“Started in the industry in 1913 as an actor, playing office boy parts, or what had you, with the Reliance‑Majestic Company. Was climbing the ladder of fame when suddenly I discovered I had outgrown short pants and as a juvenile actor I was a great mistake. Having failed to convince Mr. D.W. Griffith that I was a coming WaIthall, I was on my way back to that grocery boy job when a young chap, Oliver Marsh, who had just become a cameraman, suggested that I work with him as his assistant‑and thus it began.”