Jack Rutherford

Jack Rutherford

Actor

Active: 1930

About Jack Rutherford

Jack Rutherford was an American actor who had a brief career during the transition period from silent films to talkies in early 1930s Hollywood. His only known film credit is in the comedy 'Half Shot at Sunrise' (1930), where he appeared as a supporting actor alongside the popular comedy duo Wheeler & Woolsey. Like many actors of this era, Rutherford's career was likely impacted by the challenges of transitioning to sound films and the intense competition in Hollywood during this period. His single film appearance suggests he may have been a character actor or bit player who struggled to secure additional roles. The early 1930s was a turbulent time in Hollywood, as many silent film stars found themselves unable to adapt to the new medium of sound, while new talent emerged. Unfortunately, like many minor actors from this period, detailed records of Rutherford's life and career beyond his film work are scarce.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in 'Half Shot at Sunrise' (1930) during the early sound era

Best Known For

Must-See Films

  • Half Shot at Sunrise (1930)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

As a minor actor who appeared in only one film during the early sound era, Jack Rutherford's cultural impact was minimal. However, his appearance in 'Half Shot at Sunrise' places him within the important transitional period of Hollywood history when silent films gave way to talkies. The film itself was part of the Wheeler & Woolsey comedy series that was popular during this era, and Rutherford contributed to these early sound comedies that helped establish the template for film comedy in the 1930s.

Lasting Legacy

Jack Rutherford's legacy is primarily as an example of the many actors who briefly appeared during Hollywood's transition to sound films but did not achieve lasting fame. His single film credit serves as a reminder of the vast number of performers who contributed to early cinema but whose stories remain largely undocumented. Like many bit players and supporting actors of his era, he represents the anonymous workforce that made Hollywood's Golden Age possible.

Who They Inspired

Given his brief career and single film appearance, Jack Rutherford did not have a significant influence on other actors or filmmakers. His contribution was limited to his role in the broader tapestry of early sound cinema.

Off Screen

Very little is documented about Jack Rutherford's personal life, which was common for supporting actors of his era who had brief film careers.

Did You Know?

  • Appeared in only one known film during his entire career
  • His film 'Half Shot at Sunrise' was part of the popular Wheeler & Woolsey comedy series
  • Worked during the critical transition period from silent films to talkies
  • Like many actors of his era, his career spanned only a single year
  • His film was released by RKO Radio Pictures, one of the major studios of the era

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Jack Rutherford?

Jack Rutherford was an American actor who had a brief career in early Hollywood, appearing in only one known film, 'Half Shot at Sunrise' (1930), during the transition from silent films to talkies.

What films is Jack Rutherford best known for?

Jack Rutherford is known only for his appearance in 'Half Shot at Sunrise' (1930), a comedy film starring the popular duo Wheeler & Woolsey.

When was Jack Rutherford born and when did he die?

Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Jack Rutherford are not documented in available historical records, which was common for minor actors of this era.

What awards did Jack Rutherford win?

There are no recorded awards or nominations for Jack Rutherford, which is typical for supporting actors who had very brief careers in early Hollywood.

What was Jack Rutherford's acting style?

Due to the limited documentation of his career and only one known film appearance, Jack Rutherford's specific acting style and techniques are not well-documented in historical records.

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Films

1 film