F. McGrew Willis
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F. McGrew Willis (August 18, 1891 – October 13, 1957) was an American screenwriter of the silent and early
sound film A sound film is a motion picture with synchronized sound, or sound technologically coupled to image, as opposed to a silent film. The first known public exhibition of projected sound films took place in Paris in 1900, but decades passed before ...
eras. Born Frank McGrew Willis on August 18, 1891, in Pleasanton, Iowa, he broke into the film industry writing film shorts in 1914 and 1915 as a freelance screenwriter. His first feature credit came in 1915, with ''The Quest'', the first of three features he would pen in 1915. Over the next fourteen years he would write the scripts or stories for 43 silent films, three of which, ''The Girl in the Pullman'' (1927), ''Annapolis'' (1928), and ''A Blonde for a Night'' (1928), he also produced for either De Mille Pictures and/or
Pathé Exchange Pathé Exchange, commonly known as Pathé, was an American film production and distribution company, largely of Hollywood's silent era. Known for its groundbreaking newsreel and wide array of shorts, it grew out of the American division of the ...
. He would also produce another three films in 1928. In 1929, and through the next 6 years of the blossoming talking picture era, he would write the screenplays or stories for another 18 films. In the late 1930s he would work in England, where he scripted 6 films during the remainder of the decade. His final screenwriting credit would come on 1941's ''
Sis Hopkins Sis Hopkins may refer to: * Sis Hopkins (1919 film), a comedy film * Sis Hopkins (1941 film) ''Sis Hopkins'' is a 1941 American comedy film directed by Joseph Santley and written by Jack Townley, Milt Gross and Edward Eliscu. Starring Judy Cano ...
'', for which he wrote the story. Willis died on October 13, 1957, in Menlo Park, California, and was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland, California.


Filmography

The follow list is compiled from the
American Film Institute The American Film Institute (AFI) is an American nonprofit film organization that educates filmmakers and honors the heritage of the motion picture arts in the United States. AFI is supported by private funding and public membership fees. Leade ...
and from period reviews and news items in various film-industry trade publications: "Notes From All Over"
news item, ''Motography'', December 18, 1915, p. 1301, col. 1. Internet Archive. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
* '' The Quest'' (1915) * ''John o' the Mountains'' (1915) * ''Tainted Money'' (1915) * ''
Business Is Business ''Business is business'' (french: :fr:Les affaires sont les affaires, Les affaires sont les affaires) is a French comedy in three acts, by the novelist and playwright Octave Mirbeau, performed in April 1903 on the stage of Comédie-Française, in ...
'' (1915) * ''
The Iron Hand ''The Iron Hand'' is a 1916 drama film directed by Ulysses Davis. It is not known whether the film currently survives. Plot Politician Tim Noland, and his companion Slim are both arrested. When they are both arrested, Noland decides to stop bein ...
'' (1916) * ''
The Beckoning Trail ''The Beckoning Trail'' is a 1916 American silent Western film directed by Jack Conway and starring J. Warren Kerrigan, Lois Wilson and Maude George. Cast * J. Warren Kerrigan as Carter Raymond * Maude George as Georgette Fallon * Harry ...
'' (1916) * ''The Whirlpool of Destiny'' (1916) * ''The Gay Lord Waring'' (1916) * ''The Pool of Flame'' (1916) * ''
The Silent Battle ''The Silent Battle'' is a 1939 British thriller film directed by Herbert Mason and starring Rex Harrison, Valerie Hobson and John Loder. It is also known by the alternative titles ''Continental Express'' and ''Peace in our Time''. It was insp ...
'' (1916) * ''
The Way of the World ''The Way of the World'' is a play written by the English playwright William Congreve. It premiered in early March 1700 in the theatre in Lincoln's Inn Fields in London. It is widely regarded as one of the best Restoration comedies and is stil ...
'' (1916) * ''
The Book Agent ''The Book Agent'' is a 1917 American silent comedy film directed by Otis Turner and starring George Walsh, Doris Pawn, and William Burress.Solomon p.239 Cast * George Walsh as Harry Kelly * Doris Pawn as Mollie Lester * William Burress as Cra ...
'' (1917) * ''
The Flame of Youth ''The Flame of Youth'' is a 1917 American silent film, silent adventure film directed by Elmer Clifton and starring Jack Mulhall, Ann Forrest and Hayward Mack.Wollstein p.77 Cast * Jack Mulhall as Jimmy Gordon * Ann Forrest as Lucy Andrews * Donn ...
'' (1917) * ''To Honor and Obey'' (1917) * ''
American Methods ''American Methods'' is a 1917 American silent drama film directed by Frank Lloyd and starring William Farnum, Jewel Carmen and Bertram Grassby.Solomon p.239 Cast * William Farnum as William Armstrong * Jewel Carmen as Claire de Beaulieu * Bert ...
'' (1917) * ''
Even As You and I ''Even As You and I'' is a 1917 American silent film, silent drama film directed by Lois Weber and starring Ben F. Wilson, Mignon Anderson and Bertram Grassby.''American Silent Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy Feature Films, 1913-1929''. p.184 ...
'' (1917) * ''
The Bride's Awakening ''The Bride's Awakening'' is a 1918 American silent drama film released by Universal Pictures and produced by their Bluebird production unit. Robert Z. Leonard directed the film and his then-wife Mae Murray was the star. A print of the film is ho ...
'' (1918) * ''
A Burglar for a Night ''A Burglar for a Night'' is a 1918 American silent comedy film directed by Ernest C. Warde and starring J. Warren Kerrigan, Lois Wilson and William Elmer.Rainey p.230 Cast * J. Warren Kerrigan as Kirk Marden * Lois Wilson as Janet Leslie * ...
'' (1918) * ''The Empty Cab'' (1918) * '' Modern Love'' (1918) * ''
The Velvet Hand ''The Velvet Hand'' is a 1918 American drama film directed by Douglas Gerrard and written by F. McGrew Willis. The film stars Fritzi Brunette, William Conklin, Gino Corrado, F. A. Turner, Wedgwood Nowell and Carmen Phillips. The film was release ...
'' (1918) * ''$5,000 Reward'' (1918) * '' Playthings'' (1918) * '' The End of the Game'' (1919) * ''
The Pagan God ''The Pagan God'' is a 1919 American silent drama film directed by Park Frame and starring H.B. Warner, Carmen Phillips and Edward Peil Sr.Connelly p.393 Cast * H.B. Warner as Bruce Winthrop * Carmen Phillips as Tai Chen * Edward Peil Sr. as W ...
'' (1919) * ''His Divorced Wife'' (1919) * ''
The Phantom Melody ''The Phantom Melody'' is a 1920 American silent drama film directed by Douglas Gerrard, and starring Monroe Salisbury, Henry A. Barrows, Ray Gallagher, Charles West and Jean Calhoun. The film was released by Universal Film Manufacturing Compan ...
'' (1920) * ''The Common Sin'' (1920) * ''
Everyman's Price ''Everyman's Price'' is a 1921 American silent comedy film directed by Burton L. King and starring Grace Darling, Bud Geary and Nita Naldi.Munden p.219 Cast * Grace Darling as Ethel Armstrong * E.J. Ratcliffe as Henry Armstrong * Charles Wald ...
'' (1921) * ''
Oliver Twist, Jr. ''Oliver Twist, Jr.'' is a 1921 American silent drama film directed by Millard Webb and starring Harold Goodwin, Lillian Hall, George Nichols, Harold Esboldt, Scott McKee, Clarence Wilson, and G. Raymond Nye. It is based on the 1838 novel '' ...
'' (1921) * ''
Her Temporary Husband ''Her Temporary Husband'' is a 1923 American silent comedy film directed by John McDermott and starring Owen Moore. Based upon a play of the same name by Edward A. Paulton, it was produced and distributed by Associated First National (later Fi ...
'' (1923) * ''
The Light That Failed ''The Light That Failed'' is the first novel by the Nobel Prize-winning English author Rudyard Kipling, first published in ''Lippincott's Monthly Magazine'' in January 1891. Most of the novel is set in London, but many important events through ...
'' (1923) * ''
Reckless Romance ''Reckless Romance'' is a 1924 American silent comedy film directed by Scott Sidney and starring T. Roy Barnes, Harry Myers, and Wanda Hawley. Plot As described in a review in a film magazine, Jerry Warner (Barnes) and Edith Somers (Breamer) ar ...
'' (1924) * ''
Charley's Aunt ''Charley's Aunt'' is a farce in three acts written by Brandon Thomas. The story centres on Lord Fancourt Babberley, an undergraduate whose friends Jack and Charley persuade him to impersonate the latter's aunt. The complications of the plot inc ...
'' (1925) * ''
Madame Behave ''Madame Behave'' is a 1925 American silent comedy film directed by Scott Sidney starring cross-dressing actor Julian Eltinge. The film is an adaptation of the play ''Madame Lucy'' by Jean Arlette and was produced by Al Christie with distribut ...
'' (1925) * ''
The Midshipman ''The Midshipman '' is a 1925 American silent romantic drama film directed by Christy Cabanne. The film stars Ramon Novarro and Harriet Hammond. Joan Crawford had an early uncredited role as an extra. Plot James Randall (Novarro), a second ye ...
'' (1925) * ''
The Million Dollar Handicap ''The Million Dollar Handicap'' is a 1925 American silent sports drama film directed by Scott Sidney and starring Edmund Burns, Ralph Lewis, and Ward Crane. It is based on the 1902 novel ''Thoroughbreds'' by William Alexander Fraser. The film w ...
'' (1925) * '' Welcome Home'' (1925) * '' Almost a Lady'' (1926) * ''
For Wives Only ''For Wives Only'' is a 1926 American silent comedy film directed by Victor Heerman and starring Marie Prevost, Victor Varconi and Charles K. Gerrard.Munden p.265 Cast * Marie Prevost as Laura Rittenhaus * Victor Varconi as Dr. Rittenhaus * ...
'' (1926) * '' The Winner'' (1926) * ''
The Nervous Wreck ''The Nervous Wreck'' is a 1926 American silent comedy adventure film directed by Scott Sidney and starring Harrison Ford, Phyllis Haver and Chester Conklin.Connelly p.182 It is based on the play ''The Nervous Wreck'' by Owen Davis, inspired by ...
'' (1926) * '' Up in Mabel's Room'' (1926) * ''
The Night Bride ''The Night Bride'' is a 1927 American silent comedy film directed by E. Mason Hopper and starring Marie Prevost, Harrison Ford and Franklin Pangborn.Munden p.543 Cast * Marie Prevost as Cynthia Stockton * Harrison Ford as Stanley Warringto ...
'' (1927) * '' Getting Gertie's Garter'' (1927) * ''
The Girl in the Pullman ''The Girl in the Pullman'' is a 1927 American silent comedy film directed by Erle C. Kenton and starring Marie Prevost, Harrison Ford, and Franklin Pangborn. Cast Preservation status Prints of ''The Girl in the Pullman'' are held in the Fre ...
'' (1927) * ''
Annapolis Annapolis ( ) is the capital city of the U.S. state of Maryland and the county seat of, and only incorporated city in, Anne Arundel County. Situated on the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River, south of Baltimore and about east o ...
'' (1928) * ''
A Blonde for a Night ''A Blonde for a Night'' is a 1928 American silent comedy film directed by E. Mason Hopper and F. McGrew Willis and starring Marie Prevost, Franklin Pangborn and Harrison Ford.Munden p.68 The film's sets were designed by the art director Step ...
'' (1928) * '' Twin Beds'' (1929) * ''
Two Weeks Off ''Two Weeks Off'' is a 1929 American silent comedy film directed by William Beaudine. The film was released in alternative silent and sound versions. It is currently a lost film. Cast * Dorothy Mackaill as Kitty Weaver * Jack Mulhall as Dave ...
'' (1929) * ''
Charley's Aunt ''Charley's Aunt'' is a farce in three acts written by Brandon Thomas. The story centres on Lord Fancourt Babberley, an undergraduate whose friends Jack and Charley persuade him to impersonate the latter's aunt. The complications of the plot inc ...
'' (1930) * ''
The Costello Case ''The Costello Case'' is a 1930 American pre-Code crime film directed by Walter Lang. Cast * Tom Moore as Mahoney * Lola Lane as Mollie * Roscoe Karns as Blair * Wheeler Oakman as Mile-Away-Harry * Russell Hardie as Jimmie * William B. Davidso ...
'' (1930) * '' The Big Gamble'' (1931) * ''
Suicide Fleet ''Suicide Fleet'' is a 1931 American pre-Code drama film directed by Albert S. Rogell, written by Lew Lipton and F. McGrew Willis, and starring William Boyd, Robert Armstrong, James Gleason, and Ginger Rogers. It was released on November 20, 1 ...
'' (1931) * '' Meet the Wife'' (1931) * ''
The Forty-Niners 49er or Forty-Niner most often refers to: *A miner or other person that took part in the 1849 California Gold Rush *San Francisco 49ers, an American football team 49er or Forty-Niner may also refer to: Sports * Charlotte 49ers, athletic te ...
'' (1932) * ''
The Gambling Sex ''The Gambling Sex'' is a 1932 American drama film directed by Fred C. Newmeyer and starring Ruth Hall, Grant Withers and Maston Williams.Pitts p.158 Synopsis A wealthy young woman becomes addicted to gambling, suffering increasingly heavy los ...
'' (1932) * ''
The Fighting Gentleman ''The Fighting Gentleman'' is a 1932 American Pre-Code Hollywood, pre-Code sports drama film directed by Fred C. Newmeyer with William Collier, Jr. and Josephine Dunn in the leads.Pictorial History of the Talkies, p. 60 c.1958 by Daniel Blum (19 ...
'' (1932) * '' Secret Sinners'' (1933) * ''
Kiss of Araby ''Kiss of Araby'' is a 1933 American Pre-Code adventure film directed by Phil Rosen and starring Maria Alba, Walter Byron and Claire Windsor.Pitts p.158 It is an action melodrama set in the Middle East. Plot A British Army officer is forced to ...
'' (1933) * ''
Midshipman Jack ''Midshipman Jack'' is a 1933 American pre-Code action film directed by Christy Cabanne and written by Frank Wead and F. McGrew Willis. The film stars Bruce Cabot, Betty Furness, Frank Albertson, Arthur Lake, and Florence Lake. The film was re ...
'' (1933) * '' When a Man Rides Alone'' (1933) * ''
Keep 'Em Rolling ''Keep 'Em Rolling'' is a 1934 American drama film, directed by George Archainbaud from a screenplay by Albert Shelby Le Vino and F. McGrew Willis. It starred Walter Huston and Frances Dee and the men of the US Army 16th Field Artillery. Filmed ...
'' (1934) * ''
Back Page Back Page or The Back Page may refer to: * ''Back Page'' (film), 1933 American film * ''The Back Page'' (film), 1931 American film * ''The Back Page'' (TV program) * ''Backpage was a classified advertising website founded in 2004 by the a ...
'' (1934) * ''
Manhattan Butterfly ''Manhattan Butterfly'' is a 1935 American crime film directed by Lewis D. Collins and starring Dorothy Granger, William Bakewell and Kenneth Thomson (actor), Kenneth Thomson.Pitts p.187 Cast * Dorothy Granger as Nina Malone * William Bakewell a ...
'' (1935) * ''
It's a Small World "It's a Small World" is a water-based boat ride located in the Fantasyland area at various Disney theme parks worldwide, including Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California; Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida; Tokyo Di ...
'' (1935) * '' The Man in the Mirror'' (1936) * ''
You Must Get Married ''You Must Get Married'' is a 1936 British comedy film directed by Leslie Pearce and starring Frances Day, Neil Hamilton and Robertson Hare. It was based on a novel of the same title by David Evans. Premise In order to be able to work in Br ...
'' (1936) * ''
Let's Make a Night of It ''Let's Make a Night of It'' is a 1937 British musical comedy film directed by Graham Cutts and starring Charles "Buddy" Rogers, June Clyde and Claire Luce. The screenplay concerns a husband and his wife, who acquire rival nightclubs at the sam ...
'' (1937) * ''
Clothes and the Woman ''Clothes and the Woman'' is a 1937 British romance film directed by Albert de Courville and starring Rod La Rocque, Tucker McGuire and Constance Collier. It was made at J.H. Studios, Elstree Studios.Wood p.89 While enjoying a holiday in the reso ...
'' (1937) * ''
Premiere A première, also spelled premiere, is the debut (first public presentation) of a play, film, dance, or musical composition. A work will often have many premières: a world première (the first time it is shown anywhere in the world), its first ...
(1938) * ''
Murder in Soho ''Murder in Soho'' is a 1939 British crime film directed by Norman Lee and starring Jack La Rue, Sandra Storme, Googie Withers and Bernard Lee. It concerns a murder in the Central London district of Soho. It was released in the U.S. as ''Murder i ...
'' (1939) * ''
Sis Hopkins Sis Hopkins may refer to: * Sis Hopkins (1919 film), a comedy film * Sis Hopkins (1941 film) ''Sis Hopkins'' is a 1941 American comedy film directed by Joseph Santley and written by Jack Townley, Milt Gross and Edward Eliscu. Starring Judy Cano ...
'' (1941)


References


External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Willis, F. McGrew American male screenwriters British male screenwriters 1891 births 1957 deaths Burials at Mountain View Cemetery (Oakland, California) Screenwriters from Iowa 20th-century American male writers 20th-century American screenwriters 20th-century British screenwriters