RAYMOND HATTON'S biographical skeleton says that he never had a previous
occupation to that of acting. His screen work shows that, for, although
he has seldom played a lead or a "popular" role, he has made an
enviable reputation for himself as one of the cleverest character actors
in filmland.
Mr. Hatton was born in Red Oak, Iowa, and went to high school in Des
Moines. But he soon left there to take up stage work. In 1897 he played
"Jack" in "The House That Jack Built." The ten years
that followed saw him on the road and in stock companies.
When Mack Sennett, Fred Mace, Mabel Normand and others from the Biograph
Company went to the Keystone outfit, Hatton went with them, and played in
scores of Keystone comedies.
Then he graduated into the five-reel drama class, where he created many
characters. Some of them stand out prominently in "Joan the Woman,"
"Whispering Chorus," "The Dancing Fool," "Ebb Tide,"
"Officer 666,'' ''Stop Thief," "Just Call me Jim," "Head
Over Heels," "The Concert," "Doubling for Romeo"
and "The Ace of Hearts."
His first starring vehicle will long be remembered for the character
he portrayed as the timid, frightened tailor in "His Back Against the
Wall." Hatton's recent films are "Java Head," "The Hottentot,"
"To Have and To Hold," and he is now working in "The Hunchback
of Notre Dame."
In spite of his ability as a comedian Hatton is quiet, sedate and serious.
He indulges in boxing, swimming, fencing and gardening. His hobby is a collection
of canes. He uses these on the screen at times when the character roles
call for them. They seem to be apart of his make-up.
The art of make-up plays a large part in Hatton's success as a versatile
actor. For example: In "Ebb Tide" Hatton is seen as a sea tar
of the lowest order, while in "With His Back Against the Wall"
he portrays with equal fulfillment a lounge lizard type. But however large
or small the role, he remains an individual type.
Hatton is five feet five inches tall and weighs 134 pounds. He has brown
hair and blue eyes. |