
Charles C. Wilson
ActingAbout Charles C. Wilson
Charles Cahill Wilson (July 29, 1894 – January 7, 1948) was an American screen and stage actor. He appeared in numerous films during the Golden Age of Hollywood from the late 1920s to late 1940s. Born in New York City in 1894, the white-haired, burly actor was often typecast as an earnest police officer, newspaper editor or principal. He appeared in over 250 films between 1928 and 1948, mostly playing small supporting roles with a few sentences. Charles Wilson began his acting career at the theatre, including roles in six Broadway plays between 1918 and 1931. In 1928, he directed the Hollywood comedy Lucky Boy (1928), where he also made his film debut. According to the Internet Movie Database, Lucky Boy was Wilson's only film as a director. His most notable role was probably Clark Gable's "wonderfully aggravated" newspaper boss in Frank Capra's comedy It Happened One Night, which won five Academy Awards in 1935. He was also cast in small roles in other Capra movies such as Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) and It's a Wonderful Life (1946). Shortly before his death, Wilson appeared as the boss of the Three Stooges in the two-reel comedy Crime on Their Hands (1948).
Charles C. Wilson Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Charles C. Wilson reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Charles C. Wilson's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 100% of Charles C. Wilson'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 The Night Hawk, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Charles C. Wilson Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Charles C. Wilson's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Charles C. Wilson has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 | Meet Mr. Mischief | Harry's Boss | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | It's a Wonderful Life | Charlie (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Passkey to Danger | Police Sergeant | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | Scarlet Street | Watchman (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Hey, Rookie | Sam Jonas | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | The Man Who Returned to Life | Inspector Mensil | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | The Officer and the Lady | Police Captain Hart | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Meet John Doe | Charlie Dawson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Charter Pilot | Owen | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Sandy Is a Lady | Sergeant | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Roaring Twenties | Policeman (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Here I Am a Stranger | Managing Editor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Hotel for Women | Albert | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | The House of Fear | Police Chief | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Angels with Dirty Faces | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | The Night Hawk | Lonigan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Tenth Avenue Kid | Commissioner | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Gateway | Inspector | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | State Police | Captain Halstead | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | That’s My Story | Cummings | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Partners in Crime | Inspector Simpson | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Life Begins in College | Tom Burke | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Case of the Stuttering Bishop | Hamilton Burger | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Woman in Distress | Editor Herbert Claxton | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Mind Your Own Business | Detective | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Gentleman from Louisiana | Diamond Jim Brady | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | I'd Give My Life | Warden | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Grand Jury | City Editor | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Mine with the Iron Door | Pitkins | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Mr. Deeds Goes to Town | County Hospital Guard (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Return of Jimmy Valentine | Kelley | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Hitch Hike Lady | Mike - a Racketeer | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | White Lies | Defense Attorney (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | We're Only Human | Editor of The Daily Star | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Show Them No Mercy! | Clifford | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Mary Burns, Fugitive | G-Man at dancehall | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Men of the Hour | Harper | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Car 99 | Trooper Captain Ryan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Here Is My Heart | Captain Dodge (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Port of Lost Dreams | Warden | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Human Side | Furniture Buyer (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Embarrassing Moments | Attorney | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Name the Woman | Joel Walker | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Hell Cat | Graham | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | It Happened One Night | Joe Gordon | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | The Mayor of Hell | Wilson (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Gold Diggers of 1933 | Deputy (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | Hot News Margie | Newspaper Editor (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | Insurance | Doctor (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1929 | Acquitted | Nelson | Super Hit | Similar → |
Charles C. Wilson - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Charles C. Wilson?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Charles C. Wilson is "The Night Hawk" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Charles C. Wilson acted in?
Charles C. Wilson has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Charles C. Wilson?
Other notable films include "Mind Your Own Business", "The Return of Jimmy Valentine", and "Name the Woman".



