Ernie Morrison Sr.
Actor
About Ernie Morrison Sr.
Ernie Morrison Sr. was a silent film actor who appeared during the early years of American cinema. His known filmography consists primarily of the 1918 comedy short 'Out West,' which was produced during the transitional period when silent films were becoming more sophisticated in their storytelling and comedic techniques. As an actor working in 1918, Morrison would have been part of the generation of performers who helped establish the visual language of cinema before the advent of sound. The fact that his active period is recorded as only 1918 suggests either a very brief career in the film industry or that records of his other work have been lost to time, which was common for many early film performers whose contributions were not thoroughly documented. Like many actors of this era, Morrison would have relied heavily on physical comedy, exaggerated facial expressions, and pantomime skills to convey emotion and humor to audiences without the benefit of synchronized dialogue.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in the silent comedy short 'Out West' (1918)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
As a performer from the earliest days of American cinema, Ernie Morrison Sr. represents the countless actors who contributed to the development of film as an art form during its foundational years. While his individual impact may not be widely documented, performers like him were essential to the growth of the film industry, helping establish the techniques and conventions that would define silent comedy and cinema in general. The preservation of his name in film credits, even for a single known work, demonstrates the importance of recognizing all contributors to early film history, not just the stars who achieved lasting fame.
Lasting Legacy
Ernie Morrison Sr.'s legacy lies primarily in his representation of the working actors who formed the backbone of the early film industry. While major stars like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd became household names, hundreds of other performers like Morrison contributed to the richness of early cinema. His appearance in 'Out West' (1918) places him within the historical context of American silent comedy, a period that was crucial in developing the visual storytelling techniques that would influence filmmakers for generations to come.
Who They Inspired
Due to the limited documentation of his career and the brief nature of his known film work, specific information about Ernie Morrison Sr.'s influence on other performers or filmmakers is not available. However, like all actors from this period, he would have been part of the collective effort to establish the acting techniques and comedic timing that would become standard in silent film performance.
Off Screen
Very limited information is available about the personal life of Ernie Morrison Sr., which was common for many supporting actors and bit players from the silent film era whose lives were not extensively documented in contemporary press or film industry records.
Did You Know?
- His known filmography consists of only one confirmed film from 1918
- The fact that he is designated 'Sr.' suggests there may have been a junior family member also in entertainment
- 1918 was near the end of World War I, a period when the film industry was rapidly expanding in America
- Silent film actors from this era often had to provide their own costumes and makeup
- Many early film performers like Morrison worked for multiple studios without long-term contracts
- The survival rate of films from 1918 is estimated at less than 20%, making his known work particularly valuable
- Actors in short comedies of this period often performed multiple roles within a single film
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ernie Morrison Sr.?
Ernie Morrison Sr. was a silent film actor active in 1918, best known for his appearance in the comedy short 'Out West.' He represents the many performers who contributed to early American cinema during its formative years.
What films is Ernie Morrison Sr. best known for?
His only confirmed film credit is 'Out West' (1918), a silent comedy short. His brief known filmography suggests either a very short career or lost records of other performances.
When was Ernie Morrison Sr. born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Ernie Morrison Sr. are not documented in available historical records, which was common for many supporting actors from the silent film era.
What awards did Ernie Morrison Sr. win?
There are no recorded awards or honors for Ernie Morrison Sr., which was typical for most actors during the early silent film period when formal industry awards were not yet established.
What was Ernie Morrison Sr.'s acting style?
While specific details about his acting style are not documented, as a silent film actor from 1918 he would have relied on physical comedy, expressive gestures, and pantomime techniques common to the era.
Why is there so little information about Ernie Morrison Sr.?
The limited information about Ernie Morrison Sr. reflects the incomplete documentation of many early film performers, especially those who were not major stars. Many records from this period have been lost or were never comprehensively maintained.
Films
1 film
