James Levering
Actor
About James Levering
James Levering was an American actor who appeared during the silent film era, with his only known film credit being the 1917 production of 'Kidnapped.' As an actor active for merely one year, Levering represents the countless performers who briefly participated in the burgeoning film industry during its formative years. The film 'Kidnapped' was likely an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel, which was a popular source for early cinema productions. Like many actors of this period, Levering was probably drawn to the new medium of motion pictures during the explosive growth of the American film industry in the 1910s. His brief career suggests he may have been a stage actor who tried film work, a bit player who found limited opportunities, or someone who pursued acting only briefly before moving to other professions. The lack of extensive records about his career is typical of minor players from this era, as many early film performers have been lost to history due to incomplete documentation and the ephemeral nature of their contributions.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Kidnapped' (1917)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
James Levering's cultural impact is minimal due to his extremely brief career, but he represents the thousands of anonymous actors who formed the backbone of early American cinema. His participation in a 1917 film adaptation places him within the context of the literary adaptation trend that dominated early silent films, when studios frequently turned to classic novels for source material. While his individual contribution may be lost to history, actors like Levering collectively helped establish the foundation of the American film industry during its crucial developmental years.
Lasting Legacy
James Levering's legacy is primarily as an example of the transient nature of early film careers and the vast number of performers who have been lost to cinema history. His single known film appearance in 1917 makes him part of the silent era's forgotten ranks, serving as a reminder of how many early film contributors remain undocumented. While he may not have achieved lasting fame, his brief career contributes to our understanding of the scale and diversity of talent that participated in cinema's formative years.
Who They Inspired
Due to his extremely limited filmography and brief career, James Levering's influence on other actors or the film industry appears to be negligible. He represents the journeyman actors of early cinema who, while essential to the production of films during this period, did not achieve the lasting impact or recognition of their more famous contemporaries.
Off Screen
Very little is known about James Levering's personal life, which is typical of minor actors from the silent era who left few historical records. As with many early film performers who had brief careers, personal details such as family background, relationships, and life outside of his single film appearance remain undocumented in available historical sources.
Did You Know?
- James Levering's entire known film career consisted of a single year, 1917
- His only documented film appearance was in 'Kidnapped' (1917)
- He represents one of thousands of silent era actors who have been largely lost to film history
- The 1917 film 'Kidnapped' was likely an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel
- Actors with such brief careers were common during the rapid expansion of the film industry in the 1910s
- Many early film performers like Levering have no surviving personal records or photographs
- His career spanned the period just before America's entry into World War I, which significantly impacted the film industry
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was James Levering?
James Levering was an American actor from the silent film era who appeared in only one known film, 'Kidnapped' (1917). His career was extremely brief, lasting only the year 1917, and very little personal information about him has survived in historical records.
What films is James Levering best known for?
James Levering is known for only one film appearance in 'Kidnapped' (1917). This appears to be his sole credited role, making him one of many anonymous actors from early cinema who had minimal filmographies.
When was James Levering born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, James Levering's birth and death dates are not documented in available historical records, which is common for minor actors from the silent era who left few traces in film history.
What awards did James Levering win?
James Levering did not receive any known awards or recognition for his brief film work. During the silent era, many actors with limited careers like Levering did not achieve the level of recognition that would have garnered formal awards.
What was James Levering's acting style?
No specific information exists about James Levering's acting style, as his career was too brief and his role too minor to have been documented in contemporary reviews or film histories. Like many silent era bit players, his performance style remains unknown to modern scholars.
Films
1 film
