Name William Nobles | Role Cinematographer | |
Died November 24, 1968, Costa Mesa, California, United States Movies Overland Stage Raiders, Zorro Rides Again, Ghost‑Town Gold, Adventures of Captain Marvel, Young Buffalo Bill Similar People William Witney, Joseph Kane, B Reeves Eason, Cy Feuer, George Sherman | ||
William Nobles (December 23, 1892 – November 24, 1968) was a cinematographer on nearly two-hundred Hollywood films in a career that spanned five decades, from 1917 to 1966. His most noted work is probably the Gene Autry film Red River Valley in 1936, and the original Dick Tracy serial film in 1937, working with Edgar Lyons.
One author described his contribution to filmmaking as follows:
Responsible for Republic's first 20 serials behind the camera was first-rate innovator William Nobles. In collaboration with Edgar Lyons (on the first six) and working solo (for the next fourteen) the former Mascot associate of Nat Levine was one of the best action and Western lensmen in the business. His photographic polish and technique in filming the hectic and furious work of Yak Canutt and company, gained him the reputation of being a major factor in lifting Republic's Westerns and serials far above the quality of its contemporaries, making it the leader in those areas for the next fifteen years.
Another notes the "fine photography" by Nobles in The Fighting Devil Dogs, 1938.
Nobles was born in Waubay, South Dakota, and died in Costa Mesa, California, at the age of 75.