Barthelmess, Richard, 1895-1963

Actor Richard Barthelmess, who went straight from Trinity College to silent films, gave two outstanding performances for D. W. Griffith in BROKEN BLOSSOMS (1919) and WAY DOWN EAST (1920), both with Lillian Gish. With his innocent, unsophisticated image, he was a popular leading man through the 1920s, notably TOL'ABLE DAVID (1921). With the advent of sound, he moved to supporting roles. His later films included THE DAWN PATROL (1930) and ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS (1939). Barthelmess retired in 1942.

From the guide to the Letters to Edward D. McDonald, 1922-1924, (The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.)

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