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Lewis Stone
View on WikipediaThis article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2007) |
Lewis Shepard Stone (November 15, 1879 – September 12, 1953) was an American film actor. He spent 29 years as a contract player at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and was best known for his portrayal of Judge James Hardy in the studio's popular Andy Hardy film series.[1] He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1929 for his performance as Russian Count Pahlen in The Patriot. Stone was also cast in seven films with Greta Garbo, including in the role of Doctor Otternschlag in the 1932 drama Grand Hotel.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]
Stone was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1879, was youngest of four children of Philena (née Ball) and Bertrand Stone.[5] His father, according to the federal census of 1880, supported the family as a boot cutter.[5] After obtaining his public education in Worcester, Lewis joined the United States Army during the Spanish–American War, serving as a lieutenant and later being deployed to China to train troops.[1] He returned to the United States, and following his discharge from the army began his career as a writer and actor.
Career
[edit]This section needs additional citations for verification. (June 2023) |
In the early-1900s Stone was considered by the critics to be the most popular leading man in stock in America. For eight years, he held the role as leading man with the Oliver Morosco Stock Company in Los Angeles.[6]
In 1912, Stone found success in the popular play Bird of Paradise, which starred Laurette Taylor. The play was later filmed in 1932 and 1951.
For the summer of 1913 Stone appeared at Elitch Theatre in Denver, Colorado, as the leading man for the season. The proprietor of the theatre, Mary Elitch Long, recalled an event when Stone heard of a nearby family in need and he "went to a neighborhood grocery and, placing $25.00 on the counter, told the storekeeper to see to it that the bereaved little family wanted for nothing; and to let him know when more money was needed and to say nothing about it."[6]
His career was interrupted by a return to the Army in World War I, serving as a major in the cavalry.[1]
Before leaving for the war he made his feature film debut in Honor's Altar in 1916.[1] He showed up in First National's 1920 Nomads of the North to good effect playing a Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman. He portrayed the title role in the 1922 silent film version of The Prisoner of Zenda.
From 1920 to 1927, he lived in Los Angeles at 212 S. Wilton Place. The home is now Los Angeles Cultural-Historic Monument #925 and is in the Wilton Historic District.[7]
In 1924, Stone joined the newly formed Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio as a contract player, where he remained until his death in 1953.[1]
Stone was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1929 for The Patriot. He played the character that gives the film its title, but he was not the top-billed star. He appeared in seven films with Greta Garbo, spanning both the silent and early sound period. In 1932, he portrayed Dr. Otternschlag in the Garbo film Grand Hotel, in which he utters the famous closing line "Grand Hotel. People coming. Going. Nothing ever happens."

He played a larger role in the 1933 Garbo film Queen Christina. His appearance in the successful prison film The Big House furthered his career. He played adventurers in the dinosaur epic The Lost World (1925) with Wallace Beery and The Mask of Fu Manchu (1932) with Boris Karloff, and a police captain in Bureau of Missing Persons (1933).

In 1937, Stone first appeared in the role which became his most famous, that of wise and kindly Judge James Hardy in the Andy Hardy film series, starring Mickey Rooney.[1] Stone appeared as the judge in 14 of the 16 Hardy movies, beginning with You're Only Young Once (1937). Lionel Barrymore had portrayed the judge in the first Hardy movie, and Stone died before the making of the last one, Andy Hardy Comes Home (1958), so Judge Hardy's death was written into the script. During the heyday of the series, Stone also appeared with Rooney in the short subject Andy Hardy's Dilemma, which promoted charitable donations to the Community Chest.
During World War II, the 60-plus year-old Stone was a lieutenant colonel in the California National Guard.[1]
Stone was under contract to MGM for 29 years, the studio's longest-contracted actor, as well as the actor with the longest contract at any Hollywood movie studio.[1] The week before his death, he and longtime MGM contract player Lionel Barrymore received gold keys to their dressing rooms. Stone appeared in approximately 100 films for MGM from 1924 to 1953.[1]
Personal life
[edit]Stone owned a beach house in the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles. In 1930 the oil drilling boom in the Venice Beach-Del Ray oil field caused him to file a lawsuit to stop the beach lease in order to prevent property damage and public nuisance. "The court ruled for Stone even though derricks ringed the beach ..."[8]
In the 1930s he owned a 104-foot luxury yacht named Serena. In 1937 the yacht was sold to Robert Paine Scripps (the father of Charles Scripps) and converted to a research vessel named the E. W. Scripps.[9]
Stone campaigned for the reelection of President Herbert Hoover in 1932.[10]
Death
[edit]Stone died in Hancock Park, Los Angeles on September 12, 1953, aged 73.[1] He reportedly suffered a heart attack while chasing away some neighborhood kids[1] who were throwing rocks at his garage or trampling his meticulously kept prized garden. Another published report states that on that date Stone and his third wife were watching television when they heard a racket in the back yard. When he investigated, Stone found lawn furniture once again floating in the pool and glimpsed three or perhaps four teenage boys running toward the street. Stone gave chase despite his wife's warning not to exert himself. Upon reaching the sidewalk, Stone suddenly collapsed. A gardener, Juan Vergara, witnessed the chase and summoned aid.
A photo published in newspapers of the day showed Stone lying on the sidewalk immediately after the incident. The photo was later included in Kenneth Anger's book of scandals titled Hollywood Babylon.
Lewis Stone was later honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6524 Hollywood Blvd.
Selected filmography
[edit]- The Bargain (1914)
- Honor's Altar (1916) as Warren Woods
- The Havoc (1916) (with Gladys Hanson) as Richard Craig
- According to the Code (1916) as Basil Beckenridge
- Inside the Lines (1918) as Captain Cavendish
- The Man of Bronze (1918) as John Adams
- Man's Desire (1919) as Tom Denton
- Milestones (1920) as John Rhead
- Nomads of the North (1920) as Cpl. O'Connor
- Held by the Enemy (1920) as Capt. Gordon Haine
- The Concert (1921) as Augustus Martinot
- Beau Revel (1921) as Lawrence 'Beau' Revel
- The Golden Snare (1921) as Sergeant Philip Raine
- Don't Neglect Your Wife (1921) as Langdon Masters
- The Child Thou Gavest Me (1921) as Edward Berkeley
- Pilgrims of the Night (1921) as Philip Champion / Lord Ellingham
- The Rosary (1922) as Father Brian Kelly
- A Fool There Was (1922) as John Schuyler
- The Prisoner of Zenda (1922) as Rudolf Rassendyll / King Rudolf
- Trifling Women (1922) as The Marquis Ferroni
- The Dangerous Age (1923) as John Emerson
- The World's Applause (1923) as John Elliott
- You Can't Fool Your Wife (1923) as Garth McBride
- Scaramouche (1923) as The Marquis de la Tour d'Azyr
- The Stranger (1924) as Keith Darrant
- Why Men Leave Home (1924) as John Emerson
- Cytherea (1924) as Lee Randon
- Husbands and Lovers (1924) as James Livingston
- Inez from Hollywood (1924) as Stewart Cuyler
- Cheaper to Marry (1925) as Jim Knight
- The Lost World (1925) as Sir John Roxton
- Confessions of a Queen (1925) as The King
- The Talker (1925) as Harry Lennox
- The Lady Who Lied (1925) as Horace Pierpont
- Fine Clothes (1925) as Earl of Denham
- What Fools Men (1925) as Joseph Greer
- Too Much Money (1926) as Robert Broadley
- The Girl from Montmartre (1926) asJerome Hautrive
- Old Loves and New (1926) as Gervas Carew
- Don Juan's Three Nights (1926) as Johann Aradi
- Midnight Lovers (1926) as Maj. William Ridgewell, RFC
- The Blonde Saint (1926) as Sebastian Maure
- An Affair of the Follies (1927) as Hammersley
- The Notorious Lady (1927) as Patrick Marlowe / John Carew
- Lonesome Ladies (1927) as John Fosdick
- The Prince of Headwaiters (1927) as Pierre
- The Private Life of Helen of Troy (1927) as Menelaus
- The Foreign Legion (1928) as Col. Destin
- The Patriot (1928) as Count Pahlen
- Freedom of the Press (1928) as Daniel Steele
- A Woman of Affairs (1928) as Dr. Hugh Trevelyan
- Wild Orchids (1929) as John Sterling
- The Trial of Mary Dugan (1929) as Edward West
- Wonder of Women (1929) as Stephen Trombolt
- Madame X (1929) as Louis Floriot
- Their Own Desire (1929) as Marlett
- Strictly Unconventional (1930) as Clive Champion-Cheney
- The Big House (1930) as Warden James Adams
- Romance (1930) as Cornelius Van Tuyl
- The Office Wife (1930) as Lawrence Fellowes
- Passion Flower (1930) as Antonio Morado
- Inspiration (1931) as Raymond Delval
- Father's Son (1931) as William Emory
- The Secret Six (1931) as Richard Newton, Attorney at Law
- My Past (1931) as Mr. John Thornley
- Always Goodbye (1931) as John Graham
- The Bargain (1931) as Maitland White
- The Phantom of Paris (1931) as Detective Costaud
- The Sin of Madelon Claudet (1931) as Carlo Boretti
- Mata Hari (1931) as Andriani
- Strictly Dishonorable (1931) as The Judge
- The Wet Parade (1932) as Roger Chilcote
- Grand Hotel (1932) as Dr. Otternschlag
- Night Court (1932) as Judge William Osgood
- Letty Lynton (1932) as District Attorney Haney
- New Morals for Old (1932) as Mr. Thomas
- Red-Headed Woman (1932) as William Legendre Sr.
- Unashamed (1932) as Henry Trask
- Divorce in the Family (1932) as John Parker
- The Mask of Fu Manchu (1932) as Nayland Smith
- The Son-Daughter (1932) as Dr. Dong Tong
- Men Must Fight (1933) as Edward Seward
- The White Sister (1933) as Prince Guido Chiaromonte
- Looking Forward (1933) as Gabriel Service Sr.
- Bureau of Missing Persons (1933) as Capt. Webb
- Queen Christina (1933) as Axel Oxenstierna
- You Can't Buy Everything (1934) as John Burton
- The Mystery of Mr. X (1934) as Inspector Connor
- The Girl from Missouri (1934) as Frank Cousins
- Treasure Island (1934) as Captain Smollett
- David Copperfield (1935) as Mr. Wickfield
- Vanessa: Her Love Story (1935) as Adam Paris
- West Point of the Air (1935) as General Carter
- Public Hero No. 1 (1935) as Prison Warden
- Woman Wanted (1935) as District Attorney Martin
- China Seas (1935) as Tom Davids
- Shipmates Forever (1935) as Adm. Richard Melville
- Tough Guy (1936) as Davis (scenes deleted)
- Three Godfathers (1936) as James Underwood, aka Doc
- The Unguarded Hour (1936) as General Lawrence
- Small Town Girl (1936) as Doctor Dakin
- Suzy (1936) as Baron Charville
- Sworn Enemy (1936) as Doctor Simon 'Doc' Gattle
- Don't Turn 'Em Loose (1936) as John Webster
- Outcast (1937) as Anthony Abbott (lawyer)
- The Thirteenth Chair (1937) as Inspector Marney
- The Man Who Cried Wolf (1937) as Lawrence Fontaine
- You're Only Young Once (1937) as Judge James K. Hardy
- The Bad Man of Brimstone (1937) as Mr. Jackson Douglas
- Judge Hardy's Children (1938) as Judge James K. Hardy
- Stolen Heaven (1938) as Joseph Langauer
- Yellow Jack (1938) as Major Reed
- Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938) as Judge James K. Hardy
- The Chaser (1938) as Dr. Delford Q. Prescott
- Out West with the Hardys (1938) as Judge James 'Jim' K. Hardy
- The Ice Follies of 1939 (1939) as Douglas Tolliver Jr.
- The Hardys Ride High (1939) as Judge James K. Hardy
- Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever (1939) as Judge James K. Hardy
- Joe and Ethel Turp Call on the President (1939) as The President
- Judge Hardy and Son (1939) as Judge James K. Hardy
- Andy Hardy Meets Debutante (1940) as Judge James K. Hardy
- Sporting Blood (1940) as Davis Lockwood
- Andy Hardy's Dilemma: A Lesson in Mathematics... and Other Things (1940, short) as Judge James K. Hardy
- Andy Hardy's Private Secretary (1941) as Judge James K. Hardy
- Life Begins for Andy Hardy (1941) as Judge James K. Hardy
- The Bugle Sounds (1942) as Col. Jack Lawton
- The Courtship of Andy Hardy (1942) as Judge James K. Hardy
- Andy Hardy's Double Life (1942) as Judge James K. Hardy
- Plan for Destruction (1943, short) as Himself – Commentator
- Andy Hardy's Blonde Trouble (1944) as Judge James K. Hardy
- The Hoodlum Saint (1946) as Father Nolan
- Three Wise Fools (1946) as Judge James Trumbell
- Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (1946) as Judge James K. Hardy
- State of the Union (1948) as Sam Thorndyke
- The Sun Comes Up (1949) as Arthur Norton
- Any Number Can Play (1949) as Ben Gavery Snelerr
- Key to the City (1950) as Judge Silas Standish
- Stars in My Crown (1950) as Dr. Daniel Kalbert Harris, Sr.
- Grounds for Marriage (1951) as Dr. Carleton Radwin Young
- Night Into Morning (1951) as Dr. Horace Snyder
- Angels in the Outfield (1951) as Commissioner Arnold P. Hapgood
- Bannerline (1951) as Josh
- The Unknown Man (1951) as Judge James V. Hulbrook
- It's a Big Country (1951) as Church Sexton
- Just This Once (1952) as Judge Samuel Coulter
- Talk About a Stranger (1952) as Mr. Wardlaw
- Scaramouche (1952) as Georges de Valmorin
- The Prisoner of Zenda (1952) as The Cardinal
- All the Brothers Were Valiant (1953) as Capt. Holt (posthumous release)
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Obituaries". Variety. September 16, 1953. p. 63. Retrieved October 4, 2019 – via Archive.org.
- ^ a b "Drop from Eighth Story Window Kills Mrs. Lewis Stone". Los Angeles Herald. Vol. XLII, no. 186. June 6, 1917. p. 5.
- ^ According to the database California County Marriages 1850-1952, Lewis S. Stone married Margaret H. Huddleston (real name of Margaret Langham) in Los Angeles on Sunday, December 30, 1906. The marriage was not officially registered with Los Angeles County until 1907.
- ^ "Florence Oakley". IMDb.
- ^ a b "United States Census, 1880", digital image of original census page documenting Lewis Stone in household of Bertrand Stone, Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts; enumeration district (ED) 903, sheet 608D; National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Washington, D.C. FamilySearch database with images, Salt Lake City Utah.
- ^ a b Borrillo, Theodore A. (2012). Denver's historic Elitch Theatre : a nostalgic journey (a history of its times). [publisher not identified]. pp. 103–104. ISBN 978-0-9744331-4-1. OCLC 823177622.
- ^ "Historic–Cultural Monuments (HCM) Listing: City Declared Monuments". Los Angeles City Planning. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 9, 2018.
- ^ Elkind, Sarah S. (2012). "Oil in the City: The Fall and Rise of Oil Drilling in Los Angeles". Journal of American History. 99: 82–90. doi:10.1093/jahist/jas079.
- ^ Nelson, Stewart B. (1971). Oceanographic Ships, Fore and Aft. Washington, DC: Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy, U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 105.
- ^ "Editorial". The Napa Daily Register. November 2, 1932. p. 6.
External links
[edit]- Lewis Stone at IMDb
- Lewis Stone at the Internet Broadway Database
- Lewis Stone at The New York Times Movies
- Lewis Stone at The International Silent Movie
- Photographs of Lewis Stone
Lewis Stone
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Birth and family background
Lewis Shepard Stone was born on November 15, 1879, in Worcester, Massachusetts, the youngest of four children to Bertrand Stone and Philena Heald (née Ball) Stone.[5][6][7] The Stone family lived in Worcester, an industrial hub in central Massachusetts during the late 19th century, where his father Bertrand worked as a shoemaker to support the household following his marriage to Philena in 1868.[8][9] Limited details exist on daily family dynamics, but the household reflected typical middle-class stability in a burgeoning New England city, with Bertrand passing away in 1884 when Lewis was just five years old.[8] Stone's childhood unfolded in this Worcester setting, where he received a basic education through local schools, though specific institutions or academic pursuits remain undocumented in available records. By his early 20s, he experienced premature graying of his hair, a trait that would later enhance his authoritative and mature screen persona in films.[10][5][6]Entry into theater
Stone's interest in the stage developed during his youth in Worcester, Massachusetts, where, supported by his family's encouragement, he participated in early amateur performances with local theater groups around the age of 20.[2] After the Spanish-American War, in which he served as a commissioned officer, Stone relocated to New York City in the early 1900s to seek professional opportunities in theater. He began with stock companies and touring productions, making his professional debut in the road company of Side-Tracked around 1900.[11][12] His New York stage debut came later that same year in The Great White Diamond at the Star Theatre, where he played a supporting role in the melodrama set amid South American adventures and diamond mining.[11] Throughout the 1900s and 1910s, Stone built his reputation through a series of key roles in touring shows and Broadway-adjacent productions, including The Dollar Mark and The Girl of the Golden West. His breakthrough as a leading man occurred in 1912 with The Bird of Paradise on Broadway, a romantic drama that propelled him to matinee idol status, drawing crowds for his handsome features and charismatic presence despite his youth. Other notable appearances included Bunny (1916), The Brat (1917), and Nancy Lee (1918), solidifying his position as one of the era's popular stock leading men, particularly during summer seasons like his 1913 engagement at the Elitch Theatre in Denver.[13][14][15][16][17][18][19] However, Stone faced challenges in sustaining romantic leading man roles due to his prematurely gray hair, which appeared by age 20 and aged his appearance beyond his years, gradually shifting him toward more mature character parts even in his early professional phase.[10] This trait, while initially not hindering his idol appeal in plays like The Misleading Lady (1913), later influenced casting toward authoritative or seasoned figures, marking a transition from juvenile leads to versatile supporting work by the late 1910s.[20][21]Career
Silent film era
Lewis Stone transitioned from a successful stage career to cinema around 1914–1915, leveraging his experience as a leading man on Broadway to secure early film roles. His theater background, where he had become a matinee idol in productions like The Bird of Paradise (1912), provided the dramatic foundation for his screen work. Stone made his film debut in 1915 with the short The Man Who Found Out, marking the start of a prolific silent-era career that saw him appear in over 100 films by 1929. He worked with major studios including Universal, Fox, and Metro Pictures, often portraying sophisticated heroes or authoritative figures in dramas and adventures. Early credits included Honor's Altar (1916) and The Havoc (1916), where he honed his on-screen presence amid the rapid expansion of the industry.[22] Throughout the 1920s, Stone's roles grew more prominent, showcasing his versatility in high-profile silent productions. He earned critical acclaim for his dual performance as King Rudolf V and Rudolf Rassendyll in Rex Ingram's The Prisoner of Zenda (1922), a swashbuckling adaptation that highlighted his commanding stature and refined demeanor. This was followed by another Ingram collaboration, Scaramouche (1923), where he played the Marquis de la Tour d'Azyr in a tale of revolutionary intrigue.[23] Later standout performances included his portrayal of the scheming Count Pahlen in The Patriot (1928), directed by Ernst Lubitsch, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor—the first for a silent film. Stone also starred as defense attorney Edward West in the early sound-era adaptation The Trial of Mary Dugan (1929), a courtroom drama based on the hit stage play, bridging his silent work to talking pictures.[24][25] By the mid-1920s, Stone's consistent output and reliable screen appeal built significant momentum, culminating in a long-term contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1924. This deal, signed at the studio's inception, positioned him as a key player during the transition from silents to sound, ensuring steady employment amid industry changes.MGM contract and sound films
In 1924, Lewis Stone signed a landmark 29-year contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) shortly after the studio's formation, marking one of the longest exclusive agreements in Hollywood history and demonstrating his enduring loyalty to the studio until his death in 1953.[26] This arrangement provided career stability, with Stone appearing in over 100 MGM productions across both silent and sound eras, often portraying dignified authority figures such as judges, fathers, and mentors that became his signature. In his later years, MGM head Louis B. Mayer ensured Stone's financial security by compensating him for a full 40 weeks annually, even when his on-set commitments totaled only about 12 weeks, underscoring the studio's appreciation for his reliability. Stone's transition to sound films aligned with the industry's shift after 1929, where his resonant voice and measured delivery proved advantageous despite his age of nearly 50. His first talkie was The Trial of Mary Dugan (1929), but he quickly established himself in early sound successes like The Big House (1930), where he portrayed the steadfast Warden James Adams in a gritty prison drama that earned critical acclaim and two Academy Award nominations.[27] Stone's collaborations with Greta Garbo further highlighted his versatility in prestige sound productions, including Romance (1930), in which he played the affluent Cornelius Van Tuyl opposite Garbo's courtesan, and Inspiration (1931), where he embodied the sophisticated Delval in a tale of artistic passion.[28] Throughout the 1930s, Stone solidified his role as a dependable supporting actor in MGM's high-profile sound films, contributing gravitas to ensemble casts and literary adaptations. In Grand Hotel (1932), he delivered a poignant performance as the melancholic Doctor Otternschlag, adding emotional depth to the all-star drama that won Best Picture at the Oscars. He followed with authoritative turns in The White Sister (1933) as Prince Chiaromonte, a noble figure in a romantic tragedy co-starring Helen Hayes, and in David Copperfield (1935) as the honorable Mr. Wickfield, supporting the ensemble led by Freddie Bartholomew in this acclaimed Dickens adaptation directed by George Cukor. These roles exemplified Stone's ability to enhance MGM's prestige pictures through subtle, character-driven portrayals, ensuring his steady presence in the studio's output during the sound era's formative decade.Iconic roles in the Andy Hardy series
Lewis Stone was cast as Judge James K. Hardy beginning with the second installment of the Andy Hardy series, You're Only Young Once (1938), replacing Lionel Barrymore from the pilot film A Family Affair (1937).[29] This role propelled the series into a long-running franchise, with Stone reprising the character in 14 of the 15 films produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer from 1938 through 1946. The series concluded with a final entry, Andy Hardy Comes Home (1958), produced after his death without his participation.[29] His portrayal established Judge Hardy as the steadfast moral anchor of the Hardy family in the idyllic small town of Carvel, offering guidance amid everyday adolescent mishaps and family dilemmas.[29] Stone's depiction of Judge Hardy as a wise, patient, and principled middle-class father resonated deeply with audiences during the Great Depression and World War II eras, providing an idealized vision of stability and familial harmony in turbulent times. The character, an honest county judge who balanced judicial fairness with paternal compassion, became a symbol of enduring American values such as integrity, hard work, and community support, earning praise for Stone's nuanced performance that grounded the series' lighthearted tone.[29] Films like Judge Hardy and Son (1939), where Hardy enlists his son Andy to aid an immigrant family facing eviction, highlighted this archetype, showcasing Stone's ability to convey quiet authority and empathy.[30] The Andy Hardy series achieved immense commercial success, generating net profits of approximately $9.3 million for MGM across its run, with the final three films alone accounting for $4 million, underscoring its appeal as wholesome entertainment that drew repeat viewings from families nationwide.[31] Stone's consistent presence as the patriarchal figure contributed significantly to this popularity, as noted by studio head Louis B. Mayer, who lauded his embodiment of "Americanism" in the role.[29] This iconic portrayal cemented Stone's status as MGM's premier on-screen patriarch, leading to typecasting in similar authoritative father roles but also ensuring his career longevity as a contract player for nearly three decades at the studio.[29] Despite the limitations of repetitive characterizations, the role's cultural resonance provided steady employment and acclaim, allowing Stone to transition from leading man in silents to a revered character actor in the sound era.[2]Personal life
Marriages and children
Lewis Stone was married three times during his life. His first marriage was to actress Margaret Langham, whose real name was Margaret Huddleston, on December 30, 1906, in Los Angeles, California.[32] The couple had three children, including daughters Virginia and Lucy (who died at age 7 in 1915), though one died in infancy shortly after Langham's death. Langham died on June 5, 1917, at age 32, after falling from an eighth-story window at her New York City apartment, in an incident reported as suicide.[33][3] Stone's second marriage was to actress Florence Oakley in May 1920.[34] The marriage ended in divorce in 1929, with Stone filing on grounds of cruelty.[4] They had two children together.[10] In 1930, Stone married Hazel Elizabeth Wolf, a union that lasted until his death in 1953.[35] The couple had one daughter, Barbara.[2]Military service and World War I
At the outset of the United States' involvement in World War I in 1917, Lewis Stone, then 38 years old, reenlisted in the U.S. Army, drawing on his prior experience from the Spanish-American War.[14] He was commissioned as a major in the cavalry, a rank reflecting his earlier service as a lieutenant.[36] Stone's assignment focused on training duties rather than combat, as he served as an instructor at the Plattsburgh Training Camp in New York, where he helped prepare officer candidates for the war effort.[14] This role aligned with the camp's purpose of rapidly expanding the Army's officer corps through intensive sixteen-week programs emphasizing military tactics and leadership. His service remained stateside, avoiding overseas deployment or injury, and contributed to the broader mobilization of over 4 million American troops.[37] Stone received an honorable discharge in 1919, shortly after the Armistice, marking the end of his active wartime obligations.[10] The two-year interruption briefly halted his burgeoning acting career, but upon returning to civilian life, he resumed film work with renewed focus, leveraging his military background to infuse roles with a sense of authority and gravitas that became hallmarks of his later characterizations.[38] He retained a reserve commission, participating in annual training at Ord Barracks in Monterey, California, which underscored his ongoing commitment to military preparedness.[14]Death and legacy
Final years and death
Stone continued his acting career into the early 1950s, appearing in notable MGM films such as Angels in the Outfield (1951) and Scaramouche (1952), where he portrayed roles emphasizing his dignified screen presence. His final film role was as Sir Walter Raleigh in the Technicolor swashbuckler All the Brothers Were Valiant (1953), directed by Richard Thorpe and co-starring Robert Taylor and Stewart Granger.[39][40] Residing in a Mediterranean-style mansion in Hancock Park, Los Angeles, with his third wife, Hazel Elizabeth Wolf—whom he had married in 1930—Stone maintained an active lifestyle despite his advancing age. On September 12, 1953, the 73-year-old actor suffered a fatal heart attack at his home while chasing a group of teenage boys who had trespassed and were vandalizing the property by throwing lawn furniture into the swimming pool.[41][42] His wife attempted to restrain him from running after the intruders, but Stone collapsed on a nearby footpath and died without regaining consciousness; emergency services were summoned but could not revive him. A private funeral service was conducted at Stone's home on September 16, 1953, attended by about 100 mourners, including executives and actors from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. He was interred at Angelus Rosedale Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.[43]Posthumous recognition and cultural impact
Following Stone's death in 1953, the Andy Hardy film series saw significant revivals through television syndication in the 1950s and 1960s, where the films were packaged and broadcast widely as part of MGM's efforts to distribute classic titles to emerging TV networks, introducing his iconic portrayal of Judge James K. Hardy to postwar generations of viewers who embraced the series' wholesome depiction of American family life.[44] Stone received posthumous recognition as a quintessential Hollywood character actor, celebrated for his versatile supporting roles that spanned silents to sound films, with his steady presence in over 200 productions earning him a lasting place in film histories as a reliable purveyor of dignified authority figures.[2] In 1960, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6524 Hollywood Boulevard, acknowledging his contributions to motion pictures during a career that exemplified the studio system's character players.[5] Scholarly analyses have examined Stone's portrayals of authority figures, particularly Judge Hardy, as emblematic of 1930s–1940s American ideals, where paternal wisdom and moral rectitude reinforced ideals of stability, patriarchy, and small-town virtue amid economic and social upheaval.[45] For instance, in the inaugural Andy Hardy film A Family Affair (1937), Stone's Hardy navigates political renomination and family tensions through classical jurisprudential principles, embodying a patriarchal model that prioritizes communal harmony and ethical governance reflective of New Deal-era values.[46] This characterization influenced subsequent family-oriented cinema, serving as a prototype for idealized domestic narratives in films like the postwar cycle of coming-of-age stories, where authoritative yet benevolent fathers guide youth through moral dilemmas, as noted in studies of the genre's evolution from studio-era wholesomeness to later explorations of American family dynamics.[47]Filmography
Selected silent films
Stone's early career in silent films spanned a variety of genres, from Westerns and dramas to swashbuckling adventures, often casting him in leading or pivotal supporting roles that highlighted his commanding presence and versatility.[13]- The Bargain (1914), directed by Reginald Barker, featured Stone as Phil Evans, an outlaw who negotiates a deal with authorities to capture a dangerous gang leader in order to win his freedom and protect his love interest.
- The Man Who Found Out (1915), directed by Ashley Miller, in which Stone appeared in a supporting role, a man who uncovers a family secret that upends his life, establishing him as a capable dramatic actor.[48]
- The Havoc (1916), directed by Arthur Berthelet, cast Stone as Richard Craig, a man grappling with the destructive consequences of his past actions in a tale of personal redemption and conflict.[49]
- Inside the Lines (1918), directed by David Hartford, saw Stone portray Captain Cavendish, a British intelligence officer thwarting a German spy plot during World War I, showcasing his aptitude for espionage thrillers.
- Milestones (1920), directed by Paul Scardon, had Stone as John Rhead, a patriarch navigating generational family tensions across decades in this adaptation of a popular play.[50]
- Nomads of the North (1920), directed by Fred J. Balshofer, featured Stone as Corporal O'Hara, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer pursuing justice in the frozen wilderness against fur smugglers.
- The River's End (1920), directed by Victor Heerman and Marshall Neilan, starred Stone in the dual role of Derwent Conniston and John Keith, exploring themes of identity and pursuit in a rugged northern adventure.[51]
- The Prisoner of Zenda (1922), directed by Rex Ingram, showcased Stone in the dual lead roles of King Rudolf V and Rudolf Rassendyll, an Englishman who impersonates the monarch to foil a conspiracy, a performance that solidified his status as a romantic hero.[23]
- The Rosary (1922), directed by Jerome Storm, in which Stone starred as Father Brian Kelly, depicted a blind composer's journey of faith and love through music, demonstrating his emerging talent in front of the camera.[52]
- Trifling Women (1922), directed by Rex Ingram, cast Stone as the Marquis de Ferroni, a sophisticated nobleman entangled in a web of seduction and deception by a manipulative adventuress.
- Scaramouche (1923), directed by Rex Ingram, featured Stone as the aristocratic villain the Marquis de la Tour d'Azyr, whose rivalry with the protagonist drives the film's revenge-fueled swordplay and romance.
- The Lost World (1925), directed by Harry O. Hoyt, had Stone as Sir John Roxton, the daring adventurer who leads a scientific expedition to a plateau inhabited by living dinosaurs, contributing to the film's groundbreaking special effects.
- The Patriot (1928), directed by Ernst Lubitsch, saw Stone in a supporting role as Count Pahlen, a loyal courtier navigating the tyrannical court of Czar Paul I in this lavish historical drama nominated for several Academy Awards.
Selected sound films
Stone's sound film career at MGM spanned from 1929 to 1953, during which he appeared in over 80 talkies, often in authoritative or paternal roles that capitalized on his dignified screen presence.[22] His collaborations with Greta Garbo in early sound productions highlighted his versatility in romantic dramas, while his portrayal of Judge James K. Hardy in the Andy Hardy series solidified his status as a studio staple. The following table curates 18 notable examples from this period, emphasizing key milestones, ensemble casts, and series contributions.| Year | Title | Director | Role | Note on Performance Impact or Film Acclaim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1929 | The Trial of Mary Dugan | Bayard Veiller | Judge | Stone's debut sound film, demonstrating seamless adaptation to dialogue in a courtroom drama co-starring Norma Shearer.[25] |
| 1930 | Romance | Clarence Brown | Cornelius Van Tuyl | As the wealthy patron in this Garbo vehicle, Stone provided emotional depth to the romantic intrigue, earning praise for his subtle support. |
| 1930 | The Big House | George W. Hill | Warden James Adams | Stone's authoritative warden role contributed to the film's status as a gritty prison drama precursor to later genres. |
| 1931 | Inspiration | Clarence Brown | Stephen D. Willett | In another Garbo romance, Stone's portrayal of the older suitor added layers of quiet dignity to the narrative. |
| 1931 | Mata Hari | George Fitzmaurice | General Shubin | Stone's military officer enhanced the espionage thriller's tension opposite Garbo's titular spy. |
| 1932 | Grand Hotel | Edmund Goulding | Doctor Otternschlag | His melancholic doctor in this Oscar-winning ensemble piece offered poignant commentary on human frailty amid stars like Garbo and Barrymore.[53] |
| 1932 | Red-Headed Woman | Jack Conway | William Legendre Sr. | As the disapproving father-in-law, Stone's stern performance underscored the film's satirical take on class and infidelity. |
| 1933 | Queen Christina | Rouben Mamoulian | Axel Oxenstierna | Stone's chancellor role provided historical gravitas in Garbo's acclaimed abdication drama. |
| 1935 | David Copperfield | George Cukor | Mr. Wickfield | In this lavish Dickens adaptation, Stone's gentle solicitor brought warmth and reliability to the ensemble.[54] |
| 1937 | You're Only Young Once | George B. Seitz | Judge James K. Hardy | Stone's first appearance as the wise Judge Hardy launched his iconic family series role, emphasizing moral guidance. |
| 1938 | Love Finds Andy Hardy | George B. Seitz | Judge James K. Hardy | His paternal advice in this hit series entry, featuring Judy Garland, reinforced the films' wholesome appeal. |
| 1939 | Judge Hardy and Son | George B. Seitz | Judge James K. Hardy | Stone's Hardy navigated family and civic issues, contributing to the series' box-office success. |
| 1942 | The Courtship of Andy Hardy | George B. Seitz | Judge James K. Hardy | In this wartime series installment, Stone's steady father figure helped maintain the franchise's popularity. |
| 1946 | The Hoodlum Saint | Norman Taurog | Father Peter J. Morelli | Post-series, Stone's compassionate priest role showcased his range in a sentimental comedy-drama. |
| 1948 | State of the Union | Frank Capra | Sam Thorndyke | As the loyal editor in this Pulitzer-winning adaptation, Stone supported Spencer Tracy's presidential bid with gravitas. |
| 1950 | Key to the City | George Sidney | Judge Silas Standish | Stone's mayoral judge in this romantic comedy added authoritative humor opposite Clark Gable and Loretta Young. |
| 1951 | Angels in the Outfield | Clarence Brown | Arnold P. Hapgood | His quirky judge role infused charm into this baseball fantasy, a late-career family favorite. |
| 1952 | Scaramouche | George Sidney | Georges de Valmorin | In this swashbuckler remake, Stone's noble patriarch provided emotional anchor for Stewart Granger's hero.[55] |
