Best known for his work in slapstick comedy and detective whodunits,
character actor Donald MacBride lent his serious, craggy mug and
determined professionalism to scores of 30s and 40s crimers. Born in
Brooklyn, he first appeared on the vaudeville and Broadway stages as a
teenage singer in such shows as "George White's Scandals" and "Room
Service." Taking a chance on Hollywood, he appeared in a few silents,
then returned full time to films again in the 30s with a variety of
interesting parts in over 100 comedies and dramas. These included the
movie version of
Room Service (1938) with the Marx Brothers, the flustered hotel
manager in
My Favorite Wife (1940), an ex-con and ringleader in
High Sierra (1941) and an Irish
politico in
The Dark Horse (1946). However, his real prowess was playing by-the-book
police inspectors and, while looking slightly less capable when at odds
with a Charlie Chan, a Michael Shayne, or the Saint, he came off much
more capable on his own in tracking down such hardened criminals as The
Creeper. In the 50s he turned to TV as well, until his death in
1957.
The Ford Television Theatre(1952)as Mr. Hathaway
Screen Directors Playhouse(1955)as Col. Hobson
The Red Skelton Hour(1951)as Bank Manager, Mr. Avery - restaurant owner
Jane Wyman Presents the Fireside Theatre(1955)as Dr. Rauchenback
Climax!(1954)as Lt. Ferguson
Best Foot Forward(1943)
Mexican Spitfire Sees a Ghost(1942)
Room Service(1938)
The Colgate Comedy Hour(1950)as Self - Comic Actor
Northward, Ho!(1940)as Self
Headliners & Legends with Matt Lauer(1998)as Self
Classic Comedy Teams(1986)as Gregory Wagner (segment: Marx Brothers)
Studio 57(1954)as Dr. Rauchenback
