Morgan Walters
Actor
About Morgan Walters
Morgan Walters was a character actor active during the mid-1910s, primarily known for his contribution to the silent film era through his association with the Mary Pickford Film Corporation. His most significant screen credit came in 1916 when he was cast in the high-profile Artcraft Pictures Corporation production 'Less Than the Dust', directed by John Emerson. In this exotic drama, Walters portrayed the character Bhesstie, appearing alongside the 'Queen of the Movies' Mary Pickford and other notable silent stars like David Powell and Mary Alden. The film was a major undertaking for Pickford's newly formed production unit and featured Walters in a supporting role within the Indian-set narrative. Despite the film's commercial success and its place in Pickford's legendary filmography, Walters' career appears to have been brief, with few documented credits following this period. He remains a figure of interest for silent film historians due to his participation in one of the pivotal films of Mary Pickford's transition into independent production.
The Craft
On Screen
Walters was a character actor of the silent era, often utilized for supporting roles that required specific physical presence or ethnic characterization, as seen in his role as Bhesstie.
Milestones
- Cast in the Mary Pickford vehicle 'Less Than the Dust' (1916)
- Worked under the direction of John Emerson
- Appeared in a production for the prestigious Artcraft Pictures Corporation
- Collaborated with silent film icon Mary Pickford during her peak popularity
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
While Morgan Walters had a limited filmography, his participation in 'Less Than the Dust' places him within the cultural orbit of Mary Pickford, the most influential woman in early Hollywood. The film itself was part of a significant shift in the industry where stars began to exert more control over their own productions through companies like Artcraft. Walters' presence in the film contributes to the historical record of the diverse cast of character actors who supported the 'Star System' during its formative years.
Lasting Legacy
Morgan Walters' legacy is preserved through the surviving prints and historical records of 'Less Than the Dust'. As a member of the supporting cast in a Mary Pickford production, he is part of the foundational history of United Artists and the independent production movement in Hollywood. His work serves as a representative example of the professional character actors who populated the expansive sets of early silent epics.
Who They Inspired
As a character actor in the 1910s, Walters was part of a generation that helped define the visual language of silent performance, relying on gesture and expression to convey narrative in the absence of spoken dialogue.
Off Screen
Details regarding the personal life of Morgan Walters remain largely undocumented in surviving trade journals of the 1910s. Like many supporting players of the early silent era, his biographical data was not as extensively recorded as that of the leading stars.
Did You Know?
- His character in 'Less Than the Dust', Bhesstie, was part of the Indian-set portion of the film's narrative.
- He appeared in the film alongside Cesare Gravina, a frequent collaborator of Erich von Stroheim.
- The film 'Less Than the Dust' was one of the first released by Artcraft, a company formed specifically to distribute Mary Pickford's films.
- Walters worked with screenwriter Hector Turnbull on his most famous project.
- The production of his primary film was noted for its elaborate sets and attempts at exotic realism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Morgan Walters?
Morgan Walters was an American character actor of the silent film era. He is best remembered for his role in the 1916 Mary Pickford film 'Less Than the Dust'.
What films is Morgan Walters best known for?
He is primarily known for the silent drama 'Less Than the Dust' (1916), where he played the character Bhesstie.
When was Morgan Walters active in Hollywood?
His documented film career was centered around 1916, during the height of the silent film era's expansion.
Did Morgan Walters win any awards?
There are no records of major film awards for Morgan Walters, as he was a supporting character actor during a period before the establishment of the Academy Awards.
What was Morgan Walters' acting style?
He practiced the expressive, pantomime-based acting style typical of the silent era, specializing in character roles that added texture to large-scale productions.
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Films
1 film
