Henry Cronjager

Henry Cronjager
Henry Cronjager working on the set, ca. 1915
Born	(1877-02-15)February 15, 1877 Germany
Died	August 1, 1967(1967-08-01) (aged 90) Los Angeles, California, United States
Occupation	Cinematographer
Years active	1909-1934

Henry Cronjager was a pioneering cinematographer during the early days of silent film, right up through the beginning of the sound film era. Born in Germany on February 15, 1877, he and his brother, Jules, moved to the United States, where they eventually found work as cinematographers, working for companies such as Edison Studios, the Biograph Company, and Fox Film Corporation. He was known for his use of shadows, which would become a staple of the later German expressionist film movement.^[1] His two sons, Henry Cronjager Jr. and Edward Cronjager were also cinematographers, with Edward being nominated for seven Oscars. His grandson, William Cronjager (through Henry Jr.), was an Emmy Award-winning cinematographer.^[2]

His memorable silent films include 1917's Crime and Punishment, Mary Pickford's 1919 hit, Daddy Long Legs, and the 1921 film, Tol'able David. His career went into decline with the advent of talking pictures, although he was one of several talented cameraman to film Howard Hughes' iconic 1930 film, Hell's Angels.^[3] In an ironic twist, when he was demoted from cinematographer to cameramen on the 1934 film Kentucky Kernels, he would retire. His son Edward had been selected as the director of photography for that film.^[4]

Filmography

(Per AFI database)^[3]

References