Acting
Russell Simpson
Born June 16, 1880 · Danville, California, USA
Died December 12, 1959 · aged 79
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Russell McCaskill Simpson (June 17, 1880, Danville, California – December 12, 1959, Woodland Hills, California) was an American character actor who appeared in over 500 movies. He is best known for his "grizzled old man" appearances. Gaunt, lanky, and rustic-sounding, Simpson was a familiar character actor for almost forty-five years, particularly as a member…
Known For
My Darling Clementine · 1946My Darling Clementine
★ 7.51946
MovieWestern
Three brothers stop off for a night in the town of Tombstone. The next morning they find one of their brothers dead and their cattle stolen. They decide to take revenge on the culprits.
Tap Roots · 1948Tap Roots
★ 6.91948
MovieDramaWar
Set at the beginning of the Civil War, Tap Roots is all about a county in Mississippi which chooses to secede from the state rather than enter the conflict. The county is protected from the Confederacy by an abolitionist and a Native American gentleman. The abolitionist's daughter is courted by a powerful newspaper publisher when her fiance, a confederate officer, elopes with the girl's sister. The daughter at first resists the publisher's attentions, but turns to him for aid when her ex-fiance plans to capture the seceding county on behalf of the South.
The Grapes of Wrath · 1940The Grapes of Wrath
★ 7.81940
MovieDrama
Tom Joad returns to his home after a jail sentence to find his family kicked out of their farm due to foreclosure. He catches up with them on his Uncle’s farm, and joins them the next day as they head for California and a new life... Hopefully.
Hello Trouble · 1932Hello Trouble
★ 7.01932
MovieWestern
After killing a friend in a gunfight, Jeff Douglas quits the Texas Rangers. He arrives at the Kenyon ranch just as Jonathan Kenyon apparently commits suicide. He and Janet Kenyon then become the new half owners. At first, he refuses to wear a gun and is believed to be a coward, but as trouble mounts, he straps it on once again.
Brigham Young · 1940Brigham Young
★ 4.61940
MovieHistoryRomance
Based on the story of the famous Mormon leader, it follows Brigham Young and his challenge to transport his people across the Rocky mountains to settle in Salt Lake City. The plot focuses on two fictitious characters, Jonathan Kent and Zina Webb and the hardships they have to face along the way.
Susan Lenox · 1931Susan Lenox
★ 6.11931
MovieDramaRomance
A young woman runs away from an abusive home and pre-arranged marriage only to be frustrated in her attempts to find happiness with a handsome engineer.
The Tall Men · 1955The Tall Men
★ 6.51955
MovieWesternAdventure
Two brothers discharged from the Confederate Army join a businessman for a cattle drive from Texas to Montana where they run into raiding Jayhawkers, angry Sioux, rough terrain and bad weather.
The Barrier · 1917The Barrier
1917
MovieAdventure
When a cruel sea-captain named Bennett murders the mother of his child, the little girl is rescued and raised by Gale, a storekeeper. Years later, when the girl Necia has grown to womanhood, Bennett shows up in her Alaskan village, determined to have his vengeance on Gale and to retrieve Necia by force.
Movies
My Darling Clementine · 1946My Darling Clementine
★ 7.51946
MovieWestern
Three brothers stop off for a night in the town of Tombstone. The next morning they find one of their brothers dead and their cattle stolen. They decide to take revenge on the culprits.
Tap Roots · 1948Tap Roots
★ 6.91948
MovieDramaWar
Set at the beginning of the Civil War, Tap Roots is all about a county in Mississippi which chooses to secede from the state rather than enter the conflict. The county is protected from the Confederacy by an abolitionist and a Native American gentleman. The abolitionist's daughter is courted by a powerful newspaper publisher when her fiance, a confederate officer, elopes with the girl's sister. The daughter at first resists the publisher's attentions, but turns to him for aid when her ex-fiance plans to capture the seceding county on behalf of the South.
The Grapes of Wrath · 1940The Grapes of Wrath
★ 7.81940
MovieDrama
Tom Joad returns to his home after a jail sentence to find his family kicked out of their farm due to foreclosure. He catches up with them on his Uncle’s farm, and joins them the next day as they head for California and a new life... Hopefully.
Hello Trouble · 1932Hello Trouble
★ 7.01932
MovieWestern
After killing a friend in a gunfight, Jeff Douglas quits the Texas Rangers. He arrives at the Kenyon ranch just as Jonathan Kenyon apparently commits suicide. He and Janet Kenyon then become the new half owners. At first, he refuses to wear a gun and is believed to be a coward, but as trouble mounts, he straps it on once again.
Brigham Young · 1940Brigham Young
★ 4.61940
MovieHistoryRomance
Based on the story of the famous Mormon leader, it follows Brigham Young and his challenge to transport his people across the Rocky mountains to settle in Salt Lake City. The plot focuses on two fictitious characters, Jonathan Kent and Zina Webb and the hardships they have to face along the way.
Susan Lenox · 1931Susan Lenox
★ 6.11931
MovieDramaRomance
A young woman runs away from an abusive home and pre-arranged marriage only to be frustrated in her attempts to find happiness with a handsome engineer.
The Tall Men · 1955The Tall Men
★ 6.51955
MovieWesternAdventure
Two brothers discharged from the Confederate Army join a businessman for a cattle drive from Texas to Montana where they run into raiding Jayhawkers, angry Sioux, rough terrain and bad weather.
The Barrier · 1917The Barrier
1917
MovieAdventure
When a cruel sea-captain named Bennett murders the mother of his child, the little girl is rescued and raised by Gale, a storekeeper. Years later, when the girl Necia has grown to womanhood, Bennett shows up in her Alaskan village, determined to have his vengeance on Gale and to retrieve Necia by force.
Carolina · 1934Carolina
★ 6.71934
MovieComedyRomance
During Civil War Reconstruction, the Connelly family is romantically restored to their former glory when Will Connelly marries a Yankee farm girl, Joanna Tate, despite the objects of his temperamental father Bob Connelly.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington · 1939Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
★ 7.81939
MovieComedyDrama
After the death of a United States Senator, the idealistic Jefferson Smith is appointed as his replacement in Washington. The naive and earnest new senator soon finds himself battling political corruption.
Young Mr. Lincoln · 1939Young Mr. Lincoln
★ 7.21939
MovieDramaHistory
In this dramatized account of his early law career in Illinois, Abraham Lincoln is born into a modest log cabin, where he is encouraged by his first love, Ann Rutledge, to pursue law. Following her tragic death, Lincoln establishes a law practice in Springfield, where he meets a young Mary Todd. Lincoln's law skills are put to the test when he takes on the difficult task of defending two brothers who have been accused of murder.
The Horse Soldiers · 1959The Horse Soldiers
★ 7.01959
MovieWesternWar
A Union Cavalry outfit is sent behind confederate lines in strength to destroy a rail supply center. Along with them is sent a doctor who causes instant antipathy between him and the commander. The secret plan for the mission is overheard by a southern belle who must be taken along to assure her silence.
Friendly Persuasion · 1956Friendly Persuasion
★ 6.71956
MovieDramaWar
The story of a family of Quakers in Indiana in 1862. Their religious sect is strongly opposed to violence and war. It's not easy for them to meet the rules of their religion in everyday life but when Southern troops pass the area they are in real trouble. Should they fight, despite their peaceful attitude?
Joan of Arc · 1948Joan of Arc
★ 6.21948
MovieDramaHistory
In the 15th Century, France is a defeated and ruined nation after the One Hundred Years War against England. The fourteen-year-old farm girl Joan of Arc claims to hear voices from Heaven asking her to lead God's Army against Orleans and crowning the weak Dauphin Charles VII as King of France. Joan gathers the people with her faith, forms an army, and conquers Orleans.
Death Valley · 1946Death Valley
★ 5.71946
MovieWestern
A dance hall girl is murdered and her body robbed of a quantity of gold obtained illegally. The killer flees into Death Valley and encounters the rightful owner of the gold and her sweetheart.
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers · 1954Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
★ 7.11954
MovieComedyDrama
In 1850 Oregon, when a backwoodsman brings a wife home to his farm, his six brothers decide that they want to get married too.
Painted People · 1924Painted People
★ 10.01924
MovieComedy
Ellie Byrne and Don Lane, chums, living in the poor section of a factory town, go away to make their fortunes. Ellie wishes to become a lady so that she can marry Preston Dutton, a society chap, and Don becoming infatuated with Stephanie Parrish, daughter of a wealthy man. Ellie becomes a leading actress and Don the author of her first play. Ellie refuses Dutton’s suit when she learns he is after her money, and Stephanie returns Don’s engagement ring. Ellie and Don go back to the factory town disillusioned. They realize that they love each other and in reality had not bettered themselves for someone else but for each other. A lost film.
Parnell · 1937Parnell
★ 4.61937
MovieDramaHistory
Irish politician Charles Stewart Parnell struggles to free his country from English rule, but his relationship with married Katie O'Shea threatens to ruin all his dreams of freedom.
Oklahoma! · 1955Oklahoma!
★ 6.61955
MovieWesternMusic
In the Oklahoma territory at the turn of the twentieth century, two young cowboys vie with a violent ranch hand and a traveling peddler for the hearts of the women they love.
They Were Expendable · 1945They Were Expendable
★ 6.51945
MovieDramaWar
After a demonstration of new PT boats, Navy brass are still unconvinced of their viability in combat, leaving Lt. "Rusty" Ryan frustrated. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, however, Ryan and his buddy Lt. Brickley are told they can finally take their squadron into battle. The PT boats quickly prove their worth, successfully shooting down Japanese planes, relaying messages between islands, and picking off a multitude of enemy ships.
The Tin Star · 1957The Tin Star
★ 7.01957
MovieWestern
An experienced bounty hunter helps a young sheriff learn the meaning of his badge.
The Ghost of Crossbone Canyon · 1952The Ghost of Crossbone Canyon
★ 9.01952
MovieWestern
Two episodes of the TV series "Wild Bill Hickok" edited together and released as a feature.
Saddle Tramp · 1950Saddle Tramp
★ 6.51950
MovieWestern
Carefree Chuck Connor is on his way west and stops off to see an old friend and his four lads. When his host is killed in a riding accident Chuck realises he must take care of the family. They hit the road and he takes a job on a ranch, but he has to keep the children hidden as his boss hates kids. There's also tension with the neighbouring ranch, and when a girl on the run from her nasty uncle joins the family unannounced Chuck wonders what he has done to deserve all this.
Desire · 1923Desire
★ 7.01923
MovieDrama
Society children Madalyn Harlan and Bob Elkins separate the day they are to be married. Madalyn marries her chauffeur, Jerry, while Bob falls in love with unsophisticated Ruth Cassell and, after careful consideration, marries her. Madalyn's marriage is unhappy, ending in a double suicide after Madalyn's parents disown her and Jerry's family proves to be lower class.
TV Shows
Wagon Train · 1957Wagon Train
★ 6.61957
SeriesWesternDrama
The series initially starred veteran movie supporting actor Ward Bond as the wagon master, later replaced upon his death by John McIntire, and Robert Horton as the scout, subsequently replaced by lookalike Robert Fuller a year after Horton had decided to leave the series.
The series was inspired by the 1950 film Wagon Master directed by John Ford and starring Ben Johnson, Harry Carey Jr. and Ward Bond, and harkens back to the early widescreen wagon train epic The Big Trail starring John Wayne and featuring Bond in his first major screen appearance playing a supporting role. Horton's buckskin outfit as the scout in the first season of the television series resembles Wayne's, who also played the wagon train's scout in the earlier film.
The Texan · 1958The Texan
★ 6.01958
SeriesWestern
The Texan was a Western television series starring popular B movie actor Rory Calhoun, which aired on the CBS television network from 1958 to 1960.
The Lone Ranger · 1949The Lone Ranger
★ 6.81949
SeriesWestern
The Lone Ranger is an American western television series that ran from 1949 to 1957, starring Clayton Moore with Jay Silverheels as Tonto. The live-action series initially featured Gerald Mohr as the episode narrator. Fred Foy served as both narrator and announcer of the radio series from 1948 to its finish and became announcer of the television version when story narration was dropped there. This was by far the highest-rated television program on the ABC network in the early 1950s and its first true "hit".
The 20th Century Fox Hour · 1955The 20th Century Fox Hour
★ 6.01955
SeriesDrama
The 20th Century Fox Hour is an American drama anthology series televised in the United States on CBS from 1955 to 1957. Some of the shows in this series were restored, remastered and shown on the Fox Movie Channel in 2002 under the title Hour of Stars. The season one episode Overnight Haul, starring Richard Conte and Lizabeth Scott, was released in Australia as a feature film.
Public Defender · 1954Public Defender
★ 6.31954
SeriesDrama
The Public Defender is a half-hour 69-episode television dramatic series starring Reed Hadley as Bart Matthews, an attorney for the indigent. The series aired on CBS from March 11, 1954 to June 23, 1955, a season and a half.
Cavalcade of America · 1952Cavalcade of America
★ 4.61952
SeriesDrama
Cavalcade of America is an anthology drama series that was sponsored by the DuPont Company, although it occasionally presented a musical, such as an adaptation of Show Boat, and condensed biographies of popular composers. It was initially broadcast on radio from 1935 to 1953, and later on television from 1952 to 1957. Originally on CBS, the series pioneered the use of anthology drama for company audio advertising. Cavalcade of America documented historical events using stories of individual courage, initiative and achievement, often with feel-good dramatizations of the human spirit's triumph against all odds. This was consistent with DuPont's overall conservative philosophy and legacy as an American company dating back to 1802. The company's motto, "Maker of better things for better living through chemistry," was read at the beginning of each program, and the dramas emphasized humanitarian progress, particularly improvements in the lives of women, often through technological innovation.
The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok · 1951The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok
★ 5.31951
SeriesWestern
The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok is an American Western television series which ran for eight seasons from 1951 through 1958. The Screen Gems series began in syndication, but ran on CBS from 1955 through 1958, and, at the same time, on ABC from 1957 through 1958.
Sergeant Preston of the Yukon · 1955Sergeant Preston of the Yukon
★ 6.81955
SeriesWestern
Sergeant Preston of the Yukon is an American action adventure northwestern television series based on the radio drama Challenge of the Yukon. It was initially broadcast in color on CBS across three seasons from September 29, 1955 to September 25, 1958.
Richard Simmons stars as Sergeant William Preston, who patrols the Yukon Territory in search of renegades and outlaws, during the time of the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s.
General Electric Theater · 1953General Electric Theater
★ 6.81953
SeriesComedyDrama
General Electric Theater is an American anthology series hosted by Ronald Reagan that was broadcast on CBS radio and television. The series was sponsored by General Electric's Department of Public Relations.