Elsie Jane Wilson

Elsie Jane Wilson (7 November 1885 – 16 January 1965) was a cinema actress, director, and writer during the early film era. She took part in the productions of the silent film era and starred in over thirty films. Between the years of 1916 and 1919, Wilson was credited for writing two films and directing eleven films. She was best known in the genres of dramas and comedy dramas.

Elsie Jane Wilson was born in Sydney, Australia. She began her career as a professional actress from the age of two. She credits her success to participating in the English Christmas Pantomime every year, allowing her to gain training and experience for the pictures. Wilson toured Australia and New Zealand with a number of J. C. Williamson companies, where she met and married fellow performer, Rupert Julian in 1906. They immigrated to New York, United States in 1911 and eventually found work as actors in Hollywood under Joseph de Grasse.

Wilson and Rupert moved to Los Angeles in 1914 to pursue Universal Studios’ Rex Company. She briefly worked with The Little Theatre before she went into the movies. Wilson starred in films that were directed, produced and co-starred by her husband, Rupert Julian. She mentioned that her and Julian appeared in everything together until they came to the US. They started working on different movies and she even adds that when she was starring in “Everywomen” she went without seeing her husband for two years. The industry turned to directing, with Wilson later functioning as Julian's co-director. Though she received little credibility for her work and often was out-shined by Julian. Wilson notes that she and her husband had different ideas while sharing the appreciation for the same pictures, making it difficult for them to discuss work.

Wilson took a break from Universal and starred in films from other studios including American Studios. She appeared in Oliver Twist (1916) and other Paramount movies, then in 1917 returned to Universal and started her directorial career, mainly in light comedies. It was noted in the Pittsburg Post-Gazette in 1917 that her supportive role in Oliver Twist was a pronounced a success. She started her solo director career in 1917 with her film “The Little Pirate” which released on September 10, 1917.

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