
Preston Foster
ActingAbout Preston Foster
Preston Foster (August 24, 1900 – July 14, 1970) was an American stage and film actor, and singer. Foster entered films in 1929 after appearing as a Broadway stage actor. He was appearing in Broadway plays as late as October 1931 when he acted in a play titled Two Seconds starring Edward J. Pawley. Some of his notable films include: Doctor X (1932), I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932), Annie Oakley (1935), The Last Days of Pompeii (also 1935), The Informer (1935) (as the head of the organization), and My Friend Flicka (1943). He starred on the television drama, Waterfront (1954–1955), playing the role of Captain John Herrick. Foster has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was sometimes credited in movies as Preston S. Foster. His first wife was stage actress Gertrude Warren (1926–1945; divorced). He had one daughter, Stephanie. He was married to his second wife, actress Sheila Darcy, from 1946 until his death. During World War II while serving with the United States Coast Guard, he rose to the rank of Captain, Temporary Reserve. He eventually held the honorary rank of Commodore in the U.S. Coast Guard. After the war and before his productive movie career, Foster became a singer of some note. In 1948 Foster created a trio with himself, Gene Leis and Foster’s wife, actress Sheila Darcy. Gene arranged the songs, and they played on radio and in clubs, appearing with Orrin Tucker, Peggy Ann Garner and Rita Hayworth. Description above from the Wikipedia article Preston Foster, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Preston Foster 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 Preston Foster'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 40% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Preston Foster remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Band Plays On, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Preston Foster Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Preston Foster's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Preston Foster.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Lucy and Desi | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Barbara Stanwyck: Straight Down The Line | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | I, the Jury | Capt. Pat Chambers | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | Kansas City Confidential | Tim Foster | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Big Night | Andy La Main | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Tomahawk | Col. Carrington | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | I Shot Jesse James | John Kelley | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | Ramrod | Frank Ivey | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | It's Your America | Army Surgeon (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Tangier | Col. Jose Artiego | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Harvey Girls | Judge Sam Purvis | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | Twice Blessed | Jeff Turner | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | The Valley of Decision | Jim Brennan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | Thunderhead: Son of Flicka | Rob McLaughlin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Roger Touhy, Gangster | Roger Touhy | Average | Similar → |
| 1944 | Bermuda Mystery | Steve Carramond | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | My Friend Flicka | Rob McLaughlin | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | The Roundup | Greg Lane | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | North West Mounted Police | Sergeant Jim Brett | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Chasing Danger | Steve Mitchell | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | The Last Warning | Bill Crane | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Submarine Patrol | Lt. (j.g.) John C. Drake | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Army Girl | Capt. Dike Conger | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | The Lady in the Morgue | Det. Bill Crane | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Double Danger | Robert Crane | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | First Lady | Stephen Wayne | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Westland Case | Bill Crane - Private Detective | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | You Can't Beat Love | James Ellsworth 'Jimmy' Hughes | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Outcasts of Poker Flat | John Oakhurst | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Sea Devils | Michael 'Mike' O'Shea | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | We Who Are About to Die | Steven Mathews | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Plough and the Stars | Jack Clitheroe | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Love Before Breakfast | Scott Miller | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | We're Only Human | Det. Sgt. Pete 'Mac' McCaffrey | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Annie Oakley | Toby Walker | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Last Days of Pompeii | Marcus | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | A Night at the Biltmore Bowl | Preston Foster | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Informer | Dan Gallagher | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | The People's Enemy | Vince M. Falcone | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Band Plays On | Howdy Hardy | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Heat Lightning | George | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Hoopla | Nifty Miller | Average | Similar → |
| 1933 | The Man Who Dared | Jan Novak | Average | Similar → |
| 1933 | Ladies They Talk About | David Slade | Average | Similar → |
| 1933 | Just Around the Corner | Tim - Office Worker (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang | Pete | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Life Begins | Dr. Brett | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Doctor X | Dr. Wells | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Two Seconds | Bud Clark | Average | Similar → |
Preston Foster - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Preston Foster?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Preston Foster is "The Band Plays On" with a rating of 8.5/10.
How many movies has Preston Foster acted in?
Preston Foster has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Preston Foster?
Other notable films include "The Roundup", "I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang", and "Barbara Stanwyck: Straight Down The Line".




