Harold Lloyd — Biographical Sketch (1927) 🇺🇸
Harold Lloyd’s rise to motion picture fame is studded with many of the characteristic experiences typical of an Horatio Alger hero. Lloyd was born on a Nebraska farm in 1893. He worked before and after school and, at eighteen, became a newspaper and popcorn vendor. At nineteen, in San Diego, he made his screen debut. Then followed a period in stock and then another try at the films on the Universal lot. Lloyd became associated with Hal Roach, and made several hundred of the now famous Lonesome Luke comedies which were distributed through Pathé. Tiring of the character he adopted the horn-rimmed eyeglass make-up, to which he has held ever since. At this time he married his leading lady, Mildred Davis, and a little later severed connection with Pathé, joining the Paramount organization.
Harold Lloyd’s work in his forthcoming production for Paramount release, entitled Speedy, will bring to the screen a number of shots more thrilling than any he has filmed since Safety Last. Daring horsemanship in piloting the street car through the busy streets of New York will be certain to win the commendation of Lloyd followers throughout the world, for even in the unassembled rushes this work on the comedian’s part is an outstanding feature.
Ann Christy, new Lloyd leading lady, looks most attractive and appealing in the Coney Island and other shots in which she appears with the comedian.
Ted Wilde, directing Speedy, was on familiar territory while working with Lloyd, for quite a few shots were made in parts of New York, where he spent his days before going to California.
While very few persons other than his intimates are aware of the fact, Speedy is a nickname Lloyd has borne for more than ten years. It was given to him by his father, J. Darsie Lloyd. Fitting the character of the breezy New York boy Lloyd is portraying in his new picture, the comedian was not long in selecting it after the suggestion was offered by S. R. Kent, general manager of Paramount.
Speedy became the Lloyd appellation soon after the comedian’s father had visited a stock show in Los Angeles in which the central character’s name was Harold, but who was called Speedy throughout the play. Lloyd, Sr., was so impressed with the drama that he soon began calling Harold Speedy, and the name stuck.
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Harold Lloyd
coming in
Produced by Harold Lloyd Corp.
A Paramount Release
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Collection: Motion Picture News, October 1927 (Booking Guide and Studio Directory)