
Charles C. Wilson
ActingAbout Charles C. Wilson
Charles Cahill Wilson (July 29, 1894 – January 7, 1948) was an American screen and stage actor. He appeared in numerous films during the Golden Age of Hollywood from the late 1920s to late 1940s. Born in New York City in 1894, the white-haired, burly actor was often typecast as an earnest police officer, newspaper editor or principal. He appeared in over 250 films between 1928 and 1948, mostly playing small supporting roles with a few sentences. Charles Wilson began his acting career at the theatre, including roles in six Broadway plays between 1918 and 1931. In 1928, he directed the Hollywood comedy Lucky Boy (1928), where he also made his film debut. According to the Internet Movie Database, Lucky Boy was Wilson's only film as a director. His most notable role was probably Clark Gable's "wonderfully aggravated" newspaper boss in Frank Capra's comedy It Happened One Night, which won five Academy Awards in 1935. He was also cast in small roles in other Capra movies such as Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) and It's a Wonderful Life (1946). Shortly before his death, Wilson appeared as the boss of the Three Stooges in the two-reel comedy Crime on Their Hands (1948).
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Charles C. Wilson reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Charles C. Wilson'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 78% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Charles C. Wilson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in It's a Wonderful Life, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Charles C. Wilson Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Charles C. Wilson's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Charles C. Wilson.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1948 | Crime on Their Hands | J.L. Cameron | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | The Secret Life of Walter Mitty | Police Desk Sergeant (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | It's a Wonderful Life | Charlie (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Road to Utopia | Official Policeman (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | Scarlet Street | Watchman (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Batman | Captain Arnold | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Gentleman Jim | Gurney (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | This Gun for Hire | Police Captain | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Rings on Her Fingers | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Blondie Goes to College | Police Sergeant | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Dressed to Kill | Newspaper Editor | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Out of the Fog | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Meet John Doe | Charlie Dawson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | The Face Behind the Mask | Chief O'Brien | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Lady with Red Hair | George Martin (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | City for Conquest | Bill - Man Behind MacPherson at Fight (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | They Drive by Night | Mike Williams (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Roaring Twenties | Policeman (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Here I Am a Stranger | Managing Editor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | The House of Fear | Police Chief | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Angels with Dirty Faces | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Hold That Co-ed | Coach Burke | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Gateway | Inspector | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Broadway Melody of 1938 | Horse Auctioneer (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | One Mile from Heaven | Fletcher | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Case of the Stuttering Bishop | Hamilton Burger | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Night Key | Police Capt. Wallace (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Great O'Malley | Policeman Chiding School Bus Driver (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | You Only Live Once | Police Inspector (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Magnificent Brute | Murphy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Grand Jury | City Editor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Show Boat | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Mr. Deeds Goes to Town | County Hospital Guard (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Big Brown Eyes | Prosecuting Attorney (Uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Strike Me Pink | Hardie | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Hitch Hike Lady | Mike - a Racketeer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | We're Only Human | Editor of The Daily Star | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Show Them No Mercy! | Clifford | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Glass Key | District Attorney Edward J. Farr | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Nitwits | Police Captain Jennings | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Gilded Lily | Managing Editor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Here Is My Heart | Captain Dodge (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Port of Lost Dreams | Warden | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Fog Over Frisco | Detective Sergeant O'Hagen | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | It Happened One Night | Joe Gordon | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Female | Private Detective Falihee (Uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1933 | The Mayor of Hell | Wilson (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Gold Diggers of 1933 | Deputy (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Hard to Handle | Jailer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | Insurance | Doctor (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
Charles C. Wilson - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Charles C. Wilson?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Charles C. Wilson is "It's a Wonderful Life" with a rating of 8.3/10.
How many movies has Charles C. Wilson acted in?
Charles C. Wilson has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Charles C. Wilson?
Other notable films include "Insurance", "It Happened One Night", and "Scarlet Street".




