Harry Young

Actor

Active: 1919

About Harry Young

Harry Young was an Australian actor who appeared during the silent film era, most notably in the landmark 1919 film 'The Sentimental Bloke.' His career appears to have been brief, with his only documented film work occurring in 1919. As a supporting actor in one of Australia's most significant early films, Young contributed to what would become a cornerstone of Australian cinema history. The film itself was based on C.J. Dennis's popular poem and was directed by the pioneering Raymond Longford. While details about Young's specific role in the production remain scarce, his participation in this critically acclaimed work places him among the early actors who helped establish Australia's film industry. Like many actors from the silent era, particularly those in supporting roles, comprehensive documentation of his career and life has been lost to time.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in 'The Sentimental Bloke' (1919), one of Australia's most important silent films

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Supporting role in 'The Sentimental Bloke' (1919)

Must-See Films

  • The Sentimental Bloke (1919)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Raymond Longford (director)
  • Arthur Tauchert (co-star)
  • Lottie Lyell (co-star)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Harry Young's contribution to cinema, while limited to a single film appearance, is part of the broader tapestry of Australia's early film industry. 'The Sentimental Bloke' is considered one of the most significant Australian films of the silent era, and every actor who participated in its creation played a role in establishing Australia's cinematic identity. The film's success both domestically and internationally helped demonstrate that Australian stories and talent could resonate with global audiences, paving the way for future generations of Australian filmmakers and performers.

Lasting Legacy

Harry Young's legacy is intrinsically tied to his participation in 'The Sentimental Bloke,' a film that has endured as a classic of Australian cinema. While his individual contribution may have been small, he remains part of the film's historical significance. The movie itself has been preserved and recognized by the Australian Film Institute as one of the nation's most important cinematic works, ensuring that all who contributed to its creation, including Harry Young, are remembered as part of this foundational moment in Australian film history.

Who They Inspired

As a supporting actor from the very early days of Australian cinema, Harry Young's direct influence on subsequent generations of performers is difficult to trace. However, his participation in successful early films like 'The Sentimental Bloke' contributed to the establishment of a professional film industry in Australia that would later produce internationally renowned actors. The film demonstrated that local stories could achieve commercial and critical success, encouraging future investment in Australian film production and creating opportunities for Australian actors to build careers in their home country.

Off Screen

Very little is documented about Harry Young's personal life, which is common for supporting actors from the silent era. His brief appearance in film history suggests he may have been a stage actor who transitioned briefly to cinema or someone who pursued acting as a temporary endeavor. Like many early film actors, detailed records of his life outside of his single known film credit have not survived the passage of time.

Did You Know?

  • Harry Young appeared in 'The Sentimental Bloke' during the same year that the film was released, suggesting a very brief acting career
  • The Sentimental Bloke was one of the most successful Australian films of the silent era, both critically and commercially
  • The film was based on C.J. Dennis's beloved poem 'The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke'
  • Despite the film's success, many supporting actors including Harry Young faded into obscurity as the silent era ended
  • The Sentimental Bloke was considered lost for decades before a complete print was discovered in the 1970s
  • The film's director, Raymond Longford, is now recognized as one of Australia's pioneering filmmakers
  • Harry Young's name appears in the film's credits, but his specific role is not well-documented in surviving materials
  • The Sentimental Bloke was selected for preservation in the Australian National Film and Sound Archive

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Harry Young?

Harry Young was an Australian actor who appeared during the silent film era, best known for his role in the 1919 film 'The Sentimental Bloke.' His career appears to have been brief, with his only documented film work occurring in 1919.

What films is Harry Young best known for?

Harry Young is known exclusively for his appearance in 'The Sentimental Bloke' (1919), which is considered one of the most significant Australian silent films ever made.

When was Harry Young born and when did he die?

Specific birth and death dates for Harry Young are not documented in available historical records, which is common for supporting actors from the early silent era.

What awards did Harry Young win?

Harry Young did not receive any documented awards or nominations for his film work, which was limited to a single appearance in 1919.

What was Harry Young's acting style?

Due to the limited documentation of his career and the loss of many silent era films, specific details about Harry Young's acting style are not available in historical records.

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Films

1 film