AKA: Rollo Smolt Thorpe
Nationality: American
Birthdate: 02/24/1896
Birthplace: Hutchinson, Kansas, United States
Death Date: 05/01/1991
Actor who turned to directing in 1923, progressing from low-budget material to more prestigious productions like the MGM "Tarzan" cycle. Proficient to the point of boredom ("His reputation for needing only one take is why we don't remember his films," quipped James Mason), Thorpe spent 33 years of his 45-year career with MGM and was immensely prolific and capable in all genres. Highlights include "Night Must Fall" (1938), "The Great Caruso" (1951), three Robert Taylor swashbucklers ("Ivanhoe" 1952, "Knights of the Round Table" 1954 and "Quentin Durward" 1955) and "Jailhouse Rock" (1957).
Acted in vaudeville, stock and musical comedy
1921
Arrived in Hollywood as an actor
Appeared as actor in "Torchy Comedies", "Three O'clock in the Morning", "Burn "em up Barnes", "Flame of Desire"
1923
Directed first two-reelers
1924
Directed first feature, "Gold and Grit"
