Miss Robson
Actor
About Miss Robson
Miss Robson was an early silent film actress who appeared in the 1912 production of Cleopatra, playing the role of Iras, one of Cleopatra's handmaidens. Her film career appears to have been extremely brief, with this being her only known credited role according to surviving film records. Like many actors of the pioneering era of cinema, she was likely drawn from stage theater to participate in the new medium of motion pictures, which was still establishing itself as a legitimate art form. The film Cleopatra (1912) was one of the earliest American feature films and starred Helen Gardner in the title role. Unfortunately, detailed information about Miss Robson's background, training, or subsequent career has been lost to time, as was common with many supporting actors from this period who did not achieve lasting fame.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared as Iras in Cleopatra (1912), one of the earliest American feature films
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Miss Robson's contribution to cinema history, while minimal, represents the collective effort of countless early film actors who helped establish the foundation of the movie industry. Her appearance in Cleopatra (1912) places her among the pioneers of feature-length filmmaking in America, during a crucial transitional period when cinema was evolving from short novelty films to legitimate dramatic storytelling. Though her individual impact was small, she was part of an important early production that demonstrated the potential of feature films.
Lasting Legacy
Miss Robson's legacy is primarily that of a representative example of the many anonymous actors who populated early silent films. Her single known role in Cleopatra (1912) serves as a reminder of the countless performers who contributed to cinema's development but whose names and stories have been largely lost to history. She exemplifies the transient nature of early film careers, particularly for supporting actors who did not achieve lasting fame.
Who They Inspired
Given her extremely brief film career and limited documentation, there is no evidence of Miss Robson having influenced other performers or filmmakers. Her contribution was limited to her single role, and like many early film actors, she appears to have had no lasting impact on subsequent generations of performers.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Miss Robson's personal life, which was typical for supporting actors in the early silent film era who did not achieve star status. Many such performers were stage actors who briefly experimented with the new medium of cinema before returning to theater or leaving entertainment entirely.
Did You Know?
- Cleopatra (1912) was one of the first American feature films, running approximately 100 minutes
- Miss Robson played Iras, one of Cleopatra's faithful handmaidens who historically died alongside her queen
- The film was produced by the Helen Gardner Picture Players, one of the early independent production companies
- Cleopatra (1912) is now considered a lost film, with no known surviving copies
- Helen Gardner, the star, was also the producer and one of the first women to run her own production company
- The film was advertised as 'The Most Magnificent Motion Picture Ever Produced' in 1912
- Miss Robson is listed in the cast as simply 'Miss Robson,' suggesting she may have been known by this title professionally
- The role of Iras was historically significant as Iras was one of Cleopatra's most trusted attendants
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Miss Robson?
Miss Robson was an early silent film actress who appeared in only one known film, Cleopatra (1912), playing the role of Iras, one of Cleopatra's handmaidens. Very little is known about her beyond this single credited performance.
What films is Miss Robson best known for?
Miss Robson is known for only one film: Cleopatra (1912), where she played Iras. This was one of the earliest American feature films, though it is now considered a lost film with no surviving copies.
When was Miss Robson born and when did she die?
The birth and death dates of Miss Robson are unknown, which was common for supporting actors in the early silent film era who did not achieve lasting fame.
What awards did Miss Robson win?
Miss Robson did not receive any known awards or nominations, which was typical for supporting actors in the very early days of cinema before formal award systems were established.
What was Miss Robson's acting style?
There is no documented information about Miss Robson's acting style, as she appeared in only one film and no reviews or detailed descriptions of her performance have survived.
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Films
1 film
