
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.
Franklin Pangborn Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Franklin Pangborn 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 Franklin Pangborn's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 100% of Franklin Pangborn'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 Tomorrow's Youth, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Franklin Pangborn Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Franklin Pangborn's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Franklin Pangborn has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Going Hollywood: The '30s | (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | Tell It to a Star | Horace Lovelace | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | You Came Along | Hotel Clerk | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Reckless Age | Mr. Thurtle | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Allergic to Love | Stewart Ives III | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | My Best Gal | Mr. Porter | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Honeymoon Lodge | Cathcart | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Reveille with Beverly | Vernon Lewis (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Strictly in the Groove | Cathcart | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Now, Voyager | Mr. Thompson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Mr. District Attorney in the Carter Case | Charley Towne | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Sullivan's Travels | Mr. Casalsis | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Tillie the Toiler | Perry Tweedale | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Bachelor Daddy | Williams, Club Manager | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Doctor Rhythm | Mr. Stenchfield (Store Clerk) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | She Married an Artist | Paul | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Turn Off the Moon | Mr. Perkins | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | When Love Is Young | John Dorman | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Bad Housekeeping | Piano Tuner | 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 | Doughnuts and Society | Benson | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Don't Gamble with Love | Salesman | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | She Married Her Boss | Window Dresser (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | She Married Her Boss | Window Dresser | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Hollywood Trouble | Tailor | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Tomorrow's Youth | Thornton | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | That's Gratitude | Photographer | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Wild Poses | Otto Phocus | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | The Important Witness | Groom | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Torchy's Loud Spooker | Office Manager | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Torchy Turns Turtle | Office Manager | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Easy on the Eyes | Franklyn Pierce | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Torchy's Kitty Coup | Office Manager | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Tee for Two | Henry | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Torchy's Busy Day | Office Manager | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | The Giddy Age | George | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Doctor's Orders | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Torchy's Night Cap | Office Manager | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Torchy Turns the Trick | Office Manager | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | Hollywood Halfbacks | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | Next Door Neighbors | Landlord | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | Breakfast in Bed | John | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | Cheer Up and Smile | Professor | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1929 | The Sap | Ed Mason | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1927 | My Friend from India | William / Tommy Valentine | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1927 | The Girl in the Pullman | Hector Brooks | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1927 | The Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary | Melville | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1927 | Getting Gertie's Garter | Algy Brooks | Super 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 "Tomorrow's Youth" 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 "Tell It to a Star", "Torchy's Night Cap", and "Torchy's Busy Day".


