Confirmed Years: 1917
Biography:
Born Abigail Kane on July 10, 1885, Gail Kane was a stage and silent film actress from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Kane found initial success on the Broadway stage working with The Harp of Life Company, landing starring roles in various productions. In 1913 Kane made her movie debut in the film Arizona for the New York based All Star Features Corporation. Although moving pictures would always be secondary in her career, she would later sign a contract with Mutual, American's distributor, that would bring her to the west coast and the Flying A. Upon her arrival in January of 1917 the Santa Barbara Morning press gushed that Kane was "one of the most beautiful and talented women of both stage and screen."
Yet Kane's move west was bitter-sweet. Having been with American for less than a year she left abruptly due to creative differences. Seeing herself as a dramatic actress, Kane was opposed to the studio's insistence that she perform in comedies as well.
While at American, Kane developed a good working relationship with director Henry King. Kane is most recognized for her roles in The Bride's Silence, Game of Wits, and later, in 1923, The White Sister, made by Inspiration Pictures, all of these projects were directed by King.
In 1927 Kane starred in the controversial Broadway stage production, The Captive. Upon its initial run Kane and her co-stars were arrested on grounds that the production was considered indecent. Later during that same year, Kane made her final film appearance in Convoy. Kane was married to Henry Ottman, with whom she had a son, William. She died in Augusta, Maine of natural causes on February 17, 1966 at the age of 81.
- Joshua Cruz, FM 181, Spring, 2009
Confirmed American Credits:
Actor --
- Whose Wife? (1917) - Mary Melville Brand: Mutual Star Productions
- Serpent's Tooth, The (1917) - Faith Channing Brand: Mutual Star Productions
- Upper Crust, The (1917) - Molly OToole Brand:
- Souls in Pawn (1917) - Liane Dore Brand:
- Bride's Silence, The (1917) - Sylvia Standish Brand: Mutual Star Productions
- Southern Pride (1917) - Lucie De Montrand Brand: Mutual Star Productions
- Game of Wits, A (1917) - Jeanette Browning Brand: Mutual Star Productions