Nita Martan
Actor
About Nita Martan
Nita Martan was an American actress who worked during the transitional period between silent films and early sound cinema in the 1920s and early 1930s. Her career, though relatively brief, spanned a crucial decade in film history when the industry was evolving from silent pictures to 'talkies.' She appeared in 'The Son of Tarzan' (1920), a significant silent film serial that was part of the popular Tarzan franchise during the silent era. A decade later, she demonstrated her adaptability by appearing in 'Borrowed Wives' (1930), an early sound comedy film, showing her ability to transition between the two mediums. Like many character actors of her era, Martan often played supporting roles that contributed to the rich tapestry of Golden Age cinema. Her filmography, while not extensive, represents the typical journey of many working actors during Hollywood's formative years. Details about her later career and life remain scarce, which is unfortunately common for many performers from this period who were not major stars.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The Son of Tarzan' (1920) silent film serial
- Successfully transitioned to sound films with 'Borrowed Wives' (1930)
- Worked during the pivotal transition from silent to sound cinema
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Nita Martan's contribution to cinema, while not widely documented, represents the important work of countless character actors and supporting players who formed the backbone of early Hollywood films. Her appearance in 'The Son of Tarzan' places her within the context of one of the most successful and enduring franchises of the silent era. The Tarzan films were instrumental in developing the action-adventure genre and establishing cinematic conventions that would influence decades of filmmaking. By successfully transitioning from silent to sound films, Martan exemplified the adaptability required of actors during this revolutionary period in cinema history. Her career trajectory mirrors the challenges faced by many performers during the late 1920s when the introduction of sound technology dramatically altered the film industry landscape.
Lasting Legacy
Nita Martan's legacy is preserved through her surviving film work, particularly her contribution to the Tarzan film franchise and early sound cinema. While she may not be remembered as a major star, her performances contribute to our understanding of film history and the types of roles available to women in early Hollywood. Her films serve as valuable artifacts for film historians and enthusiasts studying the transition from silent to sound cinema. The preservation of her work in 'The Son of Tarzan' and 'Borrowed Wives' ensures that her contribution to early cinema remains accessible to future generations of film scholars and classic movie fans.
Who They Inspired
As a working actress during the transitional period of the late 1920s, Nita Martan would have been part of the generation of performers who helped establish the conventions of sound film acting. While specific documentation of her influence on other actors is not available, her successful transition from silent to sound films demonstrates the adaptability that became necessary for survival in the rapidly changing film industry. Her work in popular genres like adventure serials and early sound comedies contributed to the development of these cinematic forms.
Off Screen
Very limited information is available about Nita Martan's personal life, which is unfortunately common for many supporting actors from the silent and early sound era who were not major stars. Like many performers of her time, detailed biographical information was not systematically preserved, particularly for those who did not achieve top billing.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in 'The Son of Tarzan' (1920), which was a 15-chapter film serial
- Worked during the pivotal transition period from silent films to talkies
- Her career spanned exactly one decade from 1920 to 1930
- 'The Son of Tarzan' was based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' novel and was one of many Tarzan adaptations of the silent era
- Her appearance in 'Borrowed Wives' (1930) places her among the early actors to work in sound films
- Like many supporting actors of her era, she was often uncredited in film listings
- The Tarzan film serials were extremely popular in the 1920s and helped establish the action-adventure genre in cinema
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Nita Martan?
Nita Martan was an American actress who worked in Hollywood during the 1920s and early 1930s, appearing in both silent films and early sound productions during the transitional period of cinema history.
What films is Nita Martan best known for?
She is primarily known for her appearances in 'The Son of Tarzan' (1920), a silent film serial, and 'Borrowed Wives' (1930), an early sound comedy film.
When was Nita Martan active in films?
Nita Martan's known film career spanned from 1920 to 1930, covering the crucial transition period from silent cinema to sound films in Hollywood.
What was significant about 'The Son of Tarzan' (1920)?
'The Son of Tarzan' was a popular 15-chapter silent film serial based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' work, representing one of the many successful Tarzan adaptations that helped establish the action-adventure genre in early cinema.
How did Nita Martan adapt to the transition from silent to sound films?
Martan successfully made the transition from silent to sound cinema, appearing in 'Borrowed Wives' in 1930, demonstrating the adaptability required of actors during this revolutionary period in film history.
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Films
2 films
