Fontaine La Rue
Actor
About Fontaine La Rue
Fontaine La Rue was an American actress who appeared briefly during the silent film era of 1915. Her career spanned only a single year, during which she appeared in at least two comedy shorts. She worked primarily with Mack Sennett's Keystone Studios, one of the most prolific comedy production companies of the early silent era. Her appearances were in supporting roles alongside established comedy stars of the period. Like many performers from this very early period of cinema, detailed records of her life and career are scarce. She represents the countless anonymous performers who contributed to the rapid development of American cinema during its formative years. Her brief filmography suggests she may have been a bit player or extra rather than a featured performer.
The Craft
On Screen
Likely employed typical silent era comedy acting techniques common to Keystone productions, including exaggerated physical comedy and broad gestures typical of the period
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Love, Loot and Crash' (1915)
- Appeared in 'Mabel Lost and Won' (1915)
- Worked with Mack Sennett's Keystone Studios
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Fontaine La Rue represents the countless anonymous performers who populated early American cinema, particularly during the rapid expansion of the film industry in the 1910s. Her work with Keystone Studios places her within the foundation of American comedy cinema, though her individual contribution was minimal. Like many performers from this era who appeared in only a handful of films, she serves as a reminder of the vast number of artists who contributed to cinema's development but have been lost to history due to limited documentation and the ephemeral nature of early film careers.
Lasting Legacy
Fontaine La Rue's legacy is primarily historical, representing the typical journey of many early film performers who had brief careers during cinema's formative years. Her appearances in Keystone comedies place her within the important context of early American comedy development, alongside pioneers like Mabel Normand and Mack Sennett. While she did not achieve lasting fame or recognition, her contribution, however small, was part of the foundation upon which Hollywood would be built.
Who They Inspired
As a bit player with an extremely brief career, Fontaine La Rue likely had minimal direct influence on other performers or the development of cinema. Her work would have been typical of the ensemble style common in Keystone productions, where many performers contributed to the overall comic effect without individual recognition.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Fontaine La Rue's personal life, which is typical for bit players from the early silent era who did not achieve lasting fame.
Did You Know?
- Her career lasted only one year (1915)
- Both of her known films were comedy shorts
- She worked with Keystone Studios, Mack Sennett's famous comedy production company
- Her film 'Mabel Lost and Won' starred the famous silent comedian Mabel Normand
- Like many early film performers, complete documentation of her filmography may not exist
- Her name 'Fontaine La Rue' suggests possible French heritage, though this is unconfirmed
- She represents the typical anonymous performer of early cinema
- Both of her known films were released in the same year
- Her appearances were likely uncredited or in minor roles
- The scarcity of information about her is typical for performers of her era and career level
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Fontaine La Rue?
Fontaine La Rue was an American actress who appeared briefly in silent films during 1915, working primarily with Keystone Studios in comedy shorts alongside stars like Mabel Normand.
What films is Fontaine La Rue best known for?
She is known for appearing in two 1915 comedy shorts: 'Love, Loot and Crash' and 'Mabel Lost and Won,' both produced by Mack Sennett's Keystone Studios.
When was Fontaine La Rue born and when did she die?
Birth and death dates for Fontaine La Rue are not documented, which is common for bit players from the early silent era who did not achieve lasting fame.
What awards did Fontaine La Rue win?
Fontaine La Rue did not receive any known awards or recognition during her brief career in 1915.
What was Fontaine La Rue's acting style?
Her acting style would have been typical of Keystone Studios productions of the era, featuring the exaggerated physical comedy and broad gestures characteristic of early silent film comedy.
Why is so little known about Fontaine La Rue?
The scarcity of information about Fontaine La Rue is typical for performers from the early silent era who had brief careers as bit players or extras, as detailed records were not maintained for such performers.
Did Fontaine La Rue work with any famous silent film stars?
Yes, she appeared in 'Mabel Lost and Won' (1915) which starred Mabel Normand, one of the most famous comedy stars of the early silent era, and worked under producer Mack Sennett.
Learn More
Films
2 films
