James Cruze, a multifaceted individual with a unique heritage, was born into a Mormon family in Utah, and was reportedly part Ute Indian. To support himself during his time at drama school, he worked as a fisherman, a testament to his resourcefulness and determination.
Throughout his life, Cruze was married to several actresses, including the talented Betty Compson, who hails from the same Utah roots as Cruze. He was also married to the enigmatic Marguerite Snow, and later to Alberta McCoy, who tragically passed away on July 7, 1960. Alberta's final resting place is the Columbarium at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where she remains interred, albeit unmarked.
Cruze's filmography is a remarkable testament to his versatility as a director. During the 1920s and 1930s, he helmed a diverse range of movies, from the comedic two-reelers starring Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle to suspenseful thrillers and big-budget epics. Despite his impressive body of work, many of his films from this era have sadly been lost to the sands of time.
Cruze's personal life was not without its controversies. In 1929, he faced a grand jury investigation in Los Angeles regarding an accident on one of his film sets, which resulted in the tragic loss of one life and injuries to others. This incident was just one of many run-ins Cruze had with the law throughout his life.
Interestingly, Cruze used the screen name "Cruze" but maintained his given name, James Bosen, in his personal life.
