Garfield Thompson
Actor
About Garfield Thompson
Garfield Thompson was an actor during the silent film era who appeared in the 1914 film adaptation of Harriet Beecher Stowe's classic novel 'Uncle Tom's Cabin.' His career appears to have been exceptionally brief, with only this single film credit documented. The 1914 version was one of numerous early cinematic adaptations of the influential anti-slavery novel, which was a popular source material for early filmmakers due to its widespread recognition and dramatic potential. Thompson was part of the cast during a transitional period in American cinema when feature films were becoming more common and the industry was establishing itself as a serious artistic medium. Like many actors of this early period, particularly those with only one or two documented credits, Thompson may have been a stage actor who briefly ventured into film or someone who tried acting but quickly pursued other interests. The limited documentation of his career reflects the challenges of film preservation and record-keeping from the earliest days of cinema.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in the 1914 film adaptation of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin'
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
While Garfield Thompson's individual impact on cinema appears minimal due to his brief career, his participation in the 1914 adaptation of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' places him within the broader context of early American filmmakers who brought important literary works to the screen. The multiple adaptations of Stowe's novel during the silent era demonstrate how early cinema engaged with significant social and political themes, including slavery and racial injustice, though often through the limited perspectives of the time.
Lasting Legacy
Garfield Thompson's legacy is primarily that of a representative figure from the earliest days of American cinema, illustrating how many actors participated in the nascent film industry during its formative years. His single documented film credit serves as a reminder of the thousands of performers who contributed to early cinema but whose names and stories have largely been lost to history due to the ephemeral nature of early film records and the lack of comprehensive documentation systems that would later become standard in Hollywood.
Who They Inspired
Given the brevity of his documented career, there is no evidence of Garfield Thompson's direct influence on other performers or filmmakers. However, like all actors who worked in early cinema, he was part of the pioneering generation that helped establish acting techniques and performance styles specific to the silent film medium, which would influence subsequent generations of performers.
Off Screen
Very little information is available about Garfield Thompson's personal life, which is common for actors who had brief careers in the early silent film era. Many performers from this period left behind minimal biographical records, particularly if they did not achieve lasting fame or continued success in the film industry.
Did You Know?
- The 1914 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' was one of at least eight film adaptations of the novel made between 1903 and 1927
- Silent era actors often used stage names, making it difficult to trace their true identities and complete filmographies
- Many early film actors had backgrounds in theater or vaudeville before transitioning to the new medium of cinema
- The 1914 film was produced by World Film Corporation, a studio active from 1914 to 1919
- Early silent films often had incomplete cast records, making it difficult to identify all performers who appeared
- Actors in early cinema were frequently paid per film rather than having long-term contracts
- Many performers from the 1910s left film acting as the industry became more professionalized and studio-dominated
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Garfield Thompson?
Garfield Thompson was an American actor who appeared in the silent film era, specifically known for his role in the 1914 film adaptation of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin.' His career appears to have been extremely brief, with only this single documented film credit to his name.
What films is Garfield Thompson best known for?
Garfield Thompson is known for appearing in only one documented film: 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' (1914), directed by William Robert Daly and produced by World Film Corporation. This was one of many early silent film adaptations of Harriet Beecher Stowe's famous novel.
When was Garfield Thompson born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Garfield Thompson are not documented in available historical records, which is common for actors who had very brief careers in the early silent film era. The lack of biographical information reflects the limited record-keeping practices of early cinema.
What awards did Garfield Thompson win?
There are no documented awards or honors for Garfield Thompson, which is typical for actors who worked in the very early days of cinema before award systems like the Academy Awards were established (the first Oscars were not presented until 1929, well after his brief career).
What was Garfield Thompson's acting style?
Specific details about Garfield Thompson's acting style are not documented in available sources. However, actors in the 1914 silent film era typically used exaggerated gestures and facial expressions to convey emotion, as films had no synchronized dialogue and intertitles were limited.
Why is there so little information about Garfield Thompson?
The scarcity of information about Garfield Thompson is typical of many actors who had brief careers in early cinema. The film industry in the 1910s lacked comprehensive record-keeping, many films from this period have been lost, and actors who did not achieve lasting fame often left minimal biographical traces.
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Films
1 film
