Malcolm Atterbury
ActingAbout Malcolm Atterbury
Malcolm MacLeod Atterbury (February 20, 1907 – August 16, 1992) was an American stage, film, and television actor, and vaudevillian. Atterbury is perhaps best known for his uncredited role in Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest (1959), as the rural man who exclaims, "That plane's dustin' crops where there ain't no crops!" Four years later, Atterbury appeared as the Deputy in Hitchcock's The Birds (1963). He further appeared in such films as I Was a Teenage Werewolf (1957), Crime of Passion (1957), Blue Denim (1959), Wild River (1960), Advise and Consent (1962), and Hawaii (1966). His last film was Emperor of the North Pole (1973). Atterbury was married on February 6, 1937 to Ellen Ayres Hardies (1915–1994) of Amsterdam, New York, daughter of judge Charles E. Hardies Sr. and sister of Charles Hardies Jr., who later became Montgomery County district attorney. He died in Beverly Hills of old age in 1992. CLR
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Malcolm Atterbury reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 39 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Malcolm Atterbury'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 36% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Malcolm Atterbury remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in North by Northwest, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Malcolm Atterbury Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Malcolm Atterbury's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Malcolm Atterbury.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | The Longest Yard | Bit Part (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Emperor of the North | Hogger | Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Learning Tree | Silas Newhall | Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | Hawaii | Gideon Hale | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | The Chase | Mr. Reeves | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Seven Days in May | Horace the White House Physician (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | Cattle King | Abe Clevenger (Homesteader) | Average | Similar → |
| 1963 | The Birds | Deputy Al Malone | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | Advise & Consent | Senator Tom August | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Summer and Smoke | Rev. Winemiller | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | From the Terrace | George Fry | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | Wild River | Sy Moore | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | Hell Bent for Leather | A.C. Gamble | Average | Similar → |
| 1959 | High School Big Shot | Mr. Grant | Flop | Similar → |
| 1959 | North by Northwest | Man at Prairie Crossing (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | A Marriage of Strangers | Mr. Emhardt | Flop | Similar → |
| 1959 | Rio Bravo | Jake | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | Old Man | The Doctor | Flop | Similar → |
| 1958 | Days of Wine and Roses | Jim Hungerford | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | Bomber's Moon | Col. Schwimmer | Flop | Similar → |
| 1958 | Badman's Country | Buffalo Bill Cody | Flop | Similar → |
| 1958 | How to Make a Monster | Security Guard Richards | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | A Town Has Turned to Dust | Jenkins | Flop | Similar → |
| 1958 | The High Cost of Loving | Harry Lessing (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | The Dalton Girls | Sewell, the banker | Flop | Similar → |
| 1957 | Blood of Dracula | Lt. Dunlap | Flop | Similar → |
| 1957 | Valerie | Sheriff | Flop | Similar → |
| 1957 | I Was a Teenage Werewolf | Charles Rivers | Flop | Similar → |
| 1957 | Fury at Showdown | Norris | Flop | Similar → |
| 1956 | Crime of Passion | Police Officer Spitz | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | Toward the Unknown | Hank | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | Dakota Incident | Desk Clerk at Belvidere Hotel | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Johnny Concho | Milo, Mail Dispatcher (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1956 | Crime in the Streets | Mr. McAllister | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | Stranger at My Door | Rev. Hastings | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Steel Jungle | Mailman | Flop | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Lone Ranger | Phineas Tripp (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1955 | Man Without a Star | Fancy Joe Toole (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Dragnet | Lee Reinhard | Average | Similar → |
Malcolm Atterbury - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Malcolm Atterbury?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Malcolm Atterbury is "North by Northwest" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Malcolm Atterbury acted in?
Malcolm Atterbury has been featured in at least 39 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Malcolm Atterbury?
Other notable films include "Rio Bravo", "The Birds", and "Seven Days in May".