Lorentz Thyholt
Actor
About Lorentz Thyholt
Lorentz Thyholt was a Norwegian actor who appeared during the early days of Scandinavian cinema, specifically in the silent film era. His only known film credit is in Carl Theodor Dreyer's 1920 masterpiece 'The Parson's Widow' (Præstekonen), where he played a supporting role in this significant early work of Norwegian cinema. Thyholt was part of the emerging Norwegian film industry at a time when the country was producing its first major feature films. His appearance in Dreyer's debut feature film places him in the historical context of early Scandinavian cinema, which would later influence filmmakers worldwide. Unfortunately, like many actors from this era, particularly those in supporting roles in regional cinema, detailed records of his life and career are scarce. His contribution, though brief, represents the collaborative effort of early filmmakers who helped establish the foundations of Nordic cinema during its formative years.
The Craft
On Screen
Typical of silent era Norwegian actors, Thyholt's performance would have relied heavily on physical expression and gesture techniques common in early cinema before the advent of sound
Milestones
- Appeared in Carl Theodor Dreyer's directorial debut 'The Parson's Widow' (1920)
- Participated in early Norwegian silent cinema
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Lorentz Thyholt's contribution to cinema, though limited to a single known film, places him within the important context of early Norwegian cinema. His participation in Carl Theodor Dreyer's debut feature film connects him to one of cinema's most important auteurs and the development of Scandinavian film as a significant artistic movement. The Parson's Widow is now recognized as a crucial early work that helped establish Dreyer's distinctive visual style and thematic concerns, making Thyholt a small but meaningful part of film history.
Lasting Legacy
While Lorentz Thyholt did not achieve lasting fame or recognition, his legacy exists through his participation in a historically significant film. The Parson's Widow has been preserved and studied by film historians as an important example of early Scandinavian cinema, ensuring that Thyholt's contribution, however small, is remembered as part of this artistic movement.
Who They Inspired
As a supporting actor in only one known film, Thyholt's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers appears to have been minimal. However, his work contributes to the collective influence of early Scandinavian cinema on international film development, particularly through his involvement in Dreyer's early career.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Lorentz Thyholt's personal life, which was common for supporting actors in early regional cinema. He appears to have been a Norwegian actor who participated in the country's emerging film industry during its silent era.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in Carl Theodor Dreyer's very first feature film as director
- The Parson's Widow was filmed in Norway in 1919 but released in 1920
- This film is considered one of the earliest examples of Norwegian feature cinema
- Dreyer would later become one of cinema's most celebrated directors, making Thyholt part of his early career
- The film was based on a story by Norwegian author Kristofer Janson
- Like many early film actors, Thyholt's career appears to have been brief and undocumented beyond this single role
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lorentz Thyholt?
Lorentz Thyholt was a Norwegian actor from the silent film era, known primarily for his appearance in Carl Theodor Dreyer's 1920 film 'The Parson's Widow'. He appears to have had a very brief film career, with this being his only documented role.
What film is Lorentz Thyholt best known for?
Thyholt is known exclusively for his role in 'The Parson's Widow' (1920), which was Carl Theodor Dreyer's directorial debut and an important early work of Norwegian cinema.
When was Lorentz Thyholt active in films?
Based on available records, Lorentz Thyholt was active only in 1920, with his only known film credit being 'The Parson's Widow'.
Did Lorentz Thyholt work with any famous directors?
Yes, he worked with Carl Theodor Dreyer, who would later become one of cinema's most acclaimed directors. This was Dreyer's first feature film, making Thyholt part of the director's early career.
What was the significance of 'The Parson's Widow'?
The film is historically significant as Carl Theodor Dreyer's directorial debut and as an important example of early Norwegian cinema. It has been preserved and studied by film historians as a crucial work in the development of Scandinavian film.
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Films
1 film
