Peter Gawthrone
Actor
About Peter Gawthrone
Peter Gawthrone was an actor during the transitional period from silent films to talkies in the late 1920s. His only known film credit is the 1929 production 'Behind That Curtain,' which was released by Fox Film Corporation. This film was part of the popular Charlie Chan series, though notably the detective character does not actually appear in this particular installment. Gawthrone was likely a bit player or supporting actor in this production, as no other film credits have been documented for him. His brief appearance in cinema history coincides with the challenging period when many silent film actors struggled to adapt to the new sound technology. The film itself starred Warner Baxter and Lois Moran, with direction by Irving Cummings, and represented one of the early attempts to incorporate sound elements into what was essentially a silent film production. Gawthrone's career appears to have been limited to this single appearance, making him one of the many obscure figures from early Hollywood whose contributions have been largely lost to time.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Behind That Curtain' (1929)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Peter Gawthrone's impact on cinema history is minimal, limited to his appearance in a single film during the crucial transition period from silent to sound films. His participation in 'Behind That Curtain' places him among the many actors who worked during this transformative era in Hollywood, when the industry was rapidly adapting to new technologies and changing audience expectations. While his individual contribution may be small, he represents the countless supporting players and bit actors who formed the backbone of early Hollywood productions, helping to create the films that would define the Golden Age of cinema.
Lasting Legacy
Peter Gawthrone's legacy is primarily that of an obscure figure from early Hollywood history, representing the many actors whose contributions to cinema have been largely forgotten by time. His single known film appearance in 'Behind That Curtain' (1929) serves as a reminder of the vast number of performers who participated in the early years of sound cinema but did not achieve lasting fame or recognition. His story illustrates the transient nature of fame in early Hollywood and the difficulty many actors faced in establishing lasting careers during the industry's rapid technological and artistic evolution.
Who They Inspired
Due to the limited nature of his film career, Peter Gawthrone does not appear to have had a significant influence on other actors or directors. His brief appearance in cinema history does not document any mentorship relationships or notable artistic contributions that would have influenced subsequent generations of filmmakers or performers.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Peter Gawthrone's personal life, as his film career appears to have been limited to a single appearance. Like many bit players from the early sound era, biographical details about his life outside of his one film credit have not been preserved in historical records.
Did You Know?
- Peter Gawthrone's only known film credit is 'Behind That Curtain' (1929)
- The film he appeared in was part of the Charlie Chan series, though the detective character doesn't actually appear in this installment
- 1929 was a crucial year in cinema history, marking the full transition from silent films to talkies
- The film was produced by Fox Film Corporation, one of the major studios of the era
- His co-stars in the film included Warner Baxter, who would win the Academy Award for Best Actor the following year
- The film was directed by Irving Cummings, who would later direct several Shirley Temple films
- Many actors who appeared in only one or two films during 1929-1930 were unable to adapt to the requirements of sound cinema
- The film was based on a novel by Earl Derr Biggers, the creator of the Charlie Chan character
- The transition to sound was particularly challenging for character actors and supporting players like Gawthrone
- His career represents the typical trajectory of many bit players from early Hollywood who appeared briefly and then disappeared from the industry
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Peter Gawthrone?
Peter Gawthrone was an actor from the early sound era who appeared in only one known film, 'Behind That Curtain' (1929). He was likely a bit player or supporting actor during the transitional period from silent films to talkies.
What films is Peter Gawthrone best known for?
Peter Gawthrone is known only for his appearance in 'Behind That Curtain' (1929), a Fox Film Corporation production directed by Irving Cummings and starring Warner Baxter and Lois Moran.
When was Peter Gawthrone born and when did he die?
The birth and death dates of Peter Gawthrone are not known, as biographical information about this obscure actor has not been preserved in historical records.
What awards did Peter Gawthrone win?
Peter Gawthrone did not receive any known awards or nominations for his brief film career, which consisted of a single appearance in 1929.
What was Peter Gawthrone's acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of his career, Peter Gawthrone's specific acting style is not known. He was likely a supporting player in the traditional style of the late silent/early sound era.
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Films
1 film
