
Harry Semels
ActingAbout Harry Semels
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Harry Semels (November 20, 1887 – March 2, 1946) was an American film actor. He appeared in over 315 film between 1917 and 1946. Semels appeared in his first film in 1917. He began to achieve fame after arriving at Columbia Pictures, appearing in several Three Stooges shorts including Disorder in the Court, Wee Wee Monsieur and Three Little Sew and Sews. He also appeared in feature films like Road to Morocco, The Princess and the Pirate and The Kid from Brooklyn. A versatile character actor, Semels often appeared as villains, waiters, soldiers, lawyers, et al.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Harry Semels 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: Romance
The majority of Harry Semels's filmography leans towards the Romance 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 76% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Harry Semels remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Great Dictator, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Harry Semels Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Harry Semels's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Harry Semels.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1946 | Road to Utopia | Lombardi - Spitting Passenger (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Harvey Girls | Townsman at Saloon (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | I Love a Mystery | Mr. G's Doorkeeper Servant (Uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | Dizzy Pilots | Sky Aircraft Co. Representative (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | The Hard Way | Passerby (Uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Reunion in France | R.R. Mechanic (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Road to Morocco | Jolla's Warrior (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Moontide | Waiter (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Woman of the Year | Mug (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | She's Oil Mine | Referee | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Little Nellie Kelly | Immigrant at Citizenship Ceremony (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | North West Mounted Police | Half-breed Archer | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Great Dictator | Jewish Fruit Stand Proprietor (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Foreign Correspondent | Sidewalk Crowd Extra (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | They Drive by Night | Leo, Cashier (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | New Moon | Bondsman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Strange Cargo | Convict (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Ninotchka | Gurganov (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Midnight | Police Officer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | King of the Turf | Coffee Pot Proprietor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Three Little Sew and Sews | Count Alfred Gehrol | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Flirting with Fate | Member of Sancho's Band | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | You Can't Take It with You | Man (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Marie Antoinette | Townsman at Execution (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | A Slight Case of Murder | Partygoer (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Kid Galahad | Waiter Restraining McGraw (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Soldier and the Lady | Tartar (Uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | More Than a Secretary | Apartment Custodian with Hose (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Luckiest Girl in the World | Bum | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Case of the Velvet Claws | A. G. 'Kicky' Kickopopolos | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Disorder in the Court | District Attorney (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Give Us This Night | Prisoner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | I Live My Life | Greek Following Kay (Uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Les Misérables | Cochepaille | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Our Daily Bread | Italian Shoemaker (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Twentieth Century | Poster Artist (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | It Happened One Night | Bus Passenger (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Baby Face | Speakeasy Drunk (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Virtue | Tony (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Vanity Street | Italian Street Workman (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Tiger Shark | Crewman (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | American Madness | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | South of the Rio Grande | Bandido Leader | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | Safe in Hell | Jury Member (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | Platinum Blonde | Waiter (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | Dishonored | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | Dance, Fools, Dance | Emilio (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | Hell's Angels | Anarchist (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1928 | The Last Command | A Soldier (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1927 | Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans | Carnival Gallery Man with Pig (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
Harry Semels - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Harry Semels?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Harry Semels is "The Great Dictator" with a rating of 8.3/10.
How many movies has Harry Semels acted in?
Harry Semels has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Harry Semels?
Other notable films include "South of the Rio Grande", "Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans", and "It Happened One Night".




