Cyril Gardner
Director
About Cyril Gardner
Cyril Gardner was a multi-talented filmmaker whose career spanned the silent era through the early years of the talkies, evolving from a prominent child actor to a respected editor and director. Born Cyril Gottlieb in Paris, France, he emigrated to the United States as a child and quickly found success in the nascent film industry under the tutelage of Thomas H. Ince. He is perhaps most fondly remembered by silent film enthusiasts for his poignant performance in the 1913 Civil War drama 'The Drummer of the 8th'. As he matured, Gardner transitioned behind the camera, becoming a highly skilled film editor for major productions like Gloria Swanson's 'The Trespasser' (1929). His technical proficiency led to a directorial career at Paramount Pictures, where he co-directed several notable early sound films, including 'The Royal Family of Broadway' (1930) alongside George Cukor. Throughout the early 1930s, Gardner directed a variety of features in both Hollywood and the United Kingdom before his untimely death at the age of 44.
The Craft
Behind the Camera
Gardner was known for his technical precision, likely a result of his extensive background as an editor. His early sound films displayed a sophisticated understanding of pacing and dialogue delivery, helping to bridge the gap between the static early talkies and more dynamic cinematic storytelling.
Milestones
- Starred as a child actor in the acclaimed silent short 'The Drummer of the 8th' (1913)
- Transitioned to film editing, working on the landmark early talkie 'The Trespasser' (1929)
- Signed as a director with Paramount Pictures during the transition to sound
- Co-directed 'The Royal Family of Broadway' (1930) with George Cukor
- Directed Laurence Olivier in the British production 'Perfect Understanding' (1933)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized as a significant figure in the transition from silent to sound cinema by film historians
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Cyril Gardner's transition from a child star to a technical expert and director reflects the professionalization of the film industry during its first three decades. His work as an editor on early sound films was crucial in helping studios navigate the difficult technical hurdles of the 'talkie' revolution.
Lasting Legacy
Gardner is remembered as a versatile filmmaker who mastered multiple disciplines. While his directorial career was relatively brief, his contributions to the editing room and his iconic status as a silent child actor ensure his place in cinema history.
Who They Inspired
His precise editing techniques influenced the early career of Edward Dmytryk, and his collaborative work with George Cukor helped establish the sophisticated 'Paramount style' of the early 1930s.
Off Screen
Gardner moved from France to New York as a young child and later settled in Hollywood. He was part of the early immigrant community that shaped the American film industry. He died of a heart attack (myocardial infarction) at his home in Hollywood in 1942.
Education
Apprenticed in the film industry from childhood, receiving hands-on training at the Inceville studios.
Did You Know?
- He changed his name from Gottlieb to Gardner to sound more 'American' during his rise in Hollywood.
- He was one of the few child actors of the 1910s to successfully transition into a high-level technical and directorial role as an adult.
- His film 'The Royal Family of Broadway' was a parody of the famous Barrymore acting dynasty.
- He directed Laurence Olivier in one of the actor's rare early 1930s film appearances, 'Perfect Understanding'.
- Gardner was only 15 years old when he starred in 'The Drummer of the 8th', which is still studied by silent film scholars today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Cyril Gardner?
Cyril Gardner was a French-born American filmmaker who began his career as a child actor in silent films before becoming a prominent film editor and director during the early sound era.
What films is Cyril Gardner best known for?
He is best known for directing 'The Royal Family of Broadway' (1930), 'Only Saps Work' (1930), and 'Perfect Understanding' (1933), as well as starring in the silent classic 'The Drummer of the 8th' (1913).
When was Cyril Gardner born and when did he die?
He was born on May 30, 1898, in Paris, France, and died on December 30, 1942, in Hollywood, California.
Did Cyril Gardner win any awards?
While he did not win major competitive awards like the Oscar, his films were critically well-received, and he was highly respected within the industry for his technical expertise.
What was Cyril Gardner's directing style?
His style was characterized by a strong sense of rhythm and pacing, a trait he developed during his years as a film editor, which helped him create fluid narratives during the transition to sound.
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Films
1 film
