Jack Pickford - Acting Career

Acting Career

By the time he signed with First National, Pickford had played bit parts in 95 shorts and films. Though Pickford was considered a good actor, he was seen as someone who never lived up to his potential. In 1917 he starred in one of his first major roles as "Pip" in the adaptation of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, as well as the title role in Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer.

After his stint in the Navy, Pickford continued making films. By 1923, his roles had gone from several a year to one. In 1928, he finished his last film, Gang War, as Clyde Baxter. Through the years he dabbled in writing and directing; however, he never pursued either form further.

Most of his films were considered B movies, though he was able to make a name for himself. Pickford's image was that of the All-American boy or the boy next door.

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