Motion Picture Director, Screenwriter, Actor. A notable figure of Hollywood's silent and early talkie periods, he often collaborated with his wife, writer Anita Loos. Born Clifton Paden, he changed his name to John Emerson around 1904, while he was appearing as an actor in touring stock companies. He made his screen debut in 1912 and became a top director for the Flying A and Triangle studios, guiding Douglas Fairbanks through several of his early starring vehicles. These include "The Americano" (1916) and "The Mystery of the Leaping Fish" (1916). From the early 1920s he focused on writing and with Loos shared scripting duties for the 1928 adaptation of her novel "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes". Emerson ended his career at MGM, serving as associate producer on Jean Harlow's last film, "Saratoga" (1937). He was also president of Actors Equity from 1920 to 1928, and authored two books with Loos, "How to Write Photoplays" (1919) and "Breaking into the Movies" (1921).
Motion Picture Director, Screenwriter, Actor. A notable figure of Hollywood's silent and early talkie periods, he often collaborated with his wife, writer Anita Loos. Born Clifton Paden, he changed his name to John Emerson around 1904, while he was appearing as an actor in touring stock companies. He made his screen debut in 1912 and became a top director for the Flying A and Triangle studios, guiding Douglas Fairbanks through several of his early starring vehicles. These include "The Americano" (1916) and "The Mystery of the Leaping Fish" (1916). From the early 1920s he focused on writing and with Loos shared scripting duties for the 1928 adaptation of her novel "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes". Emerson ended his career at MGM, serving as associate producer on Jean Harlow's last film, "Saratoga" (1937). He was also president of Actors Equity from 1920 to 1928, and authored two books with Loos, "How to Write Photoplays" (1919) and "Breaking into the Movies" (1921).
Bio by: Margaret
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