Franklin Pangborn
ActingAbout Franklin Pangborn
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 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 scores of feature films playing 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, an enthusiastic birdwatcher, and the like, and was usually put in a situation of frustration or flustered by the antics of others. Pangborn was an effective foil for many major comedians.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Franklin Pangborn reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of Franklin Pangborn's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 78% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Franklin Pangborn remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Going Hollywood: The '30s, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Franklin Pangborn Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Franklin Pangborn's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Franklin Pangborn.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Going Hollywood: The '30s | (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | The Unchained Goddess | the Cloud Painter (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | My Dream Is Yours | Sourpuss Manager | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Romance on the High Seas | Rio Hotel Clerk | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | The Sin of Harold Diddlebock | Formfit Franklin | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | Lover Come Back | Hotel desk clerk | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | You Came Along | Hotel Clerk | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Hail the Conquering Hero | Reception Committee Chairman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Holy Matrimony | Duncan Farll | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Reveille with Beverly | Vernon Lewis (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | George Washington Slept Here | Mr. Gibney | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Now, Voyager | Mr. Thompson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | The Palm Beach Story | Manager | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Sullivan's Travels | Mr. Casalsis | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Never Give a Sucker an Even Break | The Producer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | The Flame of New Orleans | Bellows | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Bank Dick | J. Pinkerton Snoopington | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Christmas in July | Don Hartman - Radio Announcer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Spring Parade | Wiedlemeyer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Fifth Avenue Girl | Higgins | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Broadway Serenade | Gene, Collier's Composer | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Topper Takes a Trip | Louis - Hotel Manager | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Carefree | Roland Hunter | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Always Goodbye | Bicycle Salesman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Vivacious Lady | Apartment Manager | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Bluebeard's 8th Wife | Assistant Hotel Manager | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm | Hamilton Montmarcy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Stage Door | Harcourt | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Danger – Love at Work | Train dining car headwaiter | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | It Happened in Hollywood | Mr. Forsythe | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | All Over Town | The Costumer | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Easy Living | Van Buren | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | A Star Is Born | Billy Moon (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Three Smart Girls | Jeweler | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Luckiest Girl in the World | Cashier | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | My Man Godfrey | Guthrie (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Mr. Deeds Goes to Town | The Tailor (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Give Us This Night | Forcellini's Secretary | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | She Married Her Boss | Window Dresser (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | She Married Her Boss | Window Dresser | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Imitation of Life | Mr. Carven (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | My Grandfather's Clock | Dr. Watkins | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Design for Living | Mr. Douglas | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Flying Down to Rio | Hammerstein (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1933 | Only Yesterday | Tom (Uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Wild Poses | Otto Phocus | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Headline Shooter | Adolphus G. Crocker | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | Sunny | Party Guest (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1927 | Getting Gertie's Garter | Algy Brooks | Hit | Similar → |
| 1926 | Exit Smiling | Cecil Lovelace | Super Hit | Similar → |
Franklin Pangborn - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Franklin Pangborn?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Franklin Pangborn is "Going Hollywood: The '30s" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Franklin Pangborn acted in?
Franklin Pangborn has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Franklin Pangborn?
Other notable films include "Exit Smiling", "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town", and "My Man Godfrey".