Morris Hughes
Actor
About Morris Hughes
Morris Hughes was an American actor who appeared briefly during the silent film era in the early 1920s. His known filmography consists of only two credited roles, both in Douglas Fairbanks productions. He first appeared in 'The Mollycoddle' in 1920, followed by 'The Nut' in 1921, both adventure-comedy films that showcased Fairbanks' athletic prowess and charismatic screen presence. Hughes likely played supporting or character roles in these productions, though the specific nature of his parts has been lost to film history. His extremely brief career spanned just two years, suggesting he may have been a bit player, character actor, or someone who pursued acting only briefly before moving on to other endeavors. The silent era was filled with such actors who appeared in a handful of films before disappearing from the historical record, as many early film performers did not achieve lasting fame or maintain lengthy careers in the rapidly evolving motion picture industry.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in Douglas Fairbanks' 'The Mollycoddle' (1920)
- Appeared in Douglas Fairbanks' 'The Nut' (1921)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Morris Hughes represents the countless supporting actors and bit players who contributed to early Hollywood cinema but have been largely forgotten by film history. While he did not achieve lasting fame, his participation in Douglas Fairbanks productions places him within the context of one of silent cinema's most important stars. These films were significant in establishing the action-adventure genre and Fairbanks' status as one of the era's biggest box office draws. Hughes' brief career illustrates the transient nature of many early film careers, where actors might appear in a few productions before disappearing from the industry entirely.
Lasting Legacy
Morris Hughes' legacy is minimal in terms of individual recognition, but as a participant in early Douglas Fairbanks films, he contributed to cinema history during its formative years. His work, however small, was part of films that helped establish the swashbuckling hero archetype and action-comedy genre that would influence generations of filmmakers. The fact that his name appears in the credits of these surviving films ensures that he remains part of the historical record, however obscure.
Who They Inspired
Given his brief career and limited filmography, Morris Hughes did not have a significant influence on other actors or directors. His contribution was primarily as a supporting player in the ensemble of Douglas Fairbanks productions, where he would have worked under the direction of major filmmakers of the era but did not leave a lasting mark on the craft itself.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Morris Hughes' personal life due to his brief and obscure career in silent films. As with many supporting actors from the early 1920s, detailed biographical information was not preserved in film archives or entertainment publications of the era.
Did You Know?
- Morris Hughes appeared in exactly two known films during his entire career
- Both films he appeared in starred Douglas Fairbanks, one of the biggest stars of the silent era
- His career spanned only two years, from 1920 to 1921
- Both of his films have survived and are accessible to modern audiences
- He represents a typical example of the many bit players and supporting actors who populated early Hollywood films but never achieved star status
- The Nut (1921) was directed by Theodore Reed, while The Mollycoddle (1920) was directed by Victor Fleming
- Both films were produced by Douglas Fairbanks' own production company
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Morris Hughes?
Morris Hughes was an American actor who had a brief career in silent films during the early 1920s, appearing in only two known movies - 'The Mollycoddle' (1920) and 'The Nut' (1921), both starring Douglas Fairbanks.
What films is Morris Hughes best known for?
Morris Hughes is known for his appearances in 'The Mollycoddle' (1920) and 'The Nut' (1921), both adventure-comedy films starring Douglas Fairbanks and produced by Fairbanks' own production company.
When was Morris Hughes born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Morris Hughes are not available in historical records, which is common for many supporting actors from the silent era who did not achieve lasting fame.
What awards did Morris Hughes win?
Morris Hughes did not receive any known awards or nominations during his brief two-year acting career, which was typical for supporting actors in early silent films.
What was Morris Hughes' acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of his work and the fact that both films he appeared in were silent, specific details about Morris Hughes' acting style are not preserved in film history records.
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Films
2 films
