Dick Purcell
ActingAbout Dick Purcell
Dick Purcell (born Richard Gerold Purcell, Jr.) was an American screen and stage actor. He is best known for playing Marvel Comics' Captain America in the 1944 film serial. The serial was released on February 5, and Purcell, age 38, died two months later, on 10 April 1944, the result of a fatal heart attack.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Dick Purcell 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: Drama
The majority of Dick Purcell'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 18% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Dick Purcell remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Batman and Robin and Other Super Heroes, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Dick Purcell Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Dick Purcell's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Dick Purcell.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Batman and Robin and Other Super Heroes | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Captain America | Captain America / Grant Gardner | Flop | Similar → |
| 1944 | Timber Queen | Milt Holmes | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | The Mystery of the 13th Guest | Johnny Smith | Flop | Similar → |
| 1943 | High Explosive | Dave | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | Idaho | Duke Springer | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | No Place for a Lady | Randy Brooks | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | Reveille with Beverly | Andy Adams | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Fighting Men: Crack That Tank | Tank Instructor | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | I Live on Danger | Norm Thompson | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | In Old California | Joe Dawson | Flop | Similar → |
| 1942 | Torpedo Boat | Ralph Andrews | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | No Hands on the Clock | Red Harris | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | King of the Zombies | James 'Mac' McCarthy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | Flight Command | Lieut. 'Stichy' Payne | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Bank Dick | Mackley Q. Greene | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Arise, My Love | Pink | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | New Moon | Alexander | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Drunk Driving | John Jones | Flop | Similar → |
| 1939 | Irish Luck | Steve Lanahan | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | While America Sleeps | Dave Miller | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Streets of New York | T.P. 'Tap' Keenan | Flop | Similar → |
| 1939 | Blackwell's Island | Terry Walsh | Flop | Similar → |
| 1938 | Tough Kid | 'Red' Murphy | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Nancy Drew… Detective | Keiffer | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Garden of the Moon | Rick Fulton | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Valley of the Giants | Creel | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Penrod's Double Trouble | Tex Boyden | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Accidents Will Happen | Jim Faber | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Over the Wall | Ace Scanlon | Flop | Similar → |
| 1938 | The Daredevil Drivers | Bill Foster | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | Missing Witnesses | "Bull" Regan | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Alcatraz Island | David 'Harp' Santell | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | Talent Scout | Benefit Show Guest (archive footage) (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Public Wedding | Joe Taylor | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Draegerman Courage | Trapped Draegerman (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Navy Blues | Rusty Gibbs | Flop | Similar → |
| 1936 | King of Hockey | Gabby Dugan | Flop | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Captain's Kid | George Chester | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Jailbreak | Ed Slayden | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Public Enemy's Wife | Louie | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Case of the Velvet Claws | Crandal | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Bullets or Ballots | Ed Driscoll | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Law in Her Hands | Marty | Flop | Similar → |
| 1936 | Brides Are Like That | Dr. Randolph Jenkins (as Richard Purcell) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1936 | Snowed Under | Bert (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Follow the Fleet | Lead Marine on Ship (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Freshman Love | Radio Announcer (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Ceiling Zero | Smiley (as Dick Purcell) | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | The Doorway to Hell | Undetermined Secondary Role (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
Dick Purcell - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Dick Purcell?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Dick Purcell is "Batman and Robin and Other Super Heroes" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Dick Purcell acted in?
Dick Purcell has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Dick Purcell?
Other notable films include "Reveille with Beverly", "Snowed Under", and "The Case of the Velvet Claws".