Roberta Robinson
Actor
About Roberta Robinson
Roberta Robinson was an American actress who worked briefly during the transition period from silent films to talkies in early Hollywood. Her most notable appearance was in the 1930 comedy film 'Half Shot at Sunrise,' starring the popular comedy duo Wheeler & Woolsey. This film was produced by RKO Radio Pictures during a time when the studio system was consolidating its power and sound technology was revolutionizing the film industry. Robinson's career appears to have been extremely brief, with her only known film credit dating from 1930, suggesting she may have been a contract player or bit actress who did not secure a long-term position in the competitive Hollywood studio system. Like many actresses of her era, she likely faced the challenges of adapting to the new demands of sound cinema, which required different acting techniques than silent film performance. Her brief appearance in 'Half Shot at Sunrise' places her among the countless supporting players who contributed to early talkie cinema but whose careers were cut short by the rapidly changing industry dynamics of the early 1930s.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Half Shot at Sunrise' (1930)
- Worked during the early sound film era
- Part of RKO Radio Pictures' roster during the transition to talkies
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Roberta Robinson's cultural impact was minimal due to her extremely brief career in Hollywood. She represents the thousands of aspiring actors and actresses who passed through the studio system during the transitional period from silent films to talkies, many of whom appeared in only one or two films before leaving the industry. Her participation in 'Half Shot at Sunrise' places her within the context of early sound comedy, a genre that was crucial in helping audiences adapt to talking pictures. While she did not achieve lasting fame, she contributed to the rich tapestry of early Hollywood cinema, where countless supporting players were essential to the success of major productions.
Lasting Legacy
Roberta Robinson's legacy is primarily that of a representative figure from the early sound era - one of the many talented individuals who briefly appeared in Hollywood films during this revolutionary period but did not achieve lasting recognition. Her story illustrates the competitive and often transient nature of early Hollywood careers, where thousands of hopefuls passed through the studio system. For film historians and enthusiasts, she serves as a reminder of the vast number of uncredited or minimally credited performers who contributed to classic cinema but whose stories remain largely untold. Her appearance in 'Half Shot at Sunrise' ensures she has at least one documented role in film history, preserving her connection to the golden age of Hollywood comedy.
Who They Inspired
Due to her brief career and limited filmography, Roberta Robinson did not have a significant influence on other actors or directors. She was likely influenced by the acting styles of her time, particularly the transition from the exaggerated gestures of silent film to the more naturalistic approach required for sound pictures. Her work in a Wheeler & Woolsey comedy would have exposed her to the fast-paced, vaudeville-influenced comedy style that was popular in early talkies, but there is no evidence of her passing this influence on to others in the industry.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Roberta Robinson's personal life, which was not uncommon for supporting actresses of the early sound era who did not achieve star status. Like many contract players of the time, her life story remains largely undocumented in film history resources.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in only one known film during her entire career
- 'Half Shot at Sunrise' was part of the Wheeler & Woolsey comedy series, one of the most popular comedy teams of the early 1930s
- The film she appeared in was released by RKO Radio Pictures, a studio that would later become famous for films like 'King Kong' (1933)
- Her career coincided with the challenging transition period when many silent film actors struggled to adapt to sound
- Like many supporting players of her era, she was likely under contract to a studio for a brief period
- Her film was released during the Great Depression, a time when movie studios were cutting costs and many actors lost their contracts
- The comedy duo she worked with, Wheeler & Woolsey, were among the few teams to successfully transition from vaudeville to film stardom
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Roberta Robinson?
Roberta Robinson was an American actress who had a very brief career in early Hollywood, appearing in at least one film during the transition from silent movies to talkies in 1930. She is primarily known for her role in the comedy 'Half Shot at Sunrise' starring Wheeler & Woolsey.
What films is Roberta Robinson best known for?
Roberta Robinson's only known film credit is 'Half Shot at Sunrise' (1930), a comedy film featuring the popular duo Wheeler & Woolsey. This appears to be her sole documented appearance in cinema.
When was Roberta Robinson born and when did she die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Roberta Robinson are not available in historical records, which was common for many supporting actors and actresses from the early sound era who did not achieve star status.
What awards did Roberta Robinson win?
There are no records of Roberta Robinson receiving any major awards or nominations during her brief film career, which was typical for supporting players in early Hollywood who appeared in only one or two films.
What was Roberta Robinson's acting style?
While specific details about her acting style are not documented, as an actress working in 1930, she would have been part of the transition from silent film techniques to the more naturalistic approach required for sound pictures, particularly in the fast-paced comedy genre.
Did Roberta Robinson work with any famous actors?
Yes, Roberta Robinson appeared in 'Half Shot at Sunrise' with Wheeler & Woolsey, one of the most popular comedy teams of the early 1930s who were known for their successful transition from vaudeville to film stardom.
Why was Roberta Robinson's career so short?
Roberta Robinson's brief career was not uncommon during the early 1930s, when the transition to sound films and the Great Depression created an extremely competitive environment in Hollywood. Many contract players appeared in only one or two films before leaving the industry.
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Films
1 film
