Arthur Howard
Actor
About Arthur Howard
Arthur Howard was a minor actor during the silent film era who appeared in D.W. Griffith's acclaimed 1919 drama 'Broken Blossoms or The Yellow Man and the Girl.' His career appears to have been extremely brief, with his only known film credit being this landmark production. Like many supporting actors of the early silent period, Howard likely played a small role that contributed to the film's atmospheric narrative without receiving significant billing. The film itself was one of Griffith's most artistic and sensitive works, dealing with themes of love, prejudice, and tragedy in London's Limehouse district. Howard's participation in this important film places him within the context of early American cinema's artistic development, though his personal career trajectory remains largely undocumented in historical records.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in D.W. Griffith's 'Broken Blossoms' (1919)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Arthur Howard's contribution to cinema, while minimal in scope, is part of the broader tapestry of early American filmmaking. His participation in 'Broken Blossoms,' a film that helped establish the artistic potential of cinema, places him within the historical context of the medium's development. The film itself was groundbreaking for its time, dealing with sensitive subject matter and featuring remarkable performances by Lillian Gish and Richard Barthelmess.
Lasting Legacy
Arthur Howard represents the countless anonymous actors who contributed to early cinema's development. While his name may not be remembered in film history, his participation in one of D.W. Griffith's most artistically significant films makes him part of cinema's foundational period. His legacy is tied to the preservation and study of early American film, where even minor contributors are recognized for their role in building the medium.
Who They Inspired
As a minor actor with an extremely brief career, Arthur Howard's direct influence on other performers or filmmakers is not documented. However, like all participants in early cinema, he contributed to the development of film acting techniques during the transition from theatrical to cinematic performance styles.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Arthur Howard's personal life, which was common for minor supporting actors of the silent era who often worked anonymously or with minimal recognition.
Did You Know?
- Arthur Howard's entire known film career consists of a single film appearance in 1919
- He appeared in 'Broken Blossoms,' which is considered one of D.W. Griffith's most artistic and sensitive works
- The film was controversial upon release for its interracial romance themes
- 'Broken Blossoms' has been preserved in the National Film Registry for its cultural significance
- Howard's specific role in the film is not well-documented in surviving cast lists
- Many supporting actors from this era worked without screen credit or detailed documentation
- The film was shot at Griffith's studio in Mamaroneck, New York
- Howard was part of one of the most critically acclaimed films of 1919
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Arthur Howard?
Arthur Howard was a minor actor during the silent film era who appeared in only one known film, D.W. Griffith's 'Broken Blossoms' in 1919. His career was extremely brief, typical of many supporting actors of early cinema who worked anonymously or with minimal recognition.
What films is Arthur Howard best known for?
Arthur Howard is known exclusively for his appearance in 'Broken Blossoms or The Yellow Man and the Girl' (1919), a critically acclaimed drama directed by D.W. Griffith and starring Lillian Gish and Richard Barthelmess.
When was Arthur Howard born and when did he die?
Arthur Howard's birth and death dates are not documented in historical records, which was common for minor actors of the silent era who did not achieve significant fame.
What awards did Arthur Howard win?
Arthur Howard did not receive any known awards or nominations for his work, as his film career consisted of a single minor role during the early silent period.
What was Arthur Howard's acting style?
There is no documented information about Arthur Howard's specific acting style, as his only known film appearance was in a supporting role that was not extensively documented in contemporary reviews or film histories.
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Films
1 film
