From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Virgil Miller (December 20, 1886 - October 5, 1974) was an American cinematographer who was the director of photography for 157 films between 1917 and 1956. Miller's credits include The Phantom of the Opera (1925), Danger - Love at Work (1937), Mr. Moto Takes a Chance (1938), The Mummy's Curse (1944), Navajo (1952), Crazylegs (1953), and six Charlie Chan films. Prior to working for Universal Studios and, eventually, most other major studios, Miller was a graduate from and a professor at Kansas State University teaching physics and electrical engineering. In 1913 he became the first director and founder of the electrical department of Universal Studios. He also coordinated very early special effects including filming stampedes, explosions, and shrinking people.