Mrs. David Landau
Actor
About Mrs. David Landau
Mrs. David Landau was an American actress who appeared briefly during the silent film era, most notably in D.W. Griffith's landmark 1920 drama 'Way Down East.' She was the wife of character actor David Landau, who had a more substantial career in Hollywood during the 1920s and early 1930s. Her appearance in 'Way Down East' represents her only known credited film role, suggesting she may have been a bit player or extra rather than a professional actress. The film itself was one of the most successful and controversial productions of its time, starring Lillian Gish in a harrowing tale of betrayal and redemption. Mrs. Landau's specific role in the film is not well-documented, which was common for minor performers in large-scale productions of the era. Her brief appearance in cinema history is primarily remembered through her association with her husband's more established career and her participation in one of Griffith's most significant works.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in D.W. Griffith's 'Way Down East' (1920)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Mrs. David Landau's cultural impact is minimal, limited to her participation in one of the most significant films of the silent era. 'Way Down East' was a major commercial success and one of D.W. Griffith's most profitable films after 'The Birth of a Nation.' While her specific contribution to the film is not well-documented, she was part of a production that helped define the dramatic possibilities of silent cinema and showcased Lillian Gish's remarkable talent.
Lasting Legacy
The legacy of Mrs. David Landau is primarily that of a footnote in film history, representing the many minor performers and bit players who contributed to early cinema without achieving lasting fame. Her appearance in 'Way Down East' places her within the context of one of the silent era's most important productions, though her individual contribution has been largely lost to time. She represents the countless spouses and family members of more prominent actors who occasionally appeared in films without pursuing full-time careers in the industry.
Who They Inspired
As a minor performer with only one known film credit, Mrs. David Landau had no discernible influence on other actors or filmmakers. Her brief appearance in cinema serves more as an example of how the early film industry often employed friends, family, and minor performers for small roles in major productions.
Off Screen
Mrs. David Landau was married to character actor David Landau (1887-1935), who appeared in numerous films throughout the 1920s and early 1930s. Her marriage to David Landau appears to be her primary connection to the film industry, as she does not seem to have pursued a significant acting career beyond her brief appearance in 'Way Down East.'
Family
- David Landau (dates unknown)
Did You Know?
- Her only known film credit is in D.W. Griffith's 'Way Down East' (1920)
- She was credited as 'Mrs. David Landau,' indicating she was married to actor David Landau
- Her husband David Landau appeared in over 80 films between 1915 and 1935
- 'Way Down East' was one of the highest-grossing films of 1920
- The film featured one of the most famous ice floe rescue sequences in silent cinema
- D.W. Griffith paid Lillian Gish $2,000 per week for her starring role in the film
- The film's production budget was approximately $700,000, a substantial sum for 1920
- Mrs. Landau's specific role in the film is not documented in surviving production records
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mrs. David Landau?
Mrs. David Landau was an American actress from the silent film era, best known for her brief appearance in D.W. Griffith's 1920 film 'Way Down East.' She was married to character actor David Landau and appears to have had only this one credited film role throughout her career.
What films is Mrs. David Landau best known for?
Mrs. David Landau is known exclusively for her appearance in 'Way Down East' (1920), which was her only credited film role. This D.W. Griffith-directed drama was one of the most successful and significant films of the silent era, starring Lillian Gish.
When was Mrs. David Landau born and when did she die?
Specific birth and death dates for Mrs. David Landau are not documented in available historical records. Her film career was limited to 1920, and she was married to actor David Landau, who lived from 1887 to 1935.
What awards did Mrs. David Landau win?
Mrs. David Landau did not receive any known awards or nominations for her brief film work. As a minor performer with only one credited role, she was not recognized by the award systems of her time.
What was Mrs. David Landau's acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of her work and the fact that she appeared in only one film in a minor capacity, there is no available information about Mrs. David Landau's specific acting style or techniques.
How was Mrs. David Landau related to David Landau?
Mrs. David Landau was married to character actor David Landau, who had a more substantial career in Hollywood appearing in over 80 films. Her use of the 'Mrs.' designation in her film credit reflects this marital relationship.
What was the significance of 'Way Down East'?
'Way Down East' was one of D.W. Griffith's most successful and profitable films, featuring Lillian Gish in a powerful dramatic performance. The film was notable for its controversial themes and spectacular ice floe sequence, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1920.
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Films
1 film
