Meinhart Maur

Actor

Active: 1919

About Meinhart Maur

Meinhart Maur was a German actor who appeared during the early years of German cinema, specifically in the silent film era. His most notable and possibly only known film role was in Fritz Lang's 1919 silent drama 'Harakiri,' which was one of Lang's early directorial efforts before he became internationally famous. Maur was part of the burgeoning German film industry that would later produce some of cinema's most influential works during the Weimar Republic era. His career appears to have been extremely brief, with documented activity limited to the year 1919, suggesting he may have been a character actor or someone who briefly participated in the film industry before pursuing other endeavors. The fact that he was cast in a Fritz Lang film indicates he had some connection to the emerging artistic circles in German cinema at the time. Like many actors from this very early period of filmmaking, detailed records of his life and career are scarce, making him a somewhat mysterious figure from cinema's foundational years.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in Fritz Lang's early silent film 'Harakiri' (1919)

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Role in 'Harakiri' (1919)

Must-See Films

  • Harakiri (1919)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Fritz Lang

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Meinhart Maur's contribution to cinema is primarily through his participation in one of Fritz Lang's early works, which represents an important period in the development of German Expressionist cinema. While his individual impact may be minimal due to his brief career, he was part of the foundational era of German filmmaking that would later influence cinema worldwide. His appearance in 'Harakiri' places him within the context of early 20th century European artistic cinema, during a time when the language of film was still being established.

Lasting Legacy

Meinhart Maur's legacy is that of a representative figure from the earliest days of German cinema, illustrating how many actors participated in the medium's development without achieving lasting fame. His connection to Fritz Lang's early career makes him of interest to film historians studying the origins of one of cinema's most important directors. Like many actors from this period, he serves as a reminder of the countless individuals who contributed to cinema's birth but whose stories remain largely untold.

Who They Inspired

Due to his extremely brief and limited film career, Meinhart Maur's influence on other actors or directors appears to be minimal or undocumented. His primary significance lies in his participation in early German cinema rather than any lasting artistic influence he may have had.

Off Screen

Very little is known about Meinhart Maur's personal life, as is common with actors from the very early silent film era who had brief careers. His limited filmography suggests he may not have pursued acting as a long-term profession.

Did You Know?

  • Meinhart Maur appeared in Fritz Lang's 1919 film 'Harakiri,' which was one of Lang's first directorial efforts
  • His entire known film career spans only the year 1919
  • 'Harakiri' was based on the Madame Butterfly story and was an early example of Lang's interest in tragic narratives
  • Like many early silent film actors, detailed biographical information about Maur has been lost to time
  • He was part of the German film industry during the Weimar Republic's early years, before the golden age of German Expressionism
  • The film 'Harakiri' is now considered a lost film, making Maur's performance inaccessible to modern audiences

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Meinhart Maur?

Meinhart Maur was a German actor from the silent film era who is primarily known for appearing in Fritz Lang's 1919 film 'Harakiri.' His career appears to have been extremely brief, with documented activity limited to the single year of 1919.

What films is Meinhart Maur best known for?

Meinhart Maur is known exclusively for his role in the 1919 German silent film 'Harakiri,' directed by Fritz Lang. This appears to be his only credited film role.

When was Meinhart Maur born and when did he die?

Specific birth and death dates for Meinhart Maur are not documented in available historical records, which is common for actors who had very brief careers in the early silent film era.

What awards did Meinhart Maur win?

There are no documented awards or nominations for Meinhart Maur, which is typical for actors from the very early period of cinema when formal award systems had not yet been established.

What was Meinhart Maur's acting style?

Due to the loss of 'Harakiri' (1919) and the lack of other surviving works, specific details about Meinhart Maur's acting style cannot be determined. He would have worked within the conventions of silent film acting of the late 1910s.

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Films

1 film