George Melford

American film director and actor of the silent era. Born in 1877, he directed for Famous Players-Lasky and is best remembered for The Sheik (1921), which made Rudolph Valentino a star, and its desert-romance style that proved hugely popular. He also directed early talkies and acted in supporting roles into the 1930s. His straightforward, efficient direction suited the popular melodramas of the period.