Else Berna

Else Berna

Actor

Active: 1919

About Else Berna

Else Berna was a German actress who appeared during the silent film era, with her only known film credit being the 1919 historical drama 'Madame DuBarry.' This film was directed by Ernst Lubitsch and starred Pola Negri in the title role, becoming one of the most significant German productions of its time. Berna's career appears to have been extremely brief, spanning only the year 1919, which was not uncommon for many supporting actors in early cinema who may have appeared in only one or two films before pursuing other careers. Her role in 'Madame DuBarry' placed her among the cast of a groundbreaking German film that would later influence international cinema. The film itself was a major production that showcased the technical and artistic achievements of German cinema during the Weimar Republic period. Unfortunately, detailed records about Berna's life beyond this single film appearance are scarce, which was typical for many supporting actors of the silent era whose contributions were not extensively documented in film history.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in Ernst Lubitsch's acclaimed historical drama 'Madame DuBarry' (1919)

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Supporting role in 'Madame DuBarry' (1919)

Must-See Films

  • Madame DuBarry (1919)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Ernst Lubitsch (director)
  • Pola Negri (co-star)

Studios

  • UFA (Universum Film AG)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Else Berna's contribution to cinema, while brief, was part of the significant German film movement of the late 1910s that would influence international cinema. Her appearance in 'Madame DuBarry' connected her to one of the most important German films of the silent era, which was notable for its lavish production values and historical storytelling. The film itself was part of the German costume drama tradition that competed with Hollywood productions and helped establish Germany as a major force in international cinema before the rise of expressionist cinema.

Lasting Legacy

Else Berna represents the many anonymous actors who contributed to early cinema but whose names have been largely lost to film history. Her legacy exists primarily through her participation in a historically significant film that showcased the artistic and technical achievements of German cinema during its formative years. While she may not have achieved lasting fame, her work in 'Madame DuBarry' makes her part of the foundation upon which German cinema built its international reputation.

Who They Inspired

As a supporting actor with only one known film credit, Else Berna's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers is difficult to trace. However, her participation in Ernst Lubitsch's work places her within the sphere of influence of one of cinema's great directors, whose techniques and storytelling methods would later influence Hollywood and international cinema.

Off Screen

Very little information is available about Else Berna's personal life, which was common for many supporting actors in the silent era whose biographical details were not extensively preserved in film archives and historical records.

Did You Know?

  • 'Madame DuBarry' (1919) was one of the most expensive German films produced up to that time
  • The film was directed by Ernst Lubitsch, who would later become a celebrated Hollywood director
  • Pola Negri, the star of the film, would become one of the first European actresses to achieve major success in Hollywood
  • The film was a historical drama about Madame du Barry, the last mistress of King Louis XV of France
  • German silent films of this period were known for their technical innovation and artistic sophistication
  • Many supporting actors from this era appeared in only one or two films before pursuing other careers
  • The film's success helped establish UFA (Universum Film AG) as a major European studio

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Else Berna?

Else Berna was a German actress from the silent film era who appeared in only one known film, 'Madame DuBarry' (1919), directed by Ernst Lubitsch. She was part of the supporting cast in this significant German historical drama that starred Pola Negri.

What films is Else Berna best known for?

Else Berna is known exclusively for her appearance in 'Madame DuBarry' (1919), a German silent historical drama directed by Ernst Lubitsch. This was her only documented film credit during her brief acting career.

When was Else Berna born and when did she die?

Specific birth and death dates for Else Berna are not available in historical records, which was common for many supporting actors from the silent era whose biographical information was not extensively preserved.

What awards did Else Berna win?

There are no recorded awards or nominations for Else Berna, which was typical for supporting actors in early cinema who often worked without formal recognition from industry awards.

What was Else Berna's acting style?

Specific details about Else Berna's acting style are not documented in available historical sources. As a supporting actor in a German silent film, she would have worked within the dramatic conventions of the period.

What was the significance of 'Madame DuBarry' (1919)?

'Madame DuBarry' was a major German production directed by Ernst Lubitsch, notable for its lavish sets and historical storytelling. It was one of the most expensive German films of its time and helped establish both Lubitsch and star Pola Negri as international figures in cinema.

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Films

1 film