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   welcome to my casting page

"In the performing arts industry such as theatre, film, or television, casting, or a casting call, is a pre-production process for selecting a certain type of actor, dancer, singer, or extra for a particular role or part in a script, screenplay, or teleplay. This process may be used for a motion picture, television program, documentary film, music video, play, or advertisement, intended for an audience." — Quoted from Casting article on Wikipedia

Below are concise biographies used in the casting section of my articles on silent movies. Each entry briefly describes the leading performers, including their age at the time of filming, the specific character they portrayed, and their previous work in the entertainment industry.


Jack Abbot

Jack Abbot (1886-1964) was 29 years old when he played Max. Jack was an actor, eventually becoming a writer and assistant director. The bulk of his roles during his acting career were in short subjects. He spent all of 1916 under contract with Universal. This role was his only known associateship with Lloyd B. Carleton's production in 1916.

Josephine Adair

Josephine Adair (1921–1966) was born on June 27, 1916, in Lamar, Colorado. Adair was 6 when she acted in the role of Mary (Age 6). She was an established child star when filming started on this production. Like many of the cast members of this movie, Adair had also acted in In the Name of the Law. Josephine Adair was the younger sister of another child actress, Elizabeth Adair.[1] A newspaper article recounted one Adair story. Emory Johnson was losing light for a particular scene he was shooting. Filming part of the prologue required Josephine Adair to cry. She could not evoke a tear flow on her own, so Emory took matters into his own hands. Read about his clever solution in this newspaper article.[2]

Alfred Allen

Alfred Allen (1866-1947) was 50 years old when he was selected to play Richard Angus. Allen was highly educated, had a commanding presence and stood six feet, and weighed two hundred pounds. He got his start in the film industry at Universal City in 1913. He landed his first role in 1915. His roles were character parts, and he played mostly fathers, villains, or ranch owners. Alfred Allen appeared in 69 features from 1916 through 1929. After heartaches he would appear in four more Davenport-Johnson projects: A Yoke of Gold, The Unattainable, The Human Gamble and Barriers of Society.[3]

Virginia True Boardman

Virginia True Boardman (1889–1971) was born Margaret Shields on May 23, 1889, in Fort Davis, Texas. She was 33 when she played xxxx. This was her first role in a Johnson production. She would appear in The Third Alarm playing Ralph Lewis's wife - mother McDowell. Boardman began her theatrical career in 1906 and would continue to appear in 52 films between 1911 and 1936. [4][5]

Hobart Bosworth

Hobart Van Zandt Bosworth v1 (1867-1943) was 48 years old when he starred in this movie as Tambor. Bosworth was a well-known Universal actor. After Universal signed a 21-year-old Emory Johnson, Hobart thought he saw a potential mega-career for the 21-year-old. Hobart decided to mentor the young actor.[6] After finishing The Yaqui released March 1916, they immediately made another feature-length Western - Two Men of Sandy Bar released in April. Later in the year, Emory would make two more films with Bosworth. They would continue collaborating in other films in the coming years. In Bosworth's long cinematic career, he appeared in nearly 300 films.

Hobart Bosworth v2 (1867-1943) was 48 years old when he played the heavy, John Nevill. This film was a radical departure from Bosworth's previous roles. "Heretofore Bosworth has been known to patrons of the films the world over as a leading man with no taint of the heavy about him."[7] When Universal hired Emory Johnson in January 1916, Bosworth took the youngster under his wing.[6] Bosworth and Johnson's first two movies for Universal were the feature-length Westerns – The Yaqui released March 1916 and Two Men of Sandy Bar released in April. Dr. Neighbor would be the first pairing of the Davenport-Johnson twosome in Carl Laemmle's search for screen chemistry. Later in the year, Emory would make two more films with Bosworth. They would continue collaborating in other films in the coming years. In Bosworth's long cinematic career, he appeared in nearly 300 films.

Dicky Brandon

Dicky Brandon (née Richard Ellison Brandon) (1919 – 2010) ) was born on March 30, 1919, in Toledo, Ohio. He was 5 years old when he played the role of Little Johnnie Gains. This was his first role in a movie. Life's Greatest Game, released in October 1924, would mark his final appearance in a Johnson production.
He belonged to the vast pool of child actors in the bustling child actor market of the American film industry. His career was brief, and he only made a few movies in his mid-twenties. This movie is one of his six listed on AFI.[8]

Mary Carr

Mary Carr (née Mary Kennivan) (1874–1973) was born on March 14, 1874, in Germantown, Pennsylvania. She was 50 when she played Gold Star Mother Mary Gains, Tom's wife, and Johnnie's mother.[a] This was her first role in a Johnson production. Her next performance in a Johnson vehicle would be the 1927 Universal production of The Fourth Commandment, where she played another mother figure. Carr and Walker shared the spotlight in this film, with FBO promoting their roles as a reunion of sorts. The reference alluded to the film Over the Hill to the Poorhouse, an 11-reel motion picture distributed by Fox on September 17, 1920. In this movie, Carr portrayed a destitute mother, while Walker played her son.[10] One FBO magazine ad for this movie contained the word segment — Together Again for the first time since their never-to-be-forgotten success "Over The Hill."[11]
Initially, Carr worked as a schoolteacher but abandoned the profession to become an actor in traveling theater companies. She married fellow actor William Carr and accompanied him on tours with his theater troupe. In the early 1900s, William ventured into film production. He enlisted Mary and their six children to join him in the burgeoning film industry. In 1915, Mary began her career in film, eventually becoming a character actor celebrated for her roles as maternal figures. She appeared in over 140 films between 1915 ‐ 1956.[b] She was also a close friend of Emilie Johnson.

Rosemary Cooper

Rosemary Cooper (1898–1961) was born on January 1, 1898, in Lewiston, Idaho. She was 26 when she played the villainess Zelda Burrows, the daughter of John Burrows and the woman who married Silas Gains. She made her screen debut in the Johnson production of The Mailman.[12] Notably, this was Cooper's third film and her final appearance in a Johnson film.
Rosemary Cooper had spent a couple of years with various stock companies before making her screen debut in 1923. AFI credits her with making 15 silent movies in the twenties.[13] However, with the advent of sound in films, Cooper decided to step away from the industry. Rosemary Cooper stood at a height of 5'4" and weighed 125 pounds. She possessed auburn hair and brown eyes[12][14]

T. D. Crittenden

T. D. Crittenden (1878–1938) was 37 years-old when he played the heavy, Tom Willis. He appeared in 69 films between 1912 and 1924, and he made 22 movies in 1916, of which 5 were features.

Jack Curtis

Jack Curtis (1880-1956) was 36 years old when he acted in this movie. His character was Peter Sturton, a former governor, supporting Croyden's bid for a second term. Curtis appeared in 157 films between 1915 and 1950.[15]

Marcella Daly

Marcella Daly (1901 – 1966) was born on January 31, 1901, in Kansas City, Missouri.[16] Daly was 25 years old when she portrayed the character of Anna Larson (Lar's wife). She was an actress, known for Accused (1925), The Midnight Watch (1927), and Black Paradise (1926). She died on 30 July 1966 in Torrance, California, USA.

Dorothy Davenport

Dorothy Davenport v2 (1895-1977) was an established star for Universal when the 21 year-old actress played Cleo. She had acted in hundreds of movies by the time she starred in this film. The majority of these films were 2-reel shorts, as was the norm in Hollywood's teen years. She had been making movies since 1910. She started dating Wally Reid when she was barely 16, and he was 20. They married in 1913. After her husband died in 1923, she used the name "Mrs. Wallace Reid" in the credits for any project she took part in.[17] Besides being an actress, she would eventually become a film director, producer, and writer.[18][c]

David Dunbar

David Dunbar (1886 – 1953) was born on September 14, 1886, in West Maitland, New South Wales, Australia.[19] The Australian actor was 39 years old when he portrayed the character of Karl Kruger (Skipper of the "Gretchen"). He was a stage actor in Australia, and Britain before beginning his screen career with Pathe Freres, Paris in 1910. He would remain active until his death in 1953. A few weeks before this movie was released, his wife Blanche was killed in a car collision in the Hollywood Hills.

Knute Erickson

Knute Erickson (1873 – 1945) was born Knut Timar on May 27, 1873, in Norrköping, Sweden.[20] Erickson was 52 years old when he portrayed the character of sea captain Lars Larson. Erickson migrated to the United States with his parents in 1881. They stayed in Salt Lake City, Utah, and kept living there until 1916. Erickson achieved naturalization on Jun 10, 1887, and launched a lucrative career as a vaudevillian comedian. His most famous stage creation was that of the character Swedish Immigrant Daffy Dan. Erickson began his film career in 1915 and kept appearing in films until 1936. Erickson's role in this film impressed Emory Johnson enough; he cast Erickson in his next movie, The Forth Commandment.

Adele Farrington

Adele Farrington (Mrs. Hobart Bosworth) (c. 1867-1936) was 49 years old when she played Mrs. Lake. Farrington was also a Universal contract player appearing in 74 films between 1914 and 1926. Although she got her start in movies when she was 47-years-old (1914), Universal cast her mostly in character leads. Many of her roles were acting alongside her husband, Hobart Bosworth, whom she married in 1909 and divorced in 1920. In addition to her roles as an actress, she was also a music composer and writer.

Martin (Marty) Faust

Martin (Marty) Faust (1886–1943) was born on January 16, 1886 in Poughkeepsie, New York. He was an American film actor and director. He was active in the film industry between 1910 and 1944. Faust was 26 years-old when he played Paul (Elizabeth's Sweetheart).[21]

Mark Fenton

Mark Fenton (1866–1925) was born on November 11, 1866, in Crestline, Ohio. He achieved fame as an American stage performer and motion-picture character actor who appeared in at least 80 films between 1915 and 1925. At 57, he was already an established actor when he portrayed John J. Burrows, a prosperous landowner. This film marked Fenton's only appearance in a Johnson production.
Fenton began his acting journey in his twenties, launching his career in vaudeville and theatrical productions around the turn of the century. In 1915, at the late age of 49, Fenton started acting in movies. Joining the ranks of other actors who transitioned from the legitimate stage to the silver screen later in life, Fenton was widely regarded as a character actor. Demonstrating his versatility, he appeared in a diverse range of film genres, including action and westerns, accumulating an extensive body of work. Tragically, Fenton's life was cut short by an automobile accident. On July 29, 1925, at the age of 58, he succumbed to complications arising from surgery. [22][23]

Taylor Graves

Taylor Graves (1896–1960) was born on May 28, 1896, in Alameda, California. The 26 year-old actor landed the role of the Buckley family's adopted son - Henry. His next appearance in a Johnson production would be The Mailman.

Gloria Grey

Gloria Grey (née Maria Dragomanovich)(1909–1947) was born on October 23, 1909, in Portland, Oregon.[24] She was 14 when she played Gretchen Schultz, the daughter of German-born Otto Schultz. Gretchen is the woman whom Johnnie Gains fancied before joining the salvation army and heading off to war. Since she portrayed the daughter of a German character, she injected a paradoxical element into the film, as both brothers willingly enlisted to combat the Germans during World War I. This film was her third credited movie role and her only appearance in a Johnson production. She would blossom into a screen actress and director.
Before launching her film career in 1923, Grey showcased her talent in vaudeville. Besides making movies, she became one of the WAMPAS Baby Stars in 1924 along with Clara Bow.[25] Her career was spent making 33 films during the 1920s in Hollywood, and five Spanish-language films made in Argentina during World War II. Grey was petite, standing at 5'2" and weighing 115 pounds. Her distinctive features included beautiful blonde hair and blue eyes.

Gordon Griffith

Gordon Griffith (1907-1958) was 8 years old when he played the role of a 12-year-old boy named Richard (Dick) Angus. He was one of the first child actors in the American movie industry. He was already an experienced actor by the age of seven. He was born on July 4, 1907, in Chicago, Illinois.

Raymond Hackett

Raymond Hackett (1902–1958) was an American stage and screen actor from a theatrical family in New York. Hackett was born on July 15, 1902, in New York City, the son of Maurice Hackett and silent screen actress Florence Hackett. He became a child actor, making his debut on Broadway in 1907. The family moved to Philadelphia. After the move, Ray left the stage and started performing as a childhood actor in Lubin movies. In those days, he was called Master Raymond Hackett and often appeared with his younger brother, Albert Hackett was nine years old when he played Harold (Little Boy Blue.) Later in life, he reminisced about an event that caused a delay in filming this movie.[d] He remained active in film until 1931, when his career faded.[27]

Ella Hall

Ella Hall (1896–1981) was born on March 17, 1896, in Hoboken, New Jersey. Johnson chose Ella Hall to play the female lead in this movie. She was 26. Josephine Adair played 6-year-old Mary in the Prologue. Hall acted as the adult Mary, now 18. Hall's last film was the 15-part serial production of The Great Reward, released on May 9, 1921. Her husband, Emory Johnson, coaxed her out of domestic life to take the feminine leads in this film and his following two FBO productions – The Third Alarm and The West~Bound Limited.

After wrapping The West~Bound Limited, she landed a role in the 1923 production of Lloyd B. Carleton's The Flying Dutchman. It would become one of her best-known performances. After filming The Dutchman, Hall retired from silent movies to focus on her two boys and her rocky marriage to Emory Johnson. She came out of retirement to accept uncredited roles in the films Madam Satan, released in 1930, and The Bitter Tea of General Yen, released in 1932.[28]

Edith Hallor

Edith Hallor (1896–1971) was an 20 year-old actress when she played the part of Isabelle Hamlin. She was an American stage and film actress and starred in several films during the silent era. She was active during 1914–1945.[29]

John Harron

John Harron (1903–1939) was born on March 31, 1903, in New York City. The 20 year-old actor was selected to be the male lead and fill the role of Johnny Buckley, Bill Buckley's son and a "Chip of the Old Block." At the time, he was best known as Robert Harron younger brother. Johnnie Walker was Emory Johnson's first choice for Johnny Buckley. However, Walker was having a banner year and was unavailable for the role because he was filming The Fourth Musketeer.[30][31] This was John Harron the only appearance in a Johnson production, while Johnnie Walker would act in five Johnson vehicles.

Wilbur Higby

Wilbur Higby (Wilbur Higbee Jones) (1867–1934), was an American actor of the silent era. He was born on August 21, 1867, in Meridian, Mississippi. The 55 year-old actor played Fire Chief Andrews. This was his first acting role in a Johnson production. Higby usually played character roles. He appeared in more than 70 films between 1914 — 1934. His career spanned 49 years alternating between Stage and Screen.[32]

Higby started life as a played professional baseball in Grand Rapids, Michigan, before he moved to the stage.[33] Higby than began his career in the entertainment business on the Legitimate stage in the mid-1890s. He was a member of a stock company.[34] He later performed with other stock groups in various locales. In 1903, Higby formed his own troupe, the Wilbur Higby Dramatic Company. The Fort Wayne Sentinel, described the company as "one of the highest class repertoire organizations in this country."[35] He moved to Hollywood in 1913 and appeared in his first film in 1914.[33]

William S. Hooser

William S. Hooser (1836–unk) was born on July 20, 1836, in Litchfield, Illinois.[36] The octogenarian was 87 when he portrayed the character of Otto Schultz, Gretchen's father. He was an individual of remarkable longevity in the business. During his brief film career, Hooser appeared in The Highest Bid (1916), The Return (1916), and this movie.
Prior to his venture into films, William S. Hooser had already established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. His career included engagements with renowned personalities such as P. T. Barnum, Dan Rice and Frank C. Bostock.[37] Hooser exhibited a diverse range of talents, including dancing, singing, playing the piano, impersonations, and character acting. Furthermore, he was known for his ability to perform mental and psychic demonstrations, adding another intriguing dimension to his repertoire.

Newton House

Newton House (1911–1987) was born on November 1, 1911 in Holly, Colorado. He was 12 when he played a younger version of Silas Gains before he reached adulthood. This was his third role in movies, his 2nd credited role, and his 2nd feature film. He was one of six children born to actor and stuntman Jack House (1887-1963). Many of Newton's siblings also entered the acting field, including brothers Don and Jimmy. By the time Newton turned 15, his aptitude for horsemanship became evident as he amassed 112 trophies for his exceptional skill in trick and fancy riding. AFI shows him playing supporting character roles between 1924 - 1936. He successfully transitioned into talkies, acting in several films between 1932 and 1936. AFI also shows him getting credit as a makeup artist from 1939—1945.[38][39]

Arthur Hoyt

Arthur Hoyt (1874-1953) was 42 years old when he portrayed the Alchemist. He was an American film character actor who appeared in more than 275 films. He started seriously acting in 1916 and continued getting parts until 1947.

Ralph Lewis

Ralph Lewis (1872–1931) was born on October 8, 1872, in Englewood, Illinois. The 49 year-old actor landed the leading man role in this production. He played a rugged middle-aged xxxx. He had starring roles in Emory Johnson's FBO vehicles – In the Name of the Law, The Third Alarm, The West~Bound Limited, andThe Mailman released in December 1923. He also landed a role in Johnson's seventh film – The Last Edition, released in November 1925. The Last Edition was Lewis's fifth and final film in an Emory Johnson production.[40] FBO rewarded Ralph Lewis for his work In the Name of the Law, The Third Alarm, and The West~Bound Limited by placing him under a long-term contract in April 1923.[41]

Lewis's film debut came in 1911.[42] Lewis appeared in 160 films between 1912 and 1938. Lewis will always be remembered for his role as abolitionist U.S. Representative Austin Stoneman in D. W. Griffith's The Birth of a Nation (1915) and the governor in Intolerance (1916).[43][e] The June 5, 1923, edition of the Poughkeepsie Eagle-News observed: "Ralph Lewis, is especially good in parts built upon strength of character  ..."[45]

Buster Johnson

Buster Johnson (1908–1969) was born Roswell J. Johnson on July 12, 1908 in Brooklyn, New York. He was another American child actor cast in this children's film. Buster was 3 years-old when he acted in the uncredited role of a background child.[46]

Emory Johnson

Emory Johnson (1894-1960) was 22 years old when he acted in this movie as Mason Van Horton. In January 1916, Emory signed a contract with Universal Film Manufacturing Company. Carl Laemmle of Universal Film Manufacturing Company thought he saw great potential in Johnson, so he chose him to be Universal's new leading man. Laemmle hoped Johnson would become another Wallace Reed. A significant part of his plan was to create a movie couple that would sizzle on the silver screen. Laemmle thought Dorothy Davenport and Emory Johnson could make the chemistry he sought. Johnson and Davenport would complete 13 films together. They started with the successful feature production of Doctor Neighbor in May 1916 and ended with The Devil's Bondwoman in November 1916. After completing the last movie, Laemmle thought Johnson did not have the screen presence he wanted. He decided not to renew his contract.[47][18] Johnson would make 18 movies in 1916, including 8 shorts and 10 feature-length Dramas. 1916 would become the highest movie output of his entire acting career. Emory acted in 26 films for Universal, mostly dramas with a sprinkling of comedies and westerns.

Gretchen Lederer

Gretchen Lederer (1891-1955) was a 25 year-old actress when she landed this role as xxxx . Lederer was a German actress getting her first start in 1912 with Carl Laemmle of Universal Film Manufacturing Company. At the time of this film, she was still a Universal contract actress. She had previously acted in two Bosworth-Johnson projects preceding this movie - The Yaqui and Two Men of Sandy Bar. She would unite with Emory Johnson in the 1916 productions of A Yoke of Gold and The Morals of Hilda.

Frankie Lee

Frankie Lee (1911–1970), was an American child actor of the silent era born on December 31, 1911, in Gunnison, Colorado. Lee was 4 years old when he appeared in this film. Lee had a part in the 1916 Universal production of The Right to Be Happy. He would appear in the 1922 Emory Johnson-directed picture The Third Alarm. He made his acting debut in the 1916 Universal production of Her Greatest Story. Frankie made his last film appearance in the 1925 production of The Golden Strain which starred Hobart Bosworth and Madge Bellamy. He appeared in 56 films between 1916 and 1925.[48] He was the older brother of child actor Davey Lee.[49]

Virginia Kerrigan

Virginia Kerrigan, otherwise known as Baby Kerrigan (1915-1924), was a 5-months-old when she featured as the baby in this film. Baby Kerrigan was born Virginia Richdale Kerrigan on November 4, 1915, to Universal film executive William Wallace Kerrigan and Nina Richdale. She was the niece of the actor J. Warren Kerrigan and his sister actress Kathleen Kerrigan. She earned $5.00 per day (equivalent to $76 in 2019) making films for universal. At one time, she was the youngest featured player in the world.[50] She was noted for the fact she never cries. She would be cast next in In His Service, released as Good and Evil in August 1916. She died a tragic death 9 years later in Los Angeles on December 27, 1924.

David Kirby

David (Red) Kirby (1880–1954) (1880–1954) was born on July 16, 1880, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was an prominent actor when the 43 year-old played the villainous Jim Fuller. Like his previous outing in the The West~Bound Limited, Kirby is once again cast as a Heavies along with Rosemary Cooper. Throughout his collaboration with Emory Johnson, he appeared in a total of six of Johnson's productions, making him the actor with the highest number of appearances in Johnson's films.
Physically, Kirby stood at a height of five feet eleven inches, possessing brown hair and eyes. AFI credits the actor/director with 33 Titles in Filmography.[51][52]

Hardee Kirkland

Hardee Kirkland (1868–1929) was born on May 23, 1868, in Savannah, Georgia. The 55 year-old actor acted in the other heavie role of Captain Franz. Kirkland was active in the industry between 1912 – 1925 making 40 films. He would die in Los Angeles, California six years after making this film. Kirkland was also the son of former Confederate Brigadier General William Whedbee Kirkland.[53]

Mary Maurice

Mary Maurice (1844-1918) was 71 year-old actress when she landed the role of Mrs. Rossitor. After a long and distinguished stage career supporting many of the same touring companies that employed Richard Morris, she appeared in 150 films between 1909 and 1918, frequently playing mothers or grandmothers.[54]

Claire McDowell

Claire McDowell (1877–1966) was born on November 2, 1877, in New York City. The 44 year-old actress was an established star when she assumed the role of xxxx. She had previously acted in In The Name of The Law. She would also play another mother figure in Johnson's third film, the 1923 production for FBO – The West~Bound Limited. She would make appearances in a total of four Emory Johnson productions.[55]

Frederick (Fred) Montague

Frederick (Fred) Montague (c. 1864-1919) was a 52 year-old actor when he played Silas Gorham, the wealthy father of Martha Gorham. He was an English film actor and appeared in 59 films between 1912 and 1919.

Jennie (Jane) Morgan

Jennie (Jane) Morgan (1880–1972) was born on December 6, 1880, and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. The 42 year-old actress played Mrs. Bernard Miller, President Miller's wife and Esther's mother. This would be the last appearance of the actress in a Johnson film.

Richard (Dick) Morris

Richard (Dick) Morris (1862–1924) was born on January 30, 1862, in Charlestown, Massachusetts. The 60 year-old actor played Mr. Lucus. Morris usually played character roles and heavies. His early education included spending three years overseas studying grand opera. His first professional work was touring America for two seasons as an opera singer. He then spent three years in London singing opera. In September 1909, he joined the Lubin organization and made his first movie appearance in 1912 when he was 50.[56]

Morris would act in Johnson's next production, the 1922 film – The Third Alarm. He would also appear in future Johnson productions, The Mailman and The Spirit of the USA, before his untimely death in October 1924.[57]

Wedgwood Nowell

Wedgwood Nowell (born Harry Wedgwood Nowell) (1878–1957) was an American film actor, director, producer, musician, and stage actor who was born on January 24, 1878, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The 45 year-old actor would portray J. Lawrence Wilton, the President's general adviser. His name credit is misspelled in the movie - Wedgewood Nowell. Many sites also incorrectly list Wedgwood Nowell as playing a character named Raymond McKim. This mistaken name credit was due to some early promotional material released by the studio before the film's final version was released.[58] "J Lawrence Wilton ~~the President's general adviser" is the actual credit listing in the film. Nowell's character Wilton would become the Chief Antagonist in this film. This would be Nowell's only appearance in a Johnson film.[59]

Gertrude Olmstead

Gertrude Olmstead (Also Known As Gertrude Olmsted) (1904–1975) was born on November 13, 1904, in LaSalle, Illinois. While she was still a student at LaSalle-Peru High School, she won the 1920 Chicago Herald-Examiner beauty contest. She became "The Spirit of America" in the July 1920 Elks parade in Chicago. Her win led to a movie contract with Universal. She had her first credited role in The Fox starring Harry Carey, released in July 1921. She was an established star when the 19 year-old actress played Nora Malone in this movie. Olmstead married director Robert Z. Leonard in June 1926 and made her last picture: The Time, the Place and the Girl released July 8, 1929. She remained happily married until her husband's died in 1968. She was five feet two inches, with light brown hair and grey eyes. AFI credits the actress with 45 Titles in Filmography.[60][61]

Wilfred Rogers

Wilfred Rogers (c. 1882-1917) was a 34 actor when he played the role of Edwin Rossitor. He acted primarily in silent films and was also another speaking stage convert.

Tom Santschi

Tom Santschi (1878–1931) was born on October 14, 1878, in Crystal City, Missouri. He was an established star when the 45 year-old actor played Jack Donovan. He had acted in hundreds of movies by the time she starred in this film. Tom Santschi grew up in Kokomo, Indiana, where he started playing baseball. While attending high school, he became a pitcher but soon transferred to the outfield because of his hitting prowess. The athletic Santschi eventually went to Purdue University, where he played in the outfield but occasionally tried his hand on the pitcher's mound. Both Santschi and Johnnie Walker loved the game they played in their youth. Each admits they were happy to accept a role in this film.[62] Tom was six feet one inch tall, curly brown hair and piercing blue eyes. The bulk of his movie career was making westerns. AFI credits the actor/director with 103 Titles in Filmography.[63][64]

Martha Sleeper

Martha Sleeper (1910–1983) was born on June 24, 1910, in Lake Bluff, Illinois. The 12 year-old actress played Johnnie's kid sister—Betty Morley. This role would be her first appearance on the silver screen.[65] Martha Sleeper was discovered by Emory Johnson before the shooting started in 1923.[f] Although it should be pointed out, Sleeper was not just some chance discovery in a forgotten photo. She had an entertainment pedigree. Her father, mother, and uncle were in the entertainment business..[67] After this role, she would appear comedies.[68] In 1927, Sleeper was one of 13 actresses selected as a WAMPAS Baby Star i.e.one of the year's feminine personalities whom exhibitors thought had a promising future in feature films.[67] She would remain active in the movie industry and Broadway between 1923 and 1945. After her entertainment career, she would rediscover herself and become a fashion icon.

Carl Stockdale

Carl Stockdale (born William Carlton Stockdale) (1874–1953) was born on February 19, 1874, in Worthington, Minnesota. At 50, he was already a well-known character actor when he portrayed Thomas Gains, the father of Johnnie Gains. This film marked Stockdale's sole appearance in a Johnson production. Standing at a height of five feet eleven inches, he possessed brown hair and blue-grey eyes.
Stockdale started his career as a property master with a repertory theatrical company. He then spent 15 years on stage in repertory theater and vaudeville. In 1913, at the relatively late age of 39, Stockdale ventured into the realm of films, joining the Essanay Studios and securing a minor role in a Broncho Billy's Western. He worked with Essanay for two years before joining the David W. Griffith Corp's film company. As Stockdale's career unfolded, he seamlessly adapted from silent films to talkies. In his last movie, he acted uncredited in Hangmen Also Die!, released in 1943.[69][70]

Cuyler Supplee

Cuyler Supplee (1894–1944) was born on February 13, 1894, in Germantown, Pennsylvania. He was 30 when he played Silas Gains, the oldest son in the Gains Family. His next appearance in a Johnson production would be FBO's The Last Edition, released in November 1925, and his last would be Johnson's The Lone Eagle, released in August 1927. He was an actor and author. According to the American Film Institute, his brief acting career spanned 12 features from 1922 through 1928. Supplee's roles were all character parts.[71][72]

Jane Thomas

Jane Thomas (1899–1976) was born on May 31, 1899, in Chicago, Illinois. When Johnson began searching for a feminine lead in this production, he tried to find a woman possessing Gibson Girl flowing hair. He wanted this actress to look and dress like a typical woman in 1906. He then needed her to age 18 years to play Jackie's mother. In Hollywood, most actresses and flappers wore their hair in a Shingle bob. Unable to find his leading woman with the right hairstyle, Johnson turned his attention to the East Coast and selected Jane Thomas living in New York. She was a seasoned movie veteran and had the look Johnson desired. They put her on a train, and she headed West. She was an established star when the 24-the year-old actress played Mary Donovan. AFI credits the actress with 26 Titles in Filmography.[73][74]

Johnnie Walker

Johnnie Walkerv1 (1894–1949) was born on January 7, 1894, in New York City, New York. He was an upcoming star when the 28 year-old actor was awarded the supporting role of Johnnie O'Hara, age 20, Patrick O'Hara's son. Walker appeared in five Johnson FBO productions. In every production, he played the son of the working-class father. Walker would be featured in Johnson's sixth film for FBO – Life's Greatest Game, released in October 1924. Life's Greatest Game was Walker's fifth and final role in an Emory Johnson production. Walker is five feet eleven inches tall, with black hair and blue eyes. AFI credits the actor with 48 Titles in his Filmography.[75][76]

Johnnie Walkerv2 (1894–1949) was born on January 7, 1894, in New York City, New York. He was an established star when the 29 year-old actor played Johnie Morley, Bob Morley's son. He previously had featured roles in Johnson's FBO vehicles – In the Name of the Law, and The Third Alarm where he played Ralph Lewis character's son in both films. John Harron replaced Walker in the April 1923 production of The West~Bound Limited, but Walker reappeared in this film in his favored role of Ralph Lewis's son. Walker would later be featured in Johnson's sixth film for FBO – Life's Greatest Game, released in October 1924.Life's Greatest Game was Walker's fifth and final role in an Emory Johnson production. Johnnie Walker appeared in five Emory Johnson FBO productions. He played the son of the film's leading father figure in each film. In each of Walker's supporting roles, the character was named Johnnie or a derivative.[g]
Walker is five feet eleven inches tall, with black hair and blue eyes. AFI credits the actor with 48 Titles in his Filmography.[75][76]

Mrs. George W. Walters

Mrs. George W. Walters (1835–1916) was an English actress born Mary Stanton in c. 1835. She was a contract player for Lubin and considered "...the grande dame of the Lubin company."[78] Walters was 77 years-old when she played Mrs. Stone.[79][80]

Marie Wierman

Marie Wierman (1893–1956) was born Marie Elizabeth Wierman on November 6, 1893 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[81] Wierman started her career at Lubin at the urging of Lubin director Barry O'Neil, a friend of the family.[82] She married Napoleon B. Kukuck (Stage name of Lee Phelps) on December 21, 1916.[83] After her marriage, she acquired the stage name of Mary Warren.[84] Wierman was 18 years-old when she played Elizabeth, Harold's older sister. This film was one of her earliest efforts. She was an American actress active in the movie industry between 1912 – 1934.

Frank Whitson

Frank Whitson (1877-1946) was a 39 year-old actor when he played August. He appeared in 66 films between 1915 and 1937. This was one of his early efforts, and he would become more widely known later in his acting career.

Helen Wright

Helen Wright (1868-1928) was 47 years old when she acted in this movie playing Virginia Warrington Payne. Helen Wright (born Helen Boyd) was a well-known Universal character actress who appeared mostly in silent films between 1915 and 1930. She spent most of her career under contract at Universal.



  notes

The note in its entirety can be read under the individual casting entry

  1. ^ In every media listing of characters for this film, Mary Carr is consistently credited as playing Mary Gains. However, in the actual movie, the Intertitle explicitly introduces her character as Clorinda Gains. The title card reads — Clorinda Gains, the "Balance-wheel" of her humble home.[9]
  2. ^ Although Over the Hill catapulted Carr into motherhood stardom, 1925 would prove an even more eventful year. First, she become the other Auntie Em with her role in The Wizard of Oz released on April 13, 1925. Later in the year, she played a mother in the celebrated World Word I picture ‐ The Big Parade released on November 5, 1925.
  3. ^ Dorothy and Drugs
    Unbeknown to Dorothy Davenport at the time, she would gain first-hand experience with the Dope evil three years after completing this film. Dorothy was still married to Wallace Reid in 1919 when he was injured in a train wreck while filming a movie. Reid needed six stitches to close a 3-inch scalp wound. To keep on filming, he was prescribed morphine to relieve his pain. Reid eventually became addicted to the drug but kept on working. Reid's morphine addiction worsened at a time when there was no type of drug rehabilitation programs. In 1923, he died in a sanatorium. Later in 1923, Dorothy Davenport co-produced and starred in the film Human Wreckage, which portrayed the dangers of drug addiction. Mrs. Wallace Reid would continue to tour the country, talking about the evils of dope addiction. quoted from Wallace Reid
  4. ^ The family lived a short distance from the studio. When Raymond and his brother were not engaged, they returned home for schooling. The route to and from the studio passed through a tough neighborhood. On one occasion, he had a call for four o'clock at the studio. He was wearing a Buster Brown haircut and was playing the part of "Little Boy Blue." On the way to work, he got into an altercation with eight or nine kids his age. Later, Hackett appeared on the set with a swollen black eye and a bleeding split lip. Production was halted for several days while he healed.[26]
  5. ^ A 1924 article in Camera! noted: Ralph Lewis, since starting his career in motion pictures with D. W. Griffith at the old Biograph company thirteen years ago, has played in one hundred and fourteen screen dramas, ranging from the split-reelers put out by the Biograph and including the big Griffith special twelve-reel features like "Intolerance" and "The Birth of a Nation.
    He has played the role of a judge seven times, a politician ten times, a police officer three times, and has portrayed a ship captain twice. He has committed twenty-seven murders and incidentally was killed thirty times. Lewis has been before the camera in twenty-two deathbed scenes. He has fought numerous duels and has gone down with sinking boats on three occasions.
    He has played father to almost all of the big screen stars, including Mary Pickford, Norma and Constance Talmadge, Alice Terry, Lillian Gish, and many others. However, he has never played the role of a farmer.[44]
  6. ^ The following article appeared in the San Francisco Examiner on October 23, 1933:
    Some actresses, crash motion, picture gates, by mean force. Others accomplish the miracle by strategy. Martha Sleeper gained admission by the simple expedient of leaving her photograph in a vacated home. The house in question, owned by the Sleepers in Hollywood, was sold by a real estate agent to the mother of Emery Johnson, picture, Director, where Miss Sleeper's photograph was found.[66]
  7. ^ Johnnie Connections:
    • The 1922 film In the Name of the Law Ralph Lewis played Patrick O'Hara and Walker played Johnnie O'Hara
    • The 1922 film The Third Alarm Ralph Lewis played Dan McDowell and Walker played Johnny McDowell
    • The 1923 film The Mailman Ralph Lewis played Bob Morley and Walker played Johnnie Morley
    • The 1924 film The Spirit of the USA Carl Stockdale played Thomas Gains and Walker played Johnnie Gains
    • The 1924 film Life's Greatest Game Tom Santschi player Jack Donovan and Walker player Jackie Donovan Jr.
    He also would have played Ralph Lewis's son, Johnny Buckley in the movie The West~Bound Limited, except he was involved in filming The Fourth Musketeer.[77]



   references

  1. ^ Josephine Adair American Film Institute Retrieved April 21, 2023
  2. ^ "HOW THEY MADE JOSEPHINE CRY – SECRET OF MOVIES EXPOSED". Moberly Evening Democrat. Moberly, Missouri. September 29, 1922. p. 3. Retrieved April 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ Katchmer, G.A. (2015). A Biographical Dictionary of Silent Film Western Actors and Actresses. McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers. pp. 4–5. ISBN 978-1-4766-0905-8. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  4. ^ Kitchmer 2002, p. 31.
  5. ^ Virginia TrueBoardman, American Film Institute
  6. ^ a b "Famed Movie Producer Lives Quietly in S.M. He Loves". The Times (San Mateo, California). July 25, 1959. p. 21 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Way Of The World by Fitch, is Bosworth medium for Universal". Motion Picture News. February 26, 1916. p. 1181. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  8. ^ "Dicky Brandon". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. American Film Institute. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
  9. ^ Clorinda Gains (2017). The Spirit of the U.S.A. (DVD). Alpha Video.
  10. ^ The AFI Catalog of Feature Films: Over the Hill to the Poorhouse
  11. ^ "A Guaranteed Mop-Up Emory Johnson's Latest and Greatest Epic for the screen". Exhibitors Herald. Chicago, Exhibitors Herald. July 12, 1924. p. 424. Archived from the original on January 16, 2017. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
  12. ^ a b Hughes 1924, p. 522.
  13. ^ Rosemary Cooper at AFI
  14. ^ Rosemary Cooper @ AllMovie
  15. ^ Jack Curtis (actor)
  16. ^ Katchmer 2002, p. 84.
  17. ^ "Dorothy Davenport". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. American Film Institute. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
  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. ^ Katchmer 2002, p. 101.
  20. ^ "Sweden, Indexed Birth Records, 1859-1947". Swedish Church Records Archive. Johanneshov, Sweden. 2011. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
  21. ^ Marty Faust at the American Film Institute Catalog
  22. ^ Katchmer 2002, p. 114.
  23. ^ *Mark Fenton
  24. ^ "What's In A Name? Ask Gloria Grey". New York Daily News. New York, New York. November 2, 1924. p. 15. Retrieved May 21, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ "Ex-Actress Gloria Grey Found Dead". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. November 23, 1947. p. 17. Retrieved May 21, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ "The Return of the Native- by Samuel Richard Mook". Picture Play Magazine. New York, Street. June 1930. p. 43. Archived from the original on June 14, 2012. Retrieved March 8, 2024. Though a young man, Raymond Hackett remembers the good, old days of the movies, because he spent his boyhood in the studios
  27. ^ Raymond Hackett at the American Film Institute Catalog
  28. ^ Ella Hall American Film Institute Retrieved April 21, 2023
  29. ^ Edith Hallor at IMDb
  30. ^ "Pulse of the Studios". Camera!. December 18, 1922. p. 17. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
  31. ^ "Johnnie Walker's 1923 Successes". Internet Archive. Moving Picture World (Nov-Dec 1923). November 3, 1923. p. 66. Retrieved December 20, 2020. 1923 marked the release of Johnnie Walker's two biggest starring release by the Film Booking Offices in The Fourth Musketeer and Captain Fly-by-Night.
  32. ^ Wilbur Higby American Film Institute
  33. ^ a b "Obituaries". Variety. Variety Inc. December 11, 1934. p. 110. Archived from the original on July 7, 2014. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  34. ^ "Grand Opera House". Boston Post. Bridgeport, Connecticut. September 15, 1896. p. 5. Retrieved April 30, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ "Will Manage Fine Dramatic Company". The Fort Wayne Sentinel. Fort Wayne, Indiana. April 18, 1904. p. 3. Retrieved April 30, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ "California, U.S., Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists". NARA. 2008. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  37. ^ "Major Hooser in Chicago". The Billboard. New York. May 14, 1927. p. 82. Archived from the original on June 12, 2013. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  38. ^ Newton House AFI
  39. ^ Katchmer 2015, p. 169.
  40. ^ Ralph Lewis American Film Institute Retrieved April 29, 2023
  41. ^ "The Film Mart - F.B.O." Exhibitors Herald. April 28, 1923. p. 475.
  42. ^ "Ralph Lewis injured". The New York Times. November 26, 1937. p. 27. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  43. ^ Kitchmer 2002, p. 209.
  44. ^ "Camera! The Film Tribune". Camera!. H.H. Conger Company, Los Angeles, California. February 2, 1924. p. 1018. Archived from the original on June 25, 2014. Retrieved April 21, 2023. The Digest of the Motion Picture Industry
  45. ^ "Westbound limited a thrilling picture". Poughkeepsie Eagle-News (Poughkeepsie, New York). June 5, 1923. p. 5. Retrieved March 16, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  46. ^ Buster Johnson at the American Film Institute Catalog
  47. ^ "Plays and Players". Exhibitors Herald. Chicago, Exhibitors Herald. June 1, 1918. p. 1050.
  48. ^ Katchmer 2002, p. 204.
  49. ^ Frankie Lee American Film Institute
  50. ^ "Baby Kerrigan Again Acting". The Moving Picture Weekly. New York, The Moving Picture Weekly. June 24, 1915. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  51. ^ "David Kirby". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. American Film Institute. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
  52. ^ Katchmer 2002, p. 192.
  53. ^ Hardee Kirkland American Film Institute Retrieved April 21, 2023
  54. ^ "Mary Maurice". Stars of the photoplay. March 1916. p. 264. Retrieved April 25, 2021.
  55. ^ Claire McDowell American Film Institute Retrieved April 21, 2023
  56. ^ "Richard Morris, Characters, Universal". Motion Picture News. Quigley Publishing Co. October 21, 1916. p. 240. Archived from the original on September 16, 2013. Retrieved April 26, 2023. Studio Directory
  57. ^ Richard Morris American Film Institute Retrieved April 21, 2023
  58. ^ "Screen Opinions (1923-1924)". Internet Archive. January 1, 1923. p. 162. Retrieved January 19, 2021. The Unbiased Reviewing Service! With Specially Written Program Copy
  59. ^ Cite error: The named reference AFItwbl01 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  60. ^ "Illinois Girl Wins $10,000 Beauty Prize". Logansport Pharos-Tribune (Logansport, Indiana). June 17, 1920. p. 1. Retrieved February 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com. Will personify "Spirit of America" in Elks Parade in Chicago in July
  61. ^ "Gertrude Olmstead". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. American Film Institute. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
  62. ^ "Big baseball film coming to Grand Theater - Life's Greatest Game is a sporting melodrama of the screen". The Calgary Albertan (Calgary, Alberta, Canada). January 12, 1925. p. 7. Retrieved February 1, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  63. ^ "Thomas-Santschi". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. American Film Institute. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
  64. ^ Kitchmer 2002, p. 340.
  65. ^ Bird, David (7 April 1983). "MARTHA SLEEPER IS DEAD AT 72; STAR OF FILMS AND BROADWAY". The New York Times. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  66. ^ "Strategy, won place for Martha Sleeper". The San Francisco Examiner. San Francisco, California. October 23, 1933. p. 8. Retrieved April 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  67. ^ a b "New Name on List of Baby Stars". The Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. January 11, 1927. p. 9. Retrieved April 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  68. ^ "Into Bigger Roles". The Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. October 5, 1924. p. 6. Retrieved April 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  69. ^ Katchmer 2002, p. 361.
  70. ^ Carl Stockdale
  71. ^ Katchmer 2015, p. 365.
  72. ^ Cuyler Supplee in AFI
  73. ^ "Jane Thomas". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. American Film Institute. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
  74. ^ "Why she was fine for life's greatest game". The Daily Deadwood Pioneer-Times (Deadwood, South Dakota). November 11, 1924. p. 3. Retrieved February 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  75. ^ a b "Johnnie Walker". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. American Film Institute. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
  76. ^ a b Kitchmer 2002, p. 385.
  77. ^ "Pulse of the Studios". Camera!. December 18, 1922. p. 17. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
  78. ^ "Greenroom Jottings - Little Whisperings From Everywhere in Playerdom". Motion Picture Story Magazine. The Motion Picture Publishing Co. August 1912. p. 139. Archived from the original on August 15, 2012. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  79. ^ "Mary Stanton Walters Dead". Moving Picture World. New York : The World Photographic Publishing Company. March 18, 1916. p. 1833. Archived from the original on September 3, 2014. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  80. ^ Mrs George W Walters at the American Film Institute Catalog
  81. ^ "California, U.S., Death Index". California Department of Public Health – Vital Records. 2000. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  82. ^ "Stifling the Tears". Photoplay Magazine. MacFadden Publishing Inc. September 1918. Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
  83. ^ "New York State Marriage Index". New York State Department of Health; Albany, NY, USA. 2017. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  84. ^ "The Why and Wherefore of Mary Warren – by Grace Lamb". Motion Picture Magazine. The Motion Picture Publishing Co. August 1918. pp. 31–32, 107. Archived from the original on August 15, 2012. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
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