Henry Kolker
ActingAbout Henry Kolker
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Joseph Henry Kolker (November 13, 1874) [some sources 1870] Berlin, Prussia, Germany – July 15, 1947, Los Angeles, California) was an American stage and film actor and director. Kolker came to America at the age of five and his family settled in Quincy, Illinois. Kolker, like fellow actors Richard Bennett and Robert Warwick, had a substantial stage career behind him before entering silent films. On stage he appeared opposite such leading ladies as Edith Wynne Matthison, Bertha Kalich and Ruth Chatterton. Kolker is best remembered for his motion picture appearances and for appearing with Barbara Stanwyck in the ground-breaking Pre-Code film Baby Face (1933) as the elderly CEO of the company whom Stanwyck's character seduces. Another well remembered part is as Mr. Seton, father of Katharine Hepburn and Lew Ayres in the 1938 film Holiday directed by George Cukor. Kolker entered films as an actor in 1915 and eventually ended up trying his hand at directing. Kolker's best known directorial effort is Disraeli (1921), starring George Arliss which is now a lost film with only one reel remaining. Prints however exist in Europe and Russia.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Henry Kolker reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Henry Kolker's filmography leans towards the Drama 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 54% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Henry Kolker remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Band Plays On, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Henry Kolker Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Henry Kolker's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Henry Kolker.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1942 | Reunion in France | General Bartholomew (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Sing for Your Supper | Myron T. Hayworth | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | A Woman's Face | Judge | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Grand Ole Opry | William C. Scully | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Here I Am a Stranger | R.J. Bennett | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Real Glory | The General | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Union Pacific | Asa M. Barrows | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Let Us Live | Chief of Police | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | The Cowboy and the Lady | Horace Smith | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Marie Antoinette | Court Aide (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Holiday | Edward Seton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | The Adventures of Marco Polo | Nicolo Polo | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Green Light | Dr. Lane | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Once a Doctor | Bruce Nordland | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Great Guy | Abel Canning | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Theodora Goes Wild | Jonathan Grant | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Man Who Lived Twice | Judge Treacher | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Romeo and Juliet | Friar Laurence | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Bullets or Ballots | Mr. Hollister | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | 3 Kids and a Queen | Crippet | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Shipmates Forever | Doctor (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | I Live My Life | Relative at Mrs. Gage's (Uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Diamond Jim | J.C. Randolf - Bank President | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Black Room | Baron de Berghman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Mad Love | Prefect Rosset | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Go Into Your Dance | Doctor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Case of the Curious Bride | District Attorney Stacey | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | A Dog of Flanders | Monsieur LaTour, Art Critic (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Times Square Lady | Mr. Fielding | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Society Doctor | Dr. Harvey | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Charlie Chan in Paris | Paul Lamartine | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Band Plays On | Professor Hackett | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Imitation of Life | Dr. Preston (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Lady by Choice | Opper | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | Now and Forever | Mr. Clark | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Girl from Missouri | Senator Titcombe | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Blind Date | J.W. Hartwell Sr. | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Hell Cat | C.W. Sloane | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | I've Got Your Number | Lawyer Robert Kirkland | Average | Similar → |
| 1933 | Blood Money | Newspaper Managing Editor (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Baby Face | J.R. Carter | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Faithless | Mr. Carter | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | The Washington Masquerade | Stapleton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Jewel Robbery | Baron Franz Hohenfels | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | The Unholy Garden | Col. Lautrac | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | Indiscreet | Mr. Woodward | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | Quick Millions | District Attorney (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | The Bad One | Prosecutor | Average | Similar → |
| 1929 | The Valiant | Judge | Average | Similar → |
| 1916 | Gloria's Romance | Dr. Stephen Royce | Average | Similar → |
Henry Kolker - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Henry Kolker?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Henry Kolker is "The Band Plays On" with a rating of 8.5/10.
How many movies has Henry Kolker acted in?
Henry Kolker has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Henry Kolker?
Other notable films include "Holiday", "Baby Face", and "Quick Millions".