
Bradford Dillman
ActingAbout Bradford Dillman
Bradford Dillman was an American stage, screen, and television actor, as well as an author starred in the taut crime drama Compulsion (1959). The lanky, dark-haired Dillman also played Robert Redford's best friend J.J. in The Way We Were (1973). Dillman also appeared opposite Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry films The Enforcer (1976) and Sudden Impact (1983). In director Richard Fleischer's Compulsion, derived from the infamous Leopold & Loeb case of the 1920s, Dillman and Stockwell starred as the brazen killers Arthur A. Straus and Judd Steiner, respectively, who think they have committed the perfect murder. Dillman, Stockwell and Orson Welles (who played their attorney) shared best actor honors at the 1959 Cannes Film Festival. The Fox film was an adaptation of a Broadway hit, with Dillman taking on the role that Roddy McDowall had originated on the stage.
Bradford Dillman Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Bradford Dillman reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Bradford Dillman's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 68% of Bradford Dillman's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Murder or Mercy, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Bradford Dillman Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Bradford Dillman's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Bradford Dillman has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Heroes Stand Alone | Walt Simmons | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | The Man Outside | Frank Simmons | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Sudden Impact | Captain Briggs | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Tourist | Harry Flemington | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Memory of Eva Ryker | Jason Eddington | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | Love and Bullets | Jim Brickman | Average | Similar → |
| 1979 | Jennifer: A Woman’s Story | Donald Prince | Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Piranha | Paul Grogan | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | Inside 'the Swarm' | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | The Lincoln Conspiracy | John Wilkes Booth | Average | Similar → |
| 1977 | The Hostage Heart | Dr. Eric Lake | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Enforcer | Captain McKay | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Kingston | Avery Stanton | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Street Killing | Howard Bronstein | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Widow | Richard | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | One Away | Ruben Bass | Average | Similar → |
| 1975 | Demon, Demon | Sam | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Death in Deep Water | Gary Stevens | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Next Voice You See | Stan Kay | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Force Five | Michael Dominick | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Legendary Curse of the Hope Diamond | Ned McLean | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Please Call It Murder | Lt. Danny Ianello | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Gold | Manfred Steyner | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | Chosen Survivors | Peter Macomber | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | Last Bride Of Salem | Matt Clifton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Murder or Mercy | Sam Champion | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | The Iceman Cometh | Willie Oban | Average | Similar → |
| 1973 | The Way We Were | J.J. | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Deliver Us from Evil | Steven Dennis | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | The Delphi Bureau: The Merchant of Death Assignment | Randy Jamison | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | The Eyes of Charles Sand | Jeffrey Winslow | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | The Resurrection of Zachary Wheeler | Sen. Clayton Zachary Wheeler | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | Revenge! | Frank Klaner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Five Desperate Women | Jim Meeker | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | Brother John | Lloyd Thomas | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | Escape from the Planet of the Apes | Dr. Lewis Dixon | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | The Mephisto Waltz | Bill Delancey | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | Longstreet | Duke Paige | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Bridge at Remagen | Maj. Barnes | Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | Fear No Evil | Paul Varney | Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Jigsaw | Jonathan Fields | Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Sergeant Ryker | Capt. David Young | Average | Similar → |
| 1962 | Jane | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Francis of Assisi | Francis Bernardone of Assisi | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | Circle of Deception | Capt. Paul Raine | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | Crack in the Mirror | Larnier / Claude | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Compulsion | Arthur A. Straus | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | In Love and War | Alan Newcombe | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | A Certain Smile | Bertrand Griot | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Keep Our Honor Bright | Student | Hit | Similar → |
Bradford Dillman - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Bradford Dillman?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Bradford Dillman is "Murder or Mercy" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Bradford Dillman acted in?
Bradford Dillman has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Bradford Dillman?
Other notable films include "Kingston", "Widow", and "Street Killing".




