Conversation so far:
What was Sessue Hayakawa's life like growing up?
From a young age he yearned to go overseas and took on English studies in preparation. His father was a head of fishermen's union with some wealth.
What failure befell Sessue Hayakawa in his early life?
An injury caused him to fail a navy physical. His father felt shame and embarrassment by his son's failure and this drove a wedge between them.
What injury afflicted Sessue Hayakawa at an early age?
However, while a student at the naval academy in Etajima, he swam to the bottom of a lagoon on a dare and ruptured his eardrum.
Are there any other interesting aspects about this article on Sessue Hayakawa?
The strained relationship between Hayakawa and his father drove the 18-year-old Hayakawa to attempt seppuku.
When did Sessue Hayakawa start acting?
His acting career likely followed a series of odd jobs in California: dishwasher, waiter, ice cream vendor, and factory worker. His theatrical appearances seemed like another temporary pursuit.

Question: What was his first film?
Self-contained rewrite: What was Sessue Hayakawa's first film?