Franklin Batie
Actor
About Franklin Batie
Franklin Batie was a prominent American vaudeville performer and stage actor whose career spanned the early 20th century, culminating in his appearance in the early sound era. He was most famously associated with the legendary entertainer Al Jolson, serving as a key supporting player in several of Jolson's massive Broadway hits, including 'Sinbad' (1918) and 'Big Boy' (1925). Batie was known for his exceptional singing voice and his skill as a 'straight man' or 'feeder' in comedy sketches, particularly within the Jack Wilson Trio. His transition to film occurred in 1930 when he reprised his stage role as Jim the trainer in the film adaptation of 'Big Boy,' directed by Alan Crosland. Though his screen career was brief, his contributions to the theatrical landscape of the 1910s and 1920s were significant, as he shared the stage with some of the era's greatest stars. Batie's work represents the bridge between the high-energy world of vaudeville and the burgeoning industry of musical talking pictures.
The Craft
On Screen
Batie was primarily recognized as a 'feeder'—a specialized vaudeville role where he provided the setup for a lead comedian's punchlines. He possessed a powerful and refined singing voice, often described as 'excellent' and 'cultured' by contemporary critics in Variety and Billboard. His style was characterized by a professional stage presence that balanced comedic timing with musical talent, allowing him to hold his own alongside high-energy performers like Jack Wilson and Al Jolson.
Milestones
- Member of the popular vaudeville group the Jack Wilson Trio (1911-1916)
- Featured performer in the Broadway musical 'A World of Pleasure' (1915)
- Cast member of the long-running Al Jolson hit 'Sinbad' at the Winter Garden Theatre (1918)
- Originated the role of Jim in the Broadway production of 'Big Boy' (1925)
- Reprised his stage role in the Warner Bros. film 'Big Boy' (1930) alongside Al Jolson
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Featured in the 1930-31 Edition of the Year Book of Motion Pictures
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Franklin Batie's cultural impact lies in his role as a quintessential vaudevillian who helped define the musical comedy format of the early 20th century. By serving as a reliable foil to Al Jolson, Batie contributed to the success of some of the most influential stage shows in American history. His participation in the 1930 film 'Big Boy' is a preserved record of the vaudeville-to-screen transition, capturing the specific performance dynamics of the 1920s stage for future generations.
Lasting Legacy
His legacy is preserved through his association with the Golden Age of Broadway and his appearance in one of the few surviving films that captures the essence of an original Al Jolson stage production. He is remembered by film historians as a talented vocalist and a vital component of the Winter Garden Theatre's legendary ensemble during its peak years.
Who They Inspired
He influenced the 'straight man' archetype in musical comedy, demonstrating how a skilled singer could effectively anchor a comedy act without overshadowing the lead star.
Off Screen
Franklin Batie was born in Norwich, England, but spent the majority of his professional life in the United States, particularly in New York City's theatrical district. He was a staple of the Shubert Organization's productions at the Winter Garden Theatre. While details of his family life remain private, his professional associations suggest he was a highly respected member of the tight-knit vaudeville community.
Education
Trained in vocal performance and stagecraft through the vaudeville circuit.
Did You Know?
- Batie was one of the few actors from the original 1925 Broadway cast of 'Big Boy' to be brought to Hollywood for the 1930 film version.
- He was a member of the Jack Wilson Trio, which was once described as one of the 'laughing hits' of the vaudeville bill.
- In the 1915 song contest in vaudeville, he was noted for his performance of 'I'm On My Way to Dublin Bay.'
- He performed in 'Sinbad,' a show so successful it ran for over two years on Broadway and on tour.
- His role in 'Big Boy' involved playing a horse trainer named Jim, a character central to the film's Kentucky Derby plot.
In Their Own Words
Mrs. Bedford! I've got to speak with you, it's very important. Big Boy has been tampered with! (As Jim in the film 'Big Boy', 1930)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Franklin Batie?
Franklin Batie was a British-born American stage and screen actor best known for his work in vaudeville and his collaborations with Al Jolson. He was a featured singer and supporting actor in major Broadway hits of the 1910s and 1920s.
What films is Franklin Batie best known for?
He is primarily known for the 1930 musical film 'Big Boy,' where he played the role of Jim, the horse trainer. This was a reprisal of the role he had played for years on the Broadway stage.
When was Franklin Batie born and when did he die?
Franklin Batie was born in 1881 in Norwich, England, and passed away in 1949 at the age of 68.
What was Franklin Batie's relationship with Al Jolson?
Batie was a frequent supporting player for Jolson, appearing in several of his most famous Broadway extravaganzas, including 'Sinbad' and 'Big Boy.' He was trusted by Jolson to provide the vocal and comedic support necessary for Jolson's high-energy performances.
What was Franklin Batie's acting style?
He was a versatile performer known for a 'cultured' singing voice and his ability to act as a 'straight man' in comedy routines. His style was rooted in the disciplined, high-stakes environment of top-tier vaudeville.
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Films
1 film
