Company Associated Film 1 October 1915 Drama
The Black Heart Unknown Actor Liberty Film Company Associated Film 1 October 1915 Drama
1916 The Yaqui Flores Actor Universal Studios Universal studios 16 March 1916 Western
Two Men of Sandy Bar Sandy Morton Actor Universal Studios Universal Studios 3 April 1916 Western
Doctor Neighbor Hamilton Powers Actor Universal Studios Universal Studios 1 May 1916 Drama
Her Husband's Faith Richard Otto Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 11 May 1916 Drama short
Heartaches S Jackson Hunt Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 18 May 1916 Drama short
Two Mothers Viol 2nd Husb Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 1 June 1916 Drama short
Her Soul's Song Paul Chandos Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 15 June 1916 Drama short
The Way of the World Walter Croyden Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 3 July 1916 Drama
No. 16 Martin Street Jacques Fournier Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 13 July 1916 Drama short
A Yoke of Gold Jose Garcia Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 14 August 1916 Drama
The Unattainable Robert Goodman Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 4 September 1916 Drama
Black Friday Charles Dalton Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 18 September 1916 Drama
The Human Gamble Charles Hill Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 8 October 1916 Drama short
Barriers of Society Westie Phillips Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 16 October 1916 Drama
The Devil's
Bondwoman		 Mason Van Horton Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 20 November 1916 Drama
The Morals of Hilda Stephen Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 11 December 1916 Drama
The Right to Be Happy Scrooge's Nephew Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 25 December 1916 Drama
1917 The Gift Girl Marcel Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 26 March 1917 Drama
The Circus of Life Tommie Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 4 June 1917 Drama
A Kentucky Cinderella Tom Boling Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 25 June 1917 Drama
The Gray Ghost Wade Hildreth Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 30 June 1917 Drama
My Little Boy Fred Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 17 December 1917 Drama
1918 New Love for Old Kenneth Scott Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 11 February 1918 Drama
Beauty in Chains Pepe Rey Jose Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 11 March 1918 Drama
A Mother's Secret Howard Grey Actor Universal Studios Universal Pictures 29 April 1918 Drama
Green Eyes Morgan Hunter Actor Thomas Ince Lasky 11 August 1918 Drama
Johanna Enlists Lt. Frank Le Roy Actor Pickford Films Artcraft Pictures 16 September 1918 Drama
A Lady's Name Gerald Wantage Actor Select Pictures Select Pictures 10 December 1918 Drama
The Ghost Flower Duke Chaumont Actor Triangle Film Triangle Film 18 August 1918 Drama
1919 Put Up Your Hands Emory Hewitt Actor American Film Pathé Exchange 16 March 1919 Western
Charge It to Me Elmer Davis Actor American Film Pathé Exchange 14 May 1919 Comedy
The Woman Next Door Chester Calhoun Actor Lasky Lasky 18 May 1919 Drama
Trixie from Broadway John Collins Actor American Film Pathé Exchange 15 June 1919 Drama
The Tiger Lily David Remington Actor American Film Pathé Exchange 27 July 1919 Drama
The Hellion George Graham Actor American Film Pathé Exchange 1 October 1919 Drama
Alias Mike Moran Mike Moran Actor Lasky Paramount Pictures 2 March 1919 Drama
1920 The Walk-Offs Robert Winston Actor Screen Classics Metro Pictures 1 February 1920 Comedy
Polly of the
Storm Country		 Robert Robertson Actor Chaplin-Mayer Pic 1st National Pics 1 April 1920 Drama
Children of Destiny Edwin Ford Actor Weber Productions Republic Distrib 1 May 1920 Drama [86][87]
The Husband Hunter Kent Whitney Actor Fox Film Corp Fox Film 19 September 1920 Comedy [88][89]
She Couldn't Help It William Lattimer Actor Realart Pictures Realart Pictures 14 December 1920 Comedy [90][91]
1921 Prisoners of Love James Randolph Actor Compson Prod Goldwyn Pictures 16 January 1921 Drama [92]
The Sea Lion Tom Walton Actor Bosworth Prod Assoc Producers 5 December 1921 Drama [93][94]
1922 Don't Doubt Your Wife Herbert Olden Actor Leah Baird Prod Assoc Exhibitors 12 March 1922 Drama
Always the Woman Herbert Boone Actor Compson Prod Goldwyn Pictures 9 July 1922 Drama [95][96]
In the Name of the Law Harry O'Hara Director Johnson Prod FBO 16 August 1922 Drama [97]
The Third Alarm Director Johnson Prod FBO 1 December 1922 Drama [98][99]
1923 The West~Bound Limited Director Johnson Prod FBO 15 April 1923 Drama [100][101]
The Mailman Director Johnson Prod FBO 9 December 1923 Drama [102]
1924 The Spirit of the USA Director Johnson Prod FBO 18 May 1924 Drama [103][104][105]
Life's Greatest Game Director Johnson Prod FBO 28 September 1924 Drama [106]
1925 The Last Edition uncredited Director Johnson Prod FBO 8 November 1925 Drama [107][108][109]
1926 The Non-Stop Flight Director Johnson Prod FBO 28 March 1926 Drama [110][111][112]
1927 The Fourth
Commandment		 Director Johnson Prod Universal Pictures 20 March 1927 Drama [113][114][115]
The Lone Eagle Director Johnson Prod Universal Pictures 18 September 1927 Drama [116]
1928 The Shield of Honor Director Johnson Prod Universal Pictures 19 February 1928 Drama [117][118][119]
1930 The Third Alarm Director Johnson Prod Tiffany-Stahl 17 November 1930 Drama [69][120]
1932 The Phantom Express Director Johnson Prod Reliance-Majestic 15 August 1932 Drama [71][121]
1941 I Wanted Wings uncredited Actor Paramount Pictures Paramount Pictures 26 March 1941 Drama [122][123]
1948 Romance on the High Seas uncredited Actor Warner Bros Warner Bros 25 June 1948 Comedy [124]

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Sweden, Indexed Birth Records, 1859-1947". Swedish Church Records Archive; Johanneshov, Sweden; Sweden, Indexed Birth Records, 1880-1920. 2011. Retrieved January 27, 2024. birth 7 Feb 1864
  2. ^ "California, U.S., Death Index". California Department of Public Health – Vital Records. 2000. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  3. ^ "New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957". Ancestry.com Operations, Inc. 2010. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  4. ^ "U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Swedish American Church Records, 1800-1947". Archives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Elk Grove Village, IL, USA. 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  5. ^ a b "United States Census, 1900". Ancestry.com. June 6, 1900. Provided in association with National Archives and Records Administration
  6. ^ "California, U.S., Voter Registrations, 1900-1968". California State Library; Sacramento, California; Great Register of Voters, 1900-1968. 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2024. Clietwood St Alameda, California Occupation Manager
  7. ^ "1910 Thirteenth Census United States Federal Census". NARA. April 16, 1910. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g "Famed Movie Producer Lives Quietly in S.M. He Loves". The Times (San Mateo, California). July 25, 1959. p. 21 – via genealogybank.com.
  9. ^ Becker, Bill (March 27, 1961). "Old film cowboy remembers when". The New York Times. p. 27. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
  10. ^ Swanson 1996, p. 88.
  11. ^ Heise 1986, p. 60.
  12. ^ a b "Emory Johnson Picture a Broadway success". Motion Picture News. New York, Motion Picture News, Inc. August 12, 1922. p. 733.
  13. ^ "Essanay Close-ups". The New York Clipper. January 17, 1914. p. 65.
  14. ^ "Marguerite Clayton Leaves Essanay". Motion Picture News. Quigley Publishing Co. January 2, 1915. p. 30. Archived from the original on September 16, 2013. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
  15. ^ "A Short History of Essanay Film in Niles". Nilesfilmmuseum.org. Archived from the original on March 18, 2009. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  16. ^ "Liberty Plant, In Philadelphia, Wiped Out by Fire". Motion Picture News. Publisher Exhibitors' Times, inc. April 22, 1916. p. 2328.
  17. ^ "Film Fire cost $150,000". Motography. Electricity Magazine Corp. April 22, 1916. p. 918.
  18. ^ a b E.J. Fleming (July 27, 2010). Wallace Reid: The Life and Death of a Hollywood Idol. McFarland. ISBN 978-0-7864-8266-5.
  19. ^ "Plays and Players". Exhibitors Herald. Chicago, Exhibitors Herald. June 1, 1918. p. 1050.
  20. ^ Braff 1999, p. 120.
  21. ^ Braff 1999, p. 213.
  22. ^ Braff 1999, p. 206.
  23. ^ Braff 1999, p. 518.
  24. ^ Braff 1999, p. 215.
  25. ^ The Way of the World at the American Film Institute Catalog
  26. ^ Braff 1999, p. 349.
  27. ^ A Yoke of Gold at the American Film Institute Catalog
  28. ^ The Unattainable at the American Film Institute Catalog
  29. ^ Black Friday at the American Film Institute Catalog
  30. ^ Braff 1999, p. 238.
  31. ^ Barriers of Society at the American Film Institute Catalog
  32. ^ The Devilsbond Woman at the American Film Institute Catalog
  33. ^ "U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918". Ancestry.com. June 2, 1917. Provided in association with National Archives and Records Administration
  34. ^ "Universal Players' Contracts Expire". Motion Picture World. New York, Chalmers Publishing Company. June 1, 1918. p. 675.
  35. ^ "Girls I Have Made Lover To". Motion Picture Magazine. The Motion Picture Publishing Co. September 1919. p. 33.
  36. ^ The Sea Lion at the American Film Institute Catalog
  37. ^ The Sea Lion @ allmovie.com
  38. ^ "R – C Plans Distribution Under New Name July 1". Motion Picture News. New York, Motion Picture News, Inc. June 24, 1922. p. 3316.
  39. ^ In The Name of the Law at the American Film Institute Catalog
  40. ^ Exploiting in the Name of the Law
  41. ^ The Third Alarm at the American Film Institute Catalog
  42. ^ The West~Bound Limited @ allmovie.com
  43. ^ The West~Bound Limited @ TCM.com
  44. ^ "Originator of 'The Mailman' reveals Story". San Francisco Chronicle. December 15, 1923. p. 8 – via genealogybank.com.
  45. ^ The Mailman at the American Film Institute Catalog
  46. ^ a b "F.B.O. Signs Emory Johnson for Eight Productions". Motion Picture News. New York, Motion Picture News, Inc. September–October 1923. p. 1185.
  47. ^ "Idealism of Woodrow Wilson Inspired Theme of New Film". The Moving Picture World. The World Photographic Publishing Company. March 1, 1924. p. 31.
  48. ^ The Spirit of the USA @ TCM.com
  49. ^ The Spirit of the USA @ allmovie.com
  50. ^ Greatest Game Emory Johnson at the American Film Institute Catalog
  51. ^ Life's Greatest Game at AllMovie
  52. ^ The Last Edition @ TCM.com
  53. ^ The Last Edition @ allmovie.com
  54. ^ The Non-Stop Flight @ TCM.com
  55. ^ The Non-Stop Flight @ allmovie.com
  56. ^ "F.B.O. Features Are Under Way". Motion Picture News (Nov–Dec 1925). Motion Picture News, Inc. December 19, 1925. p. 3013.
  57. ^ "Emory Johnson leaves F.B.O." The Film Daily. April 18, 1926. p. 2.
  58. ^ "Hollywood Studio Gossip". San Francisco Chronicle. June 4, 1926. p. 11. Retrieved March 11, 2019 – via Genealogybank.
  59. ^ a b "Truckman is Held in Death of Child". Los Angeles Times. March 28, 1926. p. 122 – via Newspapers.com.
  60. ^ "Entire Issue dedicated to the Fourth Commandment". Universal Weekly. Universal Pictures. October 30, 1926. pp. 46–89.
  61. ^ The Lone Eagle @ allmovie.com
  62. ^ The Lone Eagle @ TCM.com
  63. ^ "Multiple works" (PDF). Library of Congress. March 2019.
  64. ^ The Shield of Honor @ allmovie.com
  65. ^ The Shield of Honor @ TCM.com
  66. ^ "Johnson and McCarthy Reported with T.-S". The Film Daily. New York, Wid's Films and Film Folks, Inc. January 16, 1928. p. 125.
  67. ^ "Johnsons Join T–S as Writing, Directing Team". The Film Daily. New York, Wid's Films and Film Folks, Inc. February 14, 1928. p. 324.
  68. ^ "California Birth Index, 1905–1995". Ancestry.com. 2005. Provided by State of California Department of Health Services, Center for Health Statistics.
  69. ^ a b The Third Alarm 1930 at the American Film Institute Catalog
  70. ^ "Objected to Supervision". Variety. September 4, 1930. p. 4.
  71. ^ a b The Phantom Express at the American Film Institute Catalog
  72. ^ The Phantom Express @ TCM.com
  73. ^ "Majestic has 26 lined up for the new season". Motion Picture Herald. Quigley Publishing Co. July 23, 1932. p. 50.
  74. ^ "Emory Johnson Plans Reissuing Films With Sound". Internet Archive. Motion Picture News (Jan-Mar 1929). January 5, 1929. p. 35. Retrieved December 20, 2020. Johnson figures synchronized sound effect can be easily added
  75. ^ "Emory Johnson Broke". Variety. March 8, 1932. March 8, 1932. p. 10. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  76. ^ "Carl Laemmle entertains Universal City". The Moving Picture Weekly. Moving Picture Weekly Pub. Co. June 23, 1917. p. 733.
  77. ^ "Light Fantastic Note". Los Angeles Times. June 12, 1917. p. 15 – via newspapers.com.
  78. ^ "Plays and Players". Photoplay. Chicago, Photoplay Magazine Publishing Company. September 1917. p. 111.
  79. ^ "Ella Hall Takes the Step". Motion Picture News. Motion Picture News, inc. September–October 1917. p. 2203.
  80. ^ "Cupid Note". Los Angeles Times. September 7, 1917. p. 15 – via newspapers.com.
  81. ^ a b "Divorce Was The Cure". Movie Classic. Motion Picture Publications, Inc. September 1931.
  82. ^ a b "Semi-Invalid Rescued by His Neighbor". San Mateo Times. March 31, 1960. p. 1 – via newspapers.com.
  83. ^ "Pioneer Film Director Dies". The Times (San Mateo). April 19, 1960. p. 19 – via newspapers.com.
  84. ^ "Movie Vet is Hurt in Fire". The Times (San Mateo). March 30, 1960. p. 1 – via newspapers.com.
  85. ^ Emory Johnson, American actor in the silent era at Find a Grave
  86. ^ "Children of Destiny". catalog.afi.com.
  87. ^ "Children of Destiny". tcm.com.
  88. ^ "The Husband Hunter". loc.gov/film-and-videos/. 1920.
  89. ^ "The Husband Hunter". tcm.com.
  90. ^ The AFI Catalog of Feature Films: She Couldn't Help It
  91. ^ Progressive Silent Film List: She Couldn't Help It at silentera.com
  92. ^ Prisoners of Love at the American Film Institute Catalog
  93. ^ "The Library of Congress American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: The Sea Lion". 1921.
  94. ^ "The Sea Lion available for download at Internet Archive". January 1921.
  95. ^ Progressive Silent Film List: Always the Woman at silentera.com
  96. ^ The AFI Catalog of Feature Films: Always the Woman
  97. ^ "The Library of Congress American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: In the Name of the Law". 1922.
  98. ^ "The Library of Congress American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: The Third Alarm". 1922.
  99. ^ "The third Alarm is available on You Tube". YouTube.
  100. ^ "The Library of Congress American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: The Westbound Limited". 1923.
  101. ^ "The Westbound Limited is available on You Tube". YouTube.
  102. ^ "The Library of Congress American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: The Mailman". 1923.
  103. ^ "The Library of Congress American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: The Spirit of the U.S.A". 1924.
  104. ^ "The Spirit of the U.S.A. is available for download at Internet Archive". 1924.
  105. ^ "Complete movie available on DVD from video distributor".
  106. ^ "The Library of Congress American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: Life's Greatest Game". 1924.
  107. ^ "The Library of Congress American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: The Last Edition". 1925.
  108. ^ "Informative website dedicated to The Last Edition restoration".
  109. ^ "The Last Edition is available on You Tube". YouTube.
  110. ^ "The Library of Congress American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: The Non-Stop Flight". 1926.
  111. ^ "Complete movie available on DVD from video distributor".
  112. ^ "Excerpt of the Non-Stop Flight available on You Tube". YouTube.
  113. ^ "The Library of Congress American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: The Fourth Commandment". 1927.
  114. ^ The Fourth Commandment (1927) at the AFI Catalog of Feature Films
  115. ^ The Fourth Commandment @ allmovie.com
  116. ^ "The Library of Congress American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: The Long Eagle". 1927.
  117. ^ "The Library of Congress American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: The Shield Of Honor". 1927.
  118. ^ "Copies of film exist at Eastman Collection".
  119. ^ "Copies of film exist at UCLA Archive".
  120. ^ The Third Alarm synopsis at AllMovie
  121. ^ The Phantom Express is available for free viewing and download at the Internet Archive
  122. ^ Emory Johnson at the TCM Movie Database
  123. ^ I Wanted Wings at the American Film Institute Catalog
  124. ^ "Romance on the High Seas". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner).

Bibliography[edit]

Links to surviving films[edit]

See also[edit]

External links[edit]


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