American actor (1887–1958)
John Rummel Hamilton (January 16, 1887 – October 15, 1958) was an American actor who appeared in many movies and television programs, including the role as the blustery newspaper editorPerry White in the 1950s television programAdventures of Superman .
John R. Hamilton was born inShippensburg ,Pennsylvania , to John M. Hamilton and his wife Cornelia J. (Hollar) Hamilton. Hamilton was the youngest of four children, and his mother died eight days after his birth. Hamilton grew up in neighboring Southampton Township, Pennsylvania, where his father worked as a store clerk.
Hamilton's father was also appointed Shippensburg's trustee for the State Superintendent of Public Education, allowing Hamilton to attend college atDickinson College andShippensburg State Teacher's College . He opted to forgo teaching for a stage career, however.
John Hamilton (right) inMeet John Doe (1941) After becoming an actor, he worked in Broadway plays and in touring theatrical companies for many years prior to his 1930 movie debut. He was in the original Broadway company of the 1922 playSeventh Heaven and would appear in the movieremake (Seventh Heaven ) in 1937. He featured withDonald Meek in a series of short mysteries based onS.S. Van Dine stories forWarner Brothers . He played various types of characters, but most often figures of authority like judges and lawyers, politicians and commissioners, doctors and military officers. He appeared in more than three hundred movies, movieserials or television programs from the 1930s through the 1950s.
Among other roles, Hamilton appeared as a judge who passes sentence on soon-to-be-racketeer James Cagney for violation of the Volstead Act inThe Roaring Twenties (1939). Hamilton also appeared as a police inspector in theJohn Huston filmIn This Our Life in 1942, and got several lines as DA Bryan quizzing Humphrey Bogart's Sam Spade inThe Maltese Falcon (1941). He also played Professor Gordon inFlash Gordon Conquers the Universe (1940) and eventually theDaily Planet newspaper editor Perry White in the 1950s television seriesAdventures of Superman (1952–1958).[ 1] After that, he appeared in television commercials for a brand ofbifocals termed "Inviso No-Line Glasses."
John Hamilton died on October 15, 1958, inHollywood, California of heart failure at the age of 71.[ 2] He was survived by a son. He was interred inHollywood Forever Cemetery .
Selected filmography [ edit ] Dangerous Nan McGrew (1930) - GrantHeads Up (1930) - Capt. WhitneySuccess (1931) - The FatherRare Auto and Travel Thrills (1933)Keep 'Em Rolling (1934) - Major in France Battlefield (uncredited)Stand Up and Cheer! (1934) - Presidential Naval Aide (uncredited)Parole! (1936) - Police Inspector Hamilton (uncredited)The Final Hour (1936) - Department of Justice Chief (uncredited)Two-Fisted Gentleman (1936) - Frank BoydCraig's Wife (1936) - Detective (uncredited)Two in a Crowd (1936) - PurdyAdventure in Manhattan (1936) - Chief of G-Men (uncredited)Legion of Terror (1936) - CummingsLove Letters of a Star (1936) - (uncredited)Three Smart Girls (1936) - Police Lieutenant (uncredited)Lady from Nowhere (1936) - CommissionerA Man Betrayed (1936) - Mr. CarltonBreezing Home (1937) - Chairman (uncredited)Two Wise Maids (1937) - Grover WentworthHer Husband Lies (1937) - First Plainclothesman (uncredited)Seventh Heaven (1937) - GendarmeI Promise to Pay (1937) - Martin (uncredited)Criminals of the Air (1937) - Captain WallaceThis Is My Affair (1937) - WardenFifty Roads to Town (1937) - Captain CarrollMarried Before Breakfast (1937) - Plainclothesman at Pier (uncredited)It Could Happen to You (1937) - JudgeShe Had to Eat (1937) - Police Captain (uncredited)The Singing Marine (1937) - Marine Colonel in Shanghai (uncredited)Bad Guy (1937) - WardenOn Such a Night (1937) - Army Officer (uncredited)The Man Who Cried Wolf (1937) - A Judge (uncredited)That Certain Woman (1937) - American (scenes deleted)One Hundred Men and a Girl (1937) - Theatre Manager (uncredited)Dangerously Yours (1937) - Roberts (uncredited)Night Club Scandal (1937) - GovernorMissing Witnesses (1937) - Police Chief Elmer H. Davis (uncredited)Murder Is News (1937) - David CorningMr. Moto's Gamble (1938) - Philip BentonOver the Wall (1938) - WardenDoctor Rhythm (1938) - Insp. BryceHunted Men (1938) - Commissioner Police (uncredited)You Can't Take It with You (1938) - Kirby's Dining Guest (uncredited)Boys Town (1938) - Warden (uncredited)Personal Secretary (1938) - Truesdale (uncredited)Too Hot to Handle (1938) - Mr. Fairfield (uncredited)Mr. Wong, Detective (1938) - Simon DaytonGirls on Probation (1938) - Police Chief (uncredited)I Stand Accused (1938) - Defense Attorney BrowerAngels with Dirty Faces (1938) - Police Captain (uncredited)Devil's Island (1939) - Captain of Second Convict Ship (uncredited)My Son Is a Criminal (1939) - Policeman (uncredited)Secret Service of the Air (1939) - Warden Jackson (uncredited)The Spirit of Culver (1939) - Maj. WhiteInside Story (1939) - Judge (uncredited)Three Smart Girls Grow Up (1939) - Harry - Conference Room Businessman (uncredited)First Offenders (1939) - Sheriff SlavinBlind Alley (1939) - Warden (uncredited)Forged Passport (1939) - Jack RogersConfessions of a Nazi Spy (1939) - FBI Chief (uncredited)Rose of Washington Square (1939)[ 3] - JudgeIt Could Happen to You (1939) - Minor Role (uncredited)Stronger Than Desire (1939) - Second Trial Judge (uncredited)The Forgotten Woman (1939) - Dr. MayWaterfront (1939) - Detective Captain (uncredited)They Shall Have Music (1939) - Detective (uncredited)I Stole a Million (1939) - Dist. Atty. WilsonThe Angels Wash Their Faces (1939) - Officer Merton (uncredited)Full Confession (1939) - The Judge (uncredited)Dust Be My Destiny (1939) - First Warden (uncredited)Espionage Agent (1939) - Code Room Instructor (uncredited)Smashing the Money Ring (1939) - Night CaptainOn Dress Parade (1939) - A Co. Maneuvers Colonel (uncredited)The Roaring Twenties (1939) - JudgeCall a Messenger (1939) - Police Lt. Nelson (uncredited)Swanee River (1939) - Doctor (uncredited)Invisible Stripes (1939) - Captain Johnson (uncredited)Oh Johnny, How You Can Love (1940) - Jonathan Archer (uncredited)Brother Rat and a Baby (1940) - Judge (uncredited)Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet (1940) - Hirsch (uncredited)Three Cheers for the Irish (1940) - Eddie - the Judge (uncredited)Johnny Apollo (1940) - JudgeFlash Gordon Conquers the Universe (1940, Serial) - Professor Gordon [Chs. 1, 4]Tear Gas Squad (1940) - Chief FerrisMurder in the Air (1940) - Agent Hargrave (uncredited)The Man Who Talked Too Much (1940) - Governor (uncredited)They Drive by Night (1940) - Defense Attorney (uncredited)The Golden Fleecing (1940) - Judge (uncredited)Boom Town (1940) - McMasters' Defense Attorney (uncredited)Fugitive from a Prison Camp (1940) - Minor Role (uncredited)Tugboat Annie Sails Again (1940) - Capt. BroadLady with Red Hair (1940) - Defense Attorney Graham (uncredited)The Great Plane Robbery (1940) - Dr. JamisonFlight Command (1940) - Pensacola Commander (uncredited)Cheers for Miss Bishop (1941) - President WattsFlight from Destiny (1941) - Judge (uncredited)Meet John Doe (1941) - Jim (uncredited)Strange Alibi (1941) - Judge in Geary Trial (uncredited)World Premiere (1941) - Bronson (uncredited)Hold Back the Dawn (1941) - Mac - Studio Receptionist (uncredited)Nine Lives Are Not Enough (1941) - Police Chief Turner (uncredited)It Started with Eve (1941) - Thomas - Headwaiter (uncredited)Passage from Hong Kong (1941) - Capt. Shouse (uncredited)The Maltese Falcon (1941) - District Attorney BryanBlues in the Night (1941) - Doctor Treating Jigger (uncredited)They Died with Their Boots On (1941) - Colonel (uncredited)I Killed That Man (1941) - District AttorneyBorrowed Hero (1941) - William BrooksThe Body Disappears (1941) - Trial Judge (uncredited)Pacific Blackout (1941) - Police Captain (uncredited)Always in My Heart (1942) - WardenTo the Shores of Tripoli (1942) - Gen. Gordon (scenes deleted)I Was Framed (1942) - Judge (uncredited)The Great Man's Lady (1942) - Sen. GrantIn This Our Life (1942) - Police Inspector MillettDr. Broadway (1942) - Joe - Inspector (uncredited)Syncopation (1942) - Mr. Ames (uncredited)Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) - Recruiting Major (uncredited)The Big Shot (1942) - JudgeWings for the Eagle (1942) - Mr. Archer (uncredited)Escape from Crime (1942) - RaffertyEnemy Agents Meet Ellery Queen (1942) - Bracken - The Police CommissionerAcross the Pacific (1942) - Court-Martial PresidentPhantom Killer (1942) - John G. HarrisonLucky Jordan (1942) - Colonel (scenes deleted)Over My Dead Body (1942) - District Attorney Stuart DrinkwaterTennessee Johnson (1942) - State Chairman (uncredited)G-Men vs. the Black Dragon (1943, Serial) - Raymond Martin (uncredited)Aerial Gunner (1943) - Doctor (uncredited)Mission to Moscow (1943) - Charlie - American Newsman (uncredited)Daredevils of the West (1943, Serial) - Sen. Garfield [Ch. 8]Good Luck, Mr. Yates (1943) - J.C. Allison (uncredited)Gals, Incorporated (1943) - Doctor (uncredited)The Adventures of a Rookie (1943) - Col. Wilson (uncredited)So's Your Uncle (1943) - Mr. CraigLarceny with Music (1943) - Important bankerCrazy House (1943) - Outraged Director (uncredited)Government Girl (1943) - Irate Man (uncredited)Swingtime Johnny (1943) - CaldwellWhat a Woman! (1943) - Senator (uncredited)Rookies in Burma (1943) - Army Major (uncredited)Standing Room Only (1944) - General (uncredited)Captain America (1944, Serial) - G.F. Hillman [Chs. 13-14]Up in Arms (1944) - Businessman in Theatre Lobby (uncredited)Action in Arabia (1944) - Mr. Hamilton (uncredited)Hi, Good Lookin'! (1944) - Mr. McGillicuddy (uncredited)Man from Frisco (1944) - Governor (uncredited)Goodnight, Sweetheart (1944) - District Attorney (uncredited)Christmas Holiday (1944) - Jury Foreman (uncredited)Allergic to Love (1944) - Dr. McLaughlanWilson (1944) - Legislator in Wilson's Office (uncredited)The Girl Who Dared (1944) - Beau RichmondThe Port of 40 Thieves (1944) - Mr. FellowsMaisie Goes to Reno (1944) -Judge Carter (uncredited)The Doughgirls (1944) - Businessman in Lobby (uncredited)Shadow of Suspicion (1944) - Mr. R.M. CartellMusic in Manhattan (1944) - Mr. Bradley, the Banker (uncredited)I'm from Arkansas (1944) - Harry Cashin - Vice President of Slowe Packing CompanyZorro's Black Whip (1944, Serial) - Mr. Walsh - Banker [Chs.1-3,10-12]My Gal Loves Music (1944) - Doctor (uncredited)Army Wives (1944) - Gen. Lowry (uncredited)Crazy Knights (1944) - Mr. GardnerHi, Beautiful (1944) - Board Member (uncredited)Meet Miss Bobby Socks (1944) - R. N. Swanson (uncredited)Lake Placid Serenade (1944) - Hopkins (uncredited)Sheriff of Las Vegas (1944) - Judge Homer T. BlackwellMom and Dad (1945) - Dr. BurnellThe Great Flamarion (1945) - Coroner (uncredited)Strange Illusion (1945) - Bill AllenCircumstantial Evidence (1945) - Gov. HanlonI'll Tell the World (1945) - President (uncredited)The Naughty Nineties (1945) - Sheriff of Ironville (uncredited)On Stage Everybody (1945) - Mr. Smoothasilk (uncredited)Incendiary Blonde (1945) - Judge (uncredited)First Yank Into Tokyo (1945) - Dr. Stacey (uncredited)Sensation Hunters (1945) - Night Court Judge (uncredited)Johnny Angel (1945) - Harbor Master (uncredited)Voice of the Whistler (1945) - Doctor (uncredited)Northwest Trail (1945) - John OwensGirl on the Spot (1946) - Police Commissioner (uncredited)Because of Him (1946) - Critic (uncredited)The Phantom Rider (1946, Serial) - Sen. Williams [Chs. 7-8]The Madonna's Secret (1946) - LambertBlondie's Lucky Day (1946) - Mr. Emory (uncredited)Johnny Comes Flying Home (1946) - C.H. Metters (uncredited)Home on the Range (1946) - State OfficialBadman's Territory (1946) - Commissioner Taylor (uncredited)One Exciting Week (1946) - Dr. Jones (uncredited)Renegades (1946) - Prosecuting Attorney (uncredited)Shadows Over Chinatown (1946) - Pronnet (uncredited)The Mysterious Mr. M (1946, Serial) - Dr. Kittridge (uncredited)Step by Step (1946) - Police Capt. Edmonds (uncredited)The Brute Man (1946) - Professor Cushman (uncredited)Wife Wanted (1946) - Judge (uncredited)The Secret of the Whistler (1946) - McLaren aka Mac (uncredited)Magnificent Doll (1946) - Mr. Witherspoon (uncredited)Raiders of the South (1947) - General LawtonI'll Be Yours (1947) - Board Chairman (uncredited)The Devil on Wheels (1947) - Mr. Davis (uncredited)The Beginning or the End (1947) - Dr. Harold C. UreyThe Sea of Grass (1947) - Forrest Hamilton (uncredited)It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947) - Harper (uncredited)Violence (1947) - Doctor ChalmersNew Orleans (1947) - Police Chief (uncredited)That's My Gal (1947) - Assemblyman McBrideToo Many Winners (1947) - Albert PaysonThe Trouble with Women (1947) - 2nd JudgeThe Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947) - Dr. Remington (uncredited)News Hounds (1947) - Timothy X. 'Big Tim' DonlinThe Unfinished Dance (1947) - Dr. Philburn (uncredited)The Foxes of Harrow (1947) - Ship's Cargo Official (uncredited)Key Witness (1947) - R. C. Hurlbert - Coroner (uncredited)Blondie in the Dough (1947) - Premier Biscuit Board Member (uncredited)The Fabulous Texan (1947) - President Ulysses S. Grant (uncredited)Bandits of Dark Canyon (1947) - Ben ShawHigh Wall (1947) - Police Surgeon (uncredited)Song of My Heart (1948) - CzarThe Judge Steps Out (1948) - Diner on Train (uncredited)The Gallant Legion (1948) - Speaker of the House (uncredited)The Checkered Coat (1948) - Marcus AnsonReturn of the Bad Men (1948) - Doc Greene (uncredited)The Babe Ruth Story (1948) - Businessman (uncredited)Walk a Crooked Mile (1948) - G.W. Hunter (uncredited)The Gentleman from Nowhere (1948) - Judge (uncredited)Desperadoes of Dodge City (1948) - Land AgentIn This Corner (1948) - Admiral in Harris' OfficeRusty Leads the Way (1948) - Board Member (uncredited)Sheriff of Wichita (1949) - Prison WardenThe Judge (1949) - Lt. EdwardsThe Undercover Man (1949)Addio Mimí! (1949) - DoctorCanadian Pacific (1949) - Pere LacombLaw of the Golden West (1949) - Isaac Cody, Bill's fatherThe Wyoming Bandit (1949) - MarshalBandit King of Texas (1949) - Marshal John TurnerThe James Brothers of Missouri (1949, Serial) - Lon Royer [Ch.1]Strange Bargain (1949) - Employee at Meeting (uncredited)Fighting Man of the Plains (1949) - CurrierAlias the Champ (1949) - Police Commissioner BronsonPrison Warden (1949) - Mr. Webb (uncredited)Pioneer Marshal (1949) - Man with BraceletBodyhold (1949) - Commissioner HarleyDavy Crockett, Indian Scout (1950) - Col. PollardBells of Coronado (1950) - Mr. Linden, Insurance Company OfficialMilitary Academy with That Tenth Avenue Gang (1950) - Judge Ralph TownsendThe Reformer and the Redhead (1950) - Police Captain (uncredited)The Invisible Monster (1950, Serial) - Henry Miller [Chs. 1, 8, 12] (uncredited)Annie Get Your Gun (1950) - Ship Captain (uncredited)Duchess of Idaho (1950) - Board Member (uncredited)The Men (1950) - Justice of the Peace (uncredited)Bunco Squad (1950) - John Deming (uncredited)I'll Get By (1950) - Marine General (uncredited)Right Cross (1950) - Horse Owner (unconfirmed)The Missourians (1950) - Mayor Grant McDowallThe Du Pont Story (1950) - Military Officer (uncredited)The Magnificent Yankee (1950) - Justice White (uncredited)The Flying Missile (1950) - Second Senator (uncredited)Al Jennings of Oklahoma (1951) - Schyler (uncredited)Belle Le Grand (1951) - Broker (uncredited)Sugarfoot (1951) - Judge Backus (uncredited)Night Riders of Montana (1951) - Doctor (uncredited)Inside Straight (1951) - Jim Walters (uncredited)Badman's Gold (1951) - The MarshalThe Great Caruso (1951) - Forrest DeWitt - Charity High Bidder (uncredited)Million Dollar Pursuit (1951) - Police Inspector MorganThe Guy Who Came Back (1951) - Admiral (uncredited)Criminal Lawyer (1951) - Police Captain Loomis (uncredited)The Pace That Thrills (1952) - Sour PussTarget (1952) - BaileyListen, Judge (1952) - Three Stooges shortCripple Creek (1952) - San Francisco Postmaster (uncredited)The Rose Bowl Story (1952) - Dr. Lansing (uncredited)Million Dollar Mermaid (1952) - Skeptic in Rector's Restaurant (uncredited)Never Wave at a WAC (1953) - Sen. Holbrook (uncredited)Marshal of Cedar Rock (1953) - Stover - Prison WardenJack McCall, Desperado (1953) - Col. CornishIron Mountain Trail (1953) - Circuit JudgeRun for the Hills (1953) - Mr. HarvesterSo This Is Love (1953) - Charlie, Show Backer (uncredited)El Paso Stampede (1953) - Rancher White (uncredited)Donovan's Brain (1953) - Mr. MacNish, Bank Manager (uncredited)Man of Conflict (1953) - CornwallSitting Bull (1954) - Clifton Staley (uncredited)The Night of the Hunter (1955) - Townsman Who Greets Rachel (uncredited)Bobby Ware Is Missing (1955) - Stearns - Goodwin's Associate (uncredited)Chicago Confidential (1957) - Attorney Emory Morgan (uncredited)Outcasts of the City (1958)Adventures of Superman (1952-1958, TV Series) - Perry White (final appearance)