Dorothy Dunbar
Actor
About Dorothy Dunbar
Dorothy Dunbar was an American actress who had a brief but notable career during the final years of the silent film era. She is primarily remembered for her role in the 1927 adventure film 'Tarzan and the Golden Lion,' where she played the character of Mary Trevor opposite James Pierce's Tarzan. Her career appears to have been concentrated entirely within the year 1927, placing her among the many performers who worked during Hollywood's transitional period from silent films to talkies. Despite her limited filmography, Dunbar's appearance in a major Tarzan production has ensured her place in cinema history. Like many actors of her era, her career was likely impacted by the industry's dramatic shift to sound films, which required different acting skills and often led to the disappearance of silent-era performers from the screen. Her work represents the typical journey of many supporting actors in late 1920s Hollywood who participated in significant productions but did not achieve lasting stardom.
The Craft
On Screen
As a silent film actress, Dorothy Dunbar would have employed the exaggerated gestures and facial expressions typical of the era, using pantomime and body language to convey emotions since dialogue was not possible. Her style would have been influenced by the dramatic requirements of adventure films of the 1920s.
Milestones
- Starred in 'Tarzan and the Golden Lion' (1927)
- Worked during the transition from silent to sound films
- Part of MGM's Tarzan film series
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Dorothy Dunbar's contribution to cinema, though brief, is significant as part of the Tarzan film franchise that has endured for decades. Her appearance in 'Tarzan and the Golden Lion' places her within the lineage of actors who helped establish one of cinema's most enduring adventure franchises. The film itself represents an important chapter in the adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' work to the screen, and Dunbar's role as Mary Trevor contributed to the romantic elements that were central to the Tarzan stories.
Lasting Legacy
Dorothy Dunbar's legacy is preserved through her participation in the Tarzan film series, which continues to be studied and appreciated by film historians and classic cinema enthusiasts. While she may not be a household name, her work exemplifies the contributions of the many supporting actors who were essential to creating the memorable films of Hollywood's golden age. Her brief career serves as a reminder of the thousands of performers who passed through Hollywood during the silent era, each contributing to the rich tapestry of early American cinema.
Who They Inspired
As a supporting actress with a limited filmography, Dorothy Dunbar's direct influence on subsequent generations of actors appears minimal. However, her work in the Tarzan franchise contributed to the establishment of character archetypes and narrative elements that would influence adventure films for decades to come. The Tarzan films she participated in helped solidify the template for jungle adventure movies that would be referenced and reimagined by countless filmmakers in later years.
Off Screen
Dorothy Dunbar was born in Denver, Colorado, and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. She married and had children, eventually living a long life that spanned nearly the entire 20th century. After her brief film career, she appears to have left the entertainment industry and focused on her family life.
Family
- Bert L. Sivley (1925-1975, his death)
Did You Know?
- Her entire known film career consisted of just one year - 1927
- 'Tarzan and the Golden Lion' was one of the last Tarzan films made during the silent era
- The film was produced by MGM, one of the major studios of the golden age
- Her co-star James Pierce was a former football player who won the role of Tarzan through a contest
- The film featured an actual lion in the title role, trained by famous animal trainer Frank 'Bring 'Em Back Alive' Buck
- Dorothy Dunbar lived to be 91 years old, outliving most of her contemporaries from the silent era
- The film was shot on location in California, with jungle scenes created on studio sets
- Her character Mary Trevor was the romantic interest in the film, a common trope in adventure movies of the era
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dorothy Dunbar?
Dorothy Dunbar was an American silent film actress best known for her role as Mary Trevor in the 1927 film 'Tarzan and the Golden Lion.' Her career was brief, lasting only one year, but she contributed to one of the early Tarzan films during the final years of the silent era.
What films is Dorothy Dunbar best known for?
Dorothy Dunbar is primarily known for her single major film appearance in 'Tarzan and the Golden Lion' (1927), where she played the romantic lead opposite James Pierce's Tarzan. This appears to be her only credited film role.
When was Dorothy Dunbar born and when did she die?
Dorothy Dunbar was born on May 28, 1901, in Denver, Colorado, and passed away on October 23, 1992, at the age of 91, having lived through nearly the entire 20th century.
What awards did Dorothy Dunbar win?
There are no records of Dorothy Dunbar receiving any major awards or nominations for her brief film career, which was typical for many supporting actors during the silent era.
What was Dorothy Dunbar's acting style?
As a silent film actress, Dorothy Dunbar would have used the dramatic gestures, facial expressions, and body language characteristic of the era, relying on pantomime to convey emotions since dialogue was not possible in silent films.
Why was Dorothy Dunbar's career so short?
Dorothy Dunbar's career was limited to 1927, coinciding with Hollywood's transition from silent films to talkies. Many silent-era actors found their careers ended during this period as the industry demanded new skills for sound films.
What was Dorothy Dunbar's role in Tarzan and the Golden Lion?
In 'Tarzan and the Golden Lion' (1927), Dorothy Dunbar played Mary Trevor, the romantic female lead who becomes involved with Tarzan during his adventures in the African jungle.
Did Dorothy Dunbar continue working in films after 1927?
There are no records of Dorothy Dunbar appearing in films after 1927, suggesting she left the film industry following her brief stint during the silent era, possibly due to the challenges of transitioning to sound films.
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Films
1 film
