Frederick Burton
Actor
About Frederick Burton
Frederick Burton was a distinguished American character actor whose career spanned over three decades during the formative years of Hollywood. Born in 1871 in Indiana, he initially established himself as a formidable stage performer, often celebrated for his authentic portrayals of rural Americans. His transition to film began in the silent era with 'The Career of Katherine Bush' (1919) and 'Anne of Green Gables' (1919), where he was the first actor to bring the character of Matthew Cuthbert to the screen. As the industry moved into the sound era, Burton's authoritative presence and refined delivery made him a staple in early talkies, most notably in Raoul Walsh's epic 'The Big Trail' (1930). Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, he became one of the industry's most reliable character actors, frequently cast as judges, senators, and high-ranking officials. His prolific filmography includes over 120 credits, reflecting his status as a versatile and enduring figure in the Golden Age of Hollywood.
The Craft
On Screen
Burton was known for a grounded and authoritative acting style, often characterized by a quiet dignity and a commanding vocal presence. In his early stage career, he was praised for his naturalistic portrayal of rural characters, a skill he maintained by returning to his family farm in Indiana every summer. In film, he specialized in 'authority figures,' bringing a sense of gravitas and moral weight to roles such as judges, doctors, and military officers.
Milestones
- Portrayed Matthew Cuthbert in the first film adaptation of 'Anne of Green Gables' (1919)
- Starred as Pa Bascom in the 70mm widescreen epic 'The Big Trail' (1930)
- Played Oliver Cromwell in the historical drama 'The Fighting Blade' (1923)
- Appeared in the Academy Award-winning film 'One Way Passage' (1932)
- Maintained a prolific career with over 120 film appearances across the silent and sound eras
- Featured in the landmark social drama 'Fury' (1936) directed by Fritz Lang
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized as the first actor to portray Matthew Cuthbert on film
- Member of the cast of 'The Big Trail', which was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Frederick Burton played a vital role in the transition of acting styles from the heightened theatricality of the late 19th century to the more nuanced requirements of the early sound era. His participation in 'The Big Trail' (1930) is particularly significant, as the film was a massive experimental undertaking in 70mm Grandeur widescreen, helping to define the 'epic' scale of the American Western. By portraying steady, reliable authority figures, he provided a necessary narrative anchor in many of the era's most important social and dramatic films.
Lasting Legacy
Burton's legacy lies in his contribution to the 'Golden Age' character actor tradition—the 'faces' that audiences recognized and trusted across hundreds of films. He is specifically remembered by film historians as the original Matthew Cuthbert, setting the standard for a character that remains a beloved figure in literature and cinema. His work in over 120 films serves as a comprehensive record of the evolution of American supporting performance from 1914 through the late 1940s.
Who They Inspired
His naturalistic approach to rural characters influenced the way 'everyman' roles were written and performed in early Hollywood, moving away from caricature toward more sincere representation.
Off Screen
Burton was born into a farming family in Indiana and remained deeply connected to his roots, often spending his summers away from Hollywood to work on his family farm in Gosport. This connection to the land informed much of his early acting work. He was known in the industry as a modest and professional performer who transitioned seamlessly from the New York stage to the Los Angeles film scene.
Education
Educated in Indiana; received early theatrical training through local benefit productions and regional theater circuits.
Family
- Jessie Lawrie
Did You Know?
- Burton was the very first actor to play Matthew Cuthbert in a film version of 'Anne of Green Gables'.
- He starred in a play produced by Cecil B. DeMille in 1913, just before DeMille became a legendary film director.
- Despite his Hollywood success, he returned to his family farm in Gosport, Indiana, every summer to perform manual labor and stay connected to his rural roots.
- He appeared in the film 'The Big Trail' which featured John Wayne in his first leading role.
- Burton's father was reportedly shocked by the high salary his son earned as an actor, famously asking what other 'chores' he had to do to earn such pay.
- He was a prolific stage actor before entering films, appearing in over 20 Broadway productions.
- He lived to the age of 86, passing away in the famous Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital.
In Their Own Words
You gotta fight. That's life. And when you stop, that's death. (As Pa Bascom in 'The Big Trail')
Well, what other chores do you have to do besides actin'? (Quoting his father's reaction to his success, often recounted in interviews)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Frederick Burton?
Frederick Burton was a prominent American character actor active during the silent and early sound eras of Hollywood. He appeared in over 120 films, often playing authoritative figures like judges and senators, and was a respected veteran of the Broadway stage.
What films is Frederick Burton best known for?
He is best known for his role as Pa Bascom in the 1930 epic 'The Big Trail' and for being the first actor to play Matthew Cuthbert in 'Anne of Green Gables' (1919). Other notable films include 'The Fighting Blade', 'Fury', and 'One Way Passage'.
When was Frederick Burton born and when did he die?
Frederick Burton was born on October 20, 1871, in Gosport, Indiana, and passed away on October 23, 1957, in Woodland Hills, California, at the age of 86.
Did Frederick Burton win any Academy Awards?
While Frederick Burton did not win any individual Academy Awards, he appeared in several films that were critically acclaimed and award-winning, such as 'One Way Passage' and the historically significant 'The Big Trail'.
What was Frederick Burton's acting style?
Burton was known for a dignified and naturalistic acting style. He specialized in playing 'authority figures' with a sense of quiet strength and authenticity, a skill he honed through years of stage performance and his real-life connection to rural Indiana.
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Films
1 film
