Phyllis Maude Haver (January 6, 1899 – November 19, 1960) was an American actress of the

silent film A silent film is a film without synchronized recorded sound (or more generally, no audible dialogue). Though silent films convey narrative and emotion visually, various plot elements (such as a setting or era) or key lines of dialogue may, w ...

era.

Early life

Haver was born in

Douglass, Kansas Douglass is a city in Butler County, Kansas, Butler County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,555. History 19th century The first settlement was made at Douglass in 186 ...

to James Hiram Haver and Minnie Shanks Malone. When she was young, her family moved to

Los Angeles, California Los Angeles, often referred to by its initials L.A., is the List of municipalities in California, most populous city in the U.S. state of California, and the commercial, Financial District, Los Angeles, financial, and Culture of Los Angeles, ...

. Haver attended Los Angeles Polytechnic High. After graduating, she played piano to accompany the new silent films in local theaters.

Career

Haver auditioned for comedy producer

Mack Sennett Mack Sennett (born Michael Sinnott; January 17, 1880 – November 5, 1960) was a Canadian-American producer, director, actor, and studio head who was known as the "King of Comedy" during his career. Born in Danville, Quebec, he started acting i ...

on a whim. Sennett hired her as one of his original

Sennett Bathing Beauties Sennett Bathing Beauties was a bevy of women performing in bathing costumes assembled by film producer Mack Sennett during the silent film era. Description The Sennett Bathing Beauties appeared in Mack Sennett comedy Short film, short subjects, ...

. Within a few years, she appeared as a leading lady in two-reelers for Sennett Studios. In 1923,

Buster Keaton Joseph Frank "Buster" Keaton (October 4, 1895 – February 1, 1966) was an American actor, comedian and filmmaker. He is best known for his silent films during the 1920s, in which he performed physical comedy and inventive stunts. He frequently ...

cast her as the female lead in his short ''

The Balloonatic ''The Balloonatic'' is a 1923 American short comedy film co-directed by and starring Buster Keaton. It was one of Keaton's final short films. Plot A young man (Keaton) has a series of encounters in an amusement area, much like Coney Island, ...

''. Later, while signed with DeMille-Pathé, Haver played the part of murderess

Roxie Hart Roxanne "Roxie" Hart is a fictional character. She is the main character of the 1926 play ''Chicago'' and its various remakes and derivatives. Development The playwright, reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins, was inspired by the trials, both of which ...

in the first film adaptation of ''

Chicago Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...

'' in 1927, opposite Hungarian film actor

Victor Varconi Victor Varconi (born Mihály Várkonyi; March 31, 1891 – June 6, 1976) was a Hungarian actor who initially found success in his native country, as well as in Germany and Austria, in silent films, before relocating to the United States, where ...

. One reviewer called her performance "astoundingly fine," and added that Haver "makes this combination of tragedy and comedy a most entertaining piece of work." She performed in the comedy film '' The Battle of the Sexes'' (1928), directed by

D. W. Griffith David Wark Griffith (January 22, 1875 – July 23, 1948) was an American film director. Considered one of the most influential figures in the history of the motion picture, he pioneered many aspects of film editing and expanded the art of the n ...

, and appeared with

Lon Chaney Leonidas Frank "Lon" Chaney (April 1, 1883 – August 26, 1930) was an American actor and makeup artist. He is regarded as one of the most versatile and powerful actors of cinema, renowned for his characterizations of tortured, often gr ...

in his last silent film, ''

Thunder Thunder is the sound caused by lightning. Depending upon the distance from and nature of the lightning, it can range from a long, low rumble to a sudden, loud crack. The sudden increase in temperature and hence pressure caused by the lightning pr ...

'' (1929). Haver retired from the industry with two sound films to her credit.

Personal life

In 1929, she married millionaire William Seeman with a service performed by New York Mayor James J. Walker at the home of

Rube Goldberg Reuben Garrett Lucius Goldberg (July 4, 1883 – December 7, 1970), better known as Rube Goldberg (), was an American cartoonist, sculptor, author, engineer, and inventor. Goldberg is best known for his popular cartoons depicting complicated ...

, the cartoonist. The couple divorced in 1945. Haver had no children.

Death

Haver retired in

Sharon, Connecticut Sharon is a New England town, town in Litchfield County, Connecticut, Litchfield County, Connecticut, United States, in the northwest corner of the state. At the time of the United States 2020 Census, 2020 census, the town had a total population ...

. She died at age 61 from an overdose of

barbiturates Barbiturates are a class of depressant drugs that are chemically derived from barbituric acid. They are effective when used medically as anxiolytics, hypnotics, and anticonvulsants, but have physical and psychological addiction potential as ...

in 1960."Kansas Silent Film Star Phyllis Haver is Dead"
''Lawrence Journal-World'', November 21, 1960.

Selected filmography

* ''

Whose Baby? ''Whose Baby?'' is a 1917 American silent comedy film directed by Clarence G. Badger and starring Gloria Swanson Gloria Mae Josephine Swanson (March 27, 1899April 4, 1983) was an American actress. She first achieved fame acting in dozen ...

'' (1917) * ''

The Sultan's Wife ''The Sultan's Wife'' is a 1917 American silent comedy film directed by Clarence G. Badger and starring Bobby Vernon and Gloria Swanson. The film is also known under the title ''Caught in a Harem''. Plot Gloria follows sailor boyfriend Bobby ...

'' (1917) * ''

The Pullman Bride ''The Pullman Bride'' is a 1917 American silent comedy film directed by Clarence G. Badger and starring Gloria Swanson. Cast * Gloria Swanson as The Girl * Mack Swain as The Chosen One * Chester Conklin as A Rejected Suitor * Laura La Varnie ...

'' (1917) * ''

'49–'17 49–'17'' is a 1917 American silent film, silent Western (genre), Western film directed by Ruth Ann Baldwin and starring Joseph W. Girard, Leo Pierson and William J. Dyer. Baldwin began work on writing and directing a silent film called ''49� ...

'' (1917) * ''

Are Waitresses Safe? Are Waitresses Safe? is a 1917 American silent film short comedy starring Louise Fazenda and Ben Turpin. It was produced by Mack Sennett. The film was possibly rereleased in 1923. The film is preserved in the Library of Congress.''Catalog of Hold ...

'' (1917) * ''

Salome vs. Shenandoah ''Salome vs. Shenandoah'' is a 1919 American silent film, silent film comedy short directed by Ray Grey, Erle C. Kenton, and Ray Hunt. It starred Ben Turpin, Charles Murray (American actor), Charles Murray, and Phyllis Haver. It was produced by M ...

'' (1919) * ''

Love, Honor and Behave ''Love, Honor and Behave'' is a 1938 American drama film directed by Stanley Logan and starring Wayne Morris and Priscilla Lane. The supporting cast includes John Litel, Thomas Mitchell, Dick Foran and Dickie Moore. " Bei Mir Bist Du Scho ...

'' (1920) * ''

A Small Town Idol ''A Small Town Idol'' is a 1921 American silent feature comedy film produced by Mack Sennett and released through Associated First National. The film stars Ben Turpin and was made and acted by many of the same Sennett personnel from his previou ...

'' (1921) * ''

The Bolted Door ''The Bolted Door'' is a 1923 American drama film directed by William Worthington and written by George Randolph Chester. It is based on the 1910 novel ''The Bolted Door'' by George Gibbs. The film stars Frank Mayo, Charles A. Stevenson, Phyll ...

'' (1923) * ''

'' (1923 short) * '' The Common Law'' (1923) * '' Lilies of the Field'' (1924) * '' The Fighting Coward'' (1924) * ''

Single Wives ''Single Wives'' is a 1924 American silent drama film directed by George Archainbaud and produced by and starring Corinne Griffith. It was distributed by First National Pictures. Cast Preservation status ''Single Wives'' is preserved at the ...

'' (1924) * '' The Breath of Scandal'' (1924) * ''

One Glorious Night ''One Glorious Night'' is a 1924 American silent drama film directed by Scott R. Dunlap and starring Elaine Hammerstein, Alan Roscoe, and Phyllis Haver Phyllis Maude Haver (January 6, 1899 – November 19, 1960) was an American actress of ...

'' (1924) * ''

The Foolish Virgin ''The Foolish Virgin'' is a lost 1924 American silent romantic drama film released by Columbia Pictures. It was directed by George W. Hill and stars Elaine Hammerstein. It is based on the 1915 novel '' The Foolish Virgin: A Romance of Today' ...

'' (1924) *lost film * '' The Snob'' (1924) *lost film * ''

New Brooms ''New Brooms'' is a 1925 American silent film, silent romantic comedy film, directed by William C. deMille, and starring Bessie Love, Neil Hamilton (actor), Neil Hamilton, and Phyllis Haver. It was produced by Famous Players–Lasky and distribu ...

'' (1925) *lost film * '' After Business Hours'' (1925) * ''

I Want My Man ''I Want My Man'' is a 1925 American drama film directed by Lambert Hillyer and written by Joseph F. Poland, Earle Snell, and Earl Hudson. It is based on the 1924 novel ''The Interpreter's House'' by Maxwell Struthers Burt. The film stars Dori ...

'' (1925) * ''

Her Husband's Secret ''Her Husband's Secret'' is a 1925 American silent drama film directed by Frank Lloyd and starring Antonio Moreno, Patsy Ruth Miller, and Ruth Clifford. Plot As described in a review in a film magazine, tiring of his home life, Leon Kent (Mc ...

'' (1925) *lost film * '' A Fight to the Finish'' (1925) * '' The Caveman'' (1926) *partially lost, one reel is missing * '' Up in Mabel's Room'' (1926) * ''

Don Juan Don Juan (), also known as Don Giovanni ( Italian), is a legendary fictional Spanish libertine who devotes his life to seducing women. The original version of the story of Don Juan appears in the 1630 play (''The Trickster of Seville and t ...

'' (Uncredited, 1926) * '' Other Women's Husbands'' (1926) * ''

Hard Boiled ''Hard Boiled'' ()Elder, 2005, pg. xxviii is a 1992 Hong Kong action thriller film directed by John Woo from a screenplay by Gordon Chan and Barry Wong based on a story written by Woo. The film stars Chow Yun-fat, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, an ...

'' (1926) * ''

The Nervous Wreck ''The Nervous Wreck'' is a 1926 American silent film, silent comedy film, comedy adventure film directed by Scott Sidney and starring Harrison Ford (silent film actor), Harrison Ford, Phyllis Haver and Chester Conklin.Connelly p.182 It is based ...

'' (1926) * ''

3 Bad Men ''3 Bad Men'' is a 1926 American silent Western film directed by John Ford. Bob Mastrangelo has called it "One of John Ford's greatest silent epics." The film possibly inspired the title for Akira Kurosawa's 1958 film ''Three Bad Men in a Hidde ...

'' (1926) * ''

Fig Leaves ''Fig Leaves'' is a 1926 American silent comedy film directed by Howard Hawks, released by Fox Film Corporation, and starring George O'Brien and Olive Borden. The film had a sequence, a fashion show, that was filmed in 2-strip Technicolor. P ...

'' (1926) * ''

What Price Glory What Price Glory? may refer to: * ''What Price Glory?'' (1926 film), directed by Raoul Walsh * ''What Price Glory'' (1952 film), directed by John Ford * ''What Price Glory?'' (play), a 1924 play by Maxwell Anderson and Laurence Stallings; basis for ...

'' (1926) * ''

The Way of All Flesh ''The Way of All Flesh'' (originally titled ''Ernest Pontifex or the Way of All Flesh'') is a semi-autobiographical novel by Samuel Butler that attacks Victorian-era hypocrisy. Written between 1873 and 1884, it traces four generations of the ...

'' (1927) *lost film * ''

The Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary ''The Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary'' is a lost 1927 American silent comedy film starring veteran actress May Robson and released by Cecil B. DeMille's Producers Distributing Corporation (PDC). Robson first appeared in the Broadway play version o ...

'' (1927) *lost film * '' The Fighting Eagle'' (1927) * '' No Control'' (1927) * ''

Your Wife and Mine ''Your Wife and Mine'' is a 1927 American silent film, silent comedy film directed by Frank O'Connor (director), Frank O'Connor and starring Phyllis Haver, Stuart Holmes, and Wallace MacDonald.Katchmer p.533 Cast * Phyllis Haver as Phyllis Warre ...

'' (1927) * ''

The Wise Wife ''The Wise Wife'' is a 1927 American silent comedy film directed by E. Mason Hopper and starring Phyllis Haver, Tom Moore and Jacqueline Logan.Goble p.394 The film's sets were designed by the art director Mitchell Leisen. The costumes were ...

'' (1927) * ''

'' (1927) * '' Nobody's Widow'' (1927) * '' The Little Adventuress'' (1927) * ''

The Shady Lady ''The Shady Lady'' is a 1928 sound part-talkie American drama film directed by Edward H. Griffith and starring Phyllis Haver, Robert Armstrong and Louis Wolheim.Quinlan p.122 Although the film featured a few sequences with audible dialogue, the ...

'' (1928) * '' The Battle of the Sexes'' (1928) * ''

Sal of Singapore ''Sal of Singapore'' is a 1928 American sound part-talkie drama film directed by Howard Higgin. In addition to sequences with audible dialogue or talking sequences, the film features a synchronized musical score and sound effects along with Engl ...

'' (1928) * '' Tenth Avenue'' (1928) * ''

'' (1929) *lost film, only half a reel survives * ''

The Office Scandal ''The Office Scandal'' is a 1929 American sound part-talkie drama film directed by Paul L. Stein and starring Phyllis Haver, Raymond Hatton and Margaret Livingston.Langman p.84 In addition to sequences with audible dialogue or talking sequences ...

'' (1929) * '' She Couldn't Say No'' (1930) *lost film, only soundtrack survives

References

Bibliography

External links

* *
Phyllis Haver
at Virtual History {{DEFAULTSORT:Haver, Phyllis 1899 births 1960 deaths Actresses from Kansas American film actresses American silent film actresses Drug-related deaths in Connecticut Barbiturates-related deaths People from Douglass, Kansas Actresses from Los Angeles 20th-century American actresses 1960 suicides