Born in Chicago, he was an actor in touring stock companies before making his screen debut in 1912. Joining D.W. Griffith's Fine Arts Studio in 1914, he was cast as Union officer Phil Stoneman in "The Birth of a Nation" (1915) and as The Rhapsodie in the Babylonian story of "Intolerance" (1916). He was also a second-unit director for those films. Promoted to director in 1917, Clifton supervised several successful Fine Arts comedies starring Dorothy Gish while continuing to serve as Griffith's assistant. Their association culminated with the blockbuster "Way Down East" (1920). Clifton shot much of its famous "Rescue from the ice" sequence and doubled for star Richard Barthelmess in the riskier scenes. He then left Griffith to form his own production company and had a smash hit with "Down to the Sea in Ships" (1922), a colorful whaling saga made on location in New England. It made a star of future "It Girl" Clara Bow, who appeared as a cross-dressing stowaway. In 1923 Clifton signed a lucrative seven-year contract with Fox and was poised to become one of Hollywood's major directors. Then tragedy struck. He was filming "The Warrens of Virginia" in Texas when his lead actress died from burns in an accident on the set. Although Clifton was blameless in the incident, he was fired by Fox and his career never regained its momentum.
2019
as Phil
1917
as Jimmie
1916
as The Rhapsode (Babylonian Story)
1916
as Ned Fowler
1916
as Horace Gaylord
1915
as Phillip Clyde - Evelyn's Fiancé
1915
as Allison Edwards
1915
as Marashida
1915
as Cuthbert
1915
as Stoneman's Elder Son Phil
1914
as Jack Holt
1914
as Frank (Carol's country lover)
1914
as The Sympathtic Publisher
1914
as Charley Bates
1914
as Cub Reporter
1914
as Jack, 3rd period
1914