Henri De Vries
Actor
About Henri De Vries
Henri De Vries was a silent film actor whose career was notably brief, spanning only the year 1917. His sole documented film appearance was in the 1917 historical epic Cleopatra, directed by J. Gordon Edwards and starring the legendary Theda Bara in the title role. This film was a major production for Fox Film Corporation and was one of the most expensive films of its time, featuring lavish sets and costumes. De Vries was likely cast in a supporting or background role, as was common for many actors with such brief film careers during the silent era. The fact that his filmography consists of only this single production suggests he may have been a bit player, extra, or someone who briefly dabbled in acting before pursuing other career paths. Like many performers from this period, especially those with minimal screen time, detailed records of his life and career have not survived the passage of time. The 1917 Cleopatra itself is now considered a lost film, making it impossible to view his performance or assess his acting abilities.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in Cleopatra (1917), a major Fox Film Corporation production starring Theda Bara
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Henri De Vries' cultural impact is minimal due to his extremely brief film career, consisting of a single appearance in what is now a lost film. His participation in Cleopatra (1917) places him within the context of early Hollywood's golden age of silent epics, though his contribution was likely minor. The fact that he was part of such a significant production, even in a small capacity, demonstrates the vast number of performers needed for large-scale film productions during this era. His story is representative of countless actors from the silent period whose contributions to cinema history have been largely forgotten due to the loss of films and incomplete documentation.
Lasting Legacy
Henri De Vries' legacy is primarily that of a footnote in film history, representing the many anonymous or little-known performers who contributed to early cinema. His name survives only in cast lists and film databases, a testament to how many careers in early Hollywood were ephemeral. The loss of Cleopatra (1917) means that his performance, like those of many other supporting actors from the film, cannot be evaluated by modern audiences. His brief career serves as a reminder of the transient nature of fame in early Hollywood and the thousands of performers who passed through the industry without achieving lasting recognition.
Who They Inspired
Due to his extremely limited filmography and the loss of Cleopatra (1917), there is no documented evidence of Henri De Vries influencing other actors or filmmakers. His brief career suggests he was not in a position to mentor or significantly impact others in the industry. Like many bit players and supporting actors of the silent era, his influence, if any, would have been limited to his immediate circle during the brief production period of his sole film.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Henri De Vries' personal life, which is typical for actors with such brief careers in the silent era. His lack of subsequent film appearances suggests he may have pursued other professional endeavors after 1917 or possibly left the entertainment industry entirely.
Did You Know?
- Henri De Vries' entire film career consisted of a single film in 1917
- His only known film, Cleopatra (1917), starred Theda Bara and is now considered a lost film
- The film he appeared in was one of the most expensive productions of its time, with a budget of $500,000
- Cleopatra (1917) was directed by J. Gordon Edwards, who was Theda Bara's favorite director
- The film featured elaborate sets including a 60-foot throne and a 400-foot banquet hall
- Like many silent era actors with brief careers, most personal details about Henri De Vries have been lost to history
- His surname suggests possible Dutch or Flemish heritage, though this cannot be confirmed
- The fact he only worked in 1917 suggests he may have been affected by World War I or the changing film industry landscape
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Henri De Vries?
Henri De Vries was a silent film actor whose entire known career consisted of a single appearance in the 1917 film Cleopatra. He was active for only one year and is primarily remembered through cast lists of this now-lost film.
What films is Henri De Vries best known for?
Henri De Vries is known only for his appearance in Cleopatra (1917), a major silent epic starring Theda Bara. The film is now considered lost, making it impossible to view his performance.
When was Henri De Vries born and when did he die?
Henri De Vries' birth and death dates are unknown, as is common for many actors with extremely brief careers in the silent era. Only his year of activity (1917) is documented.
What awards did Henri De Vries win?
There are no records of Henri De Vries receiving any awards or nominations. His brief career and minor role status would have made such recognition unlikely during his time.
What was Henri De Vries' acting style?
Henri De Vries' acting style cannot be determined as his only known film, Cleopatra (1917), is lost and he likely played a minor role. No contemporary reviews or documentation about his performance survive.
Why is so little known about Henri De Vries?
The scarcity of information about Henri De Vries is typical of actors with brief careers in early cinema. The loss of his only film, combined with the lack of documentation for minor performers of the era, has resulted in most biographical details being lost to history.
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Films
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