Bio Two

During 1956-1958, Elmo returned to Europe for Bryna Productions as Second Unit Director and Editorial Supervisor for "The Vikings."

In the years 1960-1966 Elmo joined Darryl F. Zanuck Productions as Second Unit Director for "The Big Gamble," and then became Associate Producer for "The Longest Day." Appointed Managing Director of European Production For 20th Century Fox, he completed the unfinished "Cleopatra." This was followed as Executive Producer of "Those Magnificent Men ln Their Flying Machines," "A High Wind In Jamaica," "Man In The Middle," "Guns At Batasi," "Up From The Beach," "The Agony And The Ecstasy," "The Blue Max" and "Zorba The Greek."

During 1967-1970 Elmo returned to 20th Century Fox, Hollywood and was appointed Head of Production for 20th Century Fox and was Executive Producer of "Escape From The Planet Of The Apes," "The Poseidon Adventure," "Walkabout," "Panic In Needle Park," "Hot Rock," "Ace Ely and Roger Of The Sky," "Grass Land," "When Legends Die," "The Culpepper Cattle Company," "Dime Box" and "The Other," and received an Academy Award as Head of Production for "The French Connection."

In 1976 Elmo retired from 20th Century Fox only to be approached by representatives of the government of Iran who wished to establish a film production company in Tehran. Before the dissolution of the Shah's regime, Ibex Films produced "Sidewinder One" and "Caravans."

Again retired, the Gaylord Company of Oklahoma City requested that he set up a film and television production company for them. During his tenure (1978-1983) the company produced the "Hee Haw" television series, the "Explore" television series, "Soggy Bottom U.S.A." and "Man, Woman and Child."

As for his dreams of attending UCLA, he finally made it 50 years later - in 1985 - when he was persuaded to teach a Master Course in Film Production.

In 1954 Elmo was assigned by Walt Disney to direct the underwater sequences and edited "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Elmo was given a Mouscar Award by Walt Disney in gratitude for his contributions to the film.

In 1955, Elmo joined Lovina Productions and with Jon Hall produced and directed "Knight of the South Seas."

Also in 1955 he and his wife adopted a daughter, Stacy Audra Williams, who would later become involved in her own career in the film industry. In 1959 he and his wife adopted a son, Toby Dieter Williams, and a second daughter, Jody Hester Williams.

Elmo Williams and wife Lorraine Greet Prince Phillip in England at the Premire of "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines"

Elmo retired in 1986. He was living in Pacific Palisades at the time in a 6500 square foot, Mediterranean-style house, which had been home for 17 years, his longest residence at one place. Elmo and Lorraine sold their Pacific Palisades home to Tom Hanks and his fiance Rita in 1986. They then moved to Brookings, Oregon that summer.

To take up the slack in his retirement he writes: three books of his life, two screenplays (neither of them produced), numerous articles, mostly humorous or personal observations about people and the way we live. It took approximately 60 hours to write his autobiography. Everything he writes is entirely his own. He did have some help from a friend in editing his book for publication, mainly the deletion of material. See the "Book" page on this web site for more information on the books.

There are two more books he would like to write. One topic under consideration is the rise and fall of all great empires that use our money system.

In Brookings, Oregon he continues to be involved in numerous activities:
•Elder in the Brookings Presbyterian church.
•Participated in the construction of the Chetco Community Library and Kidtown Playground.
Founder of the Azalea Park Foundation where he spearheaded the creation of a beautiful three-acre garden for the benefit of the community and tourists.
•Chosen Grand Marshal with his wife Lorraine for the 1997 Azalea Festival for their contributions to the community.