Lule Warrenton
Actor
About Lule Warrenton
Lule Warrenton was a pioneering figure in early American cinema, working as an actress, director, and producer during the silent film era. Born Luella Warrenton in Missouri, she began her film career in the early 1910s and quickly established herself as a versatile talent in the burgeoning motion picture industry. She gained recognition for her performance in the groundbreaking 1913 thriller 'Suspense,' directed by Lois Weber. Beyond acting, Warrenton became one of the few women of her time to run her own production company, Lule Warrenton Productions, where she directed and produced numerous films featuring family-friendly themes and strong female characters. Her directing career flourished between 1914-1917, during which she helmed over 20 films, often focusing on stories that emphasized moral values and domestic drama. Warrenton was particularly known for working with child actors and creating content suitable for family audiences. After her active filmmaking period ended in the late 1910s, she retired from the industry but left a significant legacy as one of cinema's early female auteurs and businesswomen.
The Craft
On Screen
Warrenton's acting style was characteristic of the early silent era, emphasizing expressive gestures and facial expressions to convey emotion. She had a natural screen presence that worked well in both dramatic roles and lighter comedy. Her performances were noted for their sincerity and relatability, which helped connect with audiences of the time.
Milestones
- Starred in the influential thriller 'Suspense' (1913)
- Founded and operated Lule Warrenton Productions
- Directed over 20 films between 1914-1917
- Pioneered family-friendly content in early cinema
- Became one of the first women to run an independent production company
- Worked extensively with child actors and developed young talent
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized as one of cinema's pioneering female directors
- Honored in film history studies for her contributions to early women's filmmaking
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Lule Warrenton made significant contributions to early cinema as one of the few women to successfully operate behind the camera during the silent era. Her production company was notable for creating content specifically aimed at family audiences, helping to establish the family film genre. She demonstrated that women could successfully manage all aspects of film production, from creative direction to business operations, at a time when the industry was overwhelmingly male-dominated. Her focus on moral and educational content helped establish standards for appropriate children's entertainment in motion pictures.
Lasting Legacy
Warrenton's legacy lies in her role as a trailblazer for women in filmmaking. While many of her films have been lost, her contribution to early cinema is recognized by film historians as an important example of female entrepreneurship and creativity in the silent era. She is frequently cited in studies of early women directors as an example of how women navigated and succeeded in the early film industry. Her work with child actors and family-oriented content helped establish conventions that would influence family entertainment for decades to come.
Who They Inspired
Warrenton influenced later generations of female filmmakers by demonstrating that women could successfully run production companies and direct films. Her focus on family-friendly content prefigured later developments in children's entertainment and family films. She helped create opportunities for other women in the industry through her production company and her advocacy for female participation in filmmaking. Her success as an independent producer showed that alternative production models were possible outside the major studio system.
Off Screen
Lule Warrenton was married to fellow actor and director Frank Currier, with whom she had a son named Warrenton Currier who also appeared in films. The family worked together in the film industry, with her husband and son often appearing in her productions. After her film career ended, she retired to Laguna Beach, California, where she lived until her death in 1932 at the age of 69.
Education
Limited information available about her formal education, which was typical for women of her generation in the 19th century
Family
- Frank Currier (married until his death in 1928)
Did You Know?
- One of the first women to establish and run her own production company in Hollywood
- Her real name was Luella, but she used 'Lule' professionally
- She was 51 years old when she began her film career, relatively late for the era
- Her production company specialized in films with moral and educational themes
- She often cast her husband Frank Currier and son Warrenton in her films
- Many of her films have been lost, a common fate for silent era productions
- She was part of a small but influential group of women directors in early Hollywood
- Her film 'Suspense' (1913) is considered a technical masterpiece of early cinema
- She retired from filmmaking before the transition to sound films
- Her production company was active during a peak period of women's involvement in early cinema
In Their Own Words
I believe in making pictures that the whole family can enjoy together
Children make the best actors when you treat them with respect and understanding
A woman's perspective in filmmaking brings something special that the industry needs
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lule Warrenton?
Lule Warrenton was a pioneering American actress, director, and producer during the silent film era who operated her own production company and was one of the few women filmmakers of her time.
What films is Lule Warrenton best known for?
She is best known for her acting role in 'Suspense' (1913) and for directing films like 'The Little Mother' (1915), 'The Little Liar' (1916), and 'Eleanor's Catch' (1916) through her own production company.
When was Lule Warrenton born and when did she die?
Lule Warrenton was born on June 22, 1862, in Missouri, and died on May 14, 1932, in Laguna Beach, California, at the age of 69.
What awards did Lule Warrenton win?
During her career in the 1910s, formal film awards were not yet established, but she is recognized today by film historians as a pioneering woman in early cinema.
What was Lule Warrenton's directing style?
Her directing style focused on creating family-friendly, morally uplifting content with strong domestic themes, and she was particularly skilled at working with child actors to create natural performances.
Did Lule Warrenton have her own production company?
Yes, she founded and operated Lule Warrenton Productions, making her one of the first women to run an independent film production company in Hollywood.
Was Lule Warrenton married and did she have children?
She was married to actor and director Frank Currier, and they had a son named Warrenton Currier who also became an actor and appeared in his mother's films.
Learn More
Films
2 films
