Robert Graves
Actor
About Robert Graves
Robert Graves (often credited as Robert Graves, Jr.) was a prolific character actor during the transition from the silent era to early sound cinema in Hollywood. Born in New York City in 1888, he established himself as a reliable supporting player who could seamlessly inhabit a wide variety of authoritative or everyday roles, ranging from stern police officers to pious priests. His career reached a notable peak in the late 1920s and early 1930s, where he worked with major studios like MGM and legendary directors such as Hal Roach and Charlie Chaplin. Graves is perhaps best remembered by film historians for his role as the Priest in the 1930 Western 'Men of the North' and his appearance as a police officer in Chaplin's masterpiece 'City Lights' (1931). Throughout his tenure in the industry, he was known for his professional versatility, appearing in dramas, comedies, and early 'talkie' mysteries. He remained active in the Los Angeles film community until his passing in 1954, leaving behind a body of work that exemplifies the essential role of the character actor in the Golden Age of Hollywood.
The Craft
On Screen
Graves was a quintessential character actor of the early sound era, specializing in 'authority figure' archetypes. His style was grounded and naturalistic for the time, often providing a stoic or moral foil to the more flamboyant lead actors. He was particularly adept at utilizing his physical presence to portray detectives, officers, and clergy members with a sense of quiet dignity.
Milestones
- Featured as the Priest in the Hal Roach directed Western 'Men of the North' (1930).
- Appeared in Charlie Chaplin's landmark film 'City Lights' (1931) as a police officer.
- Played a significant supporting role in the silent serial 'The Great Circus Mystery' (1925).
- Worked under the direction of Hal Roach in his rare 'director-for-hire' assignment for MGM.
- Maintained a steady career through the difficult industry transition from silent films to 'talkies'.
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized in the AFI Catalog of Feature Films for his contributions to early sound cinema.
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
While not a leading man, Robert Graves represented the 'backbone' of the Hollywood studio system—the reliable character actor. His presence in films like 'City Lights' helped ground the fantastical or comedic elements of early cinema in a recognizable reality. He was part of the essential group of actors who helped audiences navigate the transition to sound by providing clear, authoritative vocal performances.
Lasting Legacy
Graves' legacy lives on through the preservation of early 1930s cinema. His performance in 'Men of the North' is studied by Western genre historians as an example of the early 'Northwestern' subgenre. Furthermore, his participation in the multi-language filming sessions of the early 1930s (where films were shot simultaneously in different languages) marks him as a participant in a unique and brief era of international film production history.
Who They Inspired
He influenced the standard for supporting 'authority' roles in the 1930s, moving away from the exaggerated pantomime of the silent era toward a more understated, vocal-heavy performance style that became the norm in the Golden Age.
Off Screen
Robert Graves lived a relatively private life away from the Hollywood tabloids. He was a long-time resident of Los Angeles, where he moved to pursue his film career after his early years in New York. He was married to Ellen Godsey, who survived him following his death in 1954.
Education
Trained in the New York theatrical circuit prior to entering the film industry in the early 1920s.
Family
- Ellen Godsey
Did You Know?
- He is often confused with the famous British poet and novelist Robert Graves (author of 'I, Claudius'), but they are entirely different people.
- He appeared in 'Men of the North', which was notably the only film Hal Roach directed as a 'director-for-hire' for another studio (MGM).
- The film 'Men of the North' was filmed simultaneously in five different languages; Graves appeared in the primary English version.
- He played a 'Police Officer' in the iconic opening scenes of Charlie Chaplin's 'City Lights'.
- His career spanned the total evolution of the industry, from silent shorts to major studio features of the 1940s.
- He was often credited as 'Robert Graves, Jr.' to distinguish himself from his father.
In Their Own Words
I've played every kind of officer from a beat cop to a general, but the collar of a priest is the hardest to wear convincingly. (Attributed, regarding his role in 'Men of the North')
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Robert Graves the actor?
Robert Graves was an American character actor active during the 1920s and 1930s. He is best known for his supporting roles in 'Men of the North' (1930) and Charlie Chaplin's 'City Lights' (1931).
Is he the same person who wrote 'I, Claudius'?
No, the actor Robert Graves is an American film performer. He is frequently confused with the British poet and novelist Robert Ranke Graves, who wrote 'I, Claudius' and 'Good-Bye to All That'.
What kind of roles did Robert Graves usually play?
He was a versatile character actor who often played authority figures such as police officers, detectives, military officials, and priests.
What is his most famous movie?
His most enduring film is Charlie Chaplin's 'City Lights' (1931), though his role as the Priest in 'Men of the North' (1930) was one of his most significant credited parts.
When did Robert Graves die?
Robert Graves passed away on August 19, 1954, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 65.
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Films
1 film
