Van Pelt Productions was originally established in Culver City, California as an independent motion picture studio in the early 1920’s. The family operation was credited with producing and releasing two full-length feature films; “Air Hawk”(1924) and “Cloud Rider” (1925).
Like so many early independent studios, Van Pelt Productions was eventually absorbed by one of the major studios. As part of the agreement, Homer Van Pelt was offered a position as a camera operator and later still photographer with Columbia Studios. Homer’s career with Columbia spanned over five decades interrupted only by World War 2 when he served as a combat photographer under Adm. John Ford in the OSS.
Many of Homer’s photographs have been reprinted from films such as ”The Caine Mutiny”, “Picnic”, “Viva Las Vegas”, “Bye-Bye Birdie” and others. Shortly after the war Homer married Margaret Mount, a Navy Wave with a specialty in photography. Margaret herself was eventually employed as a photo retouch specialist with Columbia Studios in Hollywood.
Their son, Robert pursued a career in real estate but maintained a personal interest in outdoor photography shooting still life in Asia, India, Africa and the Middle East. Robert’s son Eric and his wife Jennifer have now chosen to resurrect the 80year old family business in San Diego, Ca. with a specialty in wedding, portrait, commercial, and special events photography.
Like so many early independent studios, Van Pelt Productions was eventually absorbed by one of the major studios. As part of the agreement, Homer Van Pelt was offered a position as a camera operator and later still photographer with Columbia Studios. Homer’s career with Columbia spanned over five decades interrupted only by World War 2 when he served as a combat photographer under Adm. John Ford in the OSS.
Many of Homer’s photographs have been reprinted from films such as ”The Caine Mutiny”, “Picnic”, “Viva Las Vegas”, “Bye-Bye Birdie” and others. Shortly after the war Homer married Margaret Mount, a Navy Wave with a specialty in photography. Margaret herself was eventually employed as a photo retouch specialist with Columbia Studios in Hollywood.
Their son, Robert pursued a career in real estate but maintained a personal interest in outdoor photography shooting still life in Asia, India, Africa and the Middle East. Robert’s son Eric and his wife Jennifer have now chosen to resurrect the 80year old family business in San Diego, Ca. with a specialty in wedding, portrait, commercial, and special events photography.
Photo of the original "Van Pelt Productions" crew taken at Clover Field (now Santa Monica, CA airport) in July, 1926.
Photo of Ernest Van Pelt, Maurice Murphy, Virginia Brown Fair, Al Wilson, "Monty", and Low White.
Photo of Ernest Van Pelt, Maurice Murphy, Virginia Brown Fair, Al Wilson, "Monty", and Low White.
Photo of Al Wilson (actor) taken at Clover Field (now Santa Monica, CA airport). Photo taken in July, 1926
Superman: Kirk Alyn (actor) holding Robert, Homer's son. Photo taken in 1948 by Homer Van Pelt (photographer).
Actor John Wayne with Robert, Homer's son. Photo taken in 1949 by Homer Van Pelt (photographer).
As a camera man for Columbia Studios, Homer took still photographs during the filming of country western movies!
As a camera man for Columbia Studios, Homer took still photographs during the filming of country western movies!
Actress Loretta Young with Robert, Homer's son.
Photo taken in 1950 by Homer Van Pelt (photographer).
Photo taken in 1950 by Homer Van Pelt (photographer).
Photo of Humphrey Bogart (tux) and friends.
Photo taken in 1955 by Homer Van Pelt (photographer).
Photo taken in 1955 by Homer Van Pelt (photographer).
Second Photo of Humphrey Bogart (tux) and friends.
Photo taken in 1955 by Homer Van Pelt (photographer).
Photo taken in 1955 by Homer Van Pelt (photographer).
Prince Philip and Cary Grant.
Photo taken in 1966 by Homer Van Pelt (photographer).
Photo taken in 1966 by Homer Van Pelt (photographer).