Elisha Helm Calvert (born William Helm; June 27, 1863 – October 5, 1941) was an American film actor and director. He appeared in more than 170 films, as well as directing a further 60 titles, often using his military title "Captain E. H. Calvert". Today's audiences may know him from his portrayals of district attorney Markham in the early Philo Vance murder mysteries; Wheeler and Woolsey's senior officer and foil in Half Shot at Sunrise; and one of the college professors having an audience with Groucho Marx in Horse Feathers.

Biography

He was born William Helm in Madison, Wisconsin, (or in Alexandria, Virginia), and died in Hollywood, California. Calvert was a Spanish–American War veteran who served in Cuba. He was a member of the Adventurers Club of New York.

Calvert was raised in Madison and graduated from Central High School. He acted for a summer at the Fuller Opera House. After a military career from which he retired as a captain, he acted in stock theater, including working in Arizona, where he acted with Theodore Roberts. He also performed in vaudeville. For 18 years, he was a director, beginning with the Essanay Company. He also acted in films for Essanay.

Calvert had a son, also named William Helm, who died in a fire-related freak accident in 1939. Calvert senior retired from the screen that same year, and died two years later.

Selected filmography

External links