HAD not Dinky Dean shown remarkable talent in all of his screen appearances,
he would doubtless have become famous nevertheless, for no less an authority
than Charles Chaplin predicted that he would some day become one of the
most famous child actors the screen would ever produce.
Little Dinky, whose real name is Dean Franklin Reisner, was born in New
York City on November 3rd, 1918. He is the only son of Charles ("Chuck")
Reisner, well known comedy star and director, and Miriam Hope, former musical
comedy favorite.
When only eight months old he made his first, but brief, appearance in
a screen comedy which his father was directing. At the age of two -he will
be recalled as the very charming kiddie who played with Brownie, the wonder
dog, in a comedy series that evoked an unusual amount of interest.
A year later Dinky toured the country with his parents, appearing in
Jack Dempsey's vaudeville act, which his father wrote and also appeared
in.
When Chaplin started to film "The Pilgrim" he needed a youngster
for an important role. Daddy Reisner was cast for the villain in this comedy
and he promised the famous comedian that he would get him "just the
child for the part." That he succeeded was established when "The
Pilgrim" was finally shown, for in every notice that it received special
mention was made of Dinky Dean, Chaplin's new "find."
Dinky is now signed to star in a series of full length features and Charlie
Chaplin is not the only one who is prophesying a brilliant success for this
little dark eyed cherub. |