James Young (director)

James Young (January 1, 1872 – June 9, 1948) was an American film director, actor, and screenwriter of the silent era and early sound era.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Young began his career as a stage actor. He transitioned to the burgeoning film industry, initially working as an actor and then quickly moving into directing. He directed over 100 films, often collaborating with his wife, actress Clara Kimball Young.

Some of Young's notable directorial credits include Lola (1914), My Official Wife (1914), The Deep Purple (1915), Oliver Twist (1916), The Road Through the Dark (1918), The Infernal Machine (1933), and Forgotten (1933). His films often featured melodramatic themes and showcased the talents of leading actresses of the time.

His marriage to Clara Kimball Young was a significant professional partnership, but it eventually ended in divorce. This divorce, coupled with the changing landscape of Hollywood and the advent of sound films, impacted his career. While he continued to work, his prominence diminished in the later years of his career.

James Young died in New York City in 1948.