Jean Hersholt

Born: 1886-07-10

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jean Pierre Hersholt (12 July 1886 – 2 June 1956) was a Danish-born actor who lived in the United States, where he was a leading film and radio talent, best known for his 17 years starring on radio in Dr. Christian and for playing Shirley Temple's grandfather in Heidi. Asked how to pronounce his name, he told The Literary Digest, "In English, her'sholt; in Danish, hairs'hult." Of his total credits, 75 were silent films and 65 were sound films. He appeared in 140 films and directed four.


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Grand Hotel

as Senf
Released: 1932-05-25

Guests at a posh Berlin hotel struggle through worry, scandal, and heartache.

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Heidi

as Adolph Kramer
Released: 1937-10-15

Heidi is orphaned and her uncaring maternal Aunt Dete takes her to the mountains to live with...

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Greed

as Marcus
Released: 1924-12-04

A lottery win of $5,000 forever changes the lives of a miner turned dentist and his wife.

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The Mask of Fu Manchu

as Von Berg
Released: 1932-11-05

The villainous Dr. Fu Manchu races against a team of Englishmen to find the tomb of Ghengis...

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The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

as Prof. von Hartrott (uncredited)
Released: 1921-03-06

Set in the years before and during World War I, this epic tale tells the story of a rich...

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Mark of the Vampire

as Baron Otto
Released: 1935-04-26

Sir Borotyn, a prominent Prague resident, is discovered murdered in his home, with all...

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Dinner at Eight

as Jo Stengel
Released: 1933-12-22

An ambitious New York socialite plans an extravagant dinner party as her businessman husband,...

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Men in White

as Dr. Hochberg
Released: 1934-04-06

A dedicated young doctor places his patients above everyone else in his life. Unfortunately, his...

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Don Q Son of Zorro

as Don Fabrique Borusta
Released: 1925-06-15

Don Cesar De Vega crosses swords with a vicious member of the Queen's Guard, and steals the...

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The Sin of Madelon Claudet

as Dr. Dulac
Released: 1931-10-23

Out of jail for a crime she did not commit, Madelon turns to prostitution and thievery to send...

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Murder in the Fleet

as Victor Hanson
Released: 1935-05-24

A traitor is lurking somewhere aboard the USS Carolina, and Lt. Tom Randolph is determined to...

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Emma

as Frederick Smith
Released: 1932-01-02

When Fred Smith's wife dies in childbirth, Emma Thatcher, who has been nanny to the couple's...

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Skyscraper Souls

as Jake
Released: 1932-07-16

After bank president David Dwight makes a vast loan to himself to build a remarkable skyscraper,...

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Private Lives

as Oscar
Released: 1931-12-12

Amanda and Elyot are one another's former spouse. Elyot is remarried to Sibyl and Amanda married...

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New Morals for Old

as James Hallett
Released: 1932-06-04

Proper parents who treat their adult children as teenagers have a son who wants to go to Paris...

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The Battle of the Sexes

as William Judson
Released: 1928-10-12

Gum-chewing frizzy-haired golddigger Marie Skinner cooks up a scheme with her lover Babe Winsor,...

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Run for Cover

as Mr. Swenson
Released: 1955-04-29

An ex-convict drifter and his flawed young partner are made sheriff and deputy of a Western town.

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Stage Door Canteen

as Jean Hersholt
Released: 1943-06-24

A young soldier on a pass in New York City visits the famed Stage Door Canteen, where famous...

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Meet Dr. Christian

as Doctor Paul Christian
Released: 1939-11-17

The first of six films in the "Dr. Christian" series, starring Jean Hersholt as a small town...

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Reunion

as Dr. John Luke
Released: 1936-11-20

Newspapers around the world proclaim the birth in Moosetown, Canada of the 3,000th baby brought...

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Daybreak

as Herr Schnabel
Released: 1931-05-02

An Austrian soldier must choose between a wealthy fiancee and a new girl who takes his fancy.

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Complicated Women

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 2003-05-06

Looks at the stereotype-breaking films of the period from 1929, when movies entered the sound...

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The Painted Veil

as Herr Koerber
Released: 1934-11-23

The wife of a doctor in China falls in love with a diplomat.

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Mamba

as August Bolte (Mamba)
Released: 1930-03-09

August Bolte, the richest man in a settlement in German East Africa in the period before World...

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Alexander's Ragtime Band

as Prof. Heinrich
Released: 1938-05-24

Classical violinist, Roger Grant disappoints his family and teacher when he organizes a jazz...

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Fifth Avenue Models

as Mr. Jones - a Crook
Released: 1925-04-26

A model in an expensive clothing shop quarrels with another model, and an expensive gown is...

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Dr. Christian Meets the Women

as Doctor Paul Christian
Released: 1940-08-05

A conman arrives in town trying to sell his miracle methods of weight loss to the ladies. It's...

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Seventh Heaven

as Father Chevillon
Released: 1937-03-25

A Parisian sewer worker longs for a rise in status and a beautiful wife. He rescues a girl from...

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The Courageous Dr. Christian

as Doctor Paul Christian
Released: 1940-04-04

A doctor fights an epidemic that breaks out in the poor section of town and tries to get the...

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Madame Spy

as Count Von Ornstorff
Released: 1918-01-21

Robert "Bob" Wesley horrifies his father, Admiral John Wesley of the Naval Advisory Board, by...

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The Student Prince in Old Heidelberg

as Dr. Jüttner
Released: 1928-01-30

A young prince falls in love with a beautiful barmaid while at university in old Heidelberg.

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The Goldfish

as Herman Krauss
Released: 1924-03-30

A newly married husband and wife make an agreement that should either of them want to terminate...

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Transatlantic

as Rudolph aka Jed Kramer
Released: 1931-08-19

As a luxurious ocean liner makes its way across the Atlantic Ocean, the audience is made privy...

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The Phantom of Paris

as Herman
Released: 1931-09-12

Chéri-Bibi is a world class escape artist, but he cannot escape the false murder charge that is...

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Stella Dallas

as Ed Munn
Released: 1925-11-16

An eccentric lower class woman struggles to gain respect in high society after marrying a...

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Jazzmania

as Prince Otto of Como
Released: 1923-02-12

The queen of a mythical European nation flees to America when a general threatens to overthrow...

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The Country Doctor

as Dr. John Luke
Released: 1936-03-12

A doctor has a rough time obtaining the money for his services in a lumber town until he...

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His Brother's Wife

as Professor 'Pop' Fahrenheim
Released: 1936-08-07

Epidemiologist Cliff Claybourne falls in love with Rita Wilson in a gambling house. They want to...

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Happy Landing

as Lars Ericksen
Released: 1938-01-23

Bandleader and manager discover skater in Norway. They become rivals as she returns with them to...

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Song of the Eagle

as Otto Hoffman
Released: 1933-04-27

This drama centers on the fight for certain post-Prohibitionist groups to gain total control...

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Souls for Sale

as Self - Celebrity Actor
Released: 1923-04-22

A young woman hits Hollywood, determined to become a star.

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Sins of Man

as Christopher Freyman
Released: 1936-06-19

Austrian church bell ringer Freyman loves music and wants his two sons (both played by Ameche)...

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Cavalcade of the Academy Awards

as Self
Released: 1940-07-31

This 1940 presentation features highlights of earlier (1928 onward) Oscar ceremonies including...

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Hell's Hinges

as Bartender (uncredited)
Released: 1916-03-05

When Reverend Robert Henley and his sister Faith arrive in the town of Hell's Hinges, saloon...

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The Fountain

as Baron von Leyden
Released: 1934-08-22

Set during the first World War in neutral, but pro-German, Holland, Lewis Allison, an interned...

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The Younger Generation

as Julius Goldfish - Pa
Released: 1929-03-04

Soap-opera about a social-climbing Jewish man and his old-world parents who are heartbroken by...

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The Greater Glory

as Gustav Schmidt
Released: 1926-05-02

A story of Vienna following World War I, in which the butchers became millionaires and the...

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'49–'17

as 'Gentleman Jim' Raynor
Released: 1917-10-15

A judge who had taken part in the gold rush of 1849 hires an acting troupe to recreate the...

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The Beast of the City

as Samuel 'Sam' Belmonte
Released: 1932-02-13

Police Chief Jim Fitzpatrick is after gangster Sam Belmonte. He uses his corrupt brother Ed to...

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So Big

as Aug Hempel
Released: 1924-12-28

After graduating from a fashionable finishing school and touring Europe with her father, Selina...

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My Old Dutch

as 'Erb 'Uggins
Released: 1926-05-23

The story that inspired Albert Chevalier to write his immortal Costermonger song, 'My Old...

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Jazz Mad

as Franz Hausmann
Released: 1928-11-18

A composer and his daughter emigrate to America in the hope that he can sell his symphony. But...

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One in a Million

as Heinrich Muller
Released: 1937-01-01

American theatrical manager discovers Greta Muller preparing for the Olympics in Switzerland and...

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Dancing in the Dark

as Jean Hersholt
Released: 1949-12-02

Emery Slade was one of the brightest stars in Hollywood in 1932, but by 1949 his career has hit...

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Vincent Price's Dracula

as Baron Otto - (archive footage)
Released: 1986-09-29

Vincent Price hosts this documentary exploring the historical myths surrounding vampires.

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Five of a Kind

as Dr. John Luke
Released: 1938-10-14

Rival reporters compete to sign the Wyatt Quintuplets to be guests on their radio shows.

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I'll Give a Million

as Victor
Released: 1938-07-27

After saving a tramp from suicide, a millionaire takes his clothing and disappears. Word is out...

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Viennese Nights

as Herr Hofner, Elsa's Father
Released: 1930-11-25

In 1890, Gus Sascher joins the Austrian Army and romances the impoverished girl Elsa Hofner....

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Remedy for Riches

as Doctor Paul Christian
Released: 1940-11-29

A small town doctor suspects the stranger in town is promoting an oil swindle. The fourth entry...

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Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise)

as Karl Ohlin
Released: 1931-10-10

A young woman runs away from an abusive home and pre-arranged marriage only to be frustrated in...

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Mr. Moto in Danger Island

as Mr. Sutter
Released: 1939-04-07

In Puerto Rico to investigate a glut of contraband diamonds that are flooding the world's jewel...

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Princess Virtue

as Emile Carre
Released: 1917-11-12

The daughter of a disowned upper class Bostonian finds acceptance in Parisian society.

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Her Night of Romance

as Joe Diamond
Released: 1924-11-24

An impoverished British lord (Paul Menford) impersonates a doctor in order to woo an ailing...

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It Must Be Love

as Pop Schmidt
Released: 1926-08-22

Fernie Schmidt (Colleen Moore) lives with her parents in the rear of their delicatessen. The...

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Tough Guy

as Dr. Mulback
Released: 1936-01-24

An unhappy child, accompanied by his dog, runs away from home and is befriended by a gangster on...

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Flesh

as Mr. Herman
Released: 1932-12-08

Gifted German wrestler Polokai falls in love with ex-con Laura, who persuades him to emigrate to...

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The Case of Sergeant Grischa

as Posnanski
Released: 1930-02-23

This film earned an Oscar nomination for Sound Recording. It is the only film nominated in this...

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Melody for Three

as Doctor Paul Christian
Released: 1941-06-19

Dr. Christian takes an interest in a young boy, a violin prodigy, whose mother is a divorced...

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Break of Hearts

as Professor Thalma
Released: 1935-05-31

Constance, a poor but aspiring composer, meets the great conductor, Franz, through their old...

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Night Court

as Herman the Janitor
Released: 1932-06-04

A corrupt night court judge tears an innocent young family apart in his efforts to elude a...

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The Man Of The Forest

as Lem Beasley
Released: 1921-06-01

Ailing ranch owner Al Auchincloss (Harry Lorraine) sends for his two nieces, Helen and Bo Raynor...

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Hearts of Humanity

as Sol Bloom
Released: 1932-08-31

Genial Irish NYC policeman Tom O'Hara is looking forward to the arrival of his wife and their...

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Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2

as uncredited
Released: 1941-12-05

Hedda Hopper plays hostess at a party for her (grown) son William (DeWolfe Jr.). Hopper, attends...

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Alias The Deacon

as George Caswell or The Deacon
Released: 1927-06-20

A hillbilly deacon, who is actually a cardsharp in disguise, becomes involved in a small-town...

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The Deceiver

as uncredited
Released: 1920-12-01

The story of a man who seeks self-aggrandizement regardless of the sacrifice of friends,...

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The Strangers' Banquet

as Fiend
Released: 1922-12-31

In managing the shipyard inherited from her father, Derith Keogh has considerable labor problems...

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The Saintly Sinner

as Undetermined Role
Released: 1917-02-26

When her father goes broke in the stock market, Jane Lee is forced to leave her prestigious...

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Cheap Kisses

as Gustaf Borgstrom
Released: 1924-12-21

Refusing to join his family in their new social life when Henry Dillingham suddenly becomes...

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Fighting for Love

as Ferdinand
Released: 1917-01-08

Two cowboys, Jim and Johnny Little Bear, discover a rich mine and decide to spend some of their...

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East Is West

as Man
Released: 1930-10-23

Ming Toy is on the auction block in China. She is saved by Billy and taken to San Francisco by...

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The Soul Herder

as The Minister
Released: 1917-08-07

Harry is thrown out of town and on his way across the desert meets a minister and his family;...

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Hell Harbor

as Joseph Horngold
Released: 1930-03-14

Lovely Anita dreams of escaping the monotony of her island home and sailing to bustling Havana....

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Love Aflame

as Reginald
Released: 1917-01-29

Jack Calvert bets four friends that he can travel from New York to Constantinople without a cent.

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Tess of the Storm Country

as Ben Letts
Released: 1922-11-12

Wealthy Elias Graves builds his home on the top of a hill, where a group of squatters have taken...

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They Meet Again

as Doctor Paul Christian
Released: 1941-07-11

Dr. Christian takes time out from his appointed rounds to help clear a bank teller of...

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Unashamed

as Mr. Schmidt
Released: 1932-07-02

A debutante's (Helen Twelvetrees) brother (Robert Young) stands trial for killing her no-good lover.

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Black Orchids

as uncredited
Released: 1917-01-01

Frivolous young Marie de Severac is frightened into following a more virtuous path, when her...

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Southern Justice

as Caleb Talbot
Released: 1917-05-28

Three old men -- Judge Moran (George Hernandez), Roger Appleby (Jack Curtis) and Caleb Talbot...

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The Cat and the Fiddle

as Professor Bertier
Released: 1934-02-16

A romance between a struggling composer and an American singer.

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Are You Listening?

as George Wagner
Released: 1932-03-21

WBLA is on the air, presenting the live music, the sudsy dramas and the sell-sell-sell of...

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The Terror

as Jimm, the Dope
Released: 1917-02-12

Gunman Chuck Connelly is hired to silence the new district attorney who has been pounding the...

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When Romance Rides

as Joel Creech
Released: 1922-03-16

Lucy Bostil, daughter of a Colorado ranch owner, is led by a dog to his master, Lin Slone, who...

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Love's Prisoner

as Party Guest (uncredited)
Released: 1919-06-07

A young lady, who "hates the law" rises from the tenements to society. Financial reverses lead...

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13 Washington Square

as 'Deacon' Pyecroft
Released: 1928-01-28

In this comedy, a wealthy matron is terribly upset when she learns that her socialite son is...

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The Crime of the Century

as Dr. Emil Brandt
Released: 1933-02-18

A doctor who is also a “mentalist” confesses to a murder. The only problem is that the murder...

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The Aryan

as (uncredited)
Released: 1916-04-09

Steve Denton, rich from years of prospecting, is fleeced by the citizens of Yellow Ridge. In his...

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The Woman on the Jury

as Jury Foreman
Released: 1924-04-20

The story of a woman on trial for her life for shooting the man who had promised to love her but...

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A Stormy Knight

as Dr. Fraser
Released: 1917-09-10

While relaxing in his cabin one stormy night, John Winton, a rising young businessman who has...

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The Disciple

as Mob Member
Released: 1915-10-16

Jim Houston, the "Shootin' Iron" Parson, comes to Barren Gulch to reform the morals of the...

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To the People of the United States

as Colonel Jensen - Medical Corps
Released: 1944-04-16

World War II public education film about sexually transmitted diseases focused on syphilis.

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The Climax

as Luigi Golfanti
Released: 1930-01-04

Young Italian girl wants to become a great opera singer.

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The Secret Hour

as Tony
Released: 1928-02-04

An Elderly fruit grower sends a photo of his foreman, not himself, to a waitress he wishes to...

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The Wrong Mr. Wright

as Seymour White
Released: 1927-02-27

Scott Sidney silent mistaken identity romantic comedy about a timid man, named Seymour White,...

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The Golden Trail

as Harry Teal
Released: 1920-09-01

At the Golden Trail saloon in Alaska, Dave Langdon meets chorus girl Faro Kate who reminds him...

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Perils of the Secret Service

as Prince Feodor (Episode #2)
Released: 1917-03-09

A 9-part movie serial

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Modern Love

as François Renault
Released: 1929-07-21

In order to keep her job, a young dress designer must keep her recent marriage a secret from her...

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A New Hat for the Madam

as uncredited
Released: 1906-11-15

A young woman is out shopping and buys a new hat in the latest fashion. Unfortunately, the hat...

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Red Lights

as Ezra Carson
Released: 1923-09-30

A mysterious figure attempts to keep a daughter from reuniting with her father.

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The Old Soak

as Clement Hawley, Sr.
Released: 1926-10-11

To the distress of his family, Clem Hawley, retired from his garage business, spends his time...

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The Cat Creeps

as Dr. Patterson
Released: 1930-11-10

Disappearances and strange goings-on in a spooky old mansion.

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The Third Alarm

as Frank 'Dad' Morton
Released: 1930-11-16

The story of the firemen at Engine House No.8, where widower Frank "Dad" Brooks is the beloved...

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The Girl on the Barge

as McCadden
Released: 1929-02-03

The illiterate daughter of a drunken, nasty sea captain falls in love with a tugboat pilot. Her...

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Heart's Haven

as Henry Bird
Released: 1922-08-08

A fine cast brings depth to this melodrama of a crippled boy, an unhappy marriage, an injured...

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Abie's Irish Rose

as Solomon Levy
Released: 1928-04-19

When a Catholic and a Jew wed they find themselves disowned by both of their families.

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Christopher Bean

as Rosen
Released: 1933-11-17

When the painter Christopher Bean dies, some unscrupulous art dealers try to get several of his...

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The Red Lane

as Vetal Beaulieu
Released: 1920-07-12

After returning home from years spent in a convent, Marie Beaulieu, is shocked to discover that...

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Dangerous Innocence

as Gilchrist
Released: 1925-04-12

Ann, a 19-year-old girl who looks much younger, meets a dashing army major on a boat sailing...

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What's My Line?

as Self - Mystery Guest
First aired: 1950-02-02

Four panelists must determine guests' occupations - and, in the case of famous guests, while...

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This Is Your Life

as Self
First aired: 1952-10-01

This Is Your Life is an American television documentary series broadcast on NBC, originally...

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The Ed Sullivan Show

as Self
First aired: 1948-06-20

The Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June...

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