Elmer Ballard
Actor
About Elmer Ballard
Elmer Ballard was an American actor who appeared during the pivotal transition period from silent films to talkies in late 1920s Hollywood. His film career was notably brief, confined primarily to the year 1929, which coincided with the industry's rapid adoption of sound technology. Ballard's most significant screen appearance was in the early talkie crime drama 'Alibi' (1929), directed by Roland West, which was one of the pioneering sound films of its era. Like many actors of this transitional period, Ballard may have been recruited from stage productions or vaudeville to meet the sudden demand for actors with speaking abilities for sound films. His career appears to have been limited to this single credited film role, making him part of the large group of performers who briefly surfaced during Hollywood's sound revolution but did not establish lasting film careers. The brevity of his filmography suggests he may have returned to stage work or pursued other entertainment avenues after his brief foray into cinema.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in early talkie 'Alibi' (1929)
- Participated in Hollywood's transition to sound films
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Elmer Ballard represents the numerous actors who briefly appeared during Hollywood's critical transition to sound in the late 1920s. His participation in 'Alibi' (1929) places him among the pioneers of early talkie cinema, a period that fundamentally transformed the film industry and acting techniques. While his individual impact was minimal due to his brief career, he was part of the larger historical moment when silent film actors either adapted to sound or were replaced by new performers with stage experience and vocal training.
Lasting Legacy
Elmer Ballard's legacy is primarily as a footnote in cinema history, representing the countless performers who contributed to early sound films during one of Hollywood's most turbulent and transformative periods. His appearance in 'Alibi' (1929) ensures his place in film archives and databases, preserving his contribution to the pioneering era of talkies. Like many actors of his generation with brief careers, he serves as a reminder of the thousands of performers who helped build the foundation of modern cinema despite achieving lasting fame.
Who They Inspired
Due to the brevity of his film career, Elmer Ballard's influence on other actors or directors appears to be minimal. However, as part of the cast of an early talkie, he contributed to the development of sound film techniques and acting styles that would influence future generations of performers.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Elmer Ballard's personal life, which is typical of many bit players and character actors from the early sound era who had brief film careers.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in 'Alibi' (1929), which was one of the early all-talking films
- His entire known film career was confined to a single year (1929)
- Worked during the critical transition period when many silent film actors struggled to adapt to sound
- Part of the large wave of new actors recruited during Hollywood's sound revolution
- His filmography represents the brief careers of many early talkie performers
- 'Alibi' was directed by Roland West, a prominent director of the era
- The film was based on a 1928 Broadway play of the same name
- Early talkies like 'Alibi' were instrumental in establishing new acting techniques for sound cinema
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Elmer Ballard?
Elmer Ballard was an American actor who appeared during Hollywood's transition to sound films in the late 1920s, best known for his role in the early talkie 'Alibi' (1929). His film career was notably brief, confined to a single year of activity.
What films is Elmer Ballard best known for?
Elmer Ballard is primarily known for his appearance in 'Alibi' (1929), an early sound crime drama directed by Roland West. This appears to be his only credited film role.
When was Elmer Ballard born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Elmer Ballard are not documented in available historical records, which is common for many bit players and character actors from early cinema.
What awards did Elmer Ballard win?
There are no records of Elmer Ballard receiving any major film awards or nominations, which is typical for actors with very brief careers during the early sound era.
What was Elmer Ballard's acting style?
Specific details about Elmer Ballard's acting style are not documented, but as an actor in early talkies, he would have been part of the generation adapting theatrical techniques to the new medium of sound film.
Why was Elmer Ballard's career so short?
Elmer Ballard's brief career was typical of many actors during Hollywood's sound transition period, where numerous performers appeared in one or two films before either returning to stage work or leaving the industry entirely.
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Films
1 film
