Bert Glennon's journey in the film industry began in 1912, when he was hired as an assistant cameraman at Stanford University. Upon graduating, he decided to pursue a full-time career in filmmaking.
Glennon's expertise and dedication soon earned him the title of director of photography in 1916. He became one of the most respected and sought-after craftsmen in the industry, often collaborating with perfectionist directors such as John Ford and Cecil B. DeMille.
Throughout his illustrious career, Glennon's work as a cinematographer was met with widespread acclaim. However, his foray into directing from 1928 to 1932 did not yield the same level of success. Despite his best efforts, the films he directed during this period were increasingly mediocre, leading him to abandon his aspirations as a director.
Glennon ultimately returned to his roots as a cinematographer, where he continued to excel until his retirement in 1963.