Jack J. Clark (September 23, 1879 – April 12, 1947) was an American director and actor of the early motion picture industry.
Biography
Clark was born on September 23, 1879, in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, often called Philly, is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the sixth-largest city in the U.S., the second-largest city in both the Northeast megalopolis and Mid-Atlantic regions after New York City. Sinc ...
. He was persuaded to enter motion pictures in 1907 by
Sidney Olcott
Sidney Olcott (born John Sidney Allcott, September 20, 1872 – December 16, 1949) was a Canadian-born film producer, director, actor and screenwriter.
Biography
Born John Sidney Allcott in Toronto, he became one of the first great direc ...
of the New York-based
Kalem Studios
The Kalem Company was an early American film studio founded in New York City in 1907. It was one of the first companies to make films abroad and to set up winter production facilities, first in Florida and then in California. Kalem was sold to V ...
during the silent film era. Clark traveled through 24 countries with the film company becoming one of the first American film stars to film on foreign location. While in the
Holy Land
The Holy Land; Arabic: or is an area roughly located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Eastern Bank of the Jordan River, traditionally synonymous both with the biblical Land of Israel and with the region of Palestine. The term "Holy ...
, Kalem Studios produced the first
passion play, ''
From the Manger to the Cross
''From the Manger to the Cross or Jesus of Nazareth'' (often shortened to simply ''From the Manger to the Cross'') is a 1912 American drama film directed by Sidney Olcott, written by Gene Gauntier (who also portrays Virgin Mary), and stars Rober ...
'', casting Jack Clark as
John the Apostle
John the Apostle ( grc, Ἰωάννης; la, Ioannes ; Ge'ez: ዮሐንስ;) or Saint John the Beloved was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus according to the New Testament. Generally listed as the youngest apostle, he was the son of Zebedee a ...
. Clark and co-star
Gene Gauntier
Gene Gauntier (born Genevieve Gauntier Liggett, August 26, 1885 – December 18, 1966) was an American screenwriter and actress who was one of the pioneers of the motion picture industry. A writer, director, and actress in films from mid 1906 ...
were married during the filming, in 1912. They divorced in 1918.
During a three-year leave from the film industry in the early 1920s, Jack was instructor of dramatic arts at
Villanova University
Villanova University is a Private university, private Catholic church, Roman Catholic research university in Villanova, Pennsylvania. It was founded by the Order of Saint Augustine, Augustinians in 1842 and named after Thomas of Villanova, Sa ...
. He organized a dramatic workshop and produced the mystical play ''Vision''. About the same time he staged a pageant, ''Charity,'' with a cast of 600 persons, which established new records at the Philadelphia
Metropolitan Opera House. He also wrote and produced a dramatic musical pageant, ''Columbus,'' which, with a cast of more than 1000 was staged at the
Philadelphia Academy of Music
The Academy of Music, also known as American Academy of Music, is a concert hall and opera house located at 240 S. Broad Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its location is between Locust and Manning Streets in the Avenue of the Arts area of ...
for the
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus (K of C) is a global Catholic fraternal service order founded by Michael J. McGivney on March 29, 1882. Membership is limited to practicing Catholic men. It is led by Patrick E. Kelly, the order's 14th Supreme Knight. ...
.
In 1929, Jack Clark married Francis Rose Musolf. They remained married until his death.
Among Clark's plays were ''The Prince of Pilsen'' and ''45 Minutes from Broadway''. He acted in more than 200 films
including ''
The Colleen Bawn
''The Colleen Bawn, or The Brides of Garryowen'' is a melodramatic play written by Irish playwright Dion Boucicault. It was first performed at Laura Keene's Theatre, New York, on 27 March 1860 with Laura Keene playing Anne Chute and Boucicau ...
'' (1911), ''
From the Manger to the Cross
''From the Manger to the Cross or Jesus of Nazareth'' (often shortened to simply ''From the Manger to the Cross'') is a 1912 American drama film directed by Sidney Olcott, written by Gene Gauntier (who also portrays Virgin Mary), and stars Rober ...
'' (1912), ''
The Shaughraun
''The Shaughraun'' () is a melodramatic Play (theatre), play written by Irish people, Irish playwright Dion Boucicault. It was first performed at Wallack's Theatre, New York City, New York, on 14 November 1874. Dion Boucicault played Conn in the ...
'' (1912), ''The Last of the Mafia'' (1915), ''A Fool's Paradise'' (1916), ''
Audrey
Audrey () is an English feminine given name. It is the Anglo-Norman form of the Anglo-Saxon name ''Æðelþryð'', composed of the elements '' æðel'' "noble" and ''þryð'' "strength". The Anglo-Norman form of the name was applied to Saint Aud ...
'' (1916), ''Pajamas'' (1927), ''
Love and Learn'' (1928), and ''Broadway Howdy'' (1929). Among the films he directed or produced were ''
The Yankee Girl
''The Yankee Girl'' is a 1915 silent film comedy produced by Oliver Morosco, distributed by Paramount Pictures and starring Blanche Ring, from the Broadway stage. This film though a comedy is actually based on Ring's 1910 musical-comedy play of t ...
'' (1915) and ''The Mad Maid of the Forest'' (1915).
Jack Clark died on April 12, 1947 in
Hollywood, California
Hollywood is a neighborhood in the central region of Los Angeles, California. Its name has come to be a shorthand reference for the U.S. film industry and the people associated with it. Many notable film studios, such as Columbia Pictures, ...
.
Partial filmography
1910
* ''
The Conspiracy of Pontiac
''The Conspiracy of Pontiac'' is an American silent film produced by Kalem Company and directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier, Robert Vignola and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles. It is a story of the Indian war after the conquest of Canada ...
''
* ''
When Lovers Part''
1911
* ''
For the Love of an Enemy
''For Love of an Enemy'' is a one-reel 1911 American motion picture produced by Kalem Company and directed by Sidney Olcott. A war story detailing the adventures and the love affair of a Union spy in the Confederate lines.
Cast
* Jack J. Clark - ...
''
* ''
Her Chum's Brother
''Her Chum's Brother'' is an American silent film produced by Kalem Company and directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier, Jack J. Clark and Robert Vignola in the leading roles.
Cast
* Gene Gauntier -
* Jack J. Clark -
* Robert Vignola -
P ...
''
* ''
The Little Sister
''The Little Sister'' is a 1949 novel by Raymond Chandler, his fifth featuring the private investigator Philip Marlowe. The story is set in Los Angeles in the late 1940s and follows Marlowe's investigation of a missing persons case and blackmai ...
''
* ''
Grandmother's War Story
''Grandmother's War Story'' is an American silent film produced by Kalem Company and directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark.
Cast
* Gene Gauntier -
* Jack J. Clark -
Production notes
The film was shot in Jacksonvill ...
''
* ''
Sailor Jack's Reformation
''Sailor Jack's Reformation'' is an American silent film produced by Kalem Company and directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier, Jack J. Clark and JP McGowan in the leading role.
Cast
* Gene Gauntier - Captain Agnes
* Jack J. Clark
Jack J. ...
''
* ''
A War Time Escape
''A War Time Escape'' is an American silent film produced by Kalem Company and directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier, Jack J. Clark and Robert Vignola in the leading roles.
Cast
* Gene Gauntier
* Jack J. Clark
* Robert Vignola
Product ...
''
* ''
A Sawmill Hero
''A Sawmill Hero'' is an American silent film produced by Kalem Company and directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading role.
Cast
* Gene Gauntier - Jennie
* Jack J. Clark
Jack J. Clark (September 23, 1879 ...
''
* ''
The Lass Who Couldn't Forget''
* ''
By a Woman's Wit
''By a Woman's Wit'' is a 1911 American silent film produced by Kalem Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with Jack J. Clark and Alice Hollister in the leading roles. A copy is kept in the Desmet collection at Eye Film Institute (Amsterdam). ...
''
* ''
The Fiddle's Requiem
''The Fiddle's Requiem'' is an American silent film produced by Kalem Company and directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier, Jack J. Clark, Robert Vignola and JP McGowan in the leading roles.
Cast
* Gene Gauntier - Dolores
* Jack J. Clark -
...
''
* ''
When the Dead Return
''When the Dead Return'' is a one-reel 1911 American motion picture produced by Kalem Company and directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier, Jack J. Clark and JP McGowan in the leading roles, and with Cinematography by George K. Hollister.
C ...
''
* ''
The Carnival''
* ''
In Blossom Time
''In Blossom Time'' is an American silent film produced by Kalem Company and directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles.
Cast
* Gene Gauntier - Angelica
* Jack J. Clark - Victorian, son of Don Pedro
Pro ...
''
* ''
Tangled Lives''
* ''
The Railroad Raiders of '62
''The Railroad Raiders of '62'' is an American silent film produced by Kalem Company and directed by Sidney Olcott with Jack J. Clark, Robert Vignola and JP McGowan in the leading roles. The action takes place during the U.S. civil war.
Cast
* Ja ...
''
* ''
The Little Soldier of '64
''The Little Soldier of '64'' is an American silent film produced by Kalem Company and directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles.
Cast
* Gene Gauntier -
* Jack J. Clark -
Production notes
The film was ...
''
* ''
To the Aid of Stonewall Jackson
''To the Aid of Stonewall Jackson'' is an American silent film produced by Kalem Company and directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier in the leading role. The action takes place during the Civil War.
Cast
* Gene Gauntier - Nan, the Girl Spy ...
''
* ''
Hubby's Day at Home''
* ''
The Colonel's Son''
* ''
The Romance of a Dixie Belle
''The Romance of a Dixie Belle'' is a 1911 American silent film produced by Kalem Company and distributed by General Film. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier in the leading roles.
Cast
* Gene Gauntier - Shirley
Production not ...
''
* ''
Special Messenger
''Special Messenger'' is a 1911 American silent film produced by Kalem Company and distributed by General Film. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with himself, Gene Gauntier and JP McGowan in the leading roles.
Cast
* Gene Gauntier
* Sidney Olco ...
''
* ''
Rory O'More
Rory O'More, also known as Rory Oge O'More ( ga, Ruairí Óg Ó Mórdha) (died 1578), was the Irish lord of what became Laois.
Family background
Rory O'More was the second son of Ruairí Ó Mórdha, Captain of Leix, and Margaret, daughter of ...
''
* ''
Losing to Win
''Losing to Win'' is a 1911 American silent film produced by Kalem Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles.
Cast
* Gene Gauntier - Diana Grant
* Jack J. Clark - Jack Carlyle
Production ...
''
* ''
The Colleen Bawn
''The Colleen Bawn, or The Brides of Garryowen'' is a melodramatic play written by Irish playwright Dion Boucicault. It was first performed at Laura Keene's Theatre, New York, on 27 March 1860 with Laura Keene playing Anne Chute and Boucicau ...
''
* ''
The Fishermaid of Ballydavid
''The Fishermaid of Ballydavid'' is a 1911 American silent film produced by Kalem Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with himself and Gene Gauntier in the leading roles.
Cast
Production notes
The film was shot in Ireland, in Ballydavid, ...
''
* ''
Among the Irish Fisher Folk
''Among the Irish Fisher Folk'' is a 1911 American silent documentary produced by Kalem Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott
Sidney Olcott (born John Sidney Allcott, September 20, 1872 – December 16, 1949) was a Canadian-born film ...
''
* ''
The Franciscan Friars of Killarney
''The Franciscan Friars of Killarney'' is a 1911 American silent documentary produced by Kalem Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott
Sidney Olcott (born John Sidney Allcott, September 20, 1872 – December 16, 1949) was a Canadian-bo ...
''
* ''
Arrah-na-Pogue
''Arrah-na-Pogue'', also known as ''Arrah-na-Pogue; or the Wicked Wedding'', is a play in 3 acts by Dion Boucicault. Along with ''The Colleen Bawn'' (1860) and ''The Shaughraun'' (1874), it is considered one of the three major Irish plays penned ...
''
1912
* ''
A Southern Boy of '61
A, or a, is the first Letter (alphabet), letter and the first vowel of the Latin alphabet, Latin alphabet, used in the English alphabet, modern English alphabet, the alphabets of other western European languages and others worldwide. Its name ...
''
* ''
The O'Neill
''The O'Neill'' is a 1912 American silent film produced by Kalem Company and distributed by General Films. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with himself, Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles.
Cast
* Gene Gauntier
* Jack J. Clar ...
''
* ''
His Mother
''His Mother'' is a 1912 American silent film produced by Kalem Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles. It was one of more than a dozen films produced by the Kalem Company filmed in Ir ...
''
* ''
The O'Kalems Visit Killarney
''The O'Kalems Visit Killarney'' is a 1912 American silent documentary produced by Kalem Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott.
Production notes
The film was shot in Killarney
Killarney ( ; ga, Cill Airne , meaning 'church of sloes') ...
''
* ''
The Vagabonds''
* ''
Far From Erin's Isle
''Far from Erin's Isle'' is a 1912 American silent film directed by Sidney Olcott. It was one of more than a dozen films produced by the Kalem Company filmed in Ireland for American audiences. The film tells the story of a young girl who leaves Ire ...
''
* ''
You Remember Ellen
''You Remember Ellen'' is a 1912 American silent film produced by Kalem Company and distributed by General Films. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles. It was one of more than a dozen films pr ...
''
* ''
A Visit to Madeira''
* ''
The Kalemites Visit Gibraltar''
* ''
Along the Mediterranean''
* ''
American Tourists Abroad''
* ''
The Fighting Dervishes of the Desert
''The Fighting Dervishes of the Desert'' is a 1912 American silent film produced by Kalem Company and distributed by General Film Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with himself, Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles.
Ca ...
''
* ''
Missionaries in Darkest Africa
''Missionaries in Darkest Africa'' is a 1912 American silent film produced by Kalem Company and distributed by General Film Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier, Jack J. Clark and Robert Vignola in the leading roles.
Cas ...
''
* ''
Making Photoplays in Egypt''
* ''
Captured by Bedouins
''Captured by Bedouins'' is a 1912 American silent film produced by Kalem Company and distributed by General Film Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles.
Cast
* Gene Gauntier - Do ...
''
* ''
Tragedy of the Desert
''Tragedy of the Desert'' is a 1912 American silent film produced by Kalem Company and distributed by General Film Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles.
Cast
* Gene Gauntier
* J ...
''
* ''
Winning a Widow
''Winning a Widow'' is a 1912 American silent film produced by Kalem Company and distributed by General Film Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles.
Cast
* Gene Gauntier - The Widow ...
''
* ''
A Prisoner of the Harem
''A Prisoner of the Harem'' is a 1912 American silent film produced by Kalem Company and distributed by General Film Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with himself, Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles.
Cast
* Gene Gaunt ...
''
* ''
Down Through the Ages
''Down Through the Ages'' is a 1912 American silent film produced by Kalem Company and distributed by General Film Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles.
Cast
* Gene Gauntier
* J ...
''
* ''
The Ancient Port of Jaffa
''The Ancient Port of Jaffa'' is a 1912 American silent documentary produced by Kalem Company and distributed by General Film Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott.
Plot summary
The picture opens with a scene of a steamship, showing the Ka ...
''
* ''
Ancient Temples of Egypt''
* ''
The Poacher's Pardon
''The Poacher's Pardon'' is a 1912 American silent film produced by Kalem Company and distributed by General Film Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with Alice Hollister, Jack J. Clark and J.P. McGowan in the leading roles.
Cast
* Jac ...
''
* ''
From the Manger To the Cross
''From the Manger to the Cross or Jesus of Nazareth'' (often shortened to simply ''From the Manger to the Cross'') is a 1912 American drama film directed by Sidney Olcott, written by Gene Gauntier (who also portrays Virgin Mary), and stars Rober ...
''
* ''
The Kerry Gow
''The Kerry Gow'' is a 1912 American silent film produced by Kalem Company and distributed by General Films. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with Alice Hollister and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles.Magill's Survey of Silent films, Vol2. FLE-P ...
''
* ''
The Mayor From Ireland
''The Mayor From Ireland'' is a 1912 American silent film produced by Kalem Company and distributed by General Films. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier, Jack J. Clark and J.P. McGowan in the leading roles.
Cast
* Gene Gaunt ...
''
* ''
Ireland, the Oppressed
''Ireland, the Oppressed'' is a 1912 American silent film produced by Kalem Company and distributed by General Film Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with himself, Jack J. Clark and Alice Hollister.
Cast
* Jack J. Clark -
* Alice Hollist ...
''
* ''
The Shaughraun
''The Shaughraun'' () is a melodramatic Play (theatre), play written by Irish people, Irish playwright Dion Boucicault. It was first performed at Wallack's Theatre, New York City, New York, on 14 November 1874. Dion Boucicault played Conn in the ...
''
1913
* ''
The Wives of Jamestown
''The Wives of Jamestown'' is a 1913 American silent film produced by Kalem Company and distributed by General Films Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with himself, Gene Gauntier, Helen Lindroth and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles.
C ...
''
* ''
The Lady Peggy's Escape
''Lady Peggy's Escape'' is a 1913 American silent film produced by Kalem Company and distributed by General Films Company. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with himself, Gene Gauntier, Helen Lindroth and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles.
Cas ...
''
* ''
A Daughter of the Confederacy
''A Daughter of the Confederacy'' is a 1913 American silent film produced by Gene Gauntier Feature Players and distributed by Warner's Features. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles.
Cast
* ...
''
* ''
The Mystery of Pine Creek Camp
''The Mystery of Pine Creek Camp'' is a 1913 American silent film produced by Gene Gauntier Feature Players and distributed by Warner's Features. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with himself, Gene Gauntier, Jack J. Clark and Arthur Donaldson in ...
''
* ''
When Men Hate
''When Men Hate'' is a 1913 American silent film produced by Gene Gauntier Feature Players and distributed by Warner's Features. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles.
Cast
* Gene Gauntier - ...
''
* ''
In the Power of the Hypnotist
''In the Power of the Hypnotist'' is a 1913 American silent film produced by Gene Gauntier Feature Players and distributed by Warner's Features. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with himself, Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles. ...
''
* ''
In the Clutches of the Ku Klux Klan
''In the Clutches of the Ku Klux Klan'' is a 1913 American silent film produced by Gene Gauntier Feature Players and distributed by Warner's Features. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with himself, Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading ...
''
1914
* ''
For Ireland's Sake
''For Ireland's Sake'' is a 1914 American silent film produced by Gene Gauntier Feature Players and distributed by Warner's Features. it was directed by Sidney Olcott with himself, Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles.
Cast
* Ge ...
''
* ''
Come Back To Erin''
* ''
The Eye of the Government
''The Eye of the Government'' is a 1914 American silent film produced by Gene Gauntier Feature Players and distributed by Warner's Features. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with himself, Gene Gauntier and Jack J Clark in the leading roles.
C ...
''
* ''
The Little Rebel
''The Little Rebel'' is a 1914 American silent film produced by Gene Gauntier Feature Players and distributed by United Film Services (Warner's Features). It was directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles. ...
''
* ''
Through the Fire of Temptation''
* ''
A Fight for a Birthright''
* ''
Marian, the Holy Terror''
* ''
Twilight
Twilight is light produced by sunlight scattering in the upper atmosphere, when the Sun is below the horizon, which illuminates the lower atmosphere and the Earth's surface. The word twilight can also refer to the periods of time when this il ...
''
* ''
His Brother's Wife
''His Brother's Wife'' is a 1936 American romantic drama film directed by W. S. Van Dyke and starring Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor. Written by Leon Gordon and John Meehan, based on a story by George Auerbach, the film is about a scienti ...
''
1915
* ''
The Last of the Mafia''
* ''
The Smuggler's Lass''
* ''
The Woman Hater's Baby''
* ''
The Ulster Lass''
* ''
The Mad Maid of the Forestl''
* ''
Gene of the Northlandl''
* ''
The Little Rebel
''The Little Rebel'' is a 1914 American silent film produced by Gene Gauntier Feature Players and distributed by United Film Services (Warner's Features). It was directed by Sidney Olcott with Gene Gauntier and Jack J. Clark in the leading roles. ...
''
1916
* ''
A Fool's Paradisel''
* ''
Audrey
Audrey () is an English feminine given name. It is the Anglo-Norman form of the Anglo-Saxon name ''Æðelþryð'', composed of the elements '' æðel'' "noble" and ''þryð'' "strength". The Anglo-Norman form of the name was applied to Saint Aud ...
''
* ''
Scorched Wings''
* ''
The Innocent Lie
''The Innocent Lie'' is a 1916 American silent film produced by Famous Players Film Company and distributed by Paramount. It was directed by Sidney Olcott with Valentine Grant as leading woman.
Plot
Cast
* Valentine Grant as Nora O'Brie ...
''
References
Notes
Sources
*
* Michel Derrien, ''Aux origines du cinéma irlandais: Sidney Olcott, le premier oeil'', TIR 2013.
External links
*
Jack J. Clarkat IMDb
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Clark, Jack J.
1879 births
1947 deaths
American film directors
Male actors from Philadelphia