Francis McDonald
ActingAbout Francis McDonald
Francis McDonald (August 22, 1891 – September 18, 1968) was an American actor whose career spanned 52 years. McDonald's started acting professionally in stock theater with the Forepaugh Stock Company in Cincinnati. Following eight months with it, he worked one season with a stock company in Seattle, after which he performed for three seasons with a troupe in San Diego and Honolulu. He concluded his tenure in stock theater as juvenile leading man with the American Stock Company in Spokane, Washington. By 1913 McDonald began to perform in the rapidly expanding film industry, initially working for Marion Leonard's Monopole Company in Hollywood. He was cast in over 280 films between 1913 and 1965, including The Temptress in 1926 with Greta Garbo. After he was designated "Hollywood's Prettiest Man," McDonald sought a tougher image by shaving his mustache and seeking roles of villains. McDonald was one of Cecil B. DeMille's favorite character actors.[citation needed] DeMille gave him credited supporting roles in six of his films: The Plainsman (1936), The Buccaneer (1938), Union Pacific (1939), North West Mounted Police (1940), Samson and Delilah (1949), and The Ten Commandments (1956).
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Francis McDonald 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 Francis McDonald'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 50% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Francis McDonald remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Ten Commandments, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Francis McDonald Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Francis McDonald's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Francis McDonald.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | The Great Race | Russian (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Robin and the 7 Hoods | Old Man at Robbo's Club | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | Fort Massacre | Piute Man | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | Pawnee | Uncle Tip Alden (as Francis J. McDonald) | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | The Guns of Fort Petticoat | Col. Chivington's Aide (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Ten Commandments | Simon | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Walk the Proud Land | The Shaman (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | Thunder Over Arizona | Pliny Warren | Average | Similar → |
| 1955 | The Naked Dawn | Railroad guard | Average | Similar → |
| 1955 | Bad Day at Black Rock | Tall - White-haired Cafe Lounger (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Rancho Notorious | Harbin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Red Mountain | Marshal Roberts | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Woman in Hiding | North Carolina Cannoneer (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | Samson and Delilah | Story Teller | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Abandoned | Winey - Pool Player (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | The Three Musketeers | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | The Perils of Pauline | Western Saloon Set Heavy | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | Duel in the Sun | Gambler (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | Roll on Texas Moon | Steve Anders | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | Notorious | Man (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Canyon Passage | Cobb (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Tangier | Sanchez | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | Strange Confession | Hernandez | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Buckskin Frontier | Duval | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Blood and Sand | Manolo's Friend (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | The Sea Wolf | Svenson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | North West Mounted Police | Louis Riel | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Sea Hawk | Kroner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Strange Cargo | Moussenq - Convict (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Beau Geste | Arab Scout (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Union Pacific | Gen. Dodge | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Idiot's Delight | Flight Captain | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | If I Were King | Casin Cholet | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | The Buccaneer | Camden Blount | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Soldier and the Lady | Chieftain (Uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Plainsman | A River Gambler | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Big Brown Eyes | Malley (Uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Prisoner of Shark Island | John Wilkes Booth | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Mississippi | Gambler (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Sadie McKee | Joe, Alderson’s Chauffeur (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Kickin' the Crown Around | Disputin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | Morocco | Sergeant Tatoche | Average | Similar → |
| 1928 | The Viking | Viking Friend of Leif (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1928 | A Girl in Every Port | Circus Manager | Average | Similar → |
| 1927 | The Notorious Lady | Manuela Silvera | Hit | Similar → |
| 1926 | The Temptress | Timoteo | Hit | Similar → |
| 1926 | Battling Butler | Alfred 'Battling' Butler | Hit | Similar → |
| 1922 | Monte Cristo | Benedetto | Average | Similar → |
| 1917 | The Voice on the Wire | 'Red' Warren | Average | Similar → |
| 1916 | Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages | Extra (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
Francis McDonald - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Francis McDonald?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Francis McDonald is "The Ten Commandments" with a rating of 7.8/10.
How many movies has Francis McDonald acted in?
Francis McDonald has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Francis McDonald?
Other notable films include "Notorious", "Bad Day at Black Rock", and "The Sea Wolf".