Hal Richardson
Actor
About Hal Richardson
Hal Richardson was an American actor whose brief career in Hollywood was confined to the late 1930s, a period when the studio system was at its peak. He appeared in only one known film credit, the 1937 comedy short 'How to Undress in Front of Your Husband,' which was produced by the prolific Hal Roach Studios. This film was part of a popular series of comedic shorts and featurettes that explored marital and domestic humor, a genre that Roach excelled in producing. Richardson's role, while minor, placed him within the orbit of the studio that had launched legendary comedians like Laurel and Hardy and Harold Lloyd. Unfortunately, like many actors of the era, his filmography appears to have been limited to this single appearance, suggesting he may have been a bit player or someone who pursued acting only briefly before moving on to other endeavors. His career serves as a representative example of the thousands of performers who populated the background of Golden Age films but never achieved stardom. The lack of extensive records about him is typical for supporting actors from this period, whose contributions were often fleeting but essential to the fabric of classic cinema.
The Craft
On Screen
Given his appearance in a Hal Roach comedy short, his acting style was likely comedic and tailored to the fast-paced, slapstick, and situational humor typical of the studio's productions. Performers in these shorts were required to be expressive, clear, and able to deliver physical and verbal gags effectively for the camera.
Milestones
- Appeared in the Hal Roach Studios comedy short 'How to Undress in Front of Your Husband' (1937)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Hal Richardson's cultural impact is minimal and confined to his participation in a single film that reflects the broader trends of 1930s Hollywood. His appearance in 'How to Undress in Front of Your Husband' contributes to the historical record of the types of domestic comedies produced during the era, which often served as light-hearted escapist entertainment for audiences navigating the Great Depression. While he did not achieve individual fame, his work is part of the collective effort of hundreds of actors who populated the studio system, creating the rich tapestry of classic American film that is studied and appreciated by historians and cinephiles today.
Lasting Legacy
The legacy of Hal Richardson is that of a representative bit player from the Golden Age of Hollywood. He stands as an example of the vast number of actors who appeared in films but whose names and stories have been largely lost to time. His sole film credit serves as a small but tangible link to the prolific output of Hal Roach Studios and the comedic sensibilities of the late 1930s. For film historians, his existence underscores the immense scale of the Hollywood studio machine and the countless individuals who contributed to its magic, even if their names appeared only briefly in the credits.
Who They Inspired
Given his brief career consisting of a single film credit, there is no documented evidence that Hal Richardson directly influenced other actors or directors in any significant way. His influence is limited to the indirect effect of contributing to a film that is part of the larger canon of 1930s American comedy, which in turn influenced subsequent generations of comedic filmmakers and performers.
Off Screen
Due to the extremely limited nature of Hal Richardson's film career and the commonality of his name, detailed information about his personal life, including any family, relationships, or life outside of his brief film appearance, is not readily available in public film historical records.
Did You Know?
- Hal Richardson's entire known filmography consists of a single film from 1937.
- His only known film, 'How to Undress in Front of Your Husband,' was a comedy short produced by the legendary Hal Roach Studios.
- Hal Roach Studios was famously nicknamed 'The Lot of Fun' and was responsible for major comedy stars like Laurel & Hardy and Our Gang.
- The film he appeared in is an example of the 'sex education' or 'marital guide' genre of exploitation-style comedies that were popular in the 1930s, often using titillating titles to attract audiences.
- Actors with only one or two film credits from this era are often referred to as 'one-shot' or 'two-shot' players by film historians.
- Detailed biographical information for many supporting actors from this period is scarce, as studio records and press coverage focused primarily on stars.
- The 1930s saw the peak of the comedy short format, which was a standard part of a double-feature bill at movie theaters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Hal Richardson?
Hal Richardson was an American actor active during the Golden Age of Hollywood, known for a single film appearance in 1937. He was a bit player who appeared in the Hal Roach Studios comedy short 'How to Undress in Front of Your Husband,' representing the many performers who had brief careers in the studio system.
What films is Hal Richardson best known for?
Hal Richardson is exclusively known for his role in the 1937 comedy short 'How to Undress in Front of Your Husband.' This is his only documented film credit, making it the sole work for which he is remembered.
When was Hal Richardson born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, detailed biographical information such as Hal Richardson's birth and death dates is not publicly available. This is common for many supporting actors from the classic Hollywood era who did not achieve major stardom.
What awards did Hal Richardson win?
There are no records of Hal Richardson receiving any major awards or nominations for his work. His career was too brief and his role too minor to have garnered such recognition from the industry.
What was Hal Richardson's acting style?
Based on his appearance in a Hal Roach comedy short, his acting style was likely comedic and aligned with the studio's signature brand of humor. This would have required clear, expressive performances suited to the fast-paced and often physical gags of the genre.
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Films
1 film
