J. Farrell MacDonald
Encyclopedia
Joseph Farrell MacDonald (June 6, 1875 – August 2, 1952) was an American character actor
and director
. He played supporting roles and occasional leads. MacDonald, who was sometimes billed as "John Farrell Macdonald", "J.F. Mcdonald" and "Joseph Farrell Macdonald" as well other variations, appeared as an actor in over 325 movies over a 41 year career from 1911 to 1951, and directed forty-four silent film
s from 1912 to 1917.
MacDonald was the principal director of L. Frank Baum
's Oz Film Manufacturing Company
, and he can frequently be seen in the films of Frank Capra
, Preston Sturges
and, especially, John Ford
.
s, and he toured the U.S. extensively for two years with stage productions. He made his first silent film
in 1911, a dramatic short entitled The Scarlett Letter made by Carl Laemmle
's Independent Moving Pictures Company
(IMP), the forerunner of Universal Pictures
,. He continued to act in numerous films each year from that time on, and by 1912 he was directing them as well. The first film he directed was The Worth of a Man, another dramatic short, again for IMP, and he was to direct 43 more films until his last in 1917, Over the Fence, which he co-directed with Harold Lloyd
. MacDonald had crossed paths with Lloyd several years earlier, when Lloyd was an extra and MacDonald had given him much-needed work – and he did the same with Hal Roach
, both of whom appearing in small roles in The Patchwork Girl of Oz
, which MacDonald directed in 1914. When Roach set up his own studio, with Lloyd as his principal attraction, he hired MacDonald to direct.
By 1918, MacDonald, who was to become one of the most beloved character men in Hollywood, had given up directing and was acting full-time, predominantly in Westerns and Irish comedies. He first worked under director John Ford
in 1919's A Fight for Love
and was to make three more with the director that same year. In all, Ford would use MacDonald on twenty-five films between 1919 and 1950, during the silent era notably in The Iron Horse
(1924), 3 Bad Men
(1926) and Riley the Cop
(1927).
With a voice that matched his personality, MacDonald made the transition to sound films easily, with no noticeable drop in his acting output – if anything, it went up. In 1931, for instance, MacDonald appeared in 14 films – among them the first version of The Maltese Falcon
, in which he played "Detective Tom Polhaus" – and in 22 of them in 1932. Although he played laborers, policemen, military men and priests, among many other characters, his roles were usually a cut above a "bit part": his characters usually had names, and he was most often credited for his performances. A highlight of this period was his performance as the hobo "Mr. Tramp" in Our Little Girl
with Shirley Temple
(1935).
In the 1940s, MacDonald was part of Preston Sturges
' unofficial "stock company" of character actors
, appearing in seven films written and directed by Sturges. His work on Sturges' films was generally uncredited, which was more often the case as his career went on – although the quality of his work was undiminished. He was notable in 1946 in John Ford's My Darling Clementine
in which he played the Dodge City bartender.
MacDonald made his last film in 1951, a comedy called Elopement. His few television appearances also occurred in that same year. He died in Hollywood on 2 August 1952 at the age of 77. He was married to actress Edith Bostwick until her death in 1943, and they had a daughter, Lorna. His grave is located at Chapel of the Pines Crematory
.
Sound
Character actor
A character actor is one who predominantly plays unusual or eccentric characters. The Oxford English Dictionary defines a character actor as "an actor who specializes in character parts", defining character part in turn as "an acting role displaying pronounced or unusual characteristics or...
and director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
. He played supporting roles and occasional leads. MacDonald, who was sometimes billed as "John Farrell Macdonald", "J.F. Mcdonald" and "Joseph Farrell Macdonald" as well other variations, appeared as an actor in over 325 movies over a 41 year career from 1911 to 1951, and directed forty-four silent film
Silent film
A silent film is a film with no synchronized recorded sound, especially with no spoken dialogue. In silent films for entertainment the dialogue is transmitted through muted gestures, pantomime and title cards...
s from 1912 to 1917.
MacDonald was the principal director of L. Frank Baum
L. Frank Baum
Lyman Frank Baum was an American author of children's books, best known for writing The Wonderful Wizard of Oz...
's Oz Film Manufacturing Company
The Oz Film Manufacturing Company
The Oz Film Manufacturing Company was an independent film studio from 1914-1915. It was founded by L. Frank Baum , Louis F. Gottschalk , Harry Marston Haldeman , and Clarence R. Rundel as an offshoot of Haldeman's social group, The Uplifters, that met at the Los Angeles Athletic Club...
, and he can frequently be seen in the films of Frank Capra
Frank Capra
Frank Russell Capra was a Sicilian-born American film director. He emigrated to the U.S. when he was six, and eventually became a creative force behind major award-winning films during the 1930s and 1940s...
, Preston Sturges
Preston Sturges
Preston Sturges , originally Edmund Preston Biden, was a celebrated playwright, screenwriter and film director born in Chicago, Illinois...
and, especially, John Ford
John Ford
John Ford was an American film director. He was famous for both his westerns such as Stagecoach, The Searchers, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, and adaptations of such classic 20th-century American novels as The Grapes of Wrath...
.
Career
Early in his career, MacDonald was a singer in minstrel showMinstrel show
The minstrel show, or minstrelsy, was an American entertainment consisting of comic skits, variety acts, dancing, and music, performed by white people in blackface or, especially after the Civil War, black people in blackface....
s, and he toured the U.S. extensively for two years with stage productions. He made his first silent film
Silent film
A silent film is a film with no synchronized recorded sound, especially with no spoken dialogue. In silent films for entertainment the dialogue is transmitted through muted gestures, pantomime and title cards...
in 1911, a dramatic short entitled The Scarlett Letter made by Carl Laemmle
Carl Laemmle
Carl Laemmle , born in Laupheim, Württemberg, Germany, was a pioneer in American film making and a founder of one of the original major Hollywood movie studios - Universal...
's Independent Moving Pictures Company
Independent Moving Pictures
The Independent Moving Pictures Company was a movie studio/production company founded in 1909 by Carl Laemmle, and was located at Eleventh Avenue and 53rd Street New York City, and in Fort Lee, New Jersey....
(IMP), the forerunner of Universal Pictures
Universal Studios
Universal Pictures , a subsidiary of NBCUniversal, is one of the six major movie studios....
,. He continued to act in numerous films each year from that time on, and by 1912 he was directing them as well. The first film he directed was The Worth of a Man, another dramatic short, again for IMP, and he was to direct 43 more films until his last in 1917, Over the Fence, which he co-directed with Harold Lloyd
Harold Lloyd
Harold Clayton Lloyd, Sr. was an American film actor and producer, most famous for his silent comedies....
. MacDonald had crossed paths with Lloyd several years earlier, when Lloyd was an extra and MacDonald had given him much-needed work – and he did the same with Hal Roach
Hal Roach
Harold Eugene "Hal" Roach, Sr. was an American film and television producer and director, and from the 1910s to the 1990s.- Early life and career :Hal Roach was born in Elmira, New York...
, both of whom appearing in small roles in The Patchwork Girl of Oz
The Patchwork Girl of Oz (1914 film)
The Patchwork Girl of Oz is a silent film made by L. Frank Baum's The Oz Film Manufacturing Company. It was based on the book The Patchwork Girl of Oz....
, which MacDonald directed in 1914. When Roach set up his own studio, with Lloyd as his principal attraction, he hired MacDonald to direct.
By 1918, MacDonald, who was to become one of the most beloved character men in Hollywood, had given up directing and was acting full-time, predominantly in Westerns and Irish comedies. He first worked under director John Ford
John Ford
John Ford was an American film director. He was famous for both his westerns such as Stagecoach, The Searchers, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, and adaptations of such classic 20th-century American novels as The Grapes of Wrath...
in 1919's A Fight for Love
A Fight for Love
A Fight for Love is a 1919 Western film directed by John Ford and featuring Harry Carey. The film is considered to be lost.-Cast:* Harry Carey - Cheyenne Harry* Joe Harris - Black Michael* Neva Gerber - Kate McDougal* Mark Fenton - Angus McDougal...
and was to make three more with the director that same year. In all, Ford would use MacDonald on twenty-five films between 1919 and 1950, during the silent era notably in The Iron Horse
The Iron Horse (film)
The Iron Horse is a silent film directed by John Ford in 1924. It was produced by Fox Film. -Synopsis:The film presents an idealized image of the construction of the American first transcontinental railroad. It culminates with the scene of driving of the golden spike at Promontory Summit on May...
(1924), 3 Bad Men
3 Bad Men
-Cast:* George O'Brien as Dan O'Malley* Olive Borden as Lee Carlton* Lou Tellegen as Sheriff Layne Hunter* Tom Santschi as 'Bull' Stanley* J. Farrell MacDonald as Mike Costigan* Frank Campeau as 'Spade' Allen* Priscilla Bonner as Millie Stanley...
(1926) and Riley the Cop
Riley the Cop
Riley the Cop is a 1928 comedy film directed by John Ford. It was a silent film with a synchronized music track.-Cast:* J. Farrell MacDonald - James 'Aloysius' Riley * Nancy Drexel - Mary Coronelli...
(1927).
The Maltese Falcon (1931 film)
The Maltese Falcon is a 1931 American Warner Bros. Pre-Code crime film based on the novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett. The movie was directed by Roy Del Ruth and stars Bebe Daniels in the role of Ruth Wonderly and Ricardo Cortez as private detective Sam Spade.Maude Fulton, Brown Holmes,...
, in which he played "Detective Tom Polhaus" – and in 22 of them in 1932. Although he played laborers, policemen, military men and priests, among many other characters, his roles were usually a cut above a "bit part": his characters usually had names, and he was most often credited for his performances. A highlight of this period was his performance as the hobo "Mr. Tramp" in Our Little Girl
Our Little Girl
Our Little Girl is a 1935 Drama directed by John Robertson, starring Shirley Temple and Joel McCrea. Molly Middleton , daughter of Dr. Donald Middleton and his neglected wife Elsa , who becomes attracted Don's best friend Rolfe .-Cast:* Shirley Temple as Molly Middleton* Rosemary Ames as Elsa...
with Shirley Temple
Shirley Temple
Shirley Temple Black , born Shirley Jane Temple, is an American film and television actress, singer, dancer, autobiographer, and former U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia...
(1935).
In the 1940s, MacDonald was part of Preston Sturges
Preston Sturges
Preston Sturges , originally Edmund Preston Biden, was a celebrated playwright, screenwriter and film director born in Chicago, Illinois...
' unofficial "stock company" of character actors
Preston Sturges Unofficial Stock Company Actors
Actors who frequently worked with film director Preston Sturges: !! Christmas in July !! The Lady Eve !! Sullivan's Travels !! The Palm Beach Story !! The Miracle of Morgan's Creek !! Hail the Conquering Hero !! The Great Moment !! The Sin of Harold Diddlebock !! Unfaithfully Yours !! The...
, appearing in seven films written and directed by Sturges. His work on Sturges' films was generally uncredited, which was more often the case as his career went on – although the quality of his work was undiminished. He was notable in 1946 in John Ford's My Darling Clementine
My Darling Clementine
My Darling Clementine is a 1946 western movie. It was directed by John Ford, and based on the story of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral between the Earp brothers and the Clanton gang. It features an ensemble cast including Henry Fonda, Victor Mature, Ward Bond, Walter Brennan, and others.The movie...
in which he played the Dodge City bartender.
MacDonald made his last film in 1951, a comedy called Elopement. His few television appearances also occurred in that same year. He died in Hollywood on 2 August 1952 at the age of 77. He was married to actress Edith Bostwick until her death in 1943, and they had a daughter, Lorna. His grave is located at Chapel of the Pines Crematory
Chapel of the Pines Crematory
Chapel of the Pines Crematory is a crematory and columbarium located at 1605 South Catalina Street Los Angeles, California, in the historic West Adams District a short distance southwest of Downtown...
.
Selected filmography
Silent- The Scarlet Letter (1911 film)The Scarlet Letter (1911 film)The Scarlet Letter is a silent drama motion picture short starring King Baggot, Lucille Young, and William Robert Daly.Directed by Joseph W...
1911 - The Worth of a Man 1912 (director)
- Rory o' the BogsRory o' the BogsRory o' the Bogs is a 1913 short. Harold Lloyd has an uncredited role.-Cast:* J. Warren Kerrigan - Rory o' the Bogs* William Walters* Edith Bostwick* Jessalyn Van Trump* George Periolat* William Abbott* Harold Lloyd - Posse Member...
(19131913 in filmThe year 1913 in film involved some significant events.-Events:* The Squaw Man, the first Hollywood feature film, is made.* December 29, Charlie Chaplin signs a contract with Mack Sennett to begin making films at Keystone Studios.* D. W...
) (director) - SamsonSamson (1914 film)Samson is a 1914 short drama film. Harold Lloyd has an uncredited role.-Cast:* J. Warren Kerrigan - Samson* George Periolat - Manoah, Samson's father* Lule Warrenton - Wife of Manoah* Kathleen Kerrigan - Delilah* Edith Bostwick - Zorah, Samson's wife...
(19141914 in filmThe year 1914 in film involved some significant events, including the debut of Cecil B. DeMille as a director.-Events:*The 3,300-seat Mark Strand Theatre opens in New York City....
) (director) - The Patchwork Girl of OzThe Patchwork Girl of Oz (1914 film)The Patchwork Girl of Oz is a silent film made by L. Frank Baum's The Oz Film Manufacturing Company. It was based on the book The Patchwork Girl of Oz....
(1914) (director) - The Magic Cloak of OzThe Magic Cloak of OzThe Magic Cloak of Oz is a 1914 film directed by J. Farrell MacDonald. It was written by L. Frank Baum and produced by Baum and composer Louis F. Gottschalk. The film is an adaptation of Baum's novel, Queen Zixi of Ix....
(1914) (director) - His Majesty, the Scarecrow of Oz (19141914 in filmThe year 1914 in film involved some significant events, including the debut of Cecil B. DeMille as a director.-Events:*The 3,300-seat Mark Strand Theatre opens in New York City....
) (director) - The Last EgyptianThe Last EgyptianThe Last Egyptian: A Romance of the Nile is a novel written by L. Frank Baum, famous as the creator of the Land of Oz. The book was published anonymously on 1 May 1908 by Edward Stern & Co. of Philadelphia, with eight color plate illustrations by Francis P. Wightman...
(1914) (director) - Lonesome Luke, Social GangsterLonesome Luke, Social GangsterLonesome Luke, Social Gangster is a 1915 short comedy film featuring Harold Lloyd.-Cast:* Harold Lloyd - Lonesome Luke* Snub Pollard - * Gene Marsh* Bebe Daniels...
(19151915 in filmThe year 1915 in film involved some significant events.-Events:* February 8 : D.W Griffith's The Birth of a Nation premieres at Clune's Auditorium Los Angeles and breaks box office and film length records, running at a total length of 3 hrs 10 minutes.* June 18 : The Motion Picture Directors...
) (director) - Over the Fence 1917 (director)
- RopedRopedRoped is a 1919 Western film directed by John Ford and featuring Harry Carey. The film is considered to be lost.-Cast:* Harry Carey - Cheyenne Harry* Neva Gerber - Aileen* Mollie McConnell - Mrs. Judson-Brown...
(19191919 in filmThe year 1919 in film involved some significant events.-Events:*February 5 - Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks and D.W. Griffith launch United Artists...
) - A Fight for LoveA Fight for LoveA Fight for Love is a 1919 Western film directed by John Ford and featuring Harry Carey. The film is considered to be lost.-Cast:* Harry Carey - Cheyenne Harry* Joe Harris - Black Michael* Neva Gerber - Kate McDougal* Mark Fenton - Angus McDougal...
(1919) - Riders of VengeanceRiders of VengeanceRiders of Vengeance is a 1919 Western film directed by John Ford and featuring Harry Carey. The film is considered to be lost.-Production:...
(1919) - The Outcasts of Poker FlatThe Outcasts of Poker Flat (1919 film)The Outcasts of Poker Flat was a 1919 Western film directed by John Ford and featuring Harry Carey. The film is considered to be lost. -Cast:* Harry Carey - Square Shootin' Harry Lanyon/John Oakhurst* Cullen Landis - Billy Lanyon/Tommy Oakhurst...
(1919) - Marked Men (1919)
- Bullet ProofBullet Proof (1920 film)Bullet Proof is a 1920 Western film directed by Lynn Reynolds and starring Harry Carey.-Cast:* Harry Carey - Pierre Winton* William Ryno - Father Victor* Fred Gamble - Father Jacques* Kathleen O'Connor - Mary Brown* J. Farrell MacDonald - Jim Boone...
(19201920 in filmThe year 1920 in film involved some significant events.-Events:* November 27 - The Mark of Zorro, starring Douglas Fairbanks opens.-Top grossing films :-Films released in 1920:U.S.A. unless stated*The $1,000,000 Reward...
) - Hitchin' PostsHitchin' PostsHitchin' Posts is a 1920 drama film directed by John Ford. The film is considered to be lost.-Cast:* Frank Mayo - Jefferson Todd* Beatrice Burnham - Barbara Brereton* C.E. Anderson - Captain of steamer* Matthew Biddulph - Maj. Grey...
(1920) - The Freeze-OutThe Freeze-OutThe Freeze-Out is a 1921 Western film directed by John Ford and starring Harry Carey. The film is considered to be lost.-Cast:* Harry Carey - Ohio, the Stranger* Helen Ferguson - Zoe Whipple* Joe Harris - Headlight Whipple...
(19211921 in film-Top grossing films :-Films released in 1921:U.S.A. unless stated*$10,000 Under a Pillow, silent film directed by Frank Moser*The Ace of Hearts, silent film directed by Wallace Worsley*Across the Divide, silent film directed by John Holloway...
) - The WallopThe WallopThe Wallop is a 1921 Western film directed by John Ford and starring Harry Carey. The film is considered to be lost.-Cast:* Harry Carey - John Wesley Pringle* Mignonne Golden - Stella Vorhis* William Steele - Christopher Foy...
(1921) - ActionAction (1921 film)Action is a 1921 Western film directed by John Ford and featuring Hoot Gibson. It was based on Peter B. Kyne's popular novel The Three Godfathers. The film is considered to be lost. According to contemporaneous newspaper reports, Action was based on J...
(1921) - Sky HighSky High (1922 film)Sky High is a 1922 American silent film written and directed by Lynn Reynolds and starring Tom Mix, J. Farrell MacDonald, Eva Novak, and Sid Jordan...
(19221922 in film-Events:* June 11 - United States première of Robert J. Flaherty's Nanook of the North, the first commercially successful feature length documentary film....
) - DriftingDrifting (film)Drifting is a 1923 drama film directed by Tod Browning and featuring Wallace Beery in a supporting role. The movie was produced and distributed by Universal Pictures. Priscilla Dean is the main female antagonist....
(19231923 in film-Events:*April 15 - Lee De Forest demonstrates the Phonofilm sound-on-film system at the Rivoli Theater in New York with a series of short musical films featuring vaudeville performers.-Top grossing films :-Films released in 1923:U.S.A...
) - The Iron HorseThe Iron Horse (film)The Iron Horse is a silent film directed by John Ford in 1924. It was produced by Fox Film. -Synopsis:The film presents an idealized image of the construction of the American first transcontinental railroad. It culminates with the scene of driving of the golden spike at Promontory Summit on May...
(19241924 in film-Events:* Entertainment entrepreneur Marcus Loew gained control of Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures Corporation and Louis B. Mayer Pictures to create Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer...
) - Lightnin'Lightnin'Lightnin' is a 1925 comedy film directed by John Ford. It was based on a successful play that played 1,291 performances starting in 1918 at the Gaiety Theatre...
(19251925 in film-Events:*November 5: The Big Parade holds its Grand Premier*December 30: premier of Ben-Hur the most expensive silent film ever made costing 4-6 million dollars -Top grossing films :...
) - Kentucky PrideKentucky PrideKentucky Pride is a 1925 silent drama film directed by John Ford. A print of the film exists at the Museum of Modern Art film archive.-Cast:* Gertrude Astor - Mrs. Beaumont* Peaches Jackson - Virginia Beaumont* J. Farrell MacDonald - Donovan...
(1925) - Thank You (1925)
- The Fighting HeartThe Fighting Heart (1925 film)The Fighting Heart is a 1925 drama film directed by John Ford. The film is now considered to be a lost film.-Cast:* George O'Brien - Denny Bolton* Billie Dove - Doris Anderson* J. Farrell MacDonald - Jerry* Victor McLaglen - Soapy Williams...
(1925) - The Last FrontierThe Last Frontier (1926 film)-Cast:* William Boyd as Tom Kirby* Marguerite De La Motte as Beth* Jack Hoxie as Buffalo Bill Cody* J. Farrell MacDonald as Wild Bill Hickok* Frank Coghlan Jr. as Buddy * Mitchell Lewis as Lige* Gladys Brockwell as Cynthia Jaggers...
(1926) - The Shamrock HandicapThe Shamrock HandicapThe Shamrock Handicap is a romance film directed by John Ford. A print of the film still exists in the Museum of Modern Art film archive.-Cast:* Janet Gaynor - Lady Sheila O'Hara* Leslie Fenton - Neil Ross* Willard Louis - Orville Finch* J...
(19261926 in film-Events:*August - Warner Brothers debuts the first Vitaphone film, Don Juan. The Vitaphone system used multiple 33⅓ rpm disc records developed by Bell Telephone Laboratories and Western Electric to play back audio synchronized with film....
) - 3 Bad Men3 Bad Men-Cast:* George O'Brien as Dan O'Malley* Olive Borden as Lee Carlton* Lou Tellegen as Sheriff Layne Hunter* Tom Santschi as 'Bull' Stanley* J. Farrell MacDonald as Mike Costigan* Frank Campeau as 'Spade' Allen* Priscilla Bonner as Millie Stanley...
(1926) - SunriseSunrise (film)Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans, also known as Sunrise, is a 1927 American silent film directed by German film director F. W. Murnau. The story was adapted by Carl Mayer from the short story "Die Reise nach Tilsit" by Hermann Sudermann.Sunrise won an Academy Award for Unique and Artistic Production...
(19271927 in film-Events:*January 10 - Fritz Lang's science-fiction fantasy Metropolis premieres in Germany.*April 7 - Abel Gance's Napoleon often considered his best known and greatest masterpiece, premiers at the Paris Opéra and would demonstrate techniques and equipment that would not be used for years to...
) - Bringing Up FatherBringing up FatherBringing Up Father was an influential American comic strip created by cartoonist George McManus . Distributed by King Features Syndicate, it ran for 87 years, from January 12, 1913 to May 28, 2000....
(19281928 in film-Events:Although some movies released in 1928 had sound, most were still silent.* July 28 - Lights of New York is released by Warner Brothers. It is the first "100% Talkie" feature film, in that dialog is spoken throughout the film...
) - In Old ArizonaIn Old ArizonaIn Old Arizona is a 1929 American Western film directed by Irving Cummings and Raoul Walsh, nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film, which was based on the character of the Cisco Kid in the story The Caballero's Way by O...
(1928) - None But the BraveNone But the Brave (1928 film)None But the Brave is a feature film released by Fox Film Corporation, directed by Albert Ray and starring Charles Morton, Sally Phipps, J. Farrell MacDonald, and Sharon Lynn. One or two sequences were filmed in color, possibly Multicolor or Technicolor's System 2. It is not known whether this...
(1928) - Riley the CopRiley the CopRiley the Cop is a 1928 comedy film directed by John Ford. It was a silent film with a synchronized music track.-Cast:* J. Farrell MacDonald - James 'Aloysius' Riley * Nancy Drexel - Mary Coronelli...
(1928)
Sound
- Abie's Irish Rose (film)Abie's Irish Rose (film)Abie's Irish Rose is a 1928 early talking film directed by Victor Fleming, based on the play of the same title by Anne Nichols. It tells the story of a Jewish boy, Abie Levy, who falls in love with and secretly marries Rosemary Murphy, an Irish Catholic girl, but lies to his family, saying that...
(19291929 in film-Events:The days of the silent film are numbered. A mad scramble to provide synchronized sound is on.*January 20 - The movie In Old Arizona is released. The film is the first full-length talking film to be filmed outdoors....
) - Strong BoyStrong BoyStrong Boy is a comedy film directed by John Ford. It was a silent film with a synchronized music track. The film is now considered to be a lost film. A trailer for the film was discovered in the New Zealand Film Archive in 2010.-Cast:...
(1929) - Men Without WomenMen Without Women (film)Men Without Women is an American drama film directed and written by John Ford, from the script by James Kevin McGuinness. The film also starred Kenneth MacKenna, Frank Albertson, and J. Farrell MacDonald.-Cast:...
(19301930 in film-Events:* November 1: The Big Trail featuring a young John Wayne in his first starring role is released in both 35mm, and a very early form of 70mm film and was the first large scale big-budget film of the sound era costing over $2 million. The film was praised for its aesthetic quality and realism...
) - Born RecklessBorn Reckless (1930 film)Born Reckless is a American crime comedy directed by Andrew Bennison and John Ford, from a screenplay written by Donald Henderson Clarke based on his novel Louis Beretti. The film starred Edmund Lowe and Catherine Dale Owen.-Plot:...
(1930) - The Easiest WayThe Easiest WayThe Easiest Way is a 1931 American MGM drama film directed by Jack Conway. Adapted from the 1909 play of the same name by David Belasco, the film stars Constance Bennett, Adolphe Menjou, Robert Montgomery, Clark Gable, and Anita Page.-Plot:...
(19311931 in film-Top grossing films:-Academy Awards:*Best Picture: Cimarron - MGM*Best Actor: Lionel Barrymore - A Free Soul*Best Actor: Wallace Beery - The Champ*Best Actor: Fredric March - Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde...
) - The Maltese FalconThe Maltese Falcon (1931 film)The Maltese Falcon is a 1931 American Warner Bros. Pre-Code crime film based on the novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett. The movie was directed by Roy Del Ruth and stars Bebe Daniels in the role of Ruth Wonderly and Ricardo Cortez as private detective Sam Spade.Maude Fulton, Brown Holmes,...
(1931) - Sporting BloodSporting BloodSporting Blood is a 1931 American MGM sports drama film directed by Charles Brabin. The film stars Clark Gable , Ernest Torrence and Madge Evans.-Plot:...
(1931) - The Squaw ManThe Squaw Man (1931 film)The Squaw Man is a film directed by Cecil B. DeMille. It was the third version of the same play that he filmed, and the first in sound. It stars Warner Baxter in the leading role. The film lost $150,000 in its initial release...
(1931) - The BratThe BratThe Brat is a 1931 comedy film directed by John Ford. It is based on the 1917 play by Maude Fulton. A previous silent film had been made in 1919 with Alla Nazimova. This 1931 screen version has been updated to then contemporary standards i.e...
(1931) - Under 18Under 18Under 18 is a romantic drama film starring Marian Marsh, Anita Page, Regis Toomey, and Warren William. It is based on the short story "Sky Life" by Frank Mitchell Dazey and Agnes Christine Johnston...
(1931) - The Hurricane ExpressThe Hurricane ExpressThe Hurricane Express is a 12-chapter Mascot Pictures film serial that stars John Wayne as airplane pilot Larry Baker, who goes after a mystery villain named "The Wrecker," the man responsible for a train crash that killed his father.-Cast:...
(19321932 in film-Events:*Cary Grant's film career begins*Katharine Hepburn's film career begins*Shirley Temple's film career begins*Disney released Flowers and Trees, the first cartoon in three-strip Technicolor film.*Santa, first sound film made in Mexico released....
) - The Working ManThe Working ManThe Working Man is a 1933 American comedy film directed by John G. Adolfi. The screenplay by Charles Kenyon and Maude T. Howell is based on the story The Adopted Father by Edgar Franklin.-Plot:...
(1933) - Once to Every WomanOnce to Every WomanOnce to Every Woman is a 1934 film adaptation of A. J. Cronin's short story, Kaleidoscope in "K". The film was made by Columbia Pictures and stars Ralph Bellamy and Fay Wray.- Cast :*Ralph Bellamy as Dr. Jim Barclay*Fay Wray as Mary Fanshawe...
(19341934 in film-Events:*January 26 - Samuel Goldwyn purchases the film rights to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz from the L. Frank Baum estate for $40,000.*February 19 - Bob Hope marries Dolores Reade...
) - Romance in ManhattanRomance in ManhattanRomance in Manhattan is an American comedy/romance film directed by Stephen Roberts, starring Francis Lederer and Ginger Rogers, and released by RKO Radio Pictures.- Plot :...
(19351935 in film-Events:*Judy Garland signs a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer .*Seven year old Shirley Temple wins a special Academy Award.*The Bantu Educational Kinema Experiment started in order to educate the Bantu peoples.-Top grossing films:-Academy Awards:...
) - Our Little GirlOur Little GirlOur Little Girl is a 1935 Drama directed by John Robertson, starring Shirley Temple and Joel McCrea. Molly Middleton , daughter of Dr. Donald Middleton and his neglected wife Elsa , who becomes attracted Don's best friend Rolfe .-Cast:* Shirley Temple as Molly Middleton* Rosemary Ames as Elsa...
(1935) - Front Page WomanFront Page WomanFront Page Woman is a 1935 American comedy film directed by Michael Curtiz. The screenplay by Roy Chanslor, Laird Doyle, and Lillie Hayward is based on the novel Women Are Bum Newspapermen by Richard Macauley.-Plot:...
(1935) - RiffraffRiffraff (1936 film)Riffraff is a 1936 film starring Jean Harlow and Spencer Tracy. The movie was written by Frances Marion, Anita Loos, and H. W. Hannaford, and directed by J. Walter Ruben.-Plot:...
(19361936 in filmThe year 1936 in film involved some significant events.-Events:*May 29 - Fritz Lang's first Hollywood film Fury, starring Spencer Tracy and Bruce Cabot, is released.*November 6 - first Porky Pig animated cartoon...
) - Show BoatShow Boat (1936 film)Show Boat is a 1936 film based on the musical play by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II , which the team adapted from the novel by Edna Ferber....
(1936) - The Crowd RoarsThe Crowd Roars (1938 film)The Crowd Roars is a 1938 film starring Robert Taylor as a boxer who gets entangled in the seamier side of the sport. It was remade in 1947 as Killer McCoy, featuring Mickey Rooney in the title role.-Cast:*Robert Taylor as Tommy "Killer" McCoy...
(1938) - The Lone Ranger Rides AgainThe Lone Ranger Rides AgainThe Lone Ranger Rides Again is a 1939 American Republic serial. It was a sequel to Republic's earlier 1937 serial The Lone Ranger, which had been highly successful, and the thirteenth of the sixty-six serials produced by Republic....
(19391939 in filmThe year 1939 in motion pictures can be justified as being called the most outstanding one ever, when it comes to the high quality and high attendance at the large set of the best films that premiered in the year .- Events :Motion picture historians and film often rate...
) - Dark CommandDark CommandDark Command is a 1940 western film starring Claire Trevor, John Wayne and Walter Pidgeon loosely based on Quantrill's Raiders in the American Civil War. Directed by Raoul Walsh from the novel by W.R...
(19401940 in filmThe year 1940 in film involved some significant events, including the premieres of the Walt Disney classics Pinocchio and Fantasia.-Events:*February 7 - Walt Disney's animated film Pinocchio is released....
) - The Ape ManThe Ape ManThe Ape Man is a 1943 horror Science fiction film starring Bela Lugosi and directed by William Beaudine. The film follows the tale of a part human part ape....
(19431943 in filmThe year 1943 in film involved some significant events.-Events:* January 3 - 1st missing persons telecast * February 20 - American film studio executives agree to allow the Office of War Information to censor films....
) - Tiger FangsTiger Fangs-External links:**...
(19431943 in filmThe year 1943 in film involved some significant events.-Events:* January 3 - 1st missing persons telecast * February 20 - American film studio executives agree to allow the Office of War Information to censor films....
) - The Great MomentThe Great Moment (1944 film)The Great Moment is a 1944 biographical film written and directed by Preston Sturges. Based on the book The Triumph Over Pain by René Fülöp-Miller, it tells the story of Dr. William Thomas Green Morton, a 19th century Boston dentist who discovered the use of ether as an anesthetic...
1944 - Johnny AngelJohnny AngelJohnny Angel is a film noir directed by Edwin L. Marin, written by Frank Gruber and Steve Fisher from the novel Mr. Angel Comes Aboard by Charles Gordon Booth. The movie features George Raft, Claire Trevor, Signe Hasso, and Hoagy Carmichael....
(19451945 in filmThe year 1945 in film involved some significant events.-Events:* Paramount Studios releases theatrical short cartoon titled The Friendly Ghost, featuring a ghost named Casper.* With Rossellini's Roma Città aperta, Italian neorealist cinema begins....
) - My Darling ClementineMy Darling ClementineMy Darling Clementine is a 1946 western movie. It was directed by John Ford, and based on the story of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral between the Earp brothers and the Clanton gang. It features an ensemble cast including Henry Fonda, Victor Mature, Ward Bond, Walter Brennan, and others.The movie...
(19461946 in filmThe year 1946 in film involved some significant events.-Events:*November 21 - William Wyler's The Best Years of Our Lives premieres in New York featuring an ensemble cast including Fredric March, Myrna Loy, Dana Andrews, Teresa Wright, and Harold Russell.*December 20 - Frank Capra's It's a...
) - Superman and the Mole MenSuperman and the Mole MenSuperman and the Mole Men is a 1951 superhero film starring George Reeves as Superman and Phyllis Coates as Lois Lane. It is the first theatrical feature film based on the DC Comics character Superman, although two live-action Superman films had already been shown in cinemas, they appeared in a...
(19511951 in filmThe year 1951 in film involved some significant events.-Events:* Sweden - May Britt is scouted by Italian film-makers Carlo Ponti and Mario Soldati-Top grossing films : After theatrical re-issue- Awards :Academy Awards:...
) - Elopement (1951)