Allen Tower
Actor
About Allen Tower
Allen Tower was an American actor who appeared during the late 1930s, most notably in the exploitation film 'Sex Madness' (1938). Like many actors who worked in the exploitation film genre during this period, Tower was likely a struggling performer or bit player who found work in these low-budget productions that circumvented the Hays Code by claiming educational value. His filmography appears to be extremely limited, with 'Sex Madness' being his only known credited role. The exploitation film industry of the 1930s often hired actors who were unable to find work in mainstream Hollywood productions, and many of these performers appeared in only one or two films before disappearing from the industry entirely. Tower's participation in 'Sex Madness' places him within the context of the 'sex hygiene' film genre that was popular during this era, which used the pretext of moral education to explore taboo subjects.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in the exploitation film 'Sex Madness' (1938)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Allen Tower's cultural impact is primarily through his participation in 'Sex Madness,' which represents an important example of the exploitation film genre of the late 1930s. These films, while often dismissed as sensationalist, played a significant role in pushing boundaries of what could be shown on screen and challenged the restrictive Hays Code. The film itself has become a historical artifact, studied by film historians for its approach to taboo subjects and its place in the broader context of American cinema's relationship with censorship and morality. Tower, as one of the performers in this genre, contributed to this unique chapter of film history, even if his individual contribution was minimal.
Lasting Legacy
Allen Tower's legacy is tied to the preservation and study of exploitation cinema from the 1930s. While he was not a major star, his work in 'Sex Madness' has been preserved as part of film history, with the movie now being in the public domain and available for historical study. His name appears in film databases and historical discussions about exploitation cinema, representing the countless anonymous or semi-anonymous actors who participated in this genre. The film itself has gained cult status among exploitation film enthusiasts, ensuring that Tower's name, however minor, continues to be remembered in the context of this unique film movement.
Who They Inspired
As a minor actor in a single exploitation film, Allen Tower likely had minimal direct influence on other performers or filmmakers. However, his participation in 'Sex Madness' contributes to the broader understanding of how exploitation films operated and the types of actors they employed. These films often served as a training ground or temporary employment for actors who would otherwise struggle to find work in Hollywood, and the collective body of work by performers like Tower helps illustrate the economic realities of the film industry during the Great Depression era.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Allen Tower's personal life, which was common for actors who appeared in exploitation films during the 1930s. Many of these performers maintained their privacy or used pseudonyms to distance themselves from the controversial nature of these films.
Did You Know?
- Allen Tower appeared in 'Sex Madness' (1938), one of the most famous exploitation films of the 1930s
- The film was also known by the alternate title 'Human Wreckage'
- 'Sex Madness' was part of the 'sex hygiene' genre that claimed educational value to circumvent censorship
- The film has since fallen into the public domain and is widely available for historical study
- Like many exploitation film actors, Tower likely used a pseudonym or stage name
- Exploitation films of this era often hired actors who couldn't find work in mainstream Hollywood
- The film dealt with controversial topics like venereal disease and promiscuity
- Many actors in exploitation films appeared in only one or two productions before leaving the industry
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Allen Tower?
Allen Tower was an American actor who appeared during the late 1930s, best known for his role in the exploitation film 'Sex Madness' (1938). He was likely a minor performer who worked in the low-budget exploitation film industry during this period.
What films is Allen Tower best known for?
Allen Tower is known almost exclusively for his appearance in 'Sex Madness' (1938), an exploitation film that has since become a cult classic among enthusiasts of vintage exploitation cinema.
When was Allen Tower born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Allen Tower are not available in historical records, which was common for actors who appeared in exploitation films during the 1930s.
What awards did Allen Tower win?
Allen Tower did not receive any major awards or recognition during his brief acting career, which was typical for performers in the exploitation film genre of his era.
What was Allen Tower's acting style?
There is insufficient documentation about Allen Tower's specific acting style, as he appeared in only one known film and exploitation films of this era typically featured straightforward, unpolished performances focused on delivering the film's sensational content.
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Films
1 film
