Lowell Drew
Actor
About Lowell Drew
Lowell Drew was an American actor who appeared during the transitional period between silent films and early talkies in Hollywood. His known filmography consists of a single appearance in the 1929 mystery film 'The Greene Murder Case,' which was part of the popular Philo Vance detective series. Like many actors of this era, Drew's career was brief and coincided with the massive changes occurring in the film industry as sound technology revolutionized cinema. His appearance in this William Powell-starring film places him among the many character actors who populated early Hollywood productions but whose careers were often short-lived or undocumented. The film itself was based on S.S. Van Dine's popular detective novel and was one of several Philo Vance adaptations produced during this period. Drew represents the countless supporting players who contributed to early cinema but whose personal details and career trajectories have been largely lost to time.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The Greene Murder Case' (1929) during the early sound era
- Part of the Philo Vance film series adaptation
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Lowell Drew's contribution to cinema represents the vast network of supporting actors who formed the backbone of early Hollywood productions. While his individual impact was minimal due to his brief filmography, actors like him were essential to the studio system, providing the necessary personnel to populate the increasingly complex narratives of early sound films. His appearance in a Philo Vance mystery places him within an important genre transition period, as detective stories were among the most successful adaptations from silent to sound cinema.
Lasting Legacy
As an obscure figure from early Hollywood, Lowell Drew's legacy is primarily archival, representing the thousands of actors whose names appear in film credits but whose stories remain largely untold. His single documented appearance in 'The Greene Murder Case' serves as a reminder of the transient nature of early film careers and the difficulty of preserving complete records from this pioneering era of cinema.
Who They Inspired
Given his limited filmography and minor status, Lowell Drew's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers is not documented. However, like all actors from this period, he contributed to the development of film acting techniques during the crucial transition from silent to sound cinema.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Lowell Drew's personal life, which is typical for minor character actors from the early Hollywood era whose careers consisted of brief or supporting roles.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in only one known film during his entire career
- 'The Greene Murder Case' was part of a popular detective film series based on S.S. Van Dine's Philo Vance character
- The film was released during the first full year of the Great Depression
- His co-star William Powell would become one of Hollywood's most beloved leading actors
- The film was directed by Frank Tuttle, who would later direct several Marx Brothers films
- The Greene Murder Case was one of the earliest sound detective films
- Paramount Pictures produced the film as part of their transition to sound production
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lowell Drew?
Lowell Drew was an American actor active in 1929 who appeared in the early sound film 'The Greene Murder Case.' He represents the many minor character actors from Hollywood's transitional period between silent and sound cinema.
What films is Lowell Drew best known for?
Lowell Drew is known for his single appearance in 'The Greene Murder Case' (1929), a mystery film starring William Powell and part of the Philo Vance detective series.
When was Lowell Drew born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Lowell Drew are not documented in available historical records, which is common for minor actors from this era of early Hollywood.
What awards did Lowell Drew win?
There are no recorded awards or nominations for Lowell Drew, which is typical for supporting actors with very brief filmographies during the early sound period.
What was Lowell Drew's acting style?
Specific details about Lowell Drew's acting style are not documented, as he appeared in only one film and historical records about minor actors from this period are often incomplete.
Why is so little known about Lowell Drew?
Limited information about Lowell Drew is typical for minor character actors from early Hollywood, as comprehensive records were not always maintained for supporting players, and many had very brief careers during the industry's transition to sound.
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Films
1 film
