Clarence Wilson
ActingAbout Clarence Wilson
Clarence Hummel Wilson (November 17, 1876 – October 5, 1941) was an American character actor. He appeared in nearly 200 movies between 1920 and 1941, mostly in supporting roles as an old miser or grouch. He had notable supporting roles in films like The Front Page (1931), Ruggles of Red Gap (1935), and You Can't Take It With You (1938). Wilson also played in several Our Gang comedies, most notably as Mr. Crutch in Shrimps for a Day and school board chairman Alonzo Pratt in Come Back, Miss Pipps, his final film. Wilson died on October 5, 1941, approximately three weeks before the release of Come Back, Miss Pipps.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Clarence Wilson reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of Clarence Wilson's filmography leans towards the Comedy 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 68% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Clarence Wilson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Clarence Wilson Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Clarence Wilson's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Clarence Wilson.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | It's Showtime | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | The Big Parade of Comedy | Actor in 'Hollywood Party' (archive footage) (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Come Back, Miss Pipps | Alonzo K. Pratt (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Drums Along the Mohawk | Paymaster (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Some Like It Hot | Mr. Ives | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | East Side of Heaven | Telegraph Operator (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Let Us Live | Lunchroom Proprietor (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Son of Frankenstein | Dr. Berger (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | The Mad Miss Manton | Norris' Attorney (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | You Can't Take It with You | John Blakely | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | In Old Chicago | Lawyer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm | Jake Singer (as Clarence Hummel Wilson) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Westland Case | Charles Frazee | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Great Gambini | Doctor | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | A Star Is Born | Justice of the Peace (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Man Of The People | Skinny Wilson - Sulker | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Case of the Black Cat | Mr. Shuster | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Wedding Present | Simmons | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Little Miss Nobody | Herman Slade | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Paddy O'Day | Lawyer Brewster | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Rainmakers | Dennis P. Hogan | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Mad Love | Piano Creditor (Uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Tin Man | Mad Scientist | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | A Dog of Flanders | Antoine - Official with Court Order (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Ruggles of Red Gap | Jake Henshaw | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Shrimps for a Day | Mr. Crutch | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Imitation of Life | Mr. Bristol, Landlord (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Kentucky Kernels | Mr. Peck, Lawyer (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Count of Monte Cristo | Fouquet | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | I Like it That Way | The Professor (as Clarence Hummel Wilson) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Lady Killer | Lawyer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | King for a Night | Mr. Whistler | Average | Similar → |
| 1933 | Tillie and Gus | Phineas Pratt | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Terror Aboard | Ship's Doctor | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | 20,000 Years in Sing Sing | Finn's Lawyer Morris (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Flaming Guns | J.P. Mulford | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Down To Earth | Ed Eggers | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Love Me Tonight | Shirtmaker (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | The Purchase Price | Justice of the Peace Elmer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Jewel Robbery | Prefect of Police | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | The Famous Ferguson Case | County Attorney | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Under Eighteen | A.J. Dietrich, Attorney (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | The Front Page | Sheriff Hartman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | Paid | Max Hardy (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1928 | A Girl in Every Port | Bartender in Marseille (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1927 | Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans | Money Lender (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1927 | Uncle Tom's Cabin | Bidder at Eliza's Auction (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1926 | Young April | Flower vendor (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1923 | The Hunchback of Notre Dame | Undetermined Role (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1920 | The Penalty | A Crook (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
Clarence Wilson - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Clarence Wilson?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Clarence Wilson is "Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans" with a rating of 7.8/10.
How many movies has Clarence Wilson acted in?
Clarence Wilson has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Clarence Wilson?
Other notable films include "Tillie and Gus", "Young April", and "You Can't Take It with You".