Peter Lang
Actor
About Peter Lang
Peter Lang was a prominent character actor of the early silent film era, primarily active during the 1910s. Born in 1859, he transitioned from a career on the theatrical stage to the burgeoning motion picture industry, finding significant success with the Lubin Manufacturing Company in Philadelphia. Lang became a staple of the Lubin 'stock company,' often cast in authoritative or paternal roles such as squires, judges, and wealthy businessmen. His performance in the 1913 disaster epic 'When the Earth Trembled' is one of his most notable, where he played the character John Pearce during the dramatization of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Throughout his tenure at Lubin and later Famous Players, he appeared alongside silent era luminaries like John Barrymore and Ethel Clayton. Despite the loss of many of his films to time and studio fires, Lang remains a recognized figure for his contributions to the development of early American narrative cinema.
The Craft
On Screen
Lang was known for a robust and expressive acting style typical of the early silent era, often described as a 'John Bunny-type' character actor. He frequently employed physical gestures, such as pumping his arms or using broad facial expressions, to convey authority or comedic frustration. His stage background allowed him to command the screen in 'heavy' roles, playing villains, stern fathers, or wealthy socialites with equal conviction.
Milestones
- Featured lead in the early disaster epic 'When the Earth Trembled' (1913)
- Frequent collaborator with the Lubin Manufacturing Company stock company
- Appeared in 'An American Citizen' (1914) starring John Barrymore
- Played the villainous James Ewing in the five-reel Western 'The Valley of Lost Hope' (1915)
- Maintained a steady career transitioning from short films to feature-length productions
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized as a veteran of the theater in contemporary obituaries (1932)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Peter Lang represented the 'old guard' of theatrical actors who lent legitimacy to the early motion picture industry. By appearing in ambitious projects like 'When the Earth Trembled,' which utilized groundbreaking special effects for 1913, Lang helped move cinema toward feature-length storytelling. His presence in the Lubin stock company helped establish the studio's reputation for quality character-driven dramas.
Lasting Legacy
Lang's legacy is tied to the pioneering days of the Philadelphia-based Lubin Manufacturing Company. While many of his films were lost in the disastrous 1914 Lubin vault fire, his surviving work provides a window into the acting techniques and production values of the pre-Hollywood era. He is remembered by film historians as a reliable and versatile character player of the silent screen.
Who They Inspired
He influenced the early development of the 'character actor' archetype in film, showing that older, non-traditional leading men could carry significant plot weight in dramatic features.
Off Screen
Peter Lang was a veteran of the American theater before entering films. He was part of the generation of actors who saw the transition from vaudeville and stage plays to the 'flickers.' He lived through the height of the Philadelphia film industry's influence before the primary production hub moved to Hollywood. He passed away in his sleep in August 1932.
Education
Trained in the American theater circuit during the late 19th century.
Did You Know?
- He was often compared to the famous silent comedian John Bunny due to his physical stature and expressive face.
- Lang appeared in over 30 titles during his peak years at Lubin.
- His film 'When the Earth Trembled' was one of the first to use actual footage and recreations of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
- He played a 'get-rich-quick' confidence man in the lost film 'The Valley of Lost Hope' (1915).
- He continued acting into the mid-1920s, with his final recorded role in 'Dangerous Money' (1924).
- He was a resident of Los Angeles at the time of his death in 1932.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Peter Lang?
Peter Lang was an American character actor active during the silent film era, best known for his work with the Lubin Manufacturing Company in the early 1910s.
What films is Peter Lang best known for?
He is most recognized for his role in the 1913 disaster film 'When the Earth Trembled' and the 1915 Western 'The Valley of Lost Hope'.
When was Peter Lang born and when did he die?
He was born in 1859 and passed away on August 20, 1932, in Los Angeles, California.
What was Peter Lang's acting style?
He was a theatrical-style character actor known for expressive gestures and authoritative roles, often playing squires, fathers, or villains.
Which studio did Peter Lang work for most often?
He was a prominent member of the Lubin Manufacturing Company stock company based in Philadelphia.
Did Peter Lang work with any famous stars?
Yes, he appeared in films alongside silent era icons such as John Barrymore and Ethel Clayton.
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Films
1 film
