Downing Clarke
Actor
About Downing Clarke
Downing Clarke was an American actor who appeared during the silent film era, with his only known credited role being in the 1924 historical drama 'America' directed by the legendary D.W. Griffith. This film was a substantial production that depicted events from the American Revolutionary War, featuring large-scale battle sequences and an ensemble cast. Clarke's participation in this major Griffith production suggests he was likely a contract player or bit actor working during the peak of the silent era. Like many actors of his generation, his career appears to have been brief and limited to the silent period, as no records of his involvement in sound films or later productions have been documented. His single film credit places him among the thousands of working actors who populated Hollywood's golden age but whose names have largely faded from film history.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in D.W. Griffith's historical epic 'America' (1924)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Downing Clarke's cultural impact is minimal, limited to his participation in one of D.W. Griffith's later historical epics. His contribution represents the thousands of working actors who formed the backbone of Hollywood's studio system during the silent era, even if their individual names have been lost to history.
Lasting Legacy
Clarke's legacy is primarily preserved through his single credited appearance in 'America' (1924), a film that stands as an example of Griffith's ambitious historical productions. He represents the anonymous workforce of actors who helped create classic cinema but whose individual contributions remain largely undocumented.
Who They Inspired
As a minor actor with only one known film credit, Downing Clarke had no discernible influence on other actors or directors of his or subsequent generations.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Downing Clarke's personal life, as was common for many supporting actors and bit players from the silent era who did not achieve star status.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in 'America' (1924), which was one of D.W. Griffith's most expensive productions with a budget of over $500,000
- The film 'America' was notable for its large-scale battle sequences recreating Revolutionary War conflicts
- Like many silent era actors, Clarke's career appears to have ended with the transition to sound films
- His single film credit places him among the vast number of one-film actors from Hollywood's early years
- The film 'America' was not a commercial success, which may have affected the careers of its supporting cast members
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Downing Clarke?
Downing Clarke was an American actor from the silent film era known for his single credited role in D.W. Griffith's 1924 historical drama 'America'. Like many actors of his time, his career appears to have been brief and limited to the silent period.
What films is Downing Clarke best known for?
Downing Clarke is known for only one film: 'America' (1924), a historical epic directed by D.W. Griffith about the American Revolutionary War. This appears to be his sole credited screen appearance.
When was Downing Clarke born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Downing Clarke are not available in historical records, which was common for many supporting actors from the silent era who did not achieve star status.
What awards did Downing Clarke win?
There are no records of Downing Clarke receiving any major awards or nominations during his brief acting career, which was limited to a single film appearance in 1924.
What was Downing Clarke's acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of his work and the loss of many silent films, specific details about Downing Clarke's acting style are not known. His single appearance was in a D.W. Griffith production, known for its dramatic and theatrical approach typical of the era.
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Films
1 film
