Frank Young served as a cameraman on the Our Gang series for a handful of months in early 1924. It
isn't clear when he joined the Roach studio, but he was employed there by the end of 1921 and remained at least until
late 1926. After that, he turns up again during 1940 and 1941. Otherwise, his career is largely a mystery to me, as I
haven't come across any other information on him, and IMDb limits their Young filmography to mostly Roach shorts.
There are other Frank Youngs listed at IMDb, however, and one or more of them might actually be the same guy. For
instance, could Frank Young of Roach Studio fame be the same one who played a small uncredited part as a clerk in
"The General Died At Dawn" from 1936? Is it possible that he's the Frank W. Young who served as
co-cinematographer for "Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 3" from 1942? How about Frank H. Young, who
wrote several screenplays during the mid-forties?
1913
The earliest reference to Young in IMDb is a role in the 1913 film "One Hundred Years Of
Mormonism." I have no idea if this is the same Frank Young, but the film is listed in his filmography
nonetheless.
- One Hundred Years Of Mormonism (unspecified role)
- Feb. 3, 1913 - Ellay/Utah - 5 reels
1922
Listings for this year derive from excerpts from a publication called Camera which were transferred
to a website by Joe Moore. The issues all came from late 1921, and consistently list Young as the cameraman for the Paul
Parrott series. No film titles are given, but it specifically mentions the sixth film in the series, which was "Loose
Change." I've only listed those films that I can reliably assume are the ones being talked about, some of which
weren't released until 1926. Presumably, Young served as cameraman on several other Parrott shorts as well, and could
conceivably have been involved until his move to the Stan Laurel series in February 1923.
- Loose Change (photographer)
- Jan. 15, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-34 - Paul Parrott series
- Filmed Oct. 8 to 18, 1921. ©Dec. 31, 1921.
- Rich Man, Poor Man (probable photographer)
- Feb. 19, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-39 - Paul Parrott series
- Filmed Nov. 26 to Dec. 1, 1921. ©Feb. 8, 1922.
- Stand Pat (photographer)
- Apr. 16, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-40 - Paul Parrott series
- Filmed Dec. 6 to 15, 1921. ©Apr. 27, 1922.
- The Sleuth (photographer)
- July 16, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-36 - Paul Parrott series
- Filmed Oct. 27 to Nov. 3, 1921, with retakes Dec. 2 and 3, 1921. ©July 20, 1922.
1923
The Stan Laurel series started filming in February of this year, and Young was its main photographer throughout its existence.
- For Safe Keeping (photographer)
- Mar. 18, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-82 - Paul Parrott series
- Filmed Jan. 4 to 12, 1923. ©Feb. 26, 1923.
- The Noon Whistle (co-photographer)
- Apr. 29, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-89 - Stan Laurel series
- Filmed Feb. 13 to 19, and Feb. 22, 1923. ©Apr. 27, 1923. Also listed as LC-89. Young received sole credit.
- White Wings (photographer)
- May 13, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. D-2 - Stan Laurel series
- Filmed Feb. 2 to 23, 1923, with retakes Feb. 27, 1923. Rob Stone's list indicates prod. C-91 (or
LC-91), which is probably the original prod. number for this film, but starts the filming on the 20th rather than
the 2nd. ©Apr. 27, 1923.
- Under Two Jags (photographer)
- June 3, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-86 - Stan Laurel series
- Filmed Feb. 3 to 10, 1923. ©June 6, 1923. Reissued Aug. 15, 1926.
- Pick And Shovel (photographer)
- June 17, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. D-3 - Stan Laurel series
- Filmed Feb. 26 to Mar. 5, 1923, with retakes Mar. 9, 1923. Originally prod. C-92 (or LC-92). ©May 12, 1923.
- Collars And Cuffs (photographer)
- July 1, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. D-7 - Stan Laurel series
- Filmed Mar. 14 to 20, 1923. Originally prod. C-97 (or LC-97). ©May 12, 1923.
- Kill Or Cure (photographer)
- July 15, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. D-5 - Stan Laurel series
- Filmed Mar. 6 to 13, 1923, with added scenes Apr. 7 and 9, 1923. Originally prod. C-95 (or LC-95). ©June 17, 1923.
- Gas And Air (photographer)
- July 29, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. D-9 - Stan Laurel series
- Filmed Mar. 20 to 27, 1923, with added scenes Apr. 6 and 7, 1923 Originally prod. C-99 (or LC-99). ©June 7, 1923.
- Oranges And Lemons (photographer)
- Aug. 12, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. D-12 - Stan Laurel series
- Filmed Mar. 28 to Apr. 6, 1923. Originally prod. C-102 (or LC-102). ©June 7, 1923.
- Short Orders (uncredited co-photographer)
- Sep. 2, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. D-14 - Stan Laurel series
- Filmed Apr. 13 to 23, 1923. Originally prod. C-104 (or LC-104). ©Aug. 11, 1923.
- A Man About Town (photographer)
- Sep. 16, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. D-17 - Stan Laurel series
- Filmed May 15 to 22, 1923, with retakes May 25, 1923. Originally prod. C-108. ©Aug. 11, 1923. Reissued July 4, 1926.
- Roughest Africa (photographer)
- Sep. 30, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. L-1 - Stan Laurel series
- Filmed May 31 to June 16, with retakes June 28 to July 6, 1923. Originally prod. C-111 (or LC-111). ©Nov. 9, 1923.
- Frozen Hearts (co-photographer)
- Oct. 28, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. L-2 - Stan Laurel series
- Filmed July 27 to Aug. 11, 1923. Originally prod. C-119. ©Nov. 23, 1923. Young received sole credit.
- The Soilers (photographer)
- Nov. 25, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. L-3 - Stan Laurel series
- Filmed Aug. 20 to Sep. 1, 1923. ©Nov. 23, 1923.
- Scorching Sands (photographer)
- Dec. 9, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. D-19 - Stan Laurel series
- Filmed June 18 to 25, 1923, with retakes July 24 to 26, 1923. Originally prod. C-112 (or LC-112). ©Nov. 9, 1923.
- Mother's Joy (photographer)
- Dec. 23, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. L-4 - Stan Laurel series
- Filmed Sep. 10 to 21, 1923. ©Dec. 24, 1923.
1924
In January, the Stan Laurel series came to an end, as Laurel moved on to the Joe Rock studio. It's
interesting to note that Young was the assistant director on the last Laurel short, which may provide a clue about his
later involvement with Roach. Young moved on to the Our Gang series, but was soon replaced by Art Lloyd. After Our Gang,
his filmography becomes patchy, but if he was spending more time as an assistant director, then this would explain why
he's given so few credits.
- Smithy (photographer)
- Jan. 20. 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. L-6 - Stan Laurel series
- Filmed Oct. 11 to 20, 1923. ©Jan. 9, 1924. UK title: The Home Wrecker.
- Postage Due (photographer)
- Feb. 17, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. L-8 - Stan Laurel series
- Filmed Nov. 5 to 14, 1923. ©Jan. 26, 1924.
- Zeb Vs. Paprika (photographer)
- Mar. 16, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. L-7 - Stan Laurel series
- According to Rob Stone's list, this was filmed Oct. 23 to Nov. 5, 1923. According to his book, filming continued
until the 6th. ©Jan. 26, 1924.
- Brothers Under The Chin (photographer)
- Apr. 13, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. L-9 - Stan Laurel series
- According to Rob Stone's list, this was filmed Nov. 19 to 28, and Dec. 3, 1923. In his book, he revises it to Nov.
15 to Dec. 3, 1923. ©Apr. 18, 1924.
- Near Dublin (photographer)
- May 11, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. L-5 - Stan Laurel series
- Filmed Sep. 26 to Oct. 9, 1923, with added scenes Dec. 16 to 17, 1923. ©Feb. 20, 1924.
- 28. Cradle Robbers
(co-photographer)
- June 1, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-28 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Jan. 28 to Feb. 9, 1924. ©May 12, 1924. Considering the conflicting shooting dates with the Laurel series,
Young probably wasn't involved during the first week of filming, but we do know that Blake Wagner was also a
photographer on this short.
- Rupert Of Hee Haw (photographer)
- June 8, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. L-11 - Stan Laurel series
- Also listed for June 24, 1924. Filmed Dec. 20 to 26, 1923, and Jan. 2 to 12, 1924. ©May 12, 1924.
- Wide Open Spaces (photographer)
- July 6, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. L-10 - Stan Laurel series
- Also listed for July 16, 1924. Filmed Dec. 5 to 15, 1923. ©June 30, 1924. Previewed as Wild Bill Hiccough.
- 27. It's A Bear
(photographer)
- July 27, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-27 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Dec. 10 to 26, 1923, Jan. 2 to 7, Jan. 12, and Mar. 7 to 12, 1924. ©June 30, 1924. It's probable that
Young shot only the retakes for this film, since the earliest dates would have conflicted with his involvement with the
Laurel series. However, we do know that Bob Walters was also a photographer on this short.
- Short Kilts (assistant director)
- Aug. 3, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. L-12 - Stan Laurel series
- Also listed for Aug. 11, 1924. Filmed Jan. 16 to 24, 1924. ©Aug. 2, 1924.
- 30. High Society (photographer)
- Aug. 24, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-30 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Mar. 24 to Apr. 5, 1924. ©May 29, 1924.
1925
- Wild Papa (co-photographer)
- May 17, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. F-24 - The Spat Family series
- Filmed Jan. 27, and Feb. 2 to 12, 1925. ©May 4, 1925. Young received sole credit.
- Yes, Yes Nanette (photographer)
- July 19, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. D-90 - James Finlayson series
- Filmed May 28 to June 2, 1925. ©July 20, 1925.
1926
By this time, Young seems to have exclusively become involved in some of the less celebrated series at the
Roach studio, particularly the All Star series. His biggest claim to fame during this period was photographing "Duck
Soup," the first film in which Laurel & Hardy are presented as a comedy team. After September of this year, he
seems to essentially disappear until 1940.
- A Punch In The Nose (photographer)
- Jan. 3, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. S-2 - All Star series
- Filmed Apr. 6 to 22, 1925, with retakes May 29, June 1 to 4, and June 25, 1925. ©Aug. 20, 1925. Featuring Lucien
Littlefield, Al St. John and James Finlayson.
- Pay The Cashier (photographer)
- Feb. 14, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-35 - Paul Parrott series
- Filmed Oct. 19 to 25, 1921. Previewed Nov. 1921. ©Dec. 16, 1922.
- Wandering Papas (co-photographer)
- Feb. 21, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. C-4 - Clyde Cook series
- Also listed as Dec. 13, 1925. Filmed July 13 to Aug. 1, 1925, with retakes Sep. 5, 1925, and miniatures on various
dates between July 17 and Aug. 14, 1925. In his book, Rob Stone revises the final date to Aug. 15th. ©Feb. 6, 1926.
Title of UK abridged version: Enough To Do.
- The Only Son (photographer)
- Feb. 28, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-37 - Paul Parrott series
- Filmed Nov. 4 to 12, 1921, with retakes Nov. 19, 1921. ©Dec. 16, 1922.
- Hired And Fired (photographer)
- Mar. 14, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-38 - Paul Parrott series
- Premiered Mar. 2, 1926. Filmed Nov. 12 to 25, 1921, and Aug. 26 and 28, 1922. ©Dec. 16, 1922, and Feb. 6, 1926.
- Don Key (Son Of Burro) (co-photographer)
- May 23, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. S-1 - All Star series with Max Davidson
- Filmed Mar. 2 to 19, 1925, with retakes Sep. 21 to Oct. 5, and Dec. 28 to 30, 1925. Originally prod. F-25 and
meant to feature Frank Butler. ©Mar. 15, 1926.
- Get 'Em Young (uncredited co-photographer)
- Oct. 31, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. S-13 - All Star series with Harry Myers
- Filmed June 19 to July 2, and Aug. 5, 1926. ©Oct. 26, 1926.
- On The Front Page (photographer)
- Nov. 28, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. S-15 - All Star series with Lillian Rich
- Filmed Aug. 23 to Sep. 4, 1926. ©Oct. 26, and Nov. 11, 1926. Also featuring Tyler Brooke.
1927
- Why Girls Say No (co-photographer)
- Feb. 20, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. S-16 - All Star series with Marjorie Daw
- Filmed Sep. 9 to 21, 1926, with retakes Sep. 25, 1926. ©Jan. 14, 1927. Also featuring Max Davidson. Young received full credit.
- Duck Soup (photographer)
- Mar. 13, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. S-14 - All Star series with Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy
- Also listed for Mar. 20, 1927. Filmed Sep. 20 to Oct. 2, 1926. ©Jan. 13, 1927.
1940
During this year, Young suddenly comes up for air, and he's still a Roach employee. His status as a
special effects photographer would mean that he probably coordinated his efforts with those of Roy Seawright. It would
also help explain his lack of screen credits for the last thirteen years.
- Captain Caution (co-special effects photographer)
- Oct. 9, 1940 - Roach/UA - 88 min. - prod. F-32 - feature
- ©Sep. 3, 1940. Starring Victor Mature, Louise Platt, Bruce Cabot.
1941
- Broadway Limited (co-special effects)
- June 13, 1941 - Roach/UA - 8 reels - prod. F-34 - feature
- ©June 4, 1941. Starring Marjorie Woodworth, Leonid Kinsky. UK title: The Baby Vanishes.
1998
- Hal Roach: The Lot Of Fun (archival)
- June 27, 1998 - Film Preservation Associates/Kino Lorber - 133 min. - video documentary
- Released on "Slapstick Encyclopedia Vol. 6."
2014
- Hollywoods Spaßfabrik - Als die Bilder Lachen lernten (archival)
- May 29, 2014 - Exit Film-und Fernsehproduktion-ZDF/ARTE - 90 min. - TV documentary
- Also released in English as Hal Roach - The Lot Of Fun: Where The Movies Learned To Laugh. Includes footage from "Smithy" and
"Yes, Yes, Nanette."
See anything that needs changing? Contact me at BtheW@aol.com.