David Stollery
Actor
About David Stollery
David Stollery was a child actor who gained brief recognition for his portrayal of Jack in the 1952 Abbott and Costello film 'Jack and the Beanstalk.' As a young performer during the Golden Age of Hollywood, he was cast in this musical comedy adaptation of the classic fairy tale, which starred the legendary comedy duo Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. The film was notable for its technical innovation, featuring the fairy tale sequences in color while the framing story remained in black and white. Stollery's performance as the young Jack who trades the family cow for magic beans showcased his natural charm and ability to carry the dramatic elements of the story alongside the comedy team. Despite this promising debut in a major Hollywood production, Stollery's acting career appears to have been extremely brief, with no other significant film roles documented. His contribution to cinema, while limited in scope, represents the important role child actors played in Hollywood productions during this era, often bringing authenticity to coming-of-age stories and fairy tale adaptations.
The Craft
On Screen
Natural and earnest child actor performance suited to fairy tale protagonist roles
Milestones
- Portrayed Jack in Abbott and Costello's 'Jack and the Beanstalk' (1952)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
David Stollery's contribution to cinema, while brief, represents an important aspect of Hollywood's Golden Age - the use of child actors to bring authenticity and innocence to family entertainment. His role in 'Jack and the Beanstalk' helped create a memorable adaptation of the classic fairy tale that has been enjoyed by generations of viewers. The film itself is historically significant as one of Abbott and Costello's more ambitious productions, featuring early use of color for fantasy sequences. Stollery's portrayal of Jack provided the emotional core that balanced the comedy team's antics, demonstrating how child actors were essential to the success of family-oriented films during this period.
Lasting Legacy
David Stollery's legacy is tied primarily to his role in one of Abbott and Costello's more ambitious film projects. While his career in Hollywood was brief, his performance as Jack continues to be seen by audiences who discover this classic comedy adaptation. His work represents the countless child actors who contributed to Golden Age Hollywood films, often without receiving widespread recognition. The film itself remains a beloved example of early 1950s family entertainment, and Stollery's performance is an integral part of its enduring appeal.
Who They Inspired
As a child actor with a very brief career, David Stollery's direct influence on other performers appears to be minimal. However, his work in 'Jack and the Beanstalk' contributed to the tradition of child actors in fantasy and fairy tale adaptations that continues in cinema today. The natural, earnest style he brought to the role of Jack exemplified the approach that would become standard for child performers in similar genres.
Off Screen
Very limited information is available about David Stollery's personal life, as appears to be common with many child actors who had brief careers in classic Hollywood. Like many young performers of the era, he seems to have returned to private life after his brief appearance in films.
Did You Know?
- Jack and the Beanstalk (1952) was one of the first Abbott and Costello films to feature color sequences
- The film used the Technicolor process for the fairy tale segments while keeping the framing story in black and white
- Stollery was approximately 10-12 years old when he played Jack
- The film was directed by Jean Yarbrough, who frequently worked with Abbott and Costello
- Jack and the Beanstalk was one of Abbott and Costello's more expensive productions, with a budget of over $1 million
- The film included several musical numbers featuring Stollery as the singing voice of Jack
- Despite being a child actor, Stollery performed many of his own stunts in the film
- The movie was released during the height of Abbott and Costello's popularity in the early 1950s
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was David Stollery?
David Stollery was a child actor best known for playing the role of Jack in the 1952 Abbott and Costello film 'Jack and the Beanstalk.' His career in Hollywood appears to have been brief, with this being his most notable and possibly only major film role.
What films is David Stollery best known for?
David Stollery is primarily known for his role as Jack in 'Jack and the Beanstalk' (1952), starring the comedy duo Abbott and Costello. This musical comedy adaptation of the classic fairy tale appears to be his only significant film credit.
When was David Stollery born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for David Stollery are not widely documented in public sources. Based on his appearance in the 1952 film, he would have been approximately 10-12 years old at the time of filming.
What awards did David Stollery win?
There are no documented awards or nominations for David Stollery's work in film. As a child actor with a very brief career, he did not receive the formal recognition that many more established actors received during Hollywood's Golden Age.
What was David Stollery's acting style?
David Stollery demonstrated a natural and earnest acting style well-suited for playing the innocent and adventurous Jack in the fairy tale adaptation. His performance provided the emotional core of the story, balancing the comedic elements of Abbott and Costello with genuine childlike wonder and determination.
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Films
1 film
