Rod La Rocque: A Silent Film Star for the Ages (1898-1969)

One of our favourite silent movie stars, Rod La Rocque (christened Roderick La Rocque de la Rour – quite a mouthful!) was born on 20th November 1898 in Chicago, Illinois. From a young age, he was enamoured with the performing arts.

Early Years and Entry into Silent Films

He began his career in vaudeville as a teenager and quickly transitioned to the silver screen. By his twenties, he was signed up with Triangle and Essanay Studios, taking on bit parts. His striking good looks, towering height of 6 ft. 3 inches, and undeniable vitality made him a natural fit for the camera.

It's worth noting that during Rod's early years, silent films were primarily shot on 35mm film stock, a format that we at Digital Converters are well-versed in converting to digital. This format was the industry standard and offered a high-quality viewing experience for audiences of the time.

The Big Break: Working with Cecil B. DeMille

Rod's career took a significant turn when he was hired by the legendary Cecil B. DeMille to star in the epic "The Ten Commandments" in 1923. This was a monumental achievement, not just because of the film's grandeur but also because it was shot on nitrate film, another format that we can expertly convert into a modern digital medium.

Contract Years and Freelancing

After his big break, Rod contracted with Famous Players-Lasky for several years before deciding to freelance. His versatility was evident as he excelled in a variety of roles, from dramas and comedies to swashbucklers. For a taste of his comedic prowess, one shouldn't miss the 1926 film "The Cruise of the Jasper B," a film that will leave you in stitches.

Personal Life and Legacy

In 1925, Rod met and, two years later, married silent screen star Vilma Banky in a grand, publicity-filled wedding orchestrated by Sam Goldwyn. Their marriage was a lasting one, enduring until Rod's death. Rod made a smooth transition to sound films and eventually retired after his last film in 1941, the classic "Meet John Doe" with Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck. Rod La Rocque passed away on 15th October 1969 but left behind a formidable legacy. Thankfully, many of his films survive, allowing us a glimpse into his remarkable talent.

Preserving the Legacy: How We Can Help

For those interested in reliving the magic of Rod La Rocque or any other silent film stars, we at Digital Converters offer specialised services to convert old film formats like 35mm and nitrate film into modern digital formats. This ensures that the artistry and talent of stars like Rod are not lost to time but can be enjoyed by future generations.

Rod La Rocque’s Silent Films

Our Modern Maidens (1929) …. Glenn Abbott Love Over Night (1928) …. Richard Hill Show People (1928) (uncredited) …. Cameo appearance Captain Swagger (1928) …. Captain Swagger/Hugh Drummond> Hold ‘Em Yale (1928) …. Jaime Emmanuel Alvarado Montez… aka At Yale (1928) Stand and Deliver (1928) …. Roger Norman Fighting Eagle, The (1927) …. Etienne Gerard Resurrection (1927) …. Prince Dimitry Ivanitch Nekhludov Gigolo (1926) …. Gideon Gory Cruise of the Jasper B, The (1926) …. Jerry Cleggett Bachelor Brides (1926) …. Percy Ashfield Red Dice (1926) …. Alan Beckwith Braveheart (1925) …. Braveheart Wild, Wild Susan (1925) …. Tod Waterbury Coming of Amos, The (1925) …. Amos Burden Night Life of New York (1925) …. Ronald Bentley Golden Bed, The (1925) …. Admah Holtz Code of the Sea (1924) …. Bruce McDow Forbidden Paradise (1924) …. Capt. Alexei Czerny Feet of Clay (1924) …. Kerry Harlan Triumph (1924) …. King Garnet Society Scandal, A (1924) …. Daniel Farr Phantom Justice (1924) …. Kingsley Don’t Call It Love (1924) …. Patrick Delaney French Doll, The (1923) Ten Commandments, The (1923) …. Dan McTavish, her son Jazzmania (1923) …. Jerry Langdon Challenge, The (1922/II) …. Stanley Roberts Notoriety (1922) …. Arthur Beal Slim Shoulders (1922) …. Richard Langden Woman’s Woman, A (1922) …. Dean Laddbarry What’s Wrong with the Women? (1922) …. Jack Lee Suspicious Wives (1921) …. Bob Standing Paying the Piper (1921) …. Larry Grahame Discarded Woman, The (1920) Thimble, Thimble (1920) Life (1920) …. Tom Burnett Common Sin, The (1920) …. Hugh Stanton .. aka For Your Daughter’s Sake (1922) (USA: reissue title) Garter Girl, The (1920) …. Arthur Lyle Stolen Kiss, The (1920) (as Rodney La Rocque) …. Dudley Hamilt Easy to Get (1920) (as Rodney LaRocque) …. Dick Elliott Philistine in Bohemia, A (1920) Miss Crusoe (1919) …. Harold Vance Trap, The (1919/I) …. Blackmailer aka Woman’s Law, A (1919) (UK) Love and the Woman (1919) …. Walter Pemberton Perfect Lady, A (1918) (as Bob La Rock) …. Bob Griswold Perfect 36, A (1918) …. O.P. Dildock Hidden Fires (1918) …. George Landis Money Mad (1918) …. William Gavin Jr. Venus Model, The (1918) …. Paul Braddock Let’s Get a Divorce (1918) …. Chauffeur Ruggles of Red Gap (1918) …. Belknap Jackson Uneasy Money (1918) …. Johnny Gates Sadie Goes to Heaven (1917) …. Coal Heaver Dream Doll, The (1917) …. Her Sweetheart Fable of the Uplifter and His Dandy Little Opus, The (1917) Fable of the Back-Trackers from the Hot Sidewalks, The (1917) Fable of the Girl Who Took Notes and Got Wise and Then Fell Down, The (1917) Fable of All That Triangle Stuff As Sized Up by the Meal Ticket, The (1917) Fable of the Film Fed Family, The (1917) Fable of the Speedy Sprite, The (1917) (as Rodney La Rocque) Fable of What Transpires After the Wind-Up, The (1917) (as Rodney La Rocque) Fable of the Twelve-Cylinder Speed of the Leisure Class, The (1917) (as Rodney La Rocque) Fable of the Wandering Boy and the Wayward Parents, The (1917) (as Rodney La Rocque) Efficiency Edgar’s Courtship (1917) (as Rodney La Rock) …. Wimple Filling His Own Shoes (1917) (as Roderick La Rock) …. Dick Downing Sundaying in Fairview (1917) Alster Case, The (1915) (as Roderick LaRocque) …. Allen Longstreet Showman, The (1914)