Frank Lanning (1911) 🇺🇸

Frank Lanning, “the Indian star of the moving picture drama,” is one of the few male actors who, by sheer merit, has found a warm place in the hearts of the motion picture public. He has probably successfully portrayed more Indian characters than any other man, notably in The Call of the Blood, Big Elk, The Legend of Scar Face, Winona, Blackfoot’s Vindication, Indian Pete’s Gratitude, etc.

He is of Irish extraction, but when seen in Indian regalia it is hard to distinguish him from the real article. In fact, his strong features and athletic build are so characteristic of the Indian race that he needs no disguise, and in Spotted Snake’s Schooling, he takes the part of Spotted Snake without any wig or make-up whatever.

Mr. Lanning had the advantage of several years’ schooling with Belasco, having been cast for a prominent part in The Darling of the Gods, also in The Girl of the Golden West.

While his specialty is Indian characterization, of which he has made a profound study, his repertory is by no means limited to that field. He is an expert horseman and a valuable member of the Kalem Company, which is now operating near Los Angeles. Of a studious nature, he is deeply in love with his work and believes in the power of the silent drama.

When asked what was his opinion of the secret of success in moving picture acting his characteristic reply was: “One cannot express more than he really is. If we wish to reach, broaden and ennoble the natures of our audiences we must first become acquainted with, harmonize and ennoble our own nature and unconsciously we will express these qualities at all times.” With such principles underlying his efforts we hope to see more and more of Mr. Lanning’s impersonations.

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Collection: Moving Picture World, February 1911