Rudolph Anders (December 17, 1895 – March 27, 1987) was a German

character actor A character actor is an actor known for playing unusual, eccentric, or interesting character (arts), characters in supporting roles, rather than leading ones.28 April 2013, The New York Acting SchoolTen Best Character Actors of All Time Retrie ...

who came to the United States after the rise of

Hitler Adolf Hitler (20 April 1889 – 30 April 1945) was an Austrian-born German politician who was the dictator of Nazi Germany from 1933 until Death of Adolf Hitler, his suicide in 1945. Adolf Hitler's rise to power, He rose to power as the lea ...

, and appeared in numerous American films in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.

Biography

He was born Rudolf Franz Amendt in

Waldkirch Waldkirch () is a town in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, located 15 kilometers northeast of Freiburg im Breisgau. While the English translation of its name is ''Forest Church'', it is known as the "town of mechanical organs", where fairground org ...

Baden Baden (; ) is a historical territory in southern Germany. In earlier times it was considered to be on both sides of the Upper Rhine, but since the Napoleonic Wars, it has been considered only East of the Rhine. History The margraves of Ba ...

, Germany. Shortly following the rise of Hitler in Germany he emigrated to the United States, where he was naturalized an American citizen in 1934. During the 1940s, he used the

stage name A stage name or professional name is a pseudonym used by performers, authors, and entertainers—such as actors, comedians, singers, and musicians. The equivalent concept among writers is called a ''nom de plume'' (pen name). Some performers ...

of Robert O. Davis, and after the War used the name Rudolph Anders. His German-accented English confined him largely to "accent roles", and during

World War II World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...

to villain parts, although not leading roles as his small build, wide eyes, soft voice and naturally quiet demeanor did not allow him to appear overly menacing. Anders was married. He died in

Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California Woodland Hills is a neighborhood bordering the Santa Monica Mountains in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California, United States. History The area was inhabited for around 8,000 years by Native Americans in the United States, ...

Partial filmography

*''

Ludwig II, King of Bavaria ''Ludwig II, King of Bavaria'' () is a 1930 German silent historical film directed by William Dieterle and starring Dieterle, Theodor Loos and Eugen Burg. It portrays the life and reign of the monarch Ludwig II who ruled Bavaria from 1864 ...

'' (1930) - Diener (uncredited) *'' Peter Voss, Thief of Millions'' (1932) *''

Primavera en otoño Primavera en otoño is a 1933 Spanish-language American romantic comedy directed by Eugene Forde and stars Catalina Bárcena. Plot Agustina has been away at school when she returns home to Madrid to see the mother she hasn't seen in over eight ...

'' (1933) - Tristán * ''

When Strangers Marry ''When Strangers Marry'' (rerelease title ''Betrayed'') is a 1944 American suspense film directed by William Castle and starring Dean Jagger, Kim Hunter and Robert Mitchum. Plot Millie Baxter, a naïve woman, comes to New York City to meet h ...

'' (1933) - Von Arnheim *''

Ladies Must Love ''Ladies Must Love'' is a 1933 American pre-Code comedy film directed by E. A. Dupont and written by John Francis Larkin. The film stars June Knight, Neil Hamilton, Sally O'Neil, Dorothy Burgess, Mary Carlisle and George E. Stone. The f ...

'' (1933) - Wallace - Bill's Butler (uncredited) *''La ciudad de cartón'' (1934) - Primer director *''

Stamboul Quest ''Stamboul Quest'' is a 1934 American spy film set in World War I, directed by Sam Wood, starring Myrna Loy and George Brent and featuring Lionel Atwill. The screenplay was written by Herman J. Mankiewicz from a story by Leo Birinski. Plot I ...

'' (1934) - Karl *''

The Fountain ''The Fountain'' is a 2006 American epic science fiction romantic drama film written and directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz. Blending elements of fantasy, history, spirituality, and science fiction, the f ...

'' (1934) - Geof Van Leyden *'' Las fronteras del amor'' (1934) - Otto Van Ritter *''

Hell in the Heavens ''Hell in the Heavens'' is a 1934 American aviation drama film directed by John G. Blystone and written by Byron Morgan, Ted Parsons and Jack Yellen based on the stage play ''Der Flieger'' by Hermann Roßmann. The film stars Warner Baxter, ...

'' (1934) - Lieutenant Schroeder *''

Here's to Romance ''Here's to Romance'' is a 1935 American musical comedy film directed by Alfred E. Green and starring Nino Martini, Genevieve Tobin and Anita Louise.Solomon p. 359 Plot The wife of a music teacher, who has been angered by her husband's philande ...

'' (1935) - Violinist (uncredited) *''

I Live My Life ''I Live My Life'' is a 1935 American comedy-drama film starring Joan Crawford, Brian Aherne and Frank Morgan. It is based on the story "Claustrophobia" by A. Carter Goodloe. Plot Bored socialite Kay Bentley travels to Greece on her wealthy f ...

'' (1935) - Minor Role (uncredited) *''

Rendezvous Rendezvous or rendez-vous may refer to: Arts and entertainment Film and television * ''The Rendezvous'' (1923 film), a silent film adventure melodrama * ''Rendezvous'' (1930 film), a German musical directed by Carl Boese * ''Rendezvous ...

'' (1935) - Radio Operator (uncredited) *''De la sartén al fuego'' (1935) - Sargento Groebner *''

Last of the Pagans ''Last of the Pagans'' is a 1935 MGM film based on the Herman Melville novel '' Typee'' (1846). The film was shot on location in Tahiti.A Director of a Tropical Film Has A Visitor's Usual Odd Experiences: Dick Thorpe Discovers All Strange Phenome ...

'' (1935) - Superintendent's Assistant (uncredited) *'' The Golden Arrow'' (1936) - Lord Max (uncredited) *''

Girls' Dormitory ''Girls' Dormitory'' is a 1936 American romance film directed by Irving Cummings based upon the 1934 play ''Mature'' by Ladislas Fodor, and adapted for the screen by Gene Markey. Plot Set in the fictional Montreaux School for Girls in Switzer ...

'' (1936) - Minor role (uncredited) *''

We're in the Legion Now! ''We're in the Legion Now'' is a 1936 American adventure comedy film directed by Crane Wilbur and shot in Magnacolor. The film is also known as ''The Rest Cure'' (American reissue title), which was the title of the 1934 original J.D. Newsom sto ...

'' (1936) - Sergeant Groeber *''

Champagne Waltz ''Champagne Waltz'' is a 1937 American comedy film directed by A. Edward Sutherland and starring Gladys Swarthout, Fred MacMurray and Jack Oakie. The theme of the film was inspired by the eponymous hit song, written in 1934, by the compositional ...

'' (1937) - Emperor Franz Joseph (uncredited) *'' Thin Ice'' (1937) - German Reporter (uncredited) *'' I Met Him in Paris'' (1937) - Romantic Waiter (scenes deleted) *''

The Big Broadcast of 1938 ''The Big Broadcast of 1938'' is a Paramount Pictures musical film, musical comedy film starring W. C. Fields and featuring Bob Hope. Directed by Mitchell Leisen, the film is the last in a series of ''Big Broadcast'' movies that were variety sh ...

'' (1938) - Bartender (uncredited) *''

Confessions of a Nazi Spy ''Confessions of a Nazi Spy'' is a 1939 American spy political thriller film directed by Anatole Litvak for Warner Bros. It was the first explicitly anti-Nazi film to be produced by a major Hollywood studio, being released in May 1939, four ...

'' (1939) - Captain Straubel *''

Conspiracy A conspiracy, also known as a plot, ploy, or scheme, is a secret plan or agreement between people (called conspirers or conspirators) for an unlawful or harmful purpose, such as murder, treason, or corruption, especially with a political motivat ...

'' (1939) - Machine Gunner (uncredited) *''

Espionage Agent ''Espionage Agent'' is a pre–World War II spy melodrama produced by Hal B. Wallis in 1939. Directed by Lloyd Bacon, ''Espionage Agent'', like many Warner Bros. movies, clearly identifies the Germans as the enemy. This was unlike many other mov ...

'' (1939) - Paul Strawn *'' Pack Up Your Troubles'' (1939) - Von Richtman (uncredited) *'' The Mad Empress'' (1939) - Herzfeld *'' Escape to Paradise'' (1939) - Alexander Komac *''

Four Sons ''Four Sons'' is a 1928 American synchronized sound drama film directed and produced by John Ford and written for the screen by Philip Klein from a story by I. A. R. Wylie first published in the ''Saturday Evening Post'' as "Grandmother Bernle ...

'' (1940) - Hempel *''

The Mortal Storm ''The Mortal Storm'' is a 1940 American drama film produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.''Harrison's Reports'' film review; June 22, 1940, page 98. It was directed by Frank Borzage and stars Margaret Sullavan and James Stewart. The film shows the ...

'' (1940) - Gestapo Official Hartman (uncredited) *'' The Man I Married'' (1940) - Storm Trooper (uncredited) *''

Knute Rockne All American ''Knute Rockne, All American'' is a 1940 American biographical film that tells the story of Knute Rockne, Notre Dame's legendary football coach. It stars Pat O'Brien as Rockne and Ronald Reagan as player George Gipp, as well as Gale Page, Do ...

'' (1940) - Elder in Norway (uncredited) *''

The Great Dictator ''The Great Dictator'' is a 1940 American political satire black comedy film written, directed, produced by, and starring Charlie Chaplin. Having been the only Hollywood filmmaker to continue to make silent films well into the period of sound f ...

'' (1940) - Tomanian Commandant at Osterlich *''

Arise, My Love ''Arise, My Love'' is a 1940 American romantic comedy film directed by Mitchell Leisen and starring Claudette Colbert, Ray Milland and Dennis O'Keefe. It was made by Paramount Pictures and written by Billy Wilder, Charles Brackett and Jacques ...

'' (1940) - Prussian Officer (uncredited) *'' Meet the Wildcat'' (1940) - Feral - Henchman *'' Mr. Dynamite'' (1941) - Butler (uncredited) *''

Shining Victory ''Shining Victory'' is a 1941 American drama film directed by Irving Rapper and starring James Stephenson, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Donald Crisp and Barbara O'Neil. The film was produced and distributed by Warner Brothers. It was the first film ...

'' (1941) - Police Officer Exiling Paul (uncredited) *''

Underground Underground most commonly refers to: * Subterranea (geography), the regions beneath the surface of the Earth Underground may also refer to: Places * Buenos Aires Underground, a rapid transit system * London Underground, a rapid transit system * ...

'' (1941) - Official (uncredited) *'' A Dangerous Game'' (1941) - Dr. Fleming *''

Down in San Diego ''Down in San Diego'' is a 1941 American adventure film directed by Robert B. Sinclair and written by Franz Schulz and Harry Clork. The black-and-white movie was filmed in San Diego and stars Bonita Granville, Ray McDonald, Dan Dailey, Leo G ...

'' (1941) - Henry Schrode *''

King of the Texas Rangers ''King of the Texas Rangers'' (1941) is a Republic film serial. Set in the years prior to America entering World War II, the plot is slightly anachronistic in that the serial features a mix of period western and modern elements, which was not un ...

'' (1941 serial) - His Excellency (Chs. 1,3,6,10-12) *''

Nazi Agent ''Nazi Agent'' is a 1942 American spy film directed by Jules Dassin, in his first feature-length film for MGM. It stars Conrad Veidt playing identical twins, one loyal to the United States (U.S.), the other a dedicated German Nazi. Plot The U. ...

'' (1942) - Cab Driver (uncredited) *''

To Be or Not to Be "To be, or not to be" is a speech given by Prince Hamlet in the so-called "nunnery scene" of William Shakespeare's play ''Hamlet'' (Act 3, Scene 1). The speech is named for the opening phrase, itself among the most widely known and quoted lines ...

'' (1942) - Gestapo Sergeant at Desk at Top of Hotel Stairs (uncredited) *''

Spy Smasher Spy Smasher is the name of two fictional characters appearing in comics published by Fawcett and DC Comics. The first is a superhero that was formerly owned and published by Fawcett Comics. The second is a female anti-terrorism government agent a ...

'' (1942 serial) - Dungeon Colonel Von Kohr (Ch. 1) *''

Eagle Squadron The Eagle Squadrons were three fighter squadrons of the Royal Air Force (RAF) formed with volunteer pilots from the United States during the early days of World War II (1940), prior to the United States' entry into the war in December 1941. ...

'' (1942) - German Squad Leader (uncredited) *''

The Phantom Plainsmen ''The Phantom Plainsmen'' is a 1942 American Western " Three Mesquiteers" B-movie directed by John English and starring Bob Steele, Tom Tyler, and Rufe Davis. Plot Cast * Bob Steele as Tucson Smith * Tom Tyler as Stony Brooke * Rufe ...

'' (1942) - Colonel Eric Hartwig *'' Riders of the Northland'' (1942) - Nazi Agent *''

The Pied Piper The Pied Piper of Hamelin (, also known as the Pan Piper or the Rat-Catcher of Hamelin) is the title character of a legend from the town of Hamelin (Hameln), Lower Saxony, Germany. The legend dates back to the Middle Ages. The earliest refere ...

'' (1942) - Lieutenant *''

Berlin Correspondent ''Berlin Correspondent'' is a 1942 American film. Plot An American radio correspondent is reporting from within Nazi Germany. His principal source of information is an elderly philatelist. His reports prove so embarrassing to the regime that Ca ...

'' (1942) - Guard at Airport (uncredited) *'' The Secret Code'' (1942 serial) - Rudi Thysson *''

Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror ''Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror'' is a 1942 American mystery thriller film based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes detective stories. The film combines elements of Doyle's short story " His Last Bow", to which it is credited ...

'' (1942) - Schieler - Nazi at Church (uncredited) *''

Desperate Journey ''Desperate Journey'' is a 1942 American World War II action and aviation film directed by Raoul Walsh and starring Errol Flynn and Ronald Reagan. The supporting cast includes Raymond Massey, Alan Hale Sr., and Arthur Kennedy. The melodramati ...

'' (1942) - Kruse *'' Junior Army'' (1942) - Horner - Nazi Saboteur *'' The Great Impersonation'' (1942) - Karl Hofmann *''

Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon ''Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon'' (1942) is the fourth in the Sherlock Holmes (1939 film series), Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce series of 14 Sherlock Holmes films which updated the characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to the then p ...

'' (1942) - Braun (uncredited) *''

Chetniks! The Fighting Guerrillas ''Chetniks! The Fighting Guerrillas'' is a war film made by Twentieth Century Fox in 1943. The film starred Philip Dorn, Anna Sten, and Martin Kosleck. The film was originally titled ''The Seventh Column''. It was directed by Louis King and is ...

'' (1943) - Mounted Officer (uncredited) *''

They Got Me Covered ''They Got Me Covered'' is a 1943 American comedy thriller film directed by David Butler and starring Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour. Otto Preminger appears in a supporting role. It also known by the alternative titles ''Washington Story'' and ''Th ...

'' (1943) - Gerhardt (uncredited) *''

Assignment in Brittany ''Assignment in Brittany'' is a 1943 war film directed by Jack Conway and starring French actor Jean-Pierre Aumont and Swedish actress Signe Hasso, both in their American film debuts, and American actress Susan Peters. The film was adapted f ...

'' (1943) - Orderly (uncredited) *''

Tonight We Raid Calais ''Tonight We Raid Calais'' is a 1943 American film directed by John Brahm and starring John Sutton, Lee J. Cobb, and Annabella. Plot Geoffrey Carter ( John Sutton), a young British commando officer, is sent into Nazi-occupied France as a one-m ...

'' (1943) - German Lieutenant *''

Watch on the Rhine ''Watch on the Rhine'' is a 1943 American drama film directed by Herman Shumlin and starring Bette Davis and Paul Lukas. The screenplay by Dashiell Hammett is based on the 1941 play '' Watch on the Rhine'' by Lillian Hellman. ''Watch on the Rh ...

'' (1943) - Oberdorff *'' The Strange Death of Adolf Hitler'' (1943) - Maj. Mampe *''

The Hitler Gang ''The Hitler Gang'' is a 1944 American pseudo-documentary film directed by John Farrow, which traces the political rise of Adolf Hitler. Described as a "documentary-propaganda" film by its studio, Paramount Pictures, the historical drama is base ...

'' (1944) - Dr. Stenglein (uncredited) *''

The Story of Dr. Wassell ''The Story of Dr. Wassell'' is a 1944 American World War II film set in the Dutch East Indies, directed by Cecil B. DeMille, and starring Gary Cooper, Laraine Day, Signe Hasso and Dennis O'Keefe. The film was based on a book of the same name by ...

'' (1944) - Wounded Dutch Soldier (uncredited) *''

Counter-Attack A counterattack is a tactic employed in response to an attack, with the term originating in " war games". The general objective is to negate or thwart the advantage gained by the enemy during attack, while the specific objectives typically seek ...

'' (1945) - Stillman *'' Escape in the Desert'' (1945) - Hoffman *'' Under Nevada Skies'' (1946) - Alberti *''

Her Sister's Secret ''Her Sister's Secret'' is a 1946 American drama film directed by Edgar G. Ulmer and starring Nancy Coleman, Margaret Lindsay, Phillip Reed, and Regis Toomey. It centers around a woman who falls in love with a soldier. Believing she has been ab ...

'' (1946) - Birdman *''

Dangerous Millions ''Dangerous Millions'' is a 1946 American drama film directed by James Tinling and written by Irving Cummings Jr. and Robert G. North. The film stars Kent Taylor, Dona Drake, Tala Birell, Leonard Strong, Rex Evans and Robert Barrat. The film w ...

'' (1946) - Rudolph Busch *''

Act of Violence ''Act of Violence'' is a 1949 American film noir directed by Fred Zinnemann and starring Van Heflin, Robert Ryan, Janet Leigh, Mary Astor and Phyllis Thaxter. It was produced by Hollywood studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Adapted for the screen by R ...

'' (1949) - German (voice, uncredited) *'' Kill or Be Killed'' (1950) - Gregory Marek *''

Target Unknown ''Target Unknown'' (also known as ''Prisoner of War'') is a 1951 American war film directed by George Sherman and starring Mark Stevens, Alex Nicol and Robert Douglas. An American bomber crew are forced to bail out over Occupied France in 1944 an ...

'' (1951) - Doctor (uncredited) *''

Actor's and Sin ''Actors and Sin'' is a 1952 American comedy film written, produced and directed by Ben Hecht. The film marks Edward G. Robinson's second film with actress Marsha Hunt. It is also known by its section names of ''Actor's Blood'' and ''Woman of S ...

'' (1952) - Otto Lachsley (segment "Actor's Blood") *''

Phantom from Space ''Phantom from Space'' is a 1953 independently made American black-and-white science fiction film produced and directed by W. Lee Wilder and starring Ted Cooper, Noreen Nash, Dick Sands, and Burt Wenland. The screenplay was by William Raynor ...

'' (1953) - Dr. Wyatt *'' South Sea Woman'' (1953) - Captain van Dorck *''

Captain Scarface ''Captain Scarface'' is a 1953 American thriller film directed by Paul Guilfoyle, and starring Barton MacLane, Virginia Grey, and Leif Erickson. Plot In the waters off South America, the Soviets torpedo the tramp steamer and banana boat SS ''Ba ...

'' (1953) - Dr. Yeager *'' Magnificent Obsession'' (1954) - Dr. Fuss *''

King Richard and the Crusaders ''King Richard and the Crusaders'' is a 1954 American historical drama based on Sir Walter Scott's '' The Talisman'' made by Warner Bros. The film stars Rex Harrison, Virginia Mayo, George Sanders and Laurence Harvey, with Robert Douglas, Mich ...

'' (1954) - Austrian Knight (uncredited) *''

Jungle Gents ''Jungle Gents'' is a 1954 American comedy film directed by Edward Bernds and starring The Bowery Boys. The film was released on September 5, 1954 by Allied Artists and is the thirty-fifth film in the series and the film debut of Clint Walker in ...

'' (1954) - Dr. Goebel *'' A Star Is Born'' (1954) - Mr. Ettinger (uncredited) *''

The Snow Creature ''The Snow Creature'' is a 1954 American science fiction film, science fiction-horror film produced and directed by W. Lee Wilder, for Planet Filmplays Inc., written by Myles Wilder, and starring Paul Langton. Plot In an undisclosed Himalaya ...

'' (1954) - Dr. Louis Dupont *''

Alfred Hitchcock Presents ''Alfred Hitchcock Presents'' is an American television anthology series created, hosted and produced by Alfred Hitchcock, airing on CBS and NBC, alternately, between 1955 and 1965. It features dramas, thrillers, and mysteries. Between 1962 ...

'' (1956) (Season 1 Episode 35: "The Legacy") as Cafe Host *''

The Walter Winchell File ''The Walter Winchell File'' is a television crime drama series that initially aired from 1957 to 1958, dramatizing cases from the New York City Police Department that were covered in the ''New York Daily Mirror''. The series featured columnist ...

'' (1957, Episode: "The Candlestick") - Kalisch *''

She Demons ''She Demons'' is a 1957 American independent film, independent black-and-white science fiction film, science fiction horror film, produced by Arthur A. Jacobs and Marc Frederic, directed and co-written by Richard E. Cunha, that stars Irish McCal ...

'' (1958) - Colonel Karl Osler *''

Frankenstein 1970 ''Frankenstein 1970'' is a 1958 science fiction/horror film, shot in black and white CinemaScope, starring Boris Karloff and featuring Don "Red" Barry. The independent film was directed by Howard W. Koch, written by Richard Landau and George Wo ...

'' (1958) - Wilhelm Gottfried *''

A Private's Affair ''A Private's Affair'' is a 1959 American musical comedy film directed by Raoul Walsh. It stars Sal Mineo and Christine Carère. The film was nominated for a Golden Globe in 1960. Plot Two men from New York—Luigi, a hip wanna-be beatnik, an ...

'' (1959) - Dr. Leyden *'' On the Double'' (1961) - Oberkommandant *''

The Pigeon That Took Rome ''The Pigeon That Took Rome'' is a 1962 American comedy war film directed and written by Melville Shavelson and starring Charlton Heston. The film is set in the Italian Campaign of World War II and was based on the 1961 novel ''The Easter Dinner' ...

'' (1962) - Oberst Krafft *'' The Prize'' (1963) - Mr. Rolfe Bergh *'' Decision at Midnight'' (1963) - Uncle *'' 36 Hours'' (1965) - Dr. Winterstein (uncredited)

References

*Halliwell, Alfred, ''Halliwell's Filmgoer's Companion''

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Anders, Rudoplh 1895 births 1987 deaths German male film actors Emigrants from Nazi Germany to the United States 20th-century German male actors 20th-century American male actors People from Emmendingen (district) Male actors from Baden-Württemberg