Harold Lloyd

Harold Clayton Lloyd (April 20, 1893–March 8, 1971) was an American actor.

Documentary

Lloyd was the subject of a television documentary series in 1990, Harold Lloyd: The Third Genius by Kevin Brownlow and David Gill, which followed similar acclaimed documentaries about the other great silent film clowns, Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. The film was shown in America on the PBS program American Masters. Through the participation of Lloyd's granddaughter and estate trustee, Suzanne Lloyd, the filmakers had full access to Lloyd's films and his personal archive.

Related Topics:
Television - Charlie Chaplin - Buster Keaton - PBS - American Masters

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A highlight of this program was an interview with Lloyd's legendary friend and partner Hal Roach, then 95 years old. Other Lloyd associates, friends, and family members also participated in the film.

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The two hour documentary revealed the methods behind Lloyd's celebrated high-altitude stunts, which he never revealed in his lifetime. They were staged on prop facades built above the entrance to the Hill Street Tunnel or on the rooftops of other buildings in downtown Los Angeles. Lloyd was usually about 20 feet above a hidden platform, but the camera was positioned such that Lloyd appeared to be high above the streets below.

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