From Wikipedia
Richard Talmadge (Sylvester Alphonse Metz, Camburg, Germany,
December 3, 1892 – January 25, 1981) was a German-born American actor, stuntman
and film director.
Alberta Vaughn and Richard Talmadge share a cigar in The
Live Wire (1935)
When he arrived in Hollywood in 1910, he began his career as
a stuntman for Douglas Fairbanks, before becoming an actor himself. His films
include American Manners, Dancing Dynamite, Speed Madness, and the Pirate
Treasure series. He was the lead in The Cavalier (1928), film released by
Tiffany Pictures with only a music and sound effects soundtrack.
He never got rid of his German accent, so with the advent of
the talkies, he started working behind the cameras - as assistant director,
stunt coordinator and director. His later work included How the West Was Won,
The Greatest Story Ever Told and Casino Royale.
He was also the stepfather of legendary polo player Sue
Sally Hale.