Gerhard Ritterband

Gerhard Ritterband

Actor

Active: 1919

About Gerhard Ritterband

Gerhard Ritterband was a German actor who worked during the silent film era, appearing exclusively in Ernst Lubitsch's 1919 comedy 'The Doll' (Die Puppe). His career appears to have been extremely brief, with his only known film credit being this significant work of German Expressionist cinema. The film itself was based on a play by Arthur Schnitzler and showcased Lubitsch's innovative visual style and comedic timing. Ritterband's participation in this production places him within the important context of early German cinema, though his specific role and contribution remain largely undocumented. Like many supporting actors of the silent era, particularly those with brief careers, detailed records of his life and work have been lost to time. His appearance in 'The Doll' represents his entire known filmography, making him a fascinating example of the countless performers who contributed to cinema's golden age without achieving lasting fame.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in Ernst Lubitsch's 'The Doll' (1919)

Best Known For

Must-See Films

  • The Doll (1919)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Ernst Lubitsch

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Gerhard Ritterband's cultural impact is primarily indirect, through his participation in 'The Doll,' a film that has become recognized as an important example of early German cinema and Ernst Lubitsch's developing directorial style. The film itself contributed to the evolution of cinematic comedy and visual storytelling techniques that would influence filmmakers worldwide. While Ritterband himself did not achieve lasting recognition, his involvement in this significant work places him within the broader context of cinema's artistic development during the silent era.

Lasting Legacy

Gerhard Ritterband's legacy is that of countless anonymous performers who contributed to cinema's formative years. His sole known film appearance in 'The Doll' ensures his place in film history, however minor, as a participant in one of the important works of German Expressionist cinema. He represents the vast network of actors, many of whom remain largely undocumented, who helped create the foundation of modern film art.

Who They Inspired

Due to the brevity of his known career and the lack of documentation about his work beyond 'The Doll,' there is no evidence of Gerhard Ritterband directly influencing other performers or filmmakers. His influence exists only through his contribution to a film that has itself become influential in cinema history.

Off Screen

Very little is known about Gerhard Ritterband's personal life, as was common for many supporting actors of the silent era whose careers were brief and who did not achieve lasting fame. Like many performers from this period, detailed records of his life outside of his film work have not survived in historical archives.

Did You Know?

  • Gerhard Ritterband's entire known filmography consists of just one film from 1919
  • He appeared in 'The Doll' (Die Puppe), which was directed by the legendary Ernst Lubitsch
  • The film was based on a play by Austrian author Arthur Schnitzler
  • Despite the film's historical significance, Ritterband's specific role is not well documented
  • Like many silent era actors with brief careers, detailed biographical information has been lost to time
  • The film he appeared in has survived and is considered an important example of early German comedy
  • His career spanned what appears to be only one year, making him one of cinema's briefest working actors

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Gerhard Ritterband?

Gerhard Ritterband was a German actor from the silent film era who appeared in only one known film, Ernst Lubitsch's 'The Doll' (1919). His career appears to have been extremely brief, consisting of a single year of activity in cinema.

What films is Gerhard Ritterband best known for?

Gerhard Ritterband is known exclusively for his appearance in 'The Doll' (Die Puppe) from 1919, directed by Ernst Lubitsch. This is his only documented film credit and represents his entire known filmography.

When was Gerhard Ritterband born and when did he die?

Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Gerhard Ritterband are not available in historical records. Like many supporting actors from the silent era with brief careers, detailed biographical information has been lost over time.

What awards did Gerhard Ritterband win?

There are no records of Gerhard Ritterband receiving any awards or nominations for his work in cinema. His brief career in the early film industry predated most formal award systems that would later recognize film achievements.

What was Gerhard Ritterband's acting style?

Due to the limited documentation of his work beyond a single film appearance and the lack of detailed records about his performance, Gerhard Ritterband's specific acting style cannot be definitively determined from available historical sources.

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Films

1 film