One of our favourite silent movie stars, Rod La Rocque (christened Roderick La Rocque de la Rour – quite a mouthful!) was born on 20th November 1898 in Chicago, Illinois. From a young age, he was enamoured with the performing arts.
Early Years and Entry into Silent Films
He began his career in vaudeville as a teenager and quickly transitioned to the silver screen. By his twenties, he was signed up with Triangle and Essanay Studios, taking on bit parts. His striking good looks, towering height of 6 ft. 3 inches, and undeniable vitality made him a natural fit for the camera.
It's worth noting that during Rod's early years, silent films were primarily shot on 35mm film stock, a format that we at Digital Converters are well-versed in converting to digital. This format was the industry standard and offered a high-quality viewing experience for audiences of the time.
The Big Break: Working with Cecil B. DeMille
Rod's career took a significant turn when he was hired by the legendary Cecil B. DeMille to star in the epic "The Ten Commandments" in 1923. This was a monumental achievement, not just because of the film's grandeur but also because it was shot on nitrate film, another format that we can expertly convert into a modern digital medium.
Contract Years and Freelancing
After his big break, Rod contracted with Famous Players-Lasky for several years before deciding to freelance. His versatility was evident as he excelled in a variety of roles, from dramas and comedies to swashbucklers. For a taste of his comedic prowess, one shouldn't miss the 1926 film "The Cruise of the Jasper B," a film that will leave you in stitches.
Personal Life and Legacy
In 1925, Rod met and, two years later, married silent screen star Vilma Banky in a grand, publicity-filled wedding orchestrated by Sam Goldwyn. Their marriage was a lasting one, enduring until Rod's death. Rod made a smooth transition to sound films and eventually retired after his last film in 1941, the classic "Meet John Doe" with Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck. Rod La Rocque passed away on 15th October 1969 but left behind a formidable legacy. Thankfully, many of his films survive, allowing us a glimpse into his remarkable talent.
Preserving the Legacy: How We Can Help
For those interested in reliving the magic of Rod La Rocque or any other silent film stars, we at Digital Converters offer specialised services to convert old film formats like 35mm and nitrate film into modern digital formats. This ensures that the artistry and talent of stars like Rod are not lost to time but can be enjoyed by future generations.
Rod La Rocque’s Silent Films
Our Modern Maidens (1929) …. Glenn Abbott
Love Over Night (1928) …. Richard Hill
Show People (1928) (uncredited) …. Cameo appearance
Captain Swagger (1928) …. Captain Swagger/Hugh Drummond>
Hold ‘Em Yale (1928) …. Jaime Emmanuel Alvarado Montez… aka At Yale (1928)
Stand and Deliver (1928) …. Roger Norman
Fighting Eagle, The (1927) …. Etienne Gerard
Resurrection (1927) …. Prince Dimitry Ivanitch Nekhludov
Gigolo (1926) …. Gideon Gory
Cruise of the Jasper B, The (1926) …. Jerry Cleggett
Bachelor Brides (1926) …. Percy Ashfield
Red Dice (1926) …. Alan Beckwith
Braveheart (1925) …. Braveheart
Wild, Wild Susan (1925) …. Tod Waterbury
Coming of Amos, The (1925) …. Amos Burden
Night Life of New York (1925) …. Ronald Bentley
Golden Bed, The (1925) …. Admah Holtz
Code of the Sea (1924) …. Bruce McDow
Forbidden Paradise (1924) …. Capt. Alexei Czerny
Feet of Clay (1924) …. Kerry Harlan
Triumph (1924) …. King Garnet
Society Scandal, A (1924) …. Daniel Farr
Phantom Justice (1924) …. Kingsley
Don’t Call It Love (1924) …. Patrick Delaney
French Doll, The (1923)
Ten Commandments, The (1923) …. Dan McTavish, her son
Jazzmania (1923) …. Jerry Langdon
Challenge, The (1922/II) …. Stanley Roberts
Notoriety (1922) …. Arthur Beal
Slim Shoulders (1922) …. Richard Langden
Woman’s Woman, A (1922) …. Dean Laddbarry
What’s Wrong with the Women? (1922) …. Jack Lee
Suspicious Wives (1921) …. Bob Standing
Paying the Piper (1921) …. Larry Grahame
Discarded Woman, The (1920)
Thimble, Thimble (1920)
Life (1920) …. Tom Burnett
Common Sin, The (1920) …. Hugh Stanton .. aka For Your Daughter’s Sake (1922) (USA: reissue title)
Garter Girl, The (1920) …. Arthur Lyle
Stolen Kiss, The (1920) (as Rodney La Rocque) …. Dudley Hamilt
Easy to Get (1920) (as Rodney LaRocque) …. Dick Elliott
Philistine in Bohemia, A (1920)
Miss Crusoe (1919) …. Harold Vance
Trap, The (1919/I) …. Blackmailer aka Woman’s Law, A (1919) (UK)
Love and the Woman (1919) …. Walter Pemberton
Perfect Lady, A (1918) (as Bob La Rock) …. Bob Griswold
Perfect 36, A (1918) …. O.P. Dildock
Hidden Fires (1918) …. George Landis
Money Mad (1918) …. William Gavin Jr.
Venus Model, The (1918) …. Paul Braddock
Let’s Get a Divorce (1918) …. Chauffeur
Ruggles of Red Gap (1918) …. Belknap Jackson
Uneasy Money (1918) …. Johnny Gates
Sadie Goes to Heaven (1917) …. Coal Heaver
Dream Doll, The (1917) …. Her Sweetheart
Fable of the Uplifter and His Dandy Little Opus, The (1917)
Fable of the Back-Trackers from the Hot Sidewalks, The (1917)
Fable of the Girl Who Took Notes and Got Wise and Then Fell Down, The (1917)
Fable of All That Triangle Stuff As Sized Up by the Meal Ticket, The (1917)
Fable of the Film Fed Family, The (1917)
Fable of the Speedy Sprite, The (1917) (as Rodney La Rocque)
Fable of What Transpires After the Wind-Up, The (1917) (as Rodney La Rocque)
Fable of the Twelve-Cylinder Speed of the Leisure Class, The (1917) (as Rodney La Rocque)
Fable of the Wandering Boy and the Wayward Parents, The (1917) (as Rodney La Rocque)
Efficiency Edgar’s Courtship (1917) (as Rodney La Rock) …. Wimple
Filling His Own Shoes (1917) (as Roderick La Rock) …. Dick Downing
Sundaying in Fairview (1917)
Alster Case, The (1915) (as Roderick LaRocque) …. Allen Longstreet
Showman, The (1914)
