Emory Johnson

He started acting in silent films as a teenager. Early in his career, Carl Laemmle choose Emory to become a Universal studio leading man. He also became part of one of the early Hollywood celebrity marriages when he wed Ella Hall.

In 1914, Emory spent the year honing his acting chops by making nineteen films for Essanay. The year would mark his first top billing in a short drama film titled Italian Love. Later, he would earn another top billing in a short comedy, The Warning. His costar was Marguerite Clayton who was Broncho Billy's first leading lady. He would also continue to act in more Broncho Billy westerns. He also earned roles in the Snakeville comedy series and the Sophie series of comedies. 1914 would become the highest movie output of his entire career.

Emory's last film for Essanay was released in June 1914. There would be a year's lapse before he would release his next film. In 1915, Emory turned 21 years old and invested in his own motion picture company – Liberty Motion Picture Company.

Emory jumped from Essanay to Liberty films.

The first Johnson collaboration under the renamed FBO contract was The Midnight Call.

Emory Johnson was born on March 16, 1894 in San Francisco, California, USA as Alfred Emory Johnson. He was an actor and director, known for The Phantom Express (1932), The Last Edition (1925) and The Non-Stop Flight (1926).

He started acting in silent films as a teenager. Early in his career, Carl Laemmle choose Emory to become a Universal studio leading man. He also became part of one of the early Hollywood celebrity marriages when he wed Ella Hall.

Emory Johnson with his family

In September 1912, the 19-year-old Emory was given an entry-level job as an assistant cameraman paying $8.50 per week. His new job would allow him to learn about the movie business from the ground up.

In 1914, Emory spent the year honing his acting chops by making nineteen films for Essanay. The year would mark his first top billing in a short drama film titled Italian Love. Later, he would earn another top billing in a short comedy, The Warning. His costar was Marguerite Clayton who was Broncho Billy's first leading lady. He would also continue to act in more Broncho Billy westerns. He also earned roles in the Snakeville comedy series and the Sophie series of comedies. 1914 would become the highest movie output of his entire career.

Emory's last film for Essanay was released in June 1914. There would be a year's lapse before he would release his next film. In 1915, Emory turned 21 years old and invested in his own motion picture company – Liberty Motion Picture Company.

Emory jumped from Essanay to Liberty films.

Because of his late start, Emory's film output dropped substantially. Emory made only four motion pictures in 1915.

In January 1916, Emory signed a contract with Universal Film Manufacturing Company. He would make 17 movies that year, including 6 shorts and 11 feature-length Dramas. This year would become the second-highest movie output of his entire acting career.

Emory's Universal contract ended in May 1918.

The first Johnson collaboration under the renamed FBO contract was The Midnight Call.

In April, 1926 FBO decided to let Emory and Emilie Johnson's contracts expire; there is not a published reason for this.

In June, Emory Johnson signed a new eight-picture deal with Universal.

In November 1930, Emory Johnson released his first Tiffany-Stahl Productions contract production, The Third Alarm.

On March 7, 1932, Emory Johnson filed for bankruptcy listing liabilities $4,500 and assets as $480. It is possible a contributing reason for this bankruptcy was to lower support payments for Ella and kids.

He died on April 18, 1960 in San Mateo, California.