Franklin Pangborn (January 23, 1889 – July 20, 1958) was an American comedic character actor famous for playing small but memorable roles with comic flair. He appeared in many

Preston Sturges Preston Sturges (; born Edmund Preston Biden; August 29, 1898 – August 6, 1959) was an American playwright, screenwriter, and film director. In 1941, he won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for the film '' The Great McGinty'' (1940), h ...

movies as well as the

W. C. Fields William Claude Dukenfield (January 29, 1880 – December 25, 1946), better known as W. C. Fields, was an American comedian, actor, juggler, and writer. Fields's comic persona was a misanthropic and hard-drinking egotist who remained a sympathet ...

films '' International House'', ''

The Bank Dick ''The Bank Dick'', released as ''The Bank Detective'' in the United Kingdom, is a 1940 American comedy film starring W. C. Fields. Set in Lompoc, California, Fields plays Egbert Sousé, a drunk who accidentally thwarts a bank robbery and ends up ...

'', and ''

Never Give a Sucker an Even Break ''Never Give a Sucker an Even Break'' (known in some international releases as ''What a Man!'') is a 1941 Universal Pictures comedy film starring W. C. Fields. Fields also wrote the original story, under the pseudonym "Otis Criblecoblis." Fields ...

''. For his contributions to motion pictures, Pangborn received a star on the

Hollywood Walk of Fame The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a historic landmark which consists of more than 2,700 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood, Calif ...

at 1500 Vine Street on February 8, 1960.

Early years

Pangborn was born in Newark, New Jersey. During World War I, he served for 14 months with the 312th Infantry in Europe.

Career

An encounter with actress Mildred Holland when he was 17 led to Pangborn's first professional acting experience. He was working for an insurance company when she learned about his ambitions for acting and offered him an extra's position with her company at $12 per week, initially during his two weeks' vacation. That opportunity grew into four years' touring with Holland and her troupe. Following that, he acted in Jessie Bonstelle's stock company. In the early 1930s, Pangborn worked in short subjects for

Mack Sennett Mack Sennett (born Michael Sinnott; January 17, 1880 – November 5, 1960) was a Canadian-American film actor, director, and producer, and studio head, known as the 'King of Comedy'. Born in Danville, Quebec, in 1880, he started in films in the ...

Hal Roach Harry Eugene "Hal" Roach Sr.Randy Skretvedt, Skretvedt, Randy (2016), ''Laurel and Hardy: The Magic Behind the Movies'', Bonaventure Press. p.608. (January 14, 1892 – November 2, 1992) was an American film and television producer, director, a ...

Universal Pictures Universal Pictures (legally Universal City Studios LLC, also known as Universal Studios, or simply Universal; common metonym: Uni, and formerly named Universal Film Manufacturing Company and Universal-International Pictures Inc.) is an Americ ...

Columbia Pictures Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. is an American film production studio that is a member of the Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment, which is one of the Big Five studios and a subsidiary of the mu ...

, and

Pathé Exchange Pathé Exchange, commonly known as Pathé, was an American film production and distribution company, largely of Hollywood's silent era. Known for its groundbreaking newsreel and wide array of shorts, it grew out of the American division of the m ...

, almost always in support of the leading players. (For example, he played a befuddled photographer opposite "Spanky" McFarland in the ''

Our Gang ''Our Gang'' (also known as ''The Little Rascals'' or ''Hal Roach's Rascals'') is an American series of comedy short films chronicling a group of poor neighborhood children and their adventures. Created by film producer Hal Roach, also the ...

'' short subject ''

Wild Poses ''Wild Poses'' is short subject in the ''Our Gang'' (''The Little Rascals'') series. It was produced and directed by Robert F. McGowan for Hal Roach Studios and first released on October 28, 1933 by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It was the 125th ''Our Gan ...

''.) He also appeared in scores of feature films in small roles, cameos, and recurring gags. Pangborn played essentially the same character: prissy, polite, elegant, highly energetic, often officious, fastidious, somewhat nervous, prone to becoming flustered but essentially upbeat, and with immediately recognizable high-speed, patter-type speech. He typically played an officious desk clerk in a hotel, a self-important musician, a fastidious headwaiter, or an enthusiastic birdwatcher, and was usually put in a situation where he was frustrated or flustered by the antics of other characters. Many years after Pangborn's death,

LGBTQ ' is an initialism that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. In use since the 1990s, the initialism, as well as some of its common variants, functions as an umbrella term for sexuality and gender identity. The LGBT term is ...

historians claimed some of the characters he had portrayed onscreen had been gay stereotypes. Throughout his long career, such a topic was too sensitive to be discussed overtly by screenwriters, directors, studio executives or the newspaper columnists and critics who publicized movies. In 1933, before the

Hays Office The Motion Picture Production Code was a set of industry guidelines for the self-censorship of content that was applied to most motion pictures released by major studios in the United States from 1934 to 1968. It is also popularly known as the ...

began censoring films, '' International House'' included a rare instance of a screenwriter and director briefly alluding to homosexuality in a scene that included Pangborn’s character. A character known as Professor Quail, portrayed by

W.C. Fields WC or wc may refer to: * Water closet or flush toilet Arts and entertainment * ''W.C.'' (film), an Irish feature film * WC (band), a Polish punk rock band * WC (rapper), a rapper from Los Angeles, California * Westside Connection, former h ...

, has just landed his

autogyro An autogyro (from Greek and , "self-turning"), also known as a ''gyroplane'', is a type of rotorcraft that uses an unpowered rotor in free autorotation to develop lift. Forward thrust is provided independently, by an engine-driven propeller. Whi ...

on the roof of the titular hotel in the Chinese city of

Wuhu Wuhu () is a prefecture-level city in southeastern Anhui province, China. Sitting on the southeast bank of the Yangtze River, Wuhu borders Xuancheng to the southeast, Chizhou and Tongling to the southwest, Hefei city to the northwest, Ma' ...

, but he does not know where he is. He has the following exchange with the hotel manager, portrayed by Pangborn:

* Professor Quail: Hey! Where am I? * Woman: Wu-Hu. * Professor Quail: Woo-Hoo to you sweetheart! Hey Charlie! Where am I? * Pangborn: WU-HU! * (Fields then removes the flower from his lapel) Professor Quail: Don't let the posy fool ya!

Pangborn was an effective foil for many major comedians, including Fields,

Harold Lloyd Harold Clayton Lloyd, Sr. (April 20, 1893 – March 8, 1971) was an American actor, comedian, and stunt performer who appeared in many silent comedy films.Obituary '' Variety'', March 10, 1971, page 55. One of the most influential film c ...

, Olsen and Johnson, and

The Ritz Brothers The Ritz Brothers were an American family comedy act who performed extensively on stage, in nightclubs and in films from 1925 to the late 1960s. A fourth brother, George, acted as their manager. Early life The four brothers were born to Austria ...

. He appeared regularly in comedies, including several directed by

, and in some musicals of the 1940s. When movie roles became scarce, he worked in television, including ''

The Red Skelton Show ''The Red Skelton Show'' is an American television comedy/variety show that aired from 1951 to 1971. In the decade prior to hosting the show, Richard "Red" Skelton had a successful career as a radio and motion pictures star. Although his televi ...

'' (in which he played a comical murderous bandit) and a ''

This Is Your Life This Is Your Life may refer to: Television * ''This Is Your Life'' (American franchise), an American radio and television documentary biography series hosted by Ralph Edwards * ''This Is Your Life'' (Australian TV series), the Australian versio ...

'' tribute to Mack Sennett, his old boss. Pangborn was briefly the announcer on

Jack Paar Jack Harold Paar (May 1, 1918 – January 27, 2004) was an American talk show host, author, radio and television comedian, and film actor. He was the second host of '' The Tonight Show'' from 1957 to 1962. ''Time'' magazine's obituary of Paar rep ...

's ''

The Tonight Show ''The Tonight Show'' is an American late-night talk show that has aired on NBC since 1954. The show has been hosted by six comedians: Steve Allen (1954–1957), Jack Paar (1957–1962), Johnny Carson (1962–1992), Jay Leno (1992–2009 and 201 ...

'' in 1957, but was fired after the first few weeks for a lack of "spontaneous enthusiasm" and replaced by

Hugh Downs Hugh Malcolm Downs (February 14, 1921July 1, 2020) was an American radio and television broadcaster, announcer and programmer; television host; news anchor; TV producer; author; game show host; talk show sidekick; and music composer. A regular t ...

. Pangborn's final public performance came as a supporting player in ''

'' episode for April 22, 1958.

Personal life

Pangborn lived in Laguna Beach, California in a house with his mother and his "occasional boyfriend", according to William Mann in ''Behind the Screen''. He died on July 20, 1958.

Selected filmography

:''All feature films are listed below. Many short films, however, are missing.'' *''The Jelly Fish'' (1926, Short) - Clarence, the Jelly Fish *'' Exit Smiling'' (1926) - Cecil Lovelace (feature film debut) *'' Finger Prints'' (1927) - The Bandoline Kid *'' Getting Gertie's Garter'' (1927) - Algy Brooks *'' High Hat'' (1927) - Minor Role * ''

The Night Bride ''The Night Bride'' is a 1927 American silent comedy film directed by E. Mason Hopper and starring Marie Prevost, Harrison Ford and Franklin Pangborn.Munden p.543 Cast * Marie Prevost as Cynthia Stockton * Harrison Ford as Stanley Warrington ...

'' (1927) - John Stockton *''

Cradle Snatchers ''Cradle Snatchers'' is a 1927 American silent comedy film directed by Howard Hawks. The picture is based on the 1925 Russell Medcraft and Norma Mitchell stage play of the same name that starred Mary Boland, Edna May Oliver, Raymond Hackett, ...

'' (1927) - Howard Drake *''

The Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary ''The Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary'' is a lost film, lost 1927 American silent comedy film starring veteran actress May Robson and released by Cecil B. DeMille's Producers Distributing Corporation (PDC). Robson had first appeared in the Broadway ...

'' (1927) - Melville *''

The Girl in the Pullman ''The Girl in the Pullman'' is a 1927 American silent comedy film directed by Erle C. Kenton and starring Marie Prevost, Harrison Ford, and Franklin Pangborn. Cast Preservation status Prints of ''The Girl in the Pullman'' are held in the Fre ...

'' (1927) - Hector Brooks *''

My Friend from India ''My Friend from India'' is a 1927 silent film comedy directed by E. Mason Hopper and starring Franklin Pangborn and Elinor Fair. It was produced by DeMille Pictures and distributed by Pathé Exchange. A previous film of this story was made in ...

'' (1927) - William / Tommy Valentine *''

A Blonde for a Night ''A Blonde for a Night'' is a 1928 American silent comedy film directed by E. Mason Hopper and F. McGrew Willis and starring Marie Prevost, Franklin Pangborn and Harrison Ford.Munden p.68 The film's sets were designed by the art director Step ...

'' (1928) - Hector *'' On Trial'' (1928) - Turnbull *''

The Rush Hour ''The Rush Hour'' is a 1928 American silent comedy film directed by E. Mason Hopper and starring Marie Prevost, Harrison Ford and Seena Owen. Cast * Marie Prevost as Margie Dolan * Harrison Ford as Dan Morley * Seena Owen as Yvonne Dorée ...

'' (1928) - Troublemaker at Bohemia Cafe (uncredited) *''

Lady of the Pavements ''Lady of the Pavements'' (UK title: ''Lady of the Night'') is a 1929 American silent romantic drama film directed by D. W. Griffith and starring Lupe Vélez, William Boyd, and Jetta Goudal. The screenplay was written by Sam Taylor, with contrib ...

'' (1929) - M'sieu Dubrey, Dance Master *'' The Sap'' (1929) - Ed Mason *''

Not So Dumb ''Not So Dumb'' is a 1930 pre-Code comedy motion picture starring Marion Davies, directed by King Vidor, and produced for Cosmopolitan Productions for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It is based on the stage play ''Dulcy'' by George S. Kaufman and Ma ...

'' (1930) - Leach *''

Cheer Up and Smile ''Cheer Up and Smile'' is a 1930 American pre-Code musical film directed by Sidney Lanfield. The film starred Arthur Lake, Dixie Lee and Olga Baclanova and a 23-year-old John Wayne had a minor uncredited role. Plot Cast * Arthur Lake as Edd ...

'' (1930) - Professor *'' Her Man'' (1930) - Sport *''

A Lady Surrenders ''A Lady Surrenders'' is a 1930 American Pre-Code romantic drama film directed by John M. Stahl and starring Genevieve Tobin, Rose Hobart, Conrad Nagel, and Basil Rathbone. A copy exists in the Library of Congress. Plot summary A man is left ...

'' (1930) - Lawton *'' Sunny'' (1930) - Party Guest (uncredited) *''

A Woman of Experience ''A Woman of Experience'' is a 1931 American pre-Code drama film directed by Harry Joe Brown and starring Helen Twelvetrees, William Bakewell and Lew Cody, based on the play ''The Registered Woman'' by John Farrow. During World War I, a woman i ...

'' (1931) - Hans, a Sailor *''

Over the Counter Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are medicines sold directly to a consumer without a requirement for a prescription from a healthcare professional, as opposed to prescription drugs, which may be supplied only to consumers possessing a valid prescr ...

'' (1932, Short) Department Store Employee *'' Stepping Sisters'' (1932) - Gason *''

A Fool's Advice ''A Fool's Advice'' is a 1932 American pre-Code film directed by Ralph Ceder. The film is also known as ''His Honor the Mayor'' (American alternative title) and ''Meet the Mayor'' (American reissue title). It was produced by its star, Frank Fa ...

'' (1932) - Egbert, Hotel Clerk *'' Midnight Patrol'' (1932) *''

The Loud Mouth ''The Loud Mouth'' is a 1932 American pre-Code short comedy film directed by Del Lord. It was nominated for an Academy Award in 1932 for Best Short Subject (Comedy). Cast * Matt McHugh as Loud Mouth * Marjorie Kane as Edith * Franklin Pangb ...

'' (1932, Short) - Freddie Quimby *''

The Half-Naked Truth ''The Half-Naked Truth'' is a 1932 American pre-Code comedy film directed by Gregory La Cava. The plot involves Lee Tracy as a carnival pitchman who finagles his girlfriend, a fiery hoochie dancer played by Lupe Vélez, into a major Broadw ...

'' (1932) - Mr. Wellburton, Hotel Clerk *''

Parachute Jumper ''Parachute Jumper'' is a 1933 American pre-Code black-and-white comedy drama film directed by Alfred E. Green. Based on a story by Rian James titled "Some Call It Love", it stars Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Bette Davis and Frank McHugh. Plot Ma ...

'' (1933) - Man in Private Office (uncredited) *'' Sweepings'' (1933) - Photographer (uncredited) *'' Sing, Bing, Sing'' (1933, Short) - Herbert *'' International House'' (1933) - Hotel Manager *''

Professional Sweetheart ''Professional Sweetheart'' is a 1933 American pre-Code romantic comedy directed by William A. Seiter from a screenplay by Maurine Watkins. It stars Ginger Rogers in her first film for RKO Radio Pictures, with Norman Foster, ZaSu Pitts and F ...

'' (1933) - Herbert Childress *'' Bed of Roses'' (1933) - Floorwalker *''

The Important Witness ''The Important Witness'' is an American 1933 pre-Code crime drama directed by Sam Newfield which stars Noel Francis, Dorothy Burgess, and Donald Dillaway. Cast list * Noel Francis as Ellen Kelly * Dorothy Burgess as Ruth Dana * Donald Di ...

'' (1933) - Groom *''

Headline Shooter ''Headline Shooter'' is a 1933 American pre-Code drama about the life of a newsreel photographer. Director Otto Brower intertwined the screenplay written by Agnes Christine Johnston, Allen Rivkin, and Arthur Kober, with actual newsreel footage ...

'' (1933) - Adolphus G. Crocker *''

Menu In a restaurant, the menu is a list of food and beverages offered to customers and the prices. A menu may be à la carte – which presents a list of options from which customers choose – or table d'hôte, in which case a pre-established seque ...

'' (1933, Short) - John Xavier Omsk (uncredited) *''

'' (1933, Little Rascals short) - Otto Phocus, the Portrait Photographer *'' Only Yesterday'' (1933) - Tom (uncredited) *''

Design for Living ''Design for Living'' is a comedy play written by Noël Coward in 1932. It concerns a trio of artistic characters, Gilda, Otto and Leo, and their complicated three-way relationship. Originally written to star Lynn Fontanne, Alfred Lunt and Cowa ...

'' (1933) - Mr. Douglas, Theatrical Producer *''

Flying Down to Rio ''Flying Down to Rio'' is a 1933 American pre-Code RKO musical film famous for being the first screen pairing of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, although Dolores del Río and Gene Raymond received top billing and the leading roles. Among the ...

'' (1933) - Hammerstein, the Hotel Manager (uncredited) * ''

Unknown Blonde ''Unknown Blonde'' is a 1934 American pre-Code crime drama film directed by Hobart Henley and starring Edward Arnold, Barbara Barondess and Dorothy Revier. It was released by the independent Majestic Pictures.Pitts, p. 234 It was based on the ...

'' (1934) - Male Co-Respondent *''

Manhattan Love Song ''Manhattan Love Song'' is a 1934 American pre-Code film directed by Leonard Fields. Plot summary Although sisters Geraldine and Carol Stewart live luxuriously in a Park Avenue apartment in New York City, their money has run out due to some ...

'' (1934) - Garrett Wetherby *''

Strictly Dynamite ''Strictly Dynamite'' is a 1934 American pre-Code film directed by Elliott Nugent and starring Lupe Vélez and Jimmy Durante. Premise Norman Foster plays a poet whose life changes when he begins writing comedy for Durante and develops an infatu ...

'' (1934) - Mr. Bailey *'' Many Happy Returns'' (1934) - Allen's Secretary *''

Cockeyed Cavaliers ''Cockeyed Cavaliers'' is a 1934 American pre-Code comedy film starring the comedy duo of Wheeler & Woolsey. Directed by Mark Sandrich from a screenplay by Edward Kaufman, Grant Garrett, Ralph Spence and Ben Holmes. Also featured in the cast w ...

'' (1934) - Town Crier (uncredited) *''

King Kelly of the U.S.A. ''King Kelly of the U.S.A.'' is a 1934 American romantic musical film directed by Leonard Fields. The film stars then popular singer Guy Robertson in his only feature film appearance.https://earlysoundguy.com/2018/07/22/where-did-you-go-guy-robe ...

'' (1934) - J. Ashton Brockton *'' Young and Beautiful'' (1934) - Radio Announcer *''That's Gratitude'' (1934) - Photographer *''

Tomorrow's Youth ''Tomorrow's Youth'' is a 1934 American film directed by Charles Lamont. Cast * Dickie Moore as Thomas Hall Jr *Martha Sleeper as Mrs. Hall *John Miljan as Tom Hall *Franklin Pangborn as Tutor *Paul Hurst as Detective *Gloria Shea as Janes Hols ...

'' (1934) - Thornton, the Tutor *'' Imitation of Life'' (1934) - Mr. Carven (uncredited) * ''

Flirtation Flirting or coquetry is a Social behavior, social and Human sexual activity, sexual behavior involving spoken or written communication, as well as body language. It is either to suggest interest in a deeper relationship with the other person o ...

'' (1934) - Veterinarian *'' College Rhythm'' (1934) - Peabody * '' Eight Bells'' (1935) - Finch *''

The Headline Woman ''The Headline Woman'' is a 1935 American crime film directed by William Nigh and starring Heather Angel and Ford Sterling. The film is also known as ''The Woman in the Case'' in the United Kingdom. Cast * Heather Angel as Myrna Van Buren * ...

'' (1935) - Hamilton *'' She Married Her Boss'' (1935) - Window Dresser (uncredited) *'' She Couldn't Take It'' (1935) - Spot's Secretary (uncredited) *'' 1,000 Dollars a Minute'' (1935) - Reville *''

Tango Tango is a partner dance and social dance that originated in the 1880s along the Río de la Plata, the natural border between Argentina and Uruguay. The tango was born in the impoverished port areas of these countries as the result of a combina ...

'' (1936) - Oscar the Photographer *''

Don't Gamble with Love ''Don't Gamble with Love'' is a 1936 American drama film directed by Dudley Murphy and starring Ann Sothern, Bruce Cabot and Irving Pichel.Delson p.158 Partial cast * Ann Sothern as Ann Edwards * Bruce Cabot as Jerry Edwards * Irving Pichel a ...

'' (1936) - Salesman *''

Give Us This Night ''Give Us This Night'' is one of five movies produced by Paramount Pictures featuring Gladys Swarthout, a very popular Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano. The studio was attempting to build on the popularity of Grace Moore, another opera singer, wh ...

'' (1936) - Forcellini's Secretary *''

Doughnuts and Society ''Doughnuts and Society'' is a 1936 American comedy film directed by Lewis D. Collins and written by Karen DeWolf, Robert St. Claire, Wallace MacDonald, Matt Brooks and Gertrude Orr. The film stars Louise Fazenda, Maude Eburne, Ann Rutherford ...

'' (1936) - Benson *'' Mr. Deeds Goes to Town'' (1936) - the Tailor (uncredited) *'' To Mary - with Love'' (1936) - Guest *''

My Man Godfrey ''My Man Godfrey'' is a 1936 American screwball comedy film directed by Gregory La Cava and starring William Powell and Carole Lombard, who had been briefly married years before appearing together in the film. The screenplay for ''My Man Godf ...

'' (1936) - Guthrie (uncredited) *''Swing Banditry'' (1936, short) - Radio Station Employee (uncredited) *''In His Steps'' (1936) - (uncredited) *''

The Luckiest Girl in the World ''The Luckiest Girl in the World'' is a 1936 American comedy film directed Edward Buzzell and written by Herbert Fields and Henry Myers. The film stars Jane Wyatt, Louis Hayward, Nat Pendleton, Eugene Pallette, Catherine Doucet and Phillip Reed. ...

'' (1936) - Cashier *'' Hats Off'' (1936) - Mr. Churchill *''

Three Smart Girls ''Three Smart Girls'' is a 1936 American musical comedy film directed by Henry Koster and starring Barbara Read, Nan Grey, Deanna Durbin (her feature film debut), and Ray Milland. The film's screenplay was written by Adele Comandini and Austin P ...

'' (1936) - Jeweler (uncredited) *''

The Mandarin Mystery ''The Mandarin Mystery'' is a 1936 American film directed by Ralph Staub, loosely based on '' The Chinese Orange Mystery'', a novel featuring detective character Ellery Queen. Plot summary Two murders are committed and a $50,000 Chinese Manda ...

'' (1936) - Mellish *'' High Hat'' (1937) - Renaldo Breton *''

Dangerous Number ''Dangerous Number'' is a 1937 American comedy film directed by Richard Thorpe and written by Carey Wilson. The film stars Robert Young, Ann Sothern, Reginald Owen, and Cora Witherspoon, and features Dean Jagger. The film was released on Jan ...

'' (1937) - Hotel Desk Clerk (uncredited) *'' She's Dangerous'' (1937) - Renaud *'' Rich Relations'' (1937) - Mr. Dwight *''

They Wanted to Marry ''They Wanted to Marry'' is a 1937 romantic comedy film directed by Lew Landers from a screenplay by Paul Yawitz and Ethel B. Borden, Ethel Borden, based on a story by Larry Bachmann and Daniel L. Teilhet. RKO produced and distributed the film, r ...

'' (1937) - Hotel Manager (uncredited) *'' Swing High, Swing Low'' (1937) - Henri *''

When Love Is Young ''When Love Is Young'' is a 1937 American comedy film directed by Hal Mohr and starring Virginia Bruce, Kent Taylor, Walter Brennan, Greta Meyer, Christian Rub and William Tannen. Written by Joseph Fields and Eve Greene, it is based on the 1935 ...

'' (1937) - John Dorman *''

We Have Our Moments ''We Have Our Moments'' is a 1937 American comedy mystery film directed by Alfred L. Werker and starring Sally Eilers, James Dunn and Mischa Auer Mischa Auer (born Mikhail Semyonovich Unkovsky (Михаил Семёнович Унковск� ...

'' (1937) - Joe the Bartender (uncredited) *''

Step Lively, Jeeves! ''Step Lively, Jeeves!'' is a 1937 American comedy film directed by Eugene Forde, written by Frank Fenton and Lynn Root, and starring Arthur Treacher as P. G. Wodehouse's Jeeves alongside Patricia Ellis, Robert Kent, Alan Dinehart, George Gi ...

'' (1937) - Gaston *'' A Star Is Born'' (1937) - Billy Moon (uncredited) *''

Turn Off the Moon ''Turn Off the Moon'' is a 1937 American comedy film directed by Lewis Seiler, written by Mildred Harrington, Marguerite Roberts, Paul Gerard Smith and Harlan Ware, and starring Charlie Ruggles, Eleanore Whitney, Johnny Downs, Kenny Baker, Phi ...

'' (1937) - Mr. Perkins *''

Hotel Haywire ''Hotel Haywire'' is a 1937 American comedy film written by Preston Sturges with uncredited rewrites by Lillie Hayward. It was directed by George Archainbaud and stars Leo Carrillo, Lynne Overman, Spring Byington, Benny Baker and Colette Lyons ...

'' (1937) - Fuller Brush Salesman (uncredited) *''

Dangerous Holiday ''Dangerous Holiday'' is a 1937 American drama film written and directed by Nicholas T. Barrows. The film stars Ronald Sinclair, Guinn "Big Boy" Williams, Hedda Hopper, Jack La Rue, Jed Prouty and Lynne Roberts. The film was released on June 7, ...

'' (1937) - Doffle *'' She Had to Eat'' (1937) - Mr. Phoecian-Wylie *'' Easy Living'' (1937) - Van Buren *''

The Lady Escapes ''The Lady Escapes'' is a 1937 American comedy film directed by Eugene Forde and starring Gloria Stuart, Michael Whalen, George Sanders and Cora Witherspoon. It is based on a Hungarian play. Plot summary A newly married couple argue constantl ...

'' (1937) - Pierre *''

It's All Yours ''It's All Yours'' is a 1937 American comedy film directed by Elliott Nugent and starring Madeleine Carroll, Francis Lederer and Mischa Auer.Sikov p.218 Cast * Madeleine Carroll as Linda Gray * Francis Lederer as Jimmy Barnes * Mischa Auer a ...

'' (1937) - Schultz *'' The Life of the Party'' (1937) - Beggs *''

It Happened in Hollywood ''It Happened in Hollywood'' is a 1937 American comedy film directed by Harry Lachman and starring Richard Dix, Fay Wray and Victor Kilian. The arrival of sound wrecks the career of a leading western actor while his leading lady rises to new hei ...

'' (1937) - Mr. Forsythe *''

All Over Town ''All Over Town'' is a 1937 American comedy film directed by James W. Horne and starring Olsen and Johnson. Cast * Ole Olsen as Olsen *Chic Johnson as Johnson * Mary Howard as Joan Eldridge * Harry Stockwell as Don Fletcher *Franklin Pangbor ...

'' (1937) - the Costumer *''

Stage Door ''Stage Door'' is a 1937 RKO film directed by Gregory La Cava. Adapted from the play of the same name, it tells the story of several would-be actresses who live together in a boarding house at 158 West 58th Street in New York City. The film ...

'' (1937) - Harcourt *''

Living on Love ''Living on Love'' (1937) is an American romantic comedy film released by RKO Radio Pictures. Directed by Lew Landers, it stars James Dunn, Whitney Bourne, and Joan Woodbury. The film is a remake of the RKO film ''Rafter Romance'' (1933). It is ...

'' (1937) - Ogilvie O. Oglethorpe *'' I'll Take Romance'' (1937) - Kane's Secretary (uncredited) *''

She Married an Artist ''She Married an Artist'' is a 1937 American romantic comedy film directed by Marion Gering and starring John Boles, Luli Deste, and Frances Drake.Goble p.806 The film's sets were designed by the art director Stephen Goosson. Partial cast * ...

'' (1937) - Paul *''

Thrill of a Lifetime ''Thrill of a Lifetime'' is a television reality series (before that term was coined) created by Sidney M. Cohen (who also directed many of the episodes) and Willie Stein. It was telecast from 1981 to 1988 in Canada on the CTV network. ''Thril ...

'' (1937) - Sam Williams *''

Love on Toast ''Love on Toast'' is a 1937 American comedy film directed by Ewald André Dupont. It was John Payne's fourth film. Cast * Stella Adler as Linda Craven * John Payne as Bill Adams * Grant Richards as Clark Sanford *Kathryn Kane as Polly Marr *Be ...

'' (1937) - Finley *'' Mad About Music'' (1938) - Hotel Manager (uncredited) *''

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm ''Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm'' is a classic American 1903 children's novel by Kate Douglas Wiggin that tells the story of Rebecca Rowena Randall and her aunts, one stern and one kind, in the fictional village of Riverboro, Maine. Rebecca's jo ...

'' (1938) - Hamilton Montmarcy *''

Bluebeard's Eighth Wife ''Bluebeard's Eighth Wife'' is a 1938 Paramount Pictures American romantic comedy film directed and produced by Ernst Lubitsch and starring Claudette Colbert and Gary Cooper. The film is based on the 1921 French play ''La huitième femme de Bar ...

'' (1938) - Assistant Hotel Manager *''

Joy of Living ''Joy of Living'' is a 1938 American musical comedy film directed by Tay Garnett and starring Irene Dunne and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. with supporting performances from Alice Brady, Guy Kibbee, Jean Dixon, Eric Blore and Lucille Ball. It features the ...

'' (1938) - Orchestra Leader *''

Doctor Rhythm ''Doctor Rhythm'' is a 1938 American musical comedy film directed by Frank Tuttle and starring Bing Crosby, Mary Carlisle, Beatrice Lillie, and Andy Devine. Based on the 1907 short story ''The Badge of Policeman O'Roon'' by O. Henry, the film is ...

'' (1938) - Mr. Stenchfield (Store Clerk) *''

Vivacious Lady ''Vivacious Lady'' is a 1938 American black-and-white romantic comedy film directed by George Stevens and starring Ginger Rogers and James Stewart. It was released by RKO Radio Pictures. The screenplay was written by P.J. Wolfson and Ernest Paga ...

'' (1938) - Apartment Manager *'' Three Blind Mice'' (1938) - Clerk *'' Always Goodbye'' (1938) - Bicycle Salesman *''

Four's a Crowd ''Four's a Crowd'' is a 1938 American romantic comedy film directed by Michael Curtiz, starring Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Rosalind Russell, and Patric Knowles. It was written by Casey Robinson and Sig Herzig from a story by Wallace Sulli ...

'' (1938) - Preston *'' Carefree'' (1938) - Roland Hunter *'' Just Around the Corner'' (1938) - Waters *''

The Girl Downstairs ''The Girl Downstairs'' is a 1938 American romantic comedy film directed by Norman Taurog and starring Franciska Gaal, Franchot Tone and Walter Connolly. It is a remake of the 1936 Austrian film '' Catherine the Last'' directed by Henry Koster, w ...

'' (1938) - Adolf Pumpfel *'' Topper Takes a Trip'' (1938) - Hotel Manager *''

Broadway Serenade ''Broadway Serenade'' (also known as ''Serenade'') is a 1939 musical drama film distributed by MGM, produced and directed by Robert Z. Leonard. The screenplay was written by Charles Lederer, based on a story by Lew Lipton, John Taintor Foote and ...

'' (1939) - Gene *'' 5th Ave Girl'' (1939) - Higgins *'' Turnabout'' (1940) - Mr. Pingboom *''

Public Deb No. 1 ''Public Deb No. 1'' (or ''Elsa Maxwell's Public Deb No. 1'') is a 1940 American comedy film directed by Gregory Ratoff and starring George Murphy, Brenda Joyce and Ralph Bellamy. Plot A socialite is introduced to communism by her butler. Part ...

'' (1940) - Bartender *'' Spring Parade'' (1940) - Wiedlemeyer *''

The Villain Still Pursued Her ''The Villain Still Pursued Her'' is a 1940 American comedy film directed by Edward F. Cline and starring Billy Gilbert and Buster Keaton. It is a parody of old stage melodramas but is based primarily on ''The Drunkard'', a 19th-century prohibit ...

'' (1940) - Bartender (uncredited) *''

Hit Parade of 1941 ''Hit Parade of 1941'' is a 1940 American film written by Bradford Ropes, F. Hugh Herbert and Maurice Leo and directed by John H. Auer. It was nominated for the Oscar for Best Song at the 13th Academy Awards with the song "Who Am I?", with mus ...

'' (1940) - Carter *''

Christmas in July Christmas in July, Christmas in Summer or Christmas in Winter is a second Christmas celebration held around the summer season, mainly during July. It is centered around Christmas-themed activities and entertainment, including small gatherings, se ...

'' (1940) - Don Hartman, Radio Announcer *''

'' (1940) - J. Pinkerton Snoopington *''

Where Did You Get That Girl? ''Where Did You Get That Girl?'' is a 1941 American comedy film directed by Arthur Lubin and starring Leon Errol. The title comes from the popular song of the same name, which dates to 1913 and was written by Bert Kalmar and Harry Puck. The song ...

'' (1941) - Digby *''

A Girl, a Guy and a Gob ''A Girl, a Guy and a Gob'' is a 1941 film produced by Harold Lloyd and starring George Murphy, Lucille Ball, and Edmond O'Brien. Plot summary When Stephen Herrick, a sedate, mild-mannered shipping magnate, loses his opera tickets, Mrs. Grange, ...

'' (1941) - Pet Shop Owner *'' The Flame of New Orleans'' (1941) - Bellows *''

Bachelor Daddy ''Bachelor Daddy'' is a 1941 American comedy film directed by Harold Young and written by Robert Lees and Frederic I. Rinaldo. The film stars Baby Sandy, Edward Everett Horton, Donald Woods, Raymond Walburn, Evelyn Ankers, Kathryn Adams Doty, ...

'' (1941) - Williams, Club Manager *'' Tillie the Toiler'' (1941) - Perry Tweedale *''

'' (1941) - The Producer *''

Weekend for Three ''Week-End for Three'' is a 1941 comedy film directed by Irving Reis and starring Dennis O'Keefe and Jane Wyatt. Cast *Dennis O'Keefe as Jim Craig * Jane Wyatt as Ellen *Phillip Reed as Randy * Edward Everett Horton as Stonebraker *ZaSu Pitts as ...

'' (1941) - Number Seven *''

Sullivan's Travels ''Sullivan's Travels'' is a 1941 American comedy film written and directed by Preston Sturges. A satire on the film industry, it follows a famous Hollywood comedy director (Joel McCrea) who, longing to make a socially relevant drama, sets out to ...

'' (1941) - Mr. Casalsis *''

Mr. District Attorney in the Carter Case ''Mr. District Attorney in the Carter Case'' is a 1941 American crime film directed by Bernard Vorhaus and written by Sidney Sheldon and Ben Roberts. The film stars James Ellison, Virginia Gilmore, Franklin Pangborn, Paul Harvey, Lynne Carver ...

'' (1941) - Charley Towne *''

Call Out the Marines ''Call Out the Marines'' is a 1942 military comedy released by RKO in February 1942. It stars Victor McLaglen and Edmund Lowe playing the same characters with different names that they played in '' What Price Glory?'' and several sequels; howeve ...

'' (1942) - Wilbur *''

Obliging Young Lady ''Obliging Young Lady'' is a 1942 American romantic comedy film directed by Richard Wallace (director), Richard Wallace and starring Joan Carroll, Edmond O'Brien, Ruth Warrick. Plot On the instructions of their lawyer, the wealthy young daughter ...

'' (1942) - Prof. Gibney *'' What's Cookin'?'' (1942) - Professor Bistell *''

Moonlight Masquerade ''Moonlight Masquerade'' is a 1942 American film starring Dennis O'Keefe and Jane Frazee. It is also known as ''Moonstruck'' and ''Tahiti Honey''. Plot Two business partners, John Bennett, Sr. and Robert Forrester, are starting to get nervous ...

'' (1942) - Fairchild *''

The Palm Beach Story ''The Palm Beach Story'' is a 1942 screwball comedy film written and directed by Preston Sturges, and starring Claudette Colbert, Joel McCrea, Mary Astor and Rudy Vallée. Victor Young contributed the musical score, including a fast-paced variati ...

'' (1942) - Manager *''

Now, Voyager ''Now, Voyager'' is a 1942 American drama film starring Bette Davis, Paul Henreid, and Claude Rains, and directed by Irving Rapper. The screenplay by Casey Robinson is based on the 1941 novel of the same name by Olive Higgins Prouty. Prouty ...

'' (1942) - Mr. Thompson *''

George Washington Slept Here ''George Washington Slept Here'' is a 1942 comedy film starring Jack Benny, Ann Sheridan, Charles Coburn, Percy Kilbride, and Hattie McDaniel. It was based on the 1940 play of the same name by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, adapted by Everet ...

'' (1942) - Mr. Gibney *''

Strictly in the Groove ''Strictly in the Groove'' is a 1942 American musical comedy film directed by Vernon Keays. It is built around musical numbers, experienced comedy acts and guest stars. Plot A jive-talking college student tries to organize a swing-music show ...

'' (1942) - Cathcart *''

Reveille with Beverly ''Reveille with Beverly'' is a 1943 American musical film starring Ann Miller, Franklin Pangborn, and Larry Parks directed by Charles Barton, released by Columbia Pictures, based on the ''Reveille with Beverly'' radio show hosted by Jean Ruth H ...

'' (1943) - Vernon Lewis *''

Two Weeks to Live ''Two Weeks to Live'' is a 1943 American Lum and Abner film directed by Malcolm St. Clair. Plot This time around, Abner Peabody, proud owner of the Jot 'Em Down general store in Pine Ridge, Arkansas, inherits railroad stock from his Uncle Ern ...

'' (1943) - Mr. Pinkney *''

Stage Door Canteen The Stage Door Canteen was an entertainment venue for American and Allied servicemen that operated in the Broadway theatre district of New York City throughout World War II. Founded by the American Theatre Wing (ATW) in 1942, the entertainers we ...

'' (1943) - Franklin Pangborn *''

Honeymoon Lodge ''Honeymoon Lodge'', also known as ''Second Honeymoon'', is a 1943 American musical comedy film directed by Edward C. Lilley for Universal Pictures and starring David Bruce, Harriet Hilliard, June Vincent, and Rod Cameron. Plot Cast * David ...

'' (1943) - Cathcart *'' Holy Matrimony'' (1943) - Duncan Farll *'' Crazy House'' (1943) - Hotel Clerk *''Never a Dull Moment'' (1943) - Sylvester *''

My Best Gal ''My Best Gal'' is a 1944 American comedy film directed by Anthony Mann and written by Olive Cooper and Earl Felton. The film stars Jane Withers, Jimmy Lydon, Frank Craven, Fortunio Bonanova, George Cleveland and Franklin Pangborn. The film was ...

'' (1944) - Mr. Porter *'' The Great Moment'' (1944) - Dr. Heywood *''

Allergic to Love ''Allergic to Love'' is a 1944 American comedy musical romance film directed by Edward C. Lilley and starring Martha O'Driscoll, Noah Beery Jr. and David Bruce. The film's plot centers on a bride (O'Driscoll) who appears to be allergic to her h ...

'' (1944) - Stewart Ives III *'' Hail the Conquering Hero'' (1944) - Reception Committee Chairman *''

Reckless Age ''Reckless Age'' is a 1944 American comedy film directed by Felix E. Feist and written by Gertrude Purcell and Henry Blankfort. The film stars Gloria Jean, Henry Stephenson, Kathleen Howard, Franklin Pangborn, Andrew Tombes, Marshall Thompson, Ja ...

'' (1944) - Mr. Thurtle *''

See My Lawyer ''See My Lawyer'' is a 1945 American comedy film directed by Edward F. Cline and written by Edmund Hartmann and Stanley Davis. It is based on the 1939 musical ''See My Lawyer'' by Richard Maibaum and Harry Clork. The film stars Ole Olsen, Ch ...

'' (1945) - B.J. Wagonhorn *'' The Horn Blows at Midnight'' (1945) - Radio Engineer / Sloan, House Detective *''

Hollywood and Vine Hollywood and Vine, the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Hollywood, a district of Los Angeles, became known in the 1920s for its concentration of radio and movie-related businesses. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is centered ...

'' (1945) - Reggie Allen *''

You Came Along ''You Came Along'' (working title ''Don't Ever Grieve Me'') is a 1945 romantic comedy-drama film set in World War II, directed by John Farrow. The original Robert Smith screenplay was rewritten by Ayn Rand. ''You Came Along'' stars Robert Cumming ...

'' (1945) - Hotel Clerk *''

Tell It to a Star ''Tell It to a Star'' is a 1945 American musical film directed by Frank McDonald, written by John K. Butler, and starring Ruth Terry, Robert Livingston, Alan Mowbray, Franklin Pangborn, Isabel Randolph and Eddie Marr. It was released on August ...

'' (1945) - Horace Lovelace *''

The Sailor Takes a Wife ''The Sailor Takes a Wife'' is a 1946 American romantic comedy film directed by Richard Whorf and starring Robert Walker and June Allyson. Plot During World War II, a sailor in New York City who is about to be shipped out to Europe marries a w ...

'' (1945) - Salesman (uncredited) *'' Lover Come Back'' (1946) - Hotel Clerk *''

Two Guys from Milwaukee ''Two Guys from Milwaukee'' (UK title: ''Royal Flush'') is a 1946 American comedy film directed by David Butler and starring Dennis Morgan, Jack Carson, and Joan Leslie. It was distributed by Warner Bros. The film is about a Balkan prince who ...

'' (1946) - Theatre Manager *'' Calendar Girl'' (1947) - 'Dilly' Dillingsworth *''

I'll Be Yours ''I'll Be Yours'' is a 1947 American musical comedy film directed by William A. Seiter and starring Deanna Durbin. Based on the play '' A jó tündér'' by Ferenc Molnár, the film is about a small-town girl who tells a fib to a wealthy business ...

'' (1947) - Barber *''

The Sin of Harold Diddlebock ''The Sin of Harold Diddlebock'' is a 1947 comedy film written and directed by Preston Sturges, starring the silent film comic icon Harold Lloyd, and featuring a supporting cast including female protagonist Frances Ramsden, Jimmy Conlin, Raym ...

'' (1947) - Formfit Franklin *''

Romance on the High Seas ''Romance on the High Seas'' (released in the United Kingdom as ''It's Magic'') is a 1948 American musical romantic comedy film directed by Michael Curtiz, and starred Jack Carson, Janis Paige, Don DeFore and Doris Day in her film debut. Busby Be ...

'' (1948) - Rio Hotel Clerk *''

My Dream Is Yours ''My Dream Is Yours'' is a 1949 Technicolor musical romantic comedy film starring Jack Carson, Doris Day, and Lee Bowman. Plot The film opens in Los Angeles, where Doug Blake is dumped as a manager by Gary Mitchell. He goes to New York City to f ...

'' (1949) - Sourpuss Manager *''Addio Mimí!'' (1949) - The Cat Lover *''

Down Memory Lane ''Down Memory Lane'' is a 1949 Hollywood compilation film of silent and sound comedies from the library of pioneer producer Mack Sennett. Phil Karlson directed the film, with Steve Allen writing the screenplay and appearing on screen as himself. ...

'' (1949) - Mr. Sennett's Representative / Gilbert Sinclair *''

Oh, Men! Oh, Women! ''Oh, Men! Oh, Women!'' is a 1957 American comedy film written, produced and directed by Nunnally Johnson, based on the play of the same name by Edward Chodorov. It stars Ginger Rogers, Dan Dailey and David Niven. It was the feature film debut of ...

'' (1957) - Steamship Clerk (uncredited) *''

The Story of Mankind ''The Story of Mankind'' is a book written and illustrated by Dutch-American journalist, professor, and author Hendrik Willem van Loon. It was published in 1921. In 1922, it was awarded the Newbery Medal for an outstanding contribution to children ...

'' (1957) - Marquis de Varennes

References

External links