Arthur de Oliveira

Actor

Active: 1936

About Arthur de Oliveira

Arthur de Oliveira was a Brazilian actor who appeared during the early sound era of Brazilian cinema. His only known film credit is in the 1936 historical epic 'The Discovery of Brazil' (O Descobrimento do Brasil), directed by the pioneering Brazilian filmmaker Humberto Mauro. This film was one of the most ambitious Brazilian productions of its time, depicting the arrival of Portuguese explorers to Brazilian shores. De Oliveira's role in this significant early Brazilian sound film places him among the first generation of actors in Brazil's transition from silent to talking pictures. Unfortunately, like many actors from this early period of Brazilian cinema, detailed records of his life and career are scarce. His brief film career appears to have been limited to this single but important production during a formative period in Brazilian film history.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in 'The Discovery of Brazil' (1936), one of Brazil's earliest major sound films

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Role in 'The Discovery of Brazil' (1936)

Must-See Films

  • The Discovery of Brazil (1936)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Humberto Mauro (director)

Studios

  • Cinédia

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Arthur de Oliveira's contribution to Brazilian cinema, while limited to a single film, represents the important work of character actors during the foundational period of Brazil's film industry. 'The Discovery of Brazil' was a landmark production that helped establish Brazilian cinema as a cultural force capable of telling national stories on an epic scale. The actors who participated in such early productions, even in smaller roles, were pioneers in establishing the acting techniques and styles that would influence Brazilian cinema for decades to come.

Lasting Legacy

Arthur de Oliveira's legacy is preserved through his participation in one of Brazil's most important early films. While his individual contribution may have been small, he represents the countless actors who formed the backbone of Brazil's emerging film industry during the 1930s. The film itself remains an important historical document of Brazilian cinema's development and continues to be studied by film historians interested in the country's early sound period.

Who They Inspired

Due to the limited scope of his known film work, specific information about Arthur de Oliveira's influence on other actors or filmmakers is not documented. However, actors from this period collectively influenced the development of performance styles in Brazilian cinema as it transitioned from silent films to sound productions.

Off Screen

Very little is documented about Arthur de Oliveira's personal life, which is common for many actors from Brazil's early cinema period. Records from this era are often incomplete, particularly for supporting actors who appeared in only a few films.

Did You Know?

  • 'The Discovery of Brazil' (1936) was one of the most expensive Brazilian films of its time
  • The film was directed by Humberto Mauro, considered one of Brazil's pioneering directors
  • The production was commissioned by the Brazilian government to celebrate national history
  • Many early Brazilian cinema records were lost due to poor preservation conditions
  • The film was shot during a period when Brazilian cinema was struggling to compete with Hollywood imports
  • Early Brazilian actors often worked in theater as well as film due to limited opportunities
  • The 1930s marked the transition from silent to sound cinema in Brazil
  • Many actors from this period remain undocumented in film history

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Arthur de Oliveira?

Arthur de Oliveira was a Brazilian actor who appeared during the early sound era of Brazilian cinema, known primarily for his role in the 1936 film 'The Discovery of Brazil' directed by Humberto Mauro.

What films is Arthur de Oliveira best known for?

Arthur de Oliveira is known for appearing in 'The Discovery of Brazil' (1936), which appears to be his only documented film role. This historical epic was one of Brazil's earliest major sound productions.

When was Arthur de Oliveira born and when did he die?

Specific birth and death dates for Arthur de Oliveira are not documented in available historical records, which is common for many supporting actors from Brazil's early cinema period.

What awards did Arthur de Oliveira win?

There are no documented awards or nominations for Arthur de Oliveira, which reflects the limited scope of his known film work and the early period of Brazilian cinema in which he worked.

What was Arthur de Oliveira's acting style?

Specific details about Arthur de Oliveira's acting style are not documented, but actors in Brazilian cinema of the 1930s typically adapted theatrical techniques for the new medium of sound film.

Why is there limited information about Arthur de Oliveira?

Limited information about Arthur de Oliveira is typical for many Brazilian actors from the 1930s, as early cinema records in Brazil were often poorly preserved and supporting actors received little documentation in film histories.

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Films

1 film