Elgin Lessley
CameraAbout Elgin Lessley
Elgin Lessley (also credited as Lesly, Lessly, and Leslie) (June 10, 1883 - January 10, 1944) was an American hand-crank cameraman of the silent film era—a period of filmmaking when virtually all special effects work had to be produced inside the camera during filming. Though Lessley worked earlier with Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, and later with Harry Langdon, he is best known for the groundbreaking effects he produced with Buster Keaton, who dubbed him "the human metronome" for his ability to crank consistently at any requested speed. Lessley's most striking effects were in The Playhouse (1921) and Sherlock Jr. (1924). In The Playhouse, through use of a specially shuttered lens and repeated back-cranking and re-cranking, Lessley allowed Keaton to appear as up to nine characters simultaneously, interacting with one another. In Sherlock Jr., Lessley's careful positioning of camera and actor in various locations produced the effect of a man stuck in a movie where his location keeps changing as he struggles to keep up. Lessley retired from filmmaking after shooting The Cameraman with Buster Keaton in 1928.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Elgin Lessley reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 1 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Action
The majority of Elgin Lessley's filmography leans towards the Action genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 100% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Elgin Lessley remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The General, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Elgin Lessley Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Elgin Lessley's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Elgin Lessley.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1926 | The General | Union General Who Gives Command to Cross Bridge (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
Elgin Lessley - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Elgin Lessley?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Elgin Lessley is "The General" with a rating of 7.9/10.
How many movies has Elgin Lessley acted in?
Elgin Lessley has been featured in at least 1 major films throughout their career.