Lola May
Actor
About Lola May
Lola May was an American actress who appeared during the silent film era, with her only known credited work being in the 1916 epic anti-war film 'Civilization.' She emerged during a pivotal period in American cinema when feature-length films were becoming increasingly sophisticated and ambitious. Her brief career coincided with the height of World War I, when pacifist themes in cinema were both controversial and significant. 'Civilization' was one of the most expensive and ambitious productions of its time, suggesting May was part of a major studio production. The film was directed by the renowned Thomas H. Ince along with Reginald Barker and Raymond B. West, indicating May worked with established industry figures. Unfortunately, like many performers from the silent era whose careers were brief, detailed records of her life and career beyond this single film appearance have been lost to history.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in the landmark silent film 'Civilization' (1916)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Lola May's contribution to cinema, while brief, places her within the context of early Hollywood's transition to feature-length filmmaking. Her participation in 'Civilization' connects her to one of the most significant anti-war statements of early American cinema, a film that was notable for its pacifist stance during World War I. The film itself was groundbreaking for its time, featuring elaborate sets, large-scale battle sequences, and supernatural elements that pushed the boundaries of what silent films could achieve. While May herself may not have been a major star, her involvement in such an ambitious production reflects the collaborative nature of early Hollywood, where hundreds of performers contributed to creating cinematic milestones.
Lasting Legacy
Lola May represents the countless actors and actresses from the silent era whose contributions to film history have been largely forgotten due to the brevity of their careers and the loss of historical records. Her legacy is tied to her participation in 'Civilization,' a film that remains historically significant for its anti-war message and technical achievements. She exemplifies the transient nature of early Hollywood careers, where many performers appeared in only one or a few films before disappearing from the industry. The preservation of 'Civilization' ensures that her contribution, however small, to this important piece of cinema history is not entirely lost.
Who They Inspired
As a supporting performer with only one known film credit, Lola May's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers is not documented. However, her participation in 'Civilization' contributed to the film's overall impact, which influenced subsequent anti-war cinema and demonstrated the potential for feature-length films to address serious social and political themes. The film's success and technical innovations helped pave the way for more ambitious productions in the late 1910s and 1920s.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Lola May's personal life, as was common for many supporting actors and bit players in the silent film era whose careers were brief and who did not achieve lasting fame.
Did You Know?
- Lola May's entire known film career consists of a single film appearance in 1916
- 'Civilization' was one of the most expensive films of its time, with a budget of approximately $1 million
- The film 'Civilization' was partially shot on location at Santa Catalina Island
- 'Civilization' was notable for its pacifist message during World War I, making it controversial
- The film featured supernatural elements, including a depiction of Jesus Christ
- Thomas H. Ince, one of the directors, was known as the 'Father of the Western' and was a major Hollywood producer
- Like many silent film performers, May's career may have been affected by the transition to sound films in the late 1920s
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lola May?
Lola May was an American actress from the silent film era who appeared in only one known film, 'Civilization' (1916). She was part of the ensemble cast in this ambitious anti-war epic directed by Thomas H. Ince and others.
What films is Lola May best known for?
Lola May is known exclusively for her appearance in the 1916 silent film 'Civilization,' a major anti-war production that was one of the most expensive films of its time.
When was Lola May born and when did she die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Lola May are not available in historical records, which is common for many supporting actors from the silent era who had brief careers.
What awards did Lola May win?
There are no recorded awards or nominations for Lola May, as was typical for most supporting actors in the silent film era, particularly those with very brief careers.
What was Lola May's acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of her career and the loss of most silent films from this period, specific details about Lola May's acting style are not available in historical records.
Why is 'Civilization' (1916) historically significant?
'Civilization' is historically significant as one of the first major anti-war films produced during World War I, featuring groundbreaking special effects and a budget of $1 million, which was enormous for its time.
What happened to Lola May after 1916?
Historical records do not indicate what happened to Lola May after her appearance in 'Civilization.' Like many actors from this period, she may have left the film industry, married, or passed away, but specific details are unknown.
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Films
1 film
