Walter Percival
Actor
About Walter Percival
Walter Percival was an American actor who appeared during the pivotal transition from silent films to talkies in the late 1920s. His career was notably brief, with his only documented film appearance being in the historically significant 1928 film 'Lights of New York.' This film was groundbreaking as the first all-talking feature film, marking a major milestone in cinema history. Percival played the role of Muller in this crime drama about a young man who gets involved with organized crime in New York City. Unfortunately, like many character actors from this transitional period, detailed records of his life and career are scarce. His appearance in this landmark film represents his entire known filmography, making him a footnote in the history of early sound cinema.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Lights of New York' (1928), the first all-talking feature film
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Walter Percival's cultural impact is minimal due to his extremely brief career, consisting of only one film appearance. However, his participation in 'Lights of New York' places him within the historical context of cinema's transition to sound, making him part of a pivotal moment in film history. His role, however minor, contributed to the first all-talking feature film that demonstrated the commercial viability of sound pictures to Hollywood studios.
Lasting Legacy
Walter Percival's legacy is that of a footnote in cinema history - an actor who appeared in the groundbreaking first all-talking feature film. While his individual contribution was small, he represents the countless character actors who helped populate the early sound films that revolutionized the industry. His appearance in 'Lights of New York' ensures he is remembered, however briefly, as part of this technological and artistic revolution in filmmaking.
Who They Inspired
Given his extremely limited filmography, Walter Percival had no discernible influence on other actors or filmmakers. His brief appearance in early cinema serves more as a historical curiosity than as an influential career.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Walter Percival's personal life, as he appears to have been a minor character actor with only one documented film credit. Like many actors from the early sound era, detailed biographical information was not preserved in historical records.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in the first all-talking feature film in cinema history
- His only known film credit is from 1928, the pivotal year sound films became dominant
- Played the character Muller in 'Lights of New York'
- His entire documented career consists of a single film
- Like many early sound actors, detailed biographical information about him has been lost to time
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Walter Percival?
Walter Percival was an American actor who appeared during the transition from silent to sound films in 1928. He is known for his role as Muller in 'Lights of New York,' which was historically significant as the first all-talking feature film.
What films is Walter Percival best known for?
Walter Percival is known for only one film: 'Lights of New York' (1928). This was his entire documented filmography, making him a minor figure in early sound cinema history.
When was Walter Percival born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, Walter Percival's birth and death dates are not documented in historical records. Like many minor character actors from early Hollywood, this biographical information has been lost to time.
What awards did Walter Percival win?
Walter Percival did not receive any known awards or nominations during his brief acting career. His single film appearance in 1928 came before the Academy Awards were well established.
What was Walter Percival's acting style?
Due to the extremely limited documentation of his career, Walter Percival's acting style cannot be determined. His only known appearance was in the early days of sound cinema when acting techniques were still adapting to the new technology.
Why is Walter Percival historically significant?
Walter Percival is historically significant not for his individual performance, but for his participation in 'Lights of New York' (1928), the first all-talking feature film. This places him within the pivotal moment when cinema transitioned from silent to sound pictures.
Learn More
Films
1 film
