Raymond Griffith, "The Silk Hat Comedian"

Born in Boston, Massachusetts. Probably no single performer in movie history is as deserving of a major rediscovery as this impeccable silent-screen comedy actor. Today's hardened, seen-it-all film buffs still gasp with delight at the invention and hilarity of his work, seen infrequently in limited revivals. Generally clad in top hat, white tie and tails, carrying a cane and sporting a dapper mustache and unflappable air (not unlike French comedian Max Linder, to whom he bore an amazing resemblance), Griffith created a unique and bold screen persona. Originally a stage performer, he refined his comedy craft at the Mack Sennett Studios, first as a performer, and then as a writer and director. In 1922, he left and resumed his acting career, and quickly established himself as a solid second banana in slapstick comedies and sophisticated farces alike. Two years later, he signed with Paramount, and immediately scored hits as a society gigolo in OPEN ALL NIGHT and as a bewildered suitor in CHANGING HUSBANDS. A string of exemplary starring vehicles followed: THE NIGHT CLUB (1925), PATHS TO PARADISE (also 1925), and HANDS UP! (1926), to name a few. Alas, many of his films from this era no longer exist, accounting for his subsequent obscurity. When sound came in, Griffith's hoarse, whispery voice (due to the fact that his vocal cords had been damaged when he was a youngster) made performing in talkies unthinkable, though he did try, notably as the lead in 1930's TRENT'S LAST CASE a comedy-mystery directed by Howard Hawks. And, following his poignant, nonspeaking cameo role as a doomed French soldier in ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (1930), he retired from acting. Griffith's old friend Darryl F. Zanuck hired him as a writer and producer, and he worked on over 50 films before retiring in 1940. Griffith died at the Masquers Club in Los Angeles, choking on some partially chewed food.    Nominated for Best Picture 1934: HOUSE OF ROTHSCHILD - Associate Producer at 20th Century-Fox 1 nomination