Edwin August

Edwin August Phillip von der Butz (November 10, 1883 – March 4, 1964) was an American actor, director, and screenwriter whose career spanned stage and screen across several decades. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he completed his education at Christian Brothers College in that city before pursuing a career in performance.

August began his theatrical work in stock theater, serving as a leading man at the Imperial Theater in St. Louis. He subsequently moved to New York to pursue stage work, where his Broadway career included an appearance in Mr. and Mrs. Daventry in 1910.

His work in film proved extensive. Between 1909 and 1947, August appeared in more than 150 films, and between 1912 and 1919 he directed 52 productions. His directorial credits include The Sea Urchin (1913), The Blood Red Tape of Charity (1913), The Trap (1913), Evidence (1915), and The Yellow Passport (1916). In 1914 he co-founded Eaco Films, further expanding his involvement in the industry beyond performance and direction.

In addition to his work in theater and film, August wrote novels under the pen name Montague Lawrence. He died on March 4, 1964, in Hollywood, California, and is buried at Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery in North Hollywood.