Brian Keith
ActingAbout Brian Keith
Brian Keith (November 14, 1921 – June 24, 1997) was an American film, television, and stage actor who in his four decade-long career gained recognition for his work in movies such as the 1961 Disney family film The Parent Trap, the 1966 comedy The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming, and the 1975 adventure saga The Wind and the Lion, in which he portrayed Theodore Roosevelt. On television, two of his best known roles were that of a widowed uncle turned bachelor: Bill Davis, in the 1960s sitcom Family Affair, and a tough judge in the 1980s drama Hardcastle and McCormick.
Brian Keith Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Brian Keith 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 Brian Keith's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 66% of Brian Keith'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 After the Rain, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Brian Keith Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Brian Keith's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Brian Keith has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Sam Peckinpah's West: Legacy of a Hollywood Renegade | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | The Second Civil War | General Buford | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | The Return of Hunter: Everyone Walks in L.A. | Pete Morgan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Walking Thunder | Narrator | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Wind Dancer | Truman Richards | Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Welcome Home | Harry Robins | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Perry Mason: The Case of the Lethal Lesson | Frank Wellman Sr. | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | After the Rain | Byron Monroe | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Young Guns | Buckshot Roberts | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | The Alamo: Thirteen Days to Glory | Colonel Davy Crockett | Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Cry for the Strangers | Chief Whalen | Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | Sharky's Machine | Papa | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | Hooper | Jocko Doyle | Average | Similar → |
| 1977 | In the Matter of Karen Ann Quinlan | Joe Quinlan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Nickelodeon | H.H. Cobb | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Loneliest Runner | Arnold Curtis | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Quest | Tank Logan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Wind and the Lion | Theodore Roosevelt | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Lion Roars Again | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Yakuza | George Tanner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Second Chance | Geoff Smith | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Scandalous John | John McCanless | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | With Six You Get Eggroll | Jake Iverson | Average | Similar → |
| 1967 | Reflections in a Golden Eye | Lt. Col. Morris Langdon | Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | Nevada Smith | Jonas Cord | Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming! | Police Chief Link Mattocks | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | The Rare Breed | Alexander Bowen | Average | Similar → |
| 1965 | Johnny Shiloh | Sgt. Gabe Trotter | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | The Hallelujah Trail | Frank Wallingham | Average | Similar → |
| 1964 | Those Calloways | Cam Calloway | Average | Similar → |
| 1964 | Bristle Face | Lue Swank | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | The Parent Trap | Mitch Evers | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | The Young Philadelphians | Mike Flanagan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | Villa!! | Bill Harmon | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | Desert Hell | Capt. Robert Edwards | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | Violent Road | Mitch Barton | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | Fort Dobbs | Clett | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Hell Canyon Outlaws | Happy Waters | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Run of the Arrow | Captain Clark | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | Dino | Larry Sheridan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Nightfall | John | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Storm Center | Paul Duncan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Tight Spot | Vince Striker | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | The Violent Men | Cole Wilkison | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | The Bamboo Prison | Cpl. Brady | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Alaska Seas | Jim Kimmerly | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Arrowhead | Capt. Bill North | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | Fourteen Hours | Extra (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Boomerang! | Man in Mob Behind Courthouse (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Knute Rockne All American | Student at Train Station (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
Brian Keith - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Brian Keith?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Brian Keith is "After the Rain" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Brian Keith acted in?
Brian Keith has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Brian Keith?
Other notable films include "Hell Canyon Outlaws", "Desert Hell", and "Villa!!".