Mrs. George Gebhardt
Actor
About Mrs. George Gebhardt
Mrs. George Gebhardt was an early silent film actress who appeared briefly during the pioneering days of American cinema in 1908. She was married to fellow actor George Gebhardt, who was a regular performer in D.W. Griffith's early films at the Biograph Company. Her only known film credit is in 'The Adventures of Dollie' (1908), which was notably D.W. Griffith's directorial debut. This extremely brief career was typical of many early film performers who appeared in just one or two films before disappearing from cinema records. The fact that she was credited as 'Mrs. George Gebhardt' rather than by her first name was common practice for married women in the early 1900s, reflecting the social conventions of the era. Her appearance in Griffith's first film places her at a significant moment in cinema history, though her role was likely minor and her career in film was exceptionally brief even by the standards of the time.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in D.W. Griffith's directorial debut 'The Adventures of Dollie' (1908)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Mrs. George Gebhardt's significance lies primarily in her participation in D.W. Griffith's directorial debut, which marked the beginning of one of cinema's most influential careers. Though her role was minor and her career brief, she represents the countless anonymous performers who helped establish the foundation of American cinema during its nascent years. Her appearance in this historically important film places her at the very beginning of the narrative film era, a time when the art form was still developing its language and conventions.
Lasting Legacy
Mrs. George Gebhardt's legacy is minimal but historically interesting as she was part of the cast of D.W. Griffith's first film as director. She represents the typical early film performer whose contribution to cinema was fleeting but occurred at a crucial moment in film history. Like many actors from this period, she has largely been forgotten by film history, but her presence in this groundbreaking film connects her to the very beginnings of American narrative cinema.
Who They Inspired
As an actress with only one known film credit and a minor role, Mrs. George Gebhardt had no discernible influence on other performers or the development of cinema. Her significance is purely historical as a participant in early filmmaking rather than as an influential figure in the art form.
Off Screen
Mrs. George Gebhardt was married to actor George Gebhardt, who was a prolific performer in early Biograph films. Her marriage to a fellow actor was not uncommon in the early film industry, where couples often worked together. Beyond her marriage and single film appearance, virtually no personal details about her life have survived in historical records.
Family
- George Gebhardt
Did You Know?
- Her only known film appearance was in D.W. Griffith's directorial debut
- She was credited by her married name rather than her first name, common for married women in 1908
- Her husband George Gebhardt was a regular performer in early Biograph films
- The Adventures of Dollie was only 12 minutes long, typical of films from this period
- She appeared in the film during the same year that the Biograph Company moved to California
- Her film was shot in Fort Lee, New Jersey, before the industry shifted to Hollywood
- Like many early film performers, she likely earned only a few dollars for her performance
- Her career was even shorter than most early film actors, who typically appeared in multiple films
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mrs. George Gebhardt?
Mrs. George Gebhardt was an early silent film actress who appeared in only one known film, 'The Adventures of Dollie' (1908), which was D.W. Griffith's directorial debut. She was married to fellow actor George Gebhardt and her career in film was exceptionally brief, lasting only a single year.
What films is Mrs. George Gebhardt best known for?
Mrs. George Gebhardt is known for only one film: 'The Adventures of Dollie' (1908), directed by D.W. Griffith. This film is historically significant as it marked Griffith's debut as a director, though her role in the production was minor.
When was Mrs. George Gebhardt born and when did she die?
Unfortunately, the birth and death dates of Mrs. George Gebhardt are unknown, as is common with many early film performers who had brief careers and were not major stars. Historical records from this period are often incomplete for supporting actors.
What awards did Mrs. George Gebhardt win?
Mrs. George Gebhardt did not receive any awards or nominations during her brief film career. The major film awards systems, including the Academy Awards, were not established until decades after her appearance in 1908.
What was Mrs. George Gebhardt's connection to D.W. Griffith?
Mrs. George Gebhardt appeared in D.W. Griffith's directorial debut 'The Adventures of Dollie' (1908), making her part of the very first film directed by one of cinema's most influential pioneers. Her husband George Gebhardt was also a regular performer in Griffith's early Biograph films.
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Films
1 film
