Directing

Duke Worne

Born December 14, 1888 · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Died October 13, 1933 · aged 44

Howard "Duke" Worne (December 14, 1888 – October 13, 1933) was an American director and actor of the silent era. He directed more than 70 films between 1919 and 1931. He also appeared in 27 films between 1914 and 1928. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and died in Los Angeles, California. In 1930, Worne married silent film actress Virginia Brown Faire, to whom he remained married until his…

Known For

Some Mother's BoySome Mother's Boy · 1929
Some Mother's Boy
★ 10.01929
MovieDrama
When two young tearaways are fleeing from the scene of a crime one is shot and the other escapes. He makes his way to the home of his companion's mother, who recognizes him as the son she has been separated from for fifteen years.
Isle of Lost MenIsle of Lost Men · 1928
Isle of Lost Men
★ 7.01928
MovieDrama
The Isle of Lost Men is one of those lawless tropical island colonies so beloved of adventure-story writers.
The Eagle's TalonsThe Eagle's Talons · 1923
The Eagle's Talons
★ 7.01923
MovieAction
A stirring drama of Wall Street manipulation of the world's wheat supply, which leads the characters into adventures and danger in various corners of the globe.
Damon and PythiasDamon and Pythias · 1914
Damon and Pythias
★ 5.01914
MovieDrama
The friendship of Damon, the senator, and Pythias, the soldier, is famous in Ancient Syracuse.
Smiling BillySmiling Billy · 1927
Smiling Billy
★ 10.01927
MovieActionComedy
Three American sailors on shore leave from the Pacific Fleet discover that a crazed inventor plans to launch an attack on the fleet and set out to thwart his plans.
The Wheel of DestinyThe Wheel of Destiny · 1927
The Wheel of Destiny
★ 10.01927
MovieDrama
After suffering a blow on the head, brilliant scientist Forrest Stanley totally loses his memory. Wandering into a travelling carnival, Stanley manages to land a job as a fast-talking spieler. In this capacity, he meets and falls in love with fellow "carnie" Georgia Hale.
The Heart of BroadwayThe Heart of Broadway · 1928
The Heart of Broadway
★ 10.01928
MovieDrama
Small town girl goes to city to become actress after meeting hoofer. They get work in a cabaret, but show backer makes life unpleasant for girl. When he is shot by an enemy, hoofer takes blame believing girl committed the murder.
When Dreams Come TrueWhen Dreams Come True · 1929
When Dreams Come True
★ 9.01929
MovieDrama
Ben Shelby, a blacksmith, is in love with Caroline Swayne but her wealthy father rejects the marriage. When he is found murdered shortly afterwards, suspicion falls on Shelby.

Filmography

Sort
The Chinatown MysteryThe Chinatown Mystery · 1928
The Chinatown Mystery
★ 9.01928
MovieAdventureMystery
Restored by the George Eastman House in 2001, this 1928 serial was considered a “last hurrah” for the silent-era serial, and brought together some of the biggest names of the era: director J.P. McGowan, actors Francis Ford and Joe Bonomo (a carnival strongman-turned-actor), producer Trem Carr (who would later help found Monogram Pictures), and a slew of silent-era supporting icons such as Ruth Hiatt, Grace Cunard, and more. Chapter names like “The Clutching Claw,” “The Devil’s Dice, “Galloping Fury,” and “The Invisible Hand” offer all one needs to know of the film’s concerns: to promise and deliver as much action and suspense as possible, and move our intrepid hero and heroine from one perilous situation to another. One of the biggest stars of the early silent era and a successful serials director in his own right, Francis Ford was the brother of director John Ford.
A Yankee Go GetterA Yankee Go Getter · 1921
A Yankee Go Getter
★ 9.01921
MovieDrama
Popular action heroine Neva Gerber played the dual roles of Lucia and Vera Robilant in this low-budget silent melodrama produced by Benjamin F. Wilson, Gerber's frequent collaborator. Two almost identical women claim ownership to a pocketbook found by author turned adventurer Barry West (James Morrison). Barry is hired by nefarious Nicholas Lanza (Joseph W. Girard) to marry heiress Lucia, who surprisingly turns out to be one of the claimants. Meanwhile, Lucia's lookalike sister Vera is plotting to install herself as Lucia and claim the inheritance. After the wedding, Barry discovers a secret passage and finds the kidnapped Lucia. The villains are brought to justice and Barry and Lucia can finally plan a future together.

Director

Too Much YouthToo Much Youth · 1925
Too Much Youth
★ 9.01925
MovieComedyDrama
Jimmy Kenton, a young wastrel with an addiction to jazz, falls in love with Marguerite Crandall when she sneers at his sporty antics at a health resort. He is then sent to jail following an altercation with her escort. Jimmy's father, Mark Kenton, pays his son's bail and sends him to San Francisco, CA, to close an important real estate deal with Marguerite's father, George. The determined young man vows not to sleep until he has completed the transaction, and Mark decides to make him regret such a rash promise. He arranges with the George to delay closing the deal for as long as possible and has Pat Casey accompany Jimmy to ensure that he stays awake. After Jimmy rescues Marguerite from a forest fire, George closes the deal and permits his daughter to marry Jimmy.

Director