Bryant Washburn — By the Sign of the Mustache (1925) 🇺🇸

Bryant Washburn used to be just a likable young fellow whose screen deportment had attractiveness, without being spectacularly intriguing.

That was before the mustache made its appearance. It is one of those impudent affairs, turned upward and waxed.

This being the era of the suave, sophisticated gallant, Washburn thought it time to quit playing those unglamorous, brotherly men whom mothers trust and modern daughters disdain. With the success of Adolphe Menjou, he did some intensive thinking, retired temporarily and emerged with the lip adornment which he hopes will incite a new interest. Upon a hair, one might say, does his future rest!

Washburn attained considerable notice in the early Essanay days, with his comedy-drama characterizations. For six years he starred in the semi-heroic rôles then popular, working later under the Pathé and Famous Players banners. It was in Skinner’s Dress Suit that his personality was best displayed. “Six Best Sellers” and “It Pays to Advertise” further established him as a breezy, handsome hero.

But idols of his type slipped; from favor. The flappers are bored with the correct hero, and demand more of the spice and dash that intrigue young imaginations. Ergo: the mustache, which appears in “Her Husband’s Wives,” “The Stardust Trail,” and “The Parasite.” Will he be accepted in this new guise? It will be interesting to see.

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Photo by: Walter Fredrick Seely (1886–1959)

Collection: Picture Play Magazine, April 1925