Harry McKim
Actor
About Harry McKim
Harry McKim was an American actor who appeared briefly during Hollywood's Golden Age, with his only known film credit being the 1945 short film 'The House I Live In.' This Academy Award-winning short film starred Frank Sinatra and was produced to promote tolerance and combat racial prejudice during World War II. McKim's role in this socially significant production represents his entire documented film career, suggesting he may have been a bit player or extra rather than a featured performer. The film itself was notable for its message of religious and ethnic tolerance during a time of significant social tension in America. Despite the historical importance of his only known work, very little information survives about McKim's broader career or life beyond this single appearance.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in the Academy Award-winning short film 'The House I Live In' (1945)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Harry McKim's contribution to cinema, while minimal in scope, is tied to his participation in 'The House I Live In,' a historically significant film that promoted tolerance during World War II. The short film, which starred Frank Sinatra and won an Academy Award, was part of Hollywood's efforts to combat prejudice and promote unity during a critical period in American history. Though McKim's role was likely minor, he was part of a production that contributed to the social discourse of its time and demonstrated film's potential as a medium for promoting positive social values.
Lasting Legacy
Harry McKim represents the countless supporting players and bit actors who contributed to Hollywood's Golden Age but left little trace in the historical record. His legacy is intrinsically tied to his participation in an Academy Award-winning film that addressed important social issues of its era. While not a major figure in cinema history, McKim exemplifies how even minor performers could be part of films with lasting cultural significance.
Who They Inspired
Due to the extremely limited nature of Harry McKim's documented film career, there is no evidence of significant influence on other actors or filmmakers. His brief appearance in a single notable short film places him among the many anonymous contributors to Hollywood's Golden Age productions.
Off Screen
Very limited information is available about Harry McKim's personal life, as his film career appears to have been extremely brief with only one documented credit.
Did You Know?
- Harry McKim's only known film appearance was in 'The House I Live In' (1945)
- The film he appeared in won an Academy Award for Best Short Subject (One-Reel)
- 'The House I Live In' starred Frank Sinatra and was produced to promote tolerance
- The short film was made during World War II to combat racial and religious prejudice
- Despite the film's historical significance, McKim's role remains undocumented in detail
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Harry McKim?
Harry McKim was an American actor active in 1945, known only for his appearance in the Academy Award-winning short film 'The House I Live In.' His documented film career consists of this single production.
What films is Harry McKim best known for?
Harry McKim is known exclusively for 'The House I Live In' (1945), a socially significant short film starring Frank Sinatra that won an Academy Award for promoting tolerance during World War II.
When was Harry McKim born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Harry McKim are not documented in available historical records, reflecting his brief and obscure career in Hollywood.
What awards did Harry McKim win?
While Harry McKim himself did not receive any documented awards or nominations, he appeared in 'The House I Live In,' which won the Academy Award for Best Short Subject (One-Reel) in 1946.
What was Harry McKim's acting style?
Due to the extremely limited documentation of Harry McKim's career, there is no available information about his specific acting style or techniques.
Why is 'The House I Live In' historically significant?
'The House I Live In' is historically significant as a Hollywood production that directly addressed racial and religious tolerance during World War II, featuring Frank Sinatra in a rare social message film that earned an Academy Award.
Learn More
Films
1 film
