Joseph J. Franz (October 12, 1883 – September 9, 1970) was an actor and

film director A film director controls a film's artistic and dramatic aspects and visualizes the screenplay (or script) while guiding the film crew and actors in the fulfilment of that vision. The director has a key role in choosing the cast members, p ...

during the

silent film A silent film is a film with no synchronized recorded sound (or more generally, no audible dialogue). Though silent films convey narrative and emotion visually, various plot elements (such as a setting or era) or key lines of dialogue may, when ...

era in the United States. Franz was born in

Utica, New York Utica () is a Administrative divisions of New York, city in the Mohawk Valley and the county seat of Oneida County, New York, United States. The List of cities in New York, tenth-most-populous city in New York State, its population was 65,283 ...

. He died in Los Angeles in 1970. He was sometimes credited as Joseph J. Franz.https://books.google.com/books?id=iqIYAQAAIAAJ&q=joseph+franz+silent+film+actor+and+director+"utica"&dq=joseph+franz+silent+film+actor+and+director+"utica"&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi82q_YldXhAhWwneAKHbcfCSEQ6AEIJjAA page 181 He features in a

Frontier A frontier is the political and geographical area near or beyond a boundary. A frontier can also be referred to as a "front". The term came from French in the 15th century, with the meaning "borderland"—the region of a country that fronts o ...

advertisement with two of the studio's other stars. Franz acted on stage in stock theater for three years before he began acting in films.

Filmography

Actor

*'' Honor the Law'' (1938), a 39 installment series of 15 minute episodes *''

Good Dame ''Good Dame'' is a 1934 American pre-Code drama film directed by Marion Gering and written by Sam Hellman, Vincent Lawrence and William R. Lipman. The film stars Sylvia Sidney, Fredric March, Jack La Rue, Noel Francis, Russell Hopton, Bradley P ...

'' (1934) as Detective Scanlon (credited as Joseph J. Franz) *'' Easy Come, Easy Go'' (1928) as a detective *''

The Devil's Trail ''The Devil's Trail'' is a 1919 American silent drama film that is set in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. It was directed by Stuart Paton and stars Betty Compson.

'' (1919) (credited as J.J. France) *'' The Mints of Hell '' (1919) as Sgt. Blake *'' The End of the Game'' (1919) as Hotel Clerk (credited as J.J. Franz) *'' Life's a Funny Proposition '' (1919) as Horace Pendleton *'' The Pretender (1918 film)'' as Percival Longstreet (credited as Joseph J. Franz) *'' The Law at Silver Camp'' (1915), a short, as Kerns - the Stagecoach Driver (credited as Joseph J. Franz) *''

Gangsters of the Hills A gangster is a criminal who is a member of a gang. Most gangs are considered to be part of organized crime. Gangsters are also called mobsters, a term derived from ''mob'' and the suffix '' -ster''. Gangs provide a level of organization and ...

'' (1915) *'' The Decree of Destiny'' (1915) *''

When Shadows Fall When may refer to: * When?, one of the Five Ws, questions used in journalism * WHEN (AM), an Urban Adult Contemporary radio station in Syracuse, New York * WHEN-TV, the former call letters of TV station WTVH in Syracuse, New York Music * When (b ...

'' (1915) *''

Christmas at Lonesome Gulch Christmas is an annual festival commemorating Nativity of Jesus, the birth of Jesus, Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people Observance of Christmas by country, around t ...

'' (1915) *'' Her Birthday Present'' (1914) *''

Joe's Retribution G.I. Joe's was a privately owned retail chain for sporting goods, ready-to-wear clothing, and auto parts; that operated stores in the Pacific Northwest region of the northwestern United States.The Hello Girl of Angel Camp ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

'' (1914) *''

The Rustler Outwitted ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

'' (1914) *''

The School Teacher at Angel Camp ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

'' (1914) *''

The Circle of Gold ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things that are already or about to be mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in En ...

'' (1914) *''

The Bandit of Devil's Gap ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

'' (1914) *''

The Moccasin Print ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

'' (1914) *'' Dolly's Deliverance'' (1914) *''

The Girl from Texas ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

'' (1914 *''

The Scarecrow's Secret ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

'' (1914) *''

In the Hollow of an Oak IN, In or in may refer to: Places * India (country code IN) * Indiana, United States (postal code IN) * Ingolstadt, Germany (license plate code IN) * In, Russia, a town in the Jewish Autonomous Oblast Businesses and organizations * Independ ...

'' (1914) *'' Four Days'' (1914) *''

The Man in the Attic ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the ...

'' (1914) *''

A Rose of Yesterday A, or a, is the first letter and the first vowel of the Latin alphabet, used in the modern English alphabet, the alphabets of other western European languages and others worldwide. Its name in English is ''a'' (pronounced ), plural ''aes'' ...

'' (1914) *'' Cattle (1914 film)'' *''

Under Arizona Skies ''Under Arizona Skies'' is a 1946 American Western film directed by Lambert Hillyer and written by J. Benton Cheney. The film stars Johnny Mack Brown, Reno Browne, Raymond Hatton, Riley Hill, Tris Coffin and Reed Howes. The film was released o ...

'' (1914) *'' The Janitor's Son'' (1914) *'' The Strange Signal'' (1914) *''

A Frontier Romance A, or a, is the first letter and the first vowel of the Latin alphabet, used in the modern English alphabet, the alphabets of other western European languages and others worldwide. Its name in English is ''a'' (pronounced ), plural ''aes'' ...

'' (1914) *'' The Mind's Awakening'' (1914) *''

When Memory Recalls When may refer to: * When?, one of the Five Ws, questions used in journalism * WHEN (AM), an Urban Adult Contemporary radio station in Syracuse, New York * WHEN-TV, the former call letters of TV station WTVH in Syracuse, New York Music * When (b ...

'' (1914) *'' The Ranger's Reward'' (1914) *'' The Fight in Lonely Gulch'' (1914) *'' The Broken Barrier'' (1914) *'' On the Verge'' (1914) *'' The Gun Men of Plumas'' (1914) *'' His Dress Rehearsal'' (1914) *'' The Girl and the Hobo '' (1914) *'' Brother for Brother'' (1914) *'' The Sheriff's Story'' (1914) *''

Won by Wire Won may refer to: *The Korean won from 1902–1910 * South Korean won, the currency of the Republic of Korea *North Korean won, the currency of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea * Won (Korean surname) * Won (Korean given name) * Won Buddh ...

'' (1914) *''

The Outlaw's Daughter ''The Outlaw's Daughter'' is a novel by Australian writer Arthur Wright about bushranging. Plot A bushranger, Devil Devine, abandons his daughter. Years later he holds her up and tries to marry her but is stopped. The bushranger is pursued by the ...

'' (1914) *'' The Runaway (1914 film) '' *''

Nugget Nell's Ward Nugget may refer to: Places * Nugget Falls (Oregon), an alternate name for Dillon Falls in Southern Oregon * Nugget Falls, a waterfall in Alaska * Nugget Point, New Zealand People * H. C. Coombs (1906–1997), Australian economist and public se ...

'' (1914) *'' Man's Best Friend (1914 film) '' *'' The Poison (1914 film)'' *''

Strange Evidence ''Strange Evidence'' (also known as ''Dance of the Witches'', and ''Wife in Pawn'') is a 1933 British crime film directed by Robert Milton (director), Robert Milton, produced by Alexander Korda and written by Lajos Bíró and Miles Malleson. Sta ...

'' (1914) *'' The Girl Bandit'' (1914) *'' The Sheriff's Deputy'' (1914) *'' His Younger Brother'' (1914) *''

The Mystery of Buffalo Gap ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

'' (1914) *'' So Shall Ye Reap'' (1914) *'' The Fatal Card (1914 film)'' (1914) *'' The Heart of Smiling Joe'' (1914) *''

Put Yourself in His Place (1914 film) ''Put Yourself in His Place'' is a 1912 American silent short drama based on an 1870 English novel by Charles Reade. The film was adapted and directed by Theodore Marston, and stars William Garwood and Marguerite Snow in the lead roles. Plot ...

'' (1914) *'' The Turning Point'' (1914) *'' I Abide with Me'' (1914) *''

Her Brother is a 1960 Japanese drama film directed by Kon Ichikawa. The film is based on the novel ''Otōto'' by Aya Koda. It was entered into the 1961 Cannes Film Festival, where it won a prize for Special Distinction. Plot 17-year-old Gen takes care ...

'' (1914 film) *'' Crossroads (1914 film)'' *'' The Winning Stroke'' (1914) *'' His Father'' (1913) *'' The Circuit Rider of the Hills'' (1913) *'' When Spirits Walk'' (1913) *''

A Hasty Jilting 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 ...

'' (1913) *''

The Frontier Twins Start Something ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things that are already or about to be mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in En ...

'' (1913) *'' Big Bluff Joe'' (1913) *''

College Holiday ''College Holiday'' is a 1936 Paramount comedy. The film stars Jack Benny, George Burns, Gracie Allen, and Martha Raye. It was directed by Frank Tuttle. Plot A woman hotelier with an interest in eugenics invites some young men to spend the summe ...

'' as a cop (uncredited) (1936) *''

Invitation to Happiness Invitation or The Invitation may refer to: Films * ''Invitation'' (1952 film), an MGM film starring Dorothy McGuire and Van Johnson * ''The Invitation'' (1973 film), a Swiss film * ''The Invitation'' (2003 film), an American film starring Lance H ...

'' (1939) as a reporter (uncredited) *''

I'm from Missouri ''I'm from Missouri'' is a 1939 American comedy film directed by Theodore Reed and written by Duke Atteberry and Jack Moffitt. The film stars Bob Burns, Gladys George, Gene Lockhart, Judith Barrett, William "Bill" Henry and Patricia Morison. Th ...

'' as a timekeeper (1939)(uncredited)

Director

*''

A Sagebrush Hamlet ''A Sage Brush Hamlet'' is a 1919 American silent Western film directed by Joseph J. Franz and written by Rex Taylor Rex Taylor (November 1, 1889 – December 27, 1968) was an American screenwriter. He wrote for more than 80 films betw ...

'' (1919) *''

The Blue Bandanna ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

'' (1919) *'' The Cave Girl'' (1921) *''

Fightin' Mad ''Fightin' Mad'' is a 1921 American silent Western comedy film directed by Joseph Franz and starring William Desmond, Virginia Brown Faire and Rosemary Theby.Munden, p. 238. Cast * William Desmond as Bud McGraw * Virginia Brown Faire as Peg ...

'' (1921) * '' Tracks'' (1922) *'' Steppin' Fast'' (1923)

Selected filmography

* ''

'' (1919) * ''

Bare-Fisted Gallagher ''Bare-Fisted Gallagher'' is a lost 1919 silent western feature directed by Joseph J. Franz and starring William Desmond. It was produced by Jesse D. Hampton and released through Robertson-Cole soon to amalgamate into Film Booking Offices of A ...

'' (1919) * ''

The Gray Wolf's Ghost ''The Gray Wolf's Ghost'' is a 1919 American silent Western film directed by Park Frame and Joseph Franz and starring Lurline Lyons, Rita Stanwood and Hector V. Sarno.Connelly, p. 355. Cast * Lurline Lyons as Dona Maria Saltonstall * Rit ...

'' (1919) * ''

A Broadway Cowboy ''A Broadway Cowboy'' is a 1920 American silent Western comedy film directed by Joseph Franz and starring William Desmond. It was distributed by Pathé Exchange. Plot As described in a film magazine, Betty Jordan (Francisco), daughter of a M ...

'' (1920) * '' The Parish Priest'' (1920) * '' The Cave Girl'' (1921) * ''

'' (1921) * ''

The Love Gambler ''The Love Gambler'' is a 1922 American silent film, silent Western (genre), Western film directed by Joseph Franz (director), Joseph Franz and written by Jules Furthman. The film stars John Gilbert (actor), John Gilbert, Carmel Myers, Bruce Go ...

'' (1922) * ''

Youth Must Have Love ''Youth Must Have Love'' is a 1922 American Drama (film and television), drama film directed by Joseph Franz (director), Joseph Franz and written by Dorothy Yost and Paul Schofield (screenwriter), Paul Schofield. The film stars Shirley Mason (ac ...

'' (1922) * '' Tracks'' (1922) * ''

Smiling Jim ''Smiling Jim'' is a 1922 American silent Western film directed by Joseph J. Franz from a screenplay by Hal C. Norfleet. The film stars Franklyn Farnum, Alma Bennett, and Percy Challenger. Cast * Franklyn Farnum as Smiling Jim/Frank Harmon ...

'' (1922) * '' The New Teacher'' (1922) * ''

Stepping Fast ''Stepping Fast'' is a 1923 American silent film, silent Western (genre), Western film directed by Joseph Franz (director), Joseph Franz and starring Tom Mix, Claire Adams and Donald MacDonald (actor), Donald MacDonald.Munden, p. 765 Cast * Tom ...

'' (1923) * ''

Alias the Night Wind ''Alias the Night Wind'' is a 1923 American silent mystery film directed by Joseph Franz and starring William Russell, Maude Wayne and Charles K. French.Solomon p.283 Cast * William Russell as Bing Howard * Maude Wayne as Katherine Maxwell ...

'' (1923) * ''

The Pell Street Mystery ''The Pell Street Mystery'' is a 1924 American silent action film directed by Joseph Franz and starring George Larkin, Frank Whitson, and Ollie Kirby. It is part of a series of films featuring Larkin as a New York City newspaper reporter. Pl ...

'' (1924) * '' Blue Blazes'' (1926) * ''

The Desperate Game ''The Desperate Game'' is a 1926 American silent Western film directed by Joseph Franz and Milburn Morante. It stars Pete Morrison, Lew Meehan, and Bert Lindley. Cast * Pete Morrison as Jim Wesley * Dolores Gardner as Marguerite Grayson * ...

'' (1926)

References

Bibliography

* Munden, Kenneth White. ''The American Film Institute Catalog of Motion Pictures Produced in the United States, Part 1''. University of California Press, 1997.

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Franz, Joseph 1883 births 1970 deaths American film directors American male silent film actors 20th-century American male actors People from Utica, New York