Paul Burns
Actor
About Paul Burns
Paul Burns was an American actor who appeared briefly during the silent film era, with his only known film credit being in the 1920 adventure comedy 'The Mollycoddle.' This film was a significant production starring Douglas Fairbanks and directed by Victor Fleming, suggesting Burns may have had a supporting role or appeared as an extra in this major Hollywood production. The fact that his career appears to have been limited to this single film in 1920 indicates he was likely either a bit player, someone who left the industry quickly, or possibly an actor using a stage name for this particular role. Like many actors from the silent era who had brief careers, detailed records of Burns' life and career are scarce, making him one of the many obscure figures from early Hollywood whose contributions have been largely lost to time. His appearance in a Fairbanks vehicle, however, suggests he was part of the vibrant early Hollywood scene during the transition toward more sophisticated film production.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The Mollycoddle' (1920) starring Douglas Fairbanks
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Paul Burns represents the countless anonymous contributors to early Hollywood cinema who helped create the foundation of the film industry but whose individual contributions have been largely forgotten by history. His appearance in a major Douglas Fairbanks production places him within the important context of early 1920s Hollywood, when the industry was transitioning from short films to feature-length productions and establishing the star system that would dominate cinema for decades.
Lasting Legacy
While Paul Burns did not leave a significant lasting legacy in film history due to his brief career, he exemplifies the transient nature of early Hollywood, where many actors passed through the industry without achieving lasting fame. His participation in 'The Mollycoddle' connects him to the broader narrative of silent cinema's development and the establishment of Hollywood as the center of global film production.
Who They Inspired
Given his extremely limited filmography, Paul Burns likely had minimal direct influence on subsequent generations of actors or filmmakers. However, like all participants in early cinema, he contributed to the collective effort that established filmmaking techniques and industry practices that would influence cinema for decades to come.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Paul Burns' personal life, which is typical for actors with brief careers in the silent era who were not major stars. Historical records from this period often focused primarily on leading actors and directors, with supporting players and bit actors receiving little documentation.
Did You Know?
- His only known film appearance was in 1920, making his career potentially one of the briefest in Hollywood history
- 'The Mollycoddle' was a major Douglas Fairbanks production, suggesting Burns worked on a significant Hollywood film despite his obscurity
- The film was directed by Victor Fleming, who would later direct classics like 'Gone with the Wind' and 'The Wizard of Oz'
- Many actors from the silent era with single film credits were often stage actors trying film work briefly or locals used as extras
- The lack of additional records about Burns is typical for supporting players from this era who were not covered by entertainment press
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Paul Burns?
Paul Burns was an American actor from the silent film era who appeared in only one known film, 'The Mollycoddle' in 1920. He represents one of the many obscure figures from early Hollywood whose careers were brief and poorly documented.
What films is Paul Burns best known for?
Paul Burns is known only for his appearance in 'The Mollycoddle' (1920), a Douglas Fairbanks adventure comedy directed by Victor Fleming. This appears to be his sole film credit.
When was Paul Burns born and when did he die?
The birth and death dates of Paul Burns are unknown, which is common for actors with very brief careers in the silent era who were not major stars and thus not well documented in historical records.
What awards did Paul Burns win?
Paul Burns did not receive any known awards or nominations, which is typical for supporting actors with brief careers in the early film industry, especially before the establishment of major award ceremonies.
What was Paul Burns' acting style?
Due to the lack of surviving information about his performances and career, Paul Burns' acting style cannot be determined. Like many bit players from the silent era, his specific techniques and approach to performance were not documented for posterity.
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Films
1 film
