Film director. He gained fame as a Hollywood film director during the first half of the 20th century. Born Hugh Ryan "Jack" Conway, he started his career as a prolific silent film actor upon leaving high school without graduation. He appeared in at least 80 short films and several full-feature films. His most memorable film was "The Valley of the Moon" in 1914. Within a few years, he was a director with Universal Studios before going to MGM. His first directed full film was "The Old Armchair" in 1913. In 1930, he directed actor Lon Chaney's last film, "The Unholy Three," which was Chaney's only talkie film. In 1934, at the Venice Film Festival with his film "Viva Villa," he received the Mussolini Cup for Best Foreign Film. In 1935, he directed "Tales of Two Cities," which is recognized as one of his best films. He had a hit in 1940 with "Bloom Town." He had many up-and-coming stars in films, such as Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, June Allyson, and Elizabeth Taylor, to name a few. He married twice, divorced once, and had two children with each wife. His first wife was a silent film actress, Viola Barry. His second wife, Virginia, was the daughter of actor Francis X. Bushman. Credited with at least 110 directed films, his last film was "Julia Misbehaves" in 1948. Producing a profuse number of films without going over the budget, he was described as an "assemble line director" who was not willing to take chances. Besides acting and directing, he was credited with producing at least three films. In 1960, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Film director. He gained fame as a Hollywood film director during the first half of the 20th century. Born Hugh Ryan "Jack" Conway, he started his career as a prolific silent film actor upon leaving high school without graduation. He appeared in at least 80 short films and several full-feature films. His most memorable film was "The Valley of the Moon" in 1914. Within a few years, he was a director with Universal Studios before going to MGM. His first directed full film was "The Old Armchair" in 1913. In 1930, he directed actor Lon Chaney's last film, "The Unholy Three," which was Chaney's only talkie film. In 1934, at the Venice Film Festival with his film "Viva Villa," he received the Mussolini Cup for Best Foreign Film. In 1935, he directed "Tales of Two Cities," which is recognized as one of his best films. He had a hit in 1940 with "Bloom Town." He had many up-and-coming stars in films, such as Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, June Allyson, and Elizabeth Taylor, to name a few. He married twice, divorced once, and had two children with each wife. His first wife was a silent film actress, Viola Barry. His second wife, Virginia, was the daughter of actor Francis X. Bushman. Credited with at least 110 directed films, his last film was "Julia Misbehaves" in 1948. Producing a profuse number of films without going over the budget, he was described as an "assemble line director" who was not willing to take chances. Besides acting and directing, he was credited with producing at least three films. In 1960, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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Nothing can express the love and respect of we here who mourn you.
Your loving wife Virginia
Your children, Rosemay, Mike and Pat
Family Members
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