Bobby Harron

One of the most interesting actors who appeared in both "Birth of the Nation" and "Intolerance" (and we are talking about all-star cast for these movies) was Bobby Harron who comes across as a sensitive young man with a golden heart,no matter historical scenery or costumes,his natural goodness somehow glows from these silent black & white scenes and I actually become curious to find out what become of him,assuming he either become a victim of talkies or grew into respectable elderly gentleman who told stories of his silent movie days to grandchildren.

Imagine my shock and surprise when I found out that Harron killed himself at the age of 27. and no matter what were the circumstances (some say it was accident,others that Harron couldn't get over the fact that D.W.Griffith replaced him with another actor) the fact is that this talented young man whose face really shine from the silent screen never lived to achieve more success,never saw talking movies and never got married in his young life (so,no grandchildren). The whole story about his death is still a mystery - being catholic he was not really a person to commit suicide so it might be an accident - however,I was deeply saddened to hear about this and decided to mention him here on my blog,gone but not forgotten.

The special quality that Harron had as an actor lifts him above other silent movie competition and that is why D.W.Griffith liked to use him in his movies - where other silent movie actors often grimaced and mugged,Harron was natural and very convincing in his acting. You never see him over-acting or making silly faces,even when he was supposed to play "bad boy" (as in the beginning of "Intolerance" before he meets his future wife) somehow we feel his true gentleness and sweet nature,we know he is just acting criminal and not really being one (later on,he decides to leave criminal life behind him and it feels naturally because he is not really baddie). The whole finale of "Intolerance" is focused on frantic attempt to save Harron from the death row while he agonizes in prison and audience clearly feels for him,he was truly a perfect choice to play this.

Rest in peace,Bobby Harron,wherever you are.