John Cromwell
Biography
John Cromwell, born Elwood Dager Cromwell, was an American actor, stage director, and film director. He was born on December 23, 1886, in Toledo, Ohio, and died on September 26, 1979, at the age of 92. Cromwell made his Broadway debut in 1912 playing the role of John Brooke in an adaptation of the novel Little Women. His film directing career extended from the early era of sound through 1950s film noir before being interrupted by the Hollywood blacklist. He is credited with 53 known credits. His work includes the 1937 film The Prisoner of Zenda, the 1939 film Stvořeni jeden pro druhého, and the 1951 film The Racket.
Career overview
Elwood Dager Cromwell, known professionally as John Cromwell, was an American actor and director of film and stage. Born on December 23, 1886, in Toledo, Ohio, he began his career in theater. He made his Broadway debut in 1912 playing the role of John Brooke in an adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott novel Little Women.
Cromwell transitioned into film directing, with a body of work that spanned from the early days of sound through the 1950s. His directing credits include the 1937 production The Prisoner of Zenda, the 1939 film Stvořeni jeden pro druhého, and the 1951 film The Racket. His career in the film noir genre of the 1950s was eventually cut short due to the Hollywood blacklist.
In addition to his work as a director, Cromwell continued to act in later years. His acting credits include the role of Bishop Martin in the 1978 production A Wedding and the role of Lieutenant Bud Vogel in the 2011 project Spomienky na vojnu. He died on September 26, 1979, at the age of 92.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
59 titles- A Wedding (1978) as Bishop Martin
- 3 Women (1977) as Mr. Rose
- A Matter of Morals (1961) Director
- New York Confidential (1959) Director
- The Scavengers (1959) Director
- The Goddess (1958) Director
- Top Secret Affair (1957) as General Daniel A. Grimshaw
- The Company She Keeps (1951) as Desk Sergeant (uncredited)
- The Company She Keeps (1951) Director
- The Racket (1951) Director
- Caged (1950) Director
- Studio One (1948) as Senator Harvey Rogers
- Night Song (1948) Director
- Night Song (1948) Producer
- Anna and the King of Siam (1946) Director
- Dead Reckoning (1946) Director
- The Enchanted Cottage (1945) Director
- Watchtower Over Tomorrow (1945) Director
- Since You Went Away (1944) Director
- Guest in the House (1944) Co-Director
- Son of Fury: The Story of Benjamin Blake (1942) Director
- So Ends Our Night (1941) Director
- Abe Lincoln in Illinois (1940) as John Brown (uncredited)
- Abe Lincoln in Illinois (1940) Director
- Victory (1940) Director
- In Name Only (1939) Director
- Made for Each Other (1939) Director
- Algiers (1938) Director
- The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) Director
- Little Lord Fauntleroy (1936) Director
- Banjo on My Knee (1936) Director
- To Mary - with Love (1936) Director
- Village Tale (1935) Director
- I Dream Too Much (1935) Director
- Jalna (1935) Director
- Of Human Bondage (1934) Director
- This Man Is Mine (1934) Director
- The Fountain (1934) Director
- Spitfire (1934) Director
- Sweepings (1933) Director
- The Silver Cord (1933) Director
- Double Harness (1933) Director
- Ann Vickers (1933) as Sad Faced Doughboy (uncredited)
- Ann Vickers (1933) Director
- The World and the Flesh (1932) Director
- Scandal Sheet (1931) Director
- Unfaithful (1931) Director
- Rich Man's Folly (1931) Director
- The Vice Squad (1931) Director
- The Texan (1930) Director
- Tom Sawyer (1930) Director
- Street of Chance (1930) as Imbrie (uncredited)
- Street of Chance (1930) Director
- For the Defense (1930) Director
- The Dance of Life (1929) Director
- The Mighty (1929) as Mr. Jamieson
- The Mighty (1929) Director
- Close Harmony (1929) Director
- The Dummy (1929) as Walter Babbing
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is John Cromwell best known for?
John Cromwell is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including A Wedding (1978), 3 Women (1977), Eight Days a Week (1997), The Goddess (1958).
When and where was John Cromwell born?
John Cromwell was born on December 23, 1886 in Toledo, Ohio, USA. They passed away on September 26, 1979.
How many credits does John Cromwell have?
John Cromwell has accumulated over 59 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1929 to 1978.
What is John Cromwell's background in cinema and television?
John Cromwell, born Elwood Dager Cromwell, was an American actor, stage director, and film director. He was born on December 23, 1886, in Toledo, Ohio, and died on September 26, 1979, at the age of 92. Cromwell made his Broadway debut in 1912 playing the role of John Brooke in an adaptation of the novel Little Women. H...
John Cromwell by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- 3 Women (1977) as Mr. Rose — aged about 90
- A Wedding (1978) as Bishop Martin — aged about 91
- The Company She Keeps (1951) as Desk Sergeant (uncredited) — aged about 64
- Top Secret Affair (1957) as General Daniel A. Grimshaw — aged about 70
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