André de la Varre embarked on his cinematic journey at the tender age of seventeen, in 1919, when he acquired a camera and set off to explore the European continent, subsequently establishing himself as a filmmaker. According to his son André, Jr., his father's initial motivation was driven by a desire to generate income, as he would create films, sell them, and consider it a viable means of financial sustenance.
Throughout his life, André de la Varre was renowned for his independent spirit, yearning to forge his own path and live life on his own terms. This unwavering commitment to individuality was a defining characteristic of his personality.
As a long-standing associate of the esteemed filmmaker Burton Holmes, André de la Varre served as a cameraman and cinematographer for Holmes, and later became a business partner in BHI. Although he may not be widely recognized today, his contributions to the art form during the heyday of Burton Holmes' Travelogues were nothing short of remarkable, earning him numerous accolades within the film industry.
Thanks to his grandson, René de la Varre, we are fortunate to have access to a collection of biographical notes that provide a glimpse into the life and career of this cinematic pioneer.
Note: André de la Varre's biography is as follows:
André de la Varre began his career in 1919, at the age of 17, when he bought a camera and went off to Europe and began making films. "I made pictures, sold them, and thought it was a good way to make money," he told his son André, Jr. He was an independent thinker, and wanted to live his own life.
André de la Varre was a long-time associate of Burton Holmes. For many years he was a cameraman and cinematographer for Holmes, and after Holmes' retirement a business partner in BHI. Like many people who built this art form, he is not well-known today. During the glory years of Burton Holmes' Travelogues, however, he was a featured contributor; and he became quite famous in his own right, with numerous film industry awards. We are fortunate to be able to present to you some biographical notes by his grandson, René de la Varre.
