James Turfler
Actor
About James Turfler
James Turfler was an American actor during the silent film era, known exclusively for his appearance in the 1922 maritime drama 'Down to the Sea in Ships.' His career appears to have been exceptionally brief, with film records indicating only a single acting credit to his name. The film, directed by Elmer Clifton, was notable for featuring a young Clara Bow in one of her earliest screen appearances, though Turfler's role was relatively minor. As with many supporting actors of the silent era, detailed documentation of his life and career is scarce, suggesting he may have been either a bit player, extra, or someone who briefly dabbled in film acting before pursuing other ventures. His participation in this particular whaling drama places him within the early Hollywood system of the 1920s, a time when the film industry was rapidly expanding and experimenting with various genres. The lack of additional film credits indicates that Turfler likely did not pursue acting as a long-term career, which was not uncommon for performers during this transitional period in cinema history.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Down to the Sea in Ships' (1922) during the silent film era
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
James Turfler's cultural impact is minimal due to his extremely brief film career, consisting of only one known appearance in a silent film. However, his participation in 'Down to the Sea in Ships' places him within the historical context of early Hollywood cinema, specifically during the expansion of the film industry in the early 1920s. The film itself is historically significant as an early example of the maritime drama genre and as one of Clara Bow's first screen appearances. While Turfler himself did not leave a lasting mark on cinema, his contribution, however small, is part of the larger tapestry of silent film history and represents the countless supporting players and bit actors who helped build the foundation of the American film industry.
Lasting Legacy
James Turfler's legacy is essentially non-existent in terms of lasting impact on cinema, as he appeared in only one film during the silent era. His name survives primarily through film archives and databases that document even the most minor participants in early Hollywood productions. The lack of additional biographical information or film credits suggests that he did not pursue a career in entertainment beyond his single appearance. His story is representative of many individuals who briefly participated in the early film industry during its formative years but either chose different career paths or were unable to secure additional roles. While he may not have achieved fame or recognition, his inclusion in 'Down to the Sea in Ships' makes him part of the historical record of silent cinema.
Who They Inspired
Given his extremely limited filmography consisting of only one appearance, James Turfler had no discernible influence on other actors, directors, or the film industry as a whole. His brief stint in silent cinema did not result in any notable techniques, styles, or contributions that would have influenced subsequent generations of filmmakers or performers. Like many bit players and supporting actors of the era, his contribution was limited to the specific role he played in his single film, without any broader impact on the art or craft of cinema.
Off Screen
Very little information is available about James Turfler's personal life, which is typical for minor actors from the silent era who had brief film careers. His single film credit suggests that acting was not his primary profession or that he left the industry shortly after his debut.
Did You Know?
- James Turfler appeared in only one known film during his entire career
- His sole film credit 'Down to the Sea in Ships' (1922) featured a young Clara Bow
- The film was a maritime drama about the whaling industry
- Turfler was part of the silent film era, which ended with the advent of sound in the late 1920s
- Very little biographical information exists about him, which is common for minor actors from this period
- His career spanned only one year according to available film records
- The film he appeared in was directed by Elmer Clifton, a former assistant to D.W. Griffith
- Like many silent era supporting actors, he likely did not achieve lasting fame or recognition
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was James Turfler?
James Turfler was an American actor from the silent film era who appeared in only one known film, 'Down to the Sea in Ships' in 1922. His career was exceptionally brief, and very little biographical information about him survives today.
What films is James Turfler best known for?
James Turfler is known exclusively for his appearance in the 1922 silent film 'Down to the Sea in Ships,' a maritime drama that also featured an early performance by Clara Bow.
When was James Turfler born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for James Turfler are not available in historical records, which is common for minor actors from the silent era who had brief film careers.
What awards did James Turfler win?
There are no records of James Turfler receiving any awards or nominations for his work in film, which is not surprising given his limited involvement in the industry with only one known acting credit.
What was James Turfler's acting style?
Due to the lack of extensive filmography and detailed documentation, James Turfler's specific acting style cannot be determined. As a silent film actor, he would have used the exaggerated gestures and facial expressions typical of the era.
Why is so little information available about James Turfler?
The scarcity of information about James Turfler is typical for minor supporting actors from the silent era who had brief careers. Many such performers left the industry quickly or were never extensively documented in film archives and publications.
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Films
1 film
