James Van Trees

James Van Trees (August 13, 1890 – April 11, 1973) born James Crawford Van Trees was an American cinematographer in Hollywood whose career spans the silent and sound eras.

His father was Franklin S. Van Trees (aka Frank Van Trees 1866-1914), a society architect, best known for his mansions in the Pacific Heights area of San Francisco, such as the Baron Edward S. Rothschild house on Jackson Street. His mother was silent era scriptwriter Julia Crawford Ivers. Mother and son worked together on a few films more than likely becoming the first mother and son to direct and photograph productions.

Van Trees was the President of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) during 1923-1924. His son James Van Trees, Jr. was a cameraman and worked for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer with his father.

• The Code of Marcia Gray (1916)
• David Garrick (1916)
• Widow by Proxy (1919)
• The Thirteenth Commandment (1920)
• Judy of Rogue's Harbor (1920)
• The Furnace (1920)
• Sacred and Profane Love (1921)
• The Young Rajah (1922)
• The White Flower (1923)
• Lilies of the Field (1924)
• The Prince of Pilsen (1926)
• Midnight Lovers (1926)
• So Long Letty (1929)
• The Green Goddess (1930)
• The Man from Blankley's (1930)
• Viennese Nights (1930)
• Star Witness (1931)
• Heroes for Sale (1933)
• Baby Face (1933)
• The Girl from 10th Avenue (1935)
• The Bishop Misbehaves (1935)
• Shanghai (1935)
• Palm Springs (1936)
• The Gorilla Man (1943)