William F. Haddock
Encyclopedia
William F. Haddock was one of the earliest film directors of the silent film era.
Haddock was born William Frederick Haddock in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
, and directed his first film in 1909, titled The Boots He Couldn't Lose. His next film was in 1911, when he directed The Immortal Alamo
, which is the earliest known film version of the events surrounding the 1836 Battle of the Alamo
, and which starred Francis Ford
. No copy of that film exists today , and it is considered to be a lost film
, as are many of Haddock's works. Many of his films during his early years were film shorts, starring lesser known actors and actresses. He often teamed up with early film actor Lamar Johnstone
, the first time being in the 1913 film Hearts and Crosses, co-starring Lucille Young
. That same year he married his wife, Rosa Koch. From 1909 to 1919 Haddock directed twenty four films.
His last direction was on the 1919 film The Carter Case, starring Herbert Rawlinson
, Marguerite Marsh
, and Ethel Grey Terry
. Following that film, Haddock left the film business, eventually settling in New York City
. Little is known about his life following his departure from film directing. He died on June 30th, 1969, in New York City.
Haddock was born William Frederick Haddock in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a city in Rockingham County, New Hampshire in the United States. It is the largest city but only the fourth-largest community in the county, with a population of 21,233 at the 2010 census...
, and directed his first film in 1909, titled The Boots He Couldn't Lose. His next film was in 1911, when he directed The Immortal Alamo
The Immortal Alamo
The Immortal Alamo was an American silent film produced by Star Film Company, directed by Gaston Melies, and released on May 25, 1911. The Immortal Alamo is the earliest film version of the events surrounding the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. No known copies of the film exist today, and it is...
, which is the earliest known film version of the events surrounding the 1836 Battle of the Alamo
Battle of the Alamo
The Battle of the Alamo was a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution. Following a 13-day siege, Mexican troops under President General Antonio López de Santa Anna launched an assault on the Alamo Mission near San Antonio de Béxar . All but two of the Texian defenders were killed...
, and which starred Francis Ford
Francis Ford (actor)
Francis Ford was a prolific film actor, writer, and director. He was the older brother of film director John Ford. He also appeared in many of John Ford's movies, including Young Mr. Lincoln and The Quiet Man.He starred in the 1912 two-reeler The Deserter by Thomas H. Ince and acted in over 400...
. No copy of that film exists today , and it is considered to be a lost film
Lost film
A lost film is a feature film or short film that is no longer known to exist in studio archives, private collections or public archives such as the Library of Congress, where at least one copy of all American films are deposited and catalogued for copyright reasons...
, as are many of Haddock's works. Many of his films during his early years were film shorts, starring lesser known actors and actresses. He often teamed up with early film actor Lamar Johnstone
Lamar Johnstone
Lamar Johnstone was an American silent film actor and director.Born in Fairfax, Virginia, he starred in 82 films as an actor between 1911 and his death in 1919...
, the first time being in the 1913 film Hearts and Crosses, co-starring Lucille Young
Lucille Young
Lucille Young was a French actress of the early silent film era.Young was born Lucia Medina in Lyon, France, appearing in vaudeville on American stage prior to moving to Hollywood to pursue a career in the pioneering days of early film making...
. That same year he married his wife, Rosa Koch. From 1909 to 1919 Haddock directed twenty four films.
His last direction was on the 1919 film The Carter Case, starring Herbert Rawlinson
Herbert Rawlinson
Herbert Rawlinson was an English stage, film, radio, and television actor. A leading man during Hollywood's silent film era, Rawlinson transitioned to character roles after the advent of sound films. Rawlinson died of lung cancer in 1953...
, Marguerite Marsh
Marguerite Marsh
Marguerite Marsh was an American actress of the silent era. She appeared in 73 films between 1911 and 1923....
, and Ethel Grey Terry
Ethel Grey Terry
Ethel Grey Terry was an American actress of the silent era. She appeared in 52 films between 1914 and 1928...
. Following that film, Haddock left the film business, eventually settling in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. Little is known about his life following his departure from film directing. He died on June 30th, 1969, in New York City.