Frank Morrell
Actor
About Frank Morrell
Frank Morrell was a silent film actor who appeared during the early days of American cinema. His known filmography consists of a single appearance in the 1920 adventure serial 'The Son of Tarzan,' which was produced by the Numa Pictures Corporation and distributed by Goldwyn Pictures Corporation. Like many actors of the silent era, Morrell was likely part of the studio system that produced numerous films with ensemble casts, where actors often played uncredited or minor roles. The film industry of 1920 was rapidly expanding, with actors frequently moving between studios and productions. Unfortunately, comprehensive records about supporting actors from this period are often incomplete, as many studio archives and personal records have been lost to time. Morrell's career appears to have been brief, spanning only the year 1920 based on available documentation, which was not uncommon for actors who appeared in only one or two films before leaving the industry.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The Son of Tarzan' (1920)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Frank Morrell's contribution to cinema, while minimal in scope, represents the collective work of countless supporting actors who helped build the foundation of early Hollywood. His appearance in 'The Son of Tarzan' places him within the important Tarzan film franchise that began with the 1918 adaptation and continued to be a significant part of popular culture throughout the 20th century. The film itself was part of the early adventure serial genre that captivated audiences and helped establish many of the storytelling techniques that would become standard in cinema. While Morrell himself did not achieve lasting fame, his participation reflects the collaborative nature of filmmaking during the silent era, where even minor roles contributed to the overall success and cultural impact of motion pictures.
Lasting Legacy
Frank Morrell's legacy is primarily that of a representative figure from the vast pool of anonymous actors who populated early Hollywood films. His single credited appearance in 'The Son of Tarzan' serves as a reminder of the thousands of performers who contributed to the golden age of silent cinema but whose names have been largely forgotten by time. These actors, though often unremembered, were essential to the success of the films they appeared in and helped establish the entertainment industry that would flourish in subsequent decades. The preservation of his name in film credits, however minimal, provides historians and enthusiasts with a connection to the everyday reality of film production in 1920.
Who They Inspired
As a minor actor with only one known film credit, Frank Morrell's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers is not documented. However, like all actors of his era, he contributed to the evolving language of cinema through his participation in early film productions. The collective work of actors like Morrell helped establish the conventions of silent film acting that would influence subsequent generations of performers, even if their individual contributions remain anonymous to history.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Frank Morrell's personal life, as was common for supporting actors in the silent era who did not achieve star status. Like many minor actors of the period, his life story remains largely undocumented in film history archives.
Did You Know?
- Frank Morrell appeared in 'The Son of Tarzan' (1920), which was a 15-chapter serial film
- The film was based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' novel of the same name
- The movie starred P. Dempsey Tabler as Jack Clayton, the son of Tarzan
- The Son of Tarzan was one of the earliest Tarzan film adaptations
- The film was produced during the height of the silent film serial craze
- Many supporting actors from silent films like Morrell have incomplete biographical records
- 1920 was a pivotal year in cinema, marking the transition from short films to feature-length productions
- The film industry in 1920 employed thousands of actors who appeared in only one or two films
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Frank Morrell?
Frank Morrell was a silent film actor who appeared in early Hollywood cinema, known primarily for his role in the 1920 film 'The Son of Tarzan.' His career appears to have been brief, spanning only the year 1920 based on available film records.
What films is Frank Morrell best known for?
Frank Morrell is known for his appearance in 'The Son of Tarzan' (1920), a 15-chapter adventure serial film based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' novel. This appears to be his only credited film role.
When was Frank Morrell born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Frank Morrell are not available in existing film archives and historical records, which is common for supporting actors from the silent era who did not achieve star status.
What awards did Frank Morrell win?
There are no records of Frank Morrell receiving any major awards or nominations for his work in film. This was typical for many supporting actors in the silent era, particularly those with brief careers.
What was Frank Morrell's acting style?
Specific details about Frank Morrell's acting style are not documented in available sources. As a silent film actor from 1920, he would have used the exaggerated physical gestures and facial expressions typical of the era to convey emotion and story.
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Films
1 film
