Joseph Herbst
Actor
About Joseph Herbst
Joseph Herbst was an American actor of short stature who gained his sole film credit in the notorious 1938 Western comedy 'The Terror of Tiny Town.' As part of the film's groundbreaking all-midget cast, Herbst participated in what would become a cult classic of Hollywood's Golden Age. The film, directed by Sam Newfield and produced by Jed Buell, featured an entire cast of little people in a parody of traditional Westerns. Herbst was part of this unique ensemble that included other notable little person performers such as Billy Curtis (who played the hero) and 'Little Billy' Rhodes. Like many of his fellow cast members, Herbst was likely recruited from the vibrant community of little person performers who worked in circuses, vaudeville, and traveling shows before transitioning to film. His career appears to have been limited to this single film appearance, which was not uncommon for supporting performers in the specialized niche of dwarf entertainment during this era. The film itself was a commercial failure but later gained cult status for its novelty and unusual premise.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The Terror of Tiny Town' (1938), the first all-midget cast Western film
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Joseph Herbst contributed to one of Hollywood's most unusual and memorable film experiments through his participation in 'The Terror of Tiny Town.' The film represented a rare attempt to feature little people in leading roles rather than as comic relief or fantasy creatures, though it still operated within the exploitative framework common to the era. The movie has since become a cult classic, studied for its place in cinema history as both a curiosity and a pioneering effort in representation of little people in film. Herbst and his fellow cast members helped pave the way for greater visibility of little person performers in Hollywood, even if the film itself was more spectacle than serious artistic statement.
Lasting Legacy
Joseph Herbst's legacy is primarily tied to his participation in 'The Terror of Tiny Town,' one of cinema's most unusual experiments. While he may not have achieved individual recognition, his contribution to this unique film has ensured his place in film history as part of an ensemble that challenged conventional casting practices of the 1930s. The film's enduring cult status means that Herbst's work continues to be seen and discussed by film enthusiasts and historians interested in Hollywood's more experimental productions.
Who They Inspired
As a supporting performer in a specialized niche film, Joseph Herbst's direct influence on other performers or filmmakers is difficult to trace. However, his participation in 'The Terror of Tiny Town' contributed to the broader conversation about representation of little people in cinema, a dialogue that would continue throughout Hollywood history and influence later, more respectful approaches to casting performers of short stature.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Joseph Herbst's personal life, which is typical for many supporting performers from this era of Hollywood cinema. As a little person performer in the 1930s, he would have been part of a specialized entertainment community that often faced limited opportunities and typecasting in the film industry.
Did You Know?
- 'The Terror of Tiny Town' was the first and only all-midget Western ever produced by a major Hollywood studio
- The film featured an entire cast of little people, including approximately 60 performers
- The movie was produced by Jed Buell, who specialized in unusual film concepts
- Despite its novelty, the film was a commercial failure upon release
- The film has since gained cult status and is often listed among the 'worst films ever made' but is appreciated for its uniqueness
- All the sets, props, and horses were specially scaled down for the little person cast
- The film was shot in just seven days on a budget of approximately $50,000
- Many of the cast members, including likely Herbst, were recruited from circuses and traveling shows
- The film's tagline was 'The picture that will forever stand alone in cinematic history!'
- Billy Curtis, who played the hero, would go on to have a long career as a character actor, appearing in 'The Wizard of Oz' and many other films
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Joseph Herbst?
Joseph Herbst was an American actor of short stature who appeared in the 1938 film 'The Terror of Tiny Town.' He was part of the film's groundbreaking all-midget cast, though this appears to be his only known film credit.
What films is Joseph Herbst best known for?
Joseph Herbst is known exclusively for his role in 'The Terror of Tiny Town' (1938), a Western comedy featuring an entire cast of little people that has since become a cult classic.
When was Joseph Herbst born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Joseph Herbst are not documented in available film records, which is common for supporting performers from this era of cinema.
What awards did Joseph Herbst win?
There are no recorded awards or nominations for Joseph Herbst, which is typical for a performer with only one film credit in a supporting capacity during the 1930s.
What was Joseph Herbst's acting style?
While specific details about Joseph Herbst's acting style are not documented, as part of 'The Terror of Tiny Town' cast, he would have performed in the style typical of Western films of the era, adapted for the film's unique all-midget premise.
What was 'The Terror of Tiny Town' about?
'The Terror of Tiny Town' was a Western musical comedy featuring an entirely little person cast, parodying traditional Western tropes. The film was unusual for its time and has since become a cult classic for its novelty and experimental approach to casting.
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Films
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