William C. deMille (1878–1955,) fully William Churchill DeMille, was an American screenwriter and film director. A celebrated playwright, he was active from the silent film era through the early 1930s, when he specialized in adapting Broadway plays into Hollywood films.
Born in Washington, North Carolina, deMille was the cleric and playwright Henry Churchill DeMille’s son and filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille’s elder brother. William received a bachelor’s degree from Columbia followed by graduate studies in dramatic literature at the Academy of Dramatic Arts.
DeMille wrote nine plays, including his first play, Strongheart (1914; filmed by Cecil as Braveheart, 1925,) The Warrens of Virginia (1907,) and The Woman (1911.) He composed several vaudeville sketches, including In 1999, Food, Poor Old Jim, The Squealer, The Martyrs, and The Deceivers.
DeMille wrote, produced, and directed Passion Flower (1930.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by William C. deMille
I have always admired the ability to bite off more than one can chew and then chew it.
—William C. deMille
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
David Seltzer American Screenwriter
Cecil B. DeMille American Filmmaker
Sylvester Stallone American Actor
Richard Carlson American Actor
Steven Spielberg American Film Director
Woody Allen American Film Actor, Director
Casey Robinson American Film Producer
Charlie Chaplin British Actor
Stanley Kubrick American Film Director
Carl Reiner American Comedian