What's After the Movie
James Bell
James Bell (1891–1973) was a prolific American character actor whose career spanned over three decades of stage, film, and television work. Born in the bustling cultural hub of New York City on September 21, 1891, Bell developed an early fascination with the performing arts, participating in local theater productions before serving briefly in World War I. After the war he honed his craft at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where his deep baritone voice and striking presence caught the attention of silent‑film producers. Bell made his screen debut in the early 1930s, quickly becoming a reliable supporting player admired for his ability to embody authority figures, stern fathers, and meticulous professionals. Over the next thirty years he appeared in more than a hundred films, including notable titles such as The Grapes of Wrath (1940), The Big Sleep (1946), and The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), where his nuanced performances added gravitas to the ensemble. In addition to his cinematic work, Bell transitioned smoothly to the emerging medium of television, guest‑starring in popular series like Perry Mason, The Twilight Zone, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents, where his seasoned demeanor made him a favorite among directors. His dedication to the craft extended beyond acting; he mentored younger performers and was an active member of the Screen Actors Guild, advocating for fair working conditions. James Bell retired from acting in the mid‑1960s, after a final appearance on the sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies. He passed away on March 13, 1973, leaving behind a legacy of versatility and professionalism that continues to inspire character actors today.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about James Bell, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how James Bell rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: James Bell
Born: New York City, New York, U.S.
Citizenship: American
Birthday: September 21, 1891
Occupations: actor
Years Active: 1931-1965
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Movies Featuring James Bell
Flying Leathernecks
Acute Misfortune
Marty
Tantrum
Fangboner
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Flesh Meat Doll(S)
Nutsack Pt. 1: Lucifer’s Cosmonauts
Gay for Pray: The Erotic Adventures of Jesus Christ
The Bliss
History is Marching
Harm
The Bleak
A Dying Culture
Beyond Horror: The History and Sub-Culture of Red Films
Barely Legal
Blood River
We Demand Tomorrow
Symbolicus Vol. 1
Crime Wave
Dial 1119
A Day of Fury
Teen-Age Crime Wave
Tribute to a Bad Man
My Friend Flicka
Twilight of Honor
So Proudly We Hail
The Leopard Man
The King’s Vacation
Gangway for Tomorrow
Dead Reckoning
The Last Posse
Devil’s Canyon
Escape to Sonoita
The Sea of Grass
Killer McCoy
Blind Spot
The Unknown
About Mrs. Leslie
The Glenn Miller Story
Texas Lady
The Man Upstairs
The Tin Star
Student Tour
In Love and War
Posse from Hell
The Search for Bridey Murphy
The Trap
Private Detective 62
Streets of Laredo
I Walked with a Zombie
Kidz in the Wood
Roughshod
Ride the Man Down
Sincerely Yours
Blood on the Sun
Four Girls in Town
The Oregon Trail
Red Mountain
Robin of Locksley
Back from the Dead
The Romance of Rosy Ridge
-30-
Holiday Inn
Riding Shotgun
Thunderhead: Son of Flicka
Black Tuesday
White Woman
Day of Reckoning
Driftwood
The Lonely Man
A Lawless Street
Claudelle Inglish
Visions, Dreams and Magic: The Unmade Films of Michael Powell
The Spiral Staircase
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of James Bell, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
2019
Harm
James Bell
The Bleak
A Dying Culture
Narrator
Beyond Horror: The History and Sub-Culture of Red Films
Himself
1957
The Tin Star
Judge Thatcher
Four Girls in Town
Walter Conway
Back from the Dead
Mr. Bradley
The Lonely Man
Judge Hart
1956
A Day of Fury
Doc Logan
Tribute to a Bad Man
L.A. Peterson
The Search for Bridey Murphy
Hugh Lynn Cayce
1955
Marty
Teen-Age Crime Wave
Thomas Paul Grant
Texas Lady
Clay Ballard (Clarion owner)
Sincerely Yours
Grandpa Hunt
A Lawless Street
Asaph Dean
1954
About Mrs. Leslie
Mr. Herbert Poole
The Glenn Miller Story
Mr. Burger
Riding Shotgun
Doc Winkler
Black Tuesday
John Norris
1947
The Sea of Grass
Sam Hall
Killer McCoy
Father Patrick Ryan
Blind Spot
Det. Lt. Fred Applegate
The Romance of Rosy Ridge
John Willhart
Driftwood
Sheriff Bolton
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