Ellis Thackery; Special Effects Expert for Movies

Ellis Thackery, 87, who created special effects for the classic films “King Kong” and “The Jazz Singer.” Thackery is credited with developing new uses for a technique to shoot background scenes called the “glass shot.” The technique involves placing a painted glass scene in front of the camera lens and shooting through it. The American Society of Cinematographers said Thackery used the technique in the 1933 RKO Pictures version of “King Kong” and also in Al Jolson’s “The Jazz Singer.” Thackerey’s special effects work in the 1941 movie “Women of War” was nominated for an Academy Award. On Sunday in Los Angeles of natural causes.