Leading man Carlyle Blackwell projected a virile, self-reliant image in his many silent film appearances. He began his cinematic acting career in 1909, adding directing to his accomplishments in 1914. While on a professional visit to England in 1921, Blackwell became the first film actor to play "Sapper's" famed soldier-of-fortune Bulldog Drummond. He remained in England until 1931, retiring after a secondary role in the first talkie version of Hound of the Baskervilles. His son, Carlyle Blackwell Jr., likewise pursued an acting career--and contrary to previously published reports, however, the younger Blackwell is not the same person as acerbic fashion expert Mr. Blackwell.
Carlyle Blackwell
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