David Allen
Actor
About David Allen
David Allen was an American actor who appeared in Stanley Kubrick's debut feature film 'Fear and Desire' in 1953. His career in cinema was notably brief, spanning only this single film appearance, making him a fascinating footnote in film history as part of Kubrick's first major work. As an actor in this early Kubrick production, Allen was part of a small ensemble cast that helped launch one of cinema's most celebrated directors' careers. The film itself was made on an extremely low budget with mostly unknown actors, and Allen played one of the soldiers in this psychological war drama set during an unspecified war. Despite the film's historical significance as Kubrick's first feature, it was not commercially successful and was later disowned by Kubrick himself, which may have contributed to Allen's lack of subsequent film work. His single screen appearance places him among the many actors who had brief encounters with cinema history but did not establish lasting careers in the industry.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in Stanley Kubrick's first feature film 'Fear and Desire' (1953)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
David Allen's cultural impact is primarily tied to his participation in Stanley Kubrick's first feature film, which has become historically significant as the debut work of one of cinema's most influential directors. While Allen himself did not achieve lasting fame, his inclusion in this early Kubrick work places him within the foundational cast that helped launch Kubrick's legendary career. The film 'Fear and Desire' has gained retrospective attention from film scholars and Kubrick enthusiasts, making Allen's performance part of cinema history despite his brief career.
Lasting Legacy
David Allen's legacy is that of a footnote in film history - an actor who appeared in Stanley Kubrick's first feature film but did not continue in the industry. His single screen appearance represents the type of unknown actors who often populate early works of directors who would later become legendary. For Kubrick scholars and film historians, Allen remains part of the original ensemble that helped create Kubrick's debut, making him a minor but interesting figure in the study of one of cinema's greatest directors.
Who They Inspired
As an actor with only one known film credit, David Allen did not have a significant influence on other actors or directors. His primary influence is historical, as part of the cast that helped launch Stanley Kubrick's directing career, though his individual contribution was minimal and his career did not extend beyond this single appearance.
Off Screen
Very little information is available about David Allen's personal life, as his film career consisted of only one appearance and he did not achieve public recognition beyond his role in Kubrick's debut film.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in Stanley Kubrick's first feature film 'Fear and Desire' (1953)
- His entire known film career consists of just one movie
- The film he appeared in was later disowned by director Stanley Kubrick
- Part of a small ensemble cast in Kubrick's low-budget debut feature
- The film was shot in California's San Gabriel Mountains with a minimal budget
- Like many cast members, he did not appear in Kubrick's subsequent films
- His role was as one of the four soldiers in the psychological war drama
- The film was not commercially successful upon release
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was David Allen?
David Allen was an American actor known for appearing in Stanley Kubrick's debut feature film 'Fear and Desire' in 1953. His career in cinema was extremely brief, consisting of only this single film appearance.
What film is David Allen best known for?
David Allen is exclusively known for his role in 'Fear and Desire' (1953), which was Stanley Kubrick's first feature film. This was his only known film credit.
When was David Allen active as an actor?
David Allen was active only in 1953, the year 'Fear and Desire' was released. There are no records of him appearing in other films before or after this date.
What role did David Allen play in 'Fear and Desire'?
David Allen played one of the soldiers in 'Fear and Desire,' a psychological war drama directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film follows four soldiers trapped behind enemy lines.
Why is David Allen significant in film history?
David Allen is significant primarily because he appeared in Stanley Kubrick's first feature film, making him part of the cast that helped launch one of cinema's most celebrated directors' careers, despite his own brief career.
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Films
1 film
