Elmer Clifton, (14 March 1890 – October 15, 1949) was a screenwriter, actor and American film director, who took most of his career in the silent film era.

Biographical summary

Born in Chicago, Illinois, was a contributor to director D. w. Griffith. Therefore, he appeared in the birth of a nation (1915) and intolerance (1916) before leaving the interpretation in 1919 and devote to work behind the camera.

Already in the sound era, Clifton wrote and directed many westerns of low-budget, besides the Assassin of Youth (1937), film aimed at combating cannabis. His film Not Wanted (1949), was completed by the Director and actress Ida Lupino, since Clifton became ill during filming.

Elmer Clifton died in Los Angeles, California, in 1949 from a cerebral haemorrhage shortly after the premiere of Not Wanted. He was buried in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, in Glendale, California.