Stage actor Robert Ellis joined the Kalem Film Company in 1915 and directed his first film, Apaches of Paris, the same year. He remained much in demand as a leading man into the '20s, occasionally taking time to direct films for such producers as Lewis J. Selznick. After making a satisfactory talkie debut in the 1929 super musical Broadway, Ellis settled into character parts, usually playing big-city detectives. His wives included actresses May Allison and Vera Reynolds. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide