Virgil Miller, a renowned American cinematographer, left an indelible mark on the film industry, serving as the director of photography for an impressive 157 films between 1917 and 1956. Born on December 20, 1886, Miller's illustrious career spanned nearly four decades, during which he worked with several major studios, including Universal Studios, where he initially began his journey.
Prior to his stint in the film industry, Miller pursued his passion for science, graduating from Kansas State University, where he also went on to teach physics and electrical engineering. This dual expertise would later prove invaluable in his work as a cinematographer, allowing him to bring a unique perspective to his craft.
Miller's impressive credits include the iconic The Phantom of the Opera (1925),Danger - Love at Work (1937),Mr. Moto Takes a Chance (1938),The Mummy's Curse (1944),Navajo (1952),Crazylegs (1953),and six Charlie Chan films. His contributions to the film industry extended beyond his work on individual projects, as he played a pivotal role in shaping the development of cinematography.
In 1913, Miller became the first director and founder of the electrical department at Universal Studios, where he was responsible for coordinating early special effects, including filming stampedes, explosions, and shrinking people. This innovative work laid the groundwork for the sophisticated visual effects that have become a hallmark of modern cinema.
