Frank Keenan — Blue Book of the Screen (1923) 🇺🇸
One of the dominant figures of the stage for many years, known and beloved everywhere, was Frank Keenan the American thespian. Like commanding predecessors, his name was a household word. His admirers were legion.
He pursued work in film features a number of years and then, having provided well for the future, retired from professional activities. But he could not escape thus easily, as recent events reveal.
Born in Dubuque, Iowa, Mr. Keenan acquired his education both there and in the East, finishing at Boston College. He began his theatrical career in that famous old school of thespian endeavor, the stock company, climbing from an obscure role to the ranks of the principals with his first appearance on the stage. His many brilliant successes in difficult parts soon won him advancement to stardom.
Between starring engagements in New York he toured the country in vaudeville and repertoire, heading his own company. In addition to his fame as an actor, Mr. Keenan has won laurels as a stage director and manager. He made his screen debut under the direction of Reginald Barker in The Coward, the picture that is credited with making Charles Ray. It is a curious coincidence that, after having retired from active work, he should be brought back to the screen by Mr. Barker. Louis B. Mayer, the producer of “Hearts Aflame,” agreed with the director that Frank Keenan was the only man on either stage or screen who could do full justice to the character of Luke Taylor, and they kept after the actor until he consented to desert retirement in order that the old lumber king might be given proper portrayal in the picture.
Among his early releases are such old favorites as, “The Thoroughbred,” “Loaded Dice,” “More Trouble,” “The Night Stage,” “Todd of the Times,” “Statesright Raver” and “The Defender.” Upon the completion of this series of productions, Mr. Keenan formed his own company and, with himself as the star, made “Gates of Brass,” “The Silver Girl,” “World Aflame,” “The False Code,” “Brothers Divided,” “Smouldering Embers” and “Dollar for Dollar.” His last picture before Hearts Aflame was Lorna Doone.
In private life, Mr. Keenan represents the finest type of American citizen. Progressive and industrious by nature, he is always working and building although his private fortune is more than sufficient to keep him in idle luxury for the rest of his life.
When he is not engaged in some notable work, he can always be found at his home — a roomy, big mansion in Hollywood presided over by Mrs. Keenan and possessing as its chief property a wonderfully complete library.
Collection: The Blue Book of the Screen (1923)