John E. Burch (August 17, 1896 – July 28, 1969) was an American film assistant director and production manager during the latter part of the silent era through the 1950s.
Early life
Burch was born on August 17, 1896, in Chicago, Illinois to John Sebastian Burch and Mary Ann Pettit. Upon the United States' entry into World War One, Burch enlisted in the Navy, where he served aboard a submarine. At some point after the war, he moved from Chicago to Los Angeles, in an attempt to break into the film industry.[1]
Career
Burch's first foray into the cinematic world was as an actor in 1925's White Fang, adapted by Jane Murfin from the novel of the same name by Jack London.[2] This would be his only on-screen appearance.[3] The following year, as the assistant director on The Arizona Streak (1926),[4] would see him begin a long career behind the camera as an assistant director, production manager and supervisor. The remainder of the 1920s would see him continue in the role of assistant director, as well as prop manager.[1][3]