Alan Crosland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alan Crosland
Crosland in 1921
Born	(1894-08-10)August 10, 1894 New York City, U.S.
Died	July 16, 1936(1936-07-16) (aged 41) Hollywood, California, U.S.
Years active	1916–1936
Spouse(s)	Juanita Fletcher (m.1917–div.1921) Natalie Moorhead (m.1930–div.1935)
Children	1, Alan Crosland, Jr

Alan Crosland (born August 10, 1894 – died July 16, 1936) was an American actor and film director. He is famous for directing The Jazz Singer in 1927. This movie was super important because it was the first full-length film with spoken dialogue, meaning the characters actually talked! It changed movies forever.

Early Life and Film Career

Alan Crosland (standing) telling stories to Myron Selznick and Elaine Hammerstein, 1919

Alan Crosland was born in New York City, New York. His family was quite well-off. He went to Dartmouth College. After college, he worked as a writer for a magazine called the New York Globe.

But Alan was really interested in the theatre. He started acting on stage. He even performed in several plays with a famous actress named Annie Russell.

Alan began working in the movie business in 1912. He started at Edison Studios in The Bronx, New York. For two years, he learned all about making movies. Soon, he was directing short films. By 1917, he was directing full-length movies. In 1920, he directed The Flapper, starring Olive Thomas.

In 1925, Alan Crosland started working for Warner Bros. in Hollywood. He directed several silent films for them. One of these was Don Juan in 1926, starring John Barrymore. This movie was special because it had synchronized sound effects and music. But the characters didn't speak.

Then came the big one! Alan was chosen to direct Al Jolson in The Jazz Singer (1927). This film made him famous. It was one of the very first "talkies" – movies where characters actually spoke. It completely changed how movies were made!

Later Life and Legacy

Alan Crosland passed away in 1936. He was only 41 years old. He died in a car accident on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. He is buried in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. For many years, his grave didn't have a headstone. But in 2003, a headstone was finally placed there.

His son, Alan Crosland Jr. (1918–2001), also became a successful director. He directed many television shows.

Filmography