
Charles Middleton
ActingAbout Charles Middleton
Charles Brown Middleton (October 3, 1874 – April 22, 1949) was an American stage and film actor. During a film career that began at age 46 and lasted almost 30 years, he appeared in nearly 200 films as well as numerous plays. Sometimes credited as Charles B. Middleton, he is perhaps best remembered for his role as the villainous emperor Ming the Merciless in the three Flash Gordon serials made between 1936 and 1940.
Charles Middleton Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Charles Middleton reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Charles Middleton's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 76% of Charles Middleton's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Going Hollywood: The '30s, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Charles Middleton Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Charles Middleton's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Charles Middleton has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Going Hollywood: The '30s | (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | Flash Gordon: The Deadly Ray From Mars | Ming the Merciless | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Station West | Sheriff | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Feudin', Fussin' and A-Fightin' | Townsman (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House | Wrecker (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Welcome Stranger | Farmer Pinkett (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Killers | Farmer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | Our Vines Have Tender Grapes | Mr. Jensen | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Spook Louder | Graves' Valet | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Sergeant York | Mountaineer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | The Shepherd of the Hills | Blacksmith (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Eyes of the Navy | Farmer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Gold Rush Maisie | Camp Owner with a Pig (Uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Women in Hiding | Alice's Father (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Charlie Chan's Murder Cruise | Jeremiah Walters | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Shooting High | Hod Carson | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Virginia City | Jefferson Davis | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Grapes of Wrath | Leader | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Abe Lincoln in Illinois | Tom Lincoln | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Gone with the Wind | Man with Stove Pipe Hat in Charge of Convict Workers (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Flying Deuces | Commandant | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Blackmail | Southern Deputy (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Jesse James | Doctor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Jezebel | Officer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars | Emperor Ming | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Stand-In | Actor Dressed as Abraham Lincoln | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Good Earth | Banker (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Wedding Present | Turnbull | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Texas Rangers | Lawyer (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Jailbreak | Dan Stone | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Show Boat | Sheriff Ike Vallon | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Flash Gordon | Ming the Merciless | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Road Gang | Grayson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Trail of the Lonesome Pine | Blacksmith | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Song of the Saddle | Phineas P. Hook | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Frisco Kid | Speaker (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Steamboat Round the Bend | Fleety Belle's Father | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Fixer Uppers | Pierre Gustave | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Behold My Wife! | Juan Storm Cloud | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | David Harum | Deacon | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Duck Soup | Prosecutor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Doctor Bull | Mr. Upjohn | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | The Sign of the Cross | Tyros | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | Rockabye | District Attorney (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang | Train Conductor (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Pack Up Your Troubles | Welfare Association Officer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | Safe in Hell | Lawyer Jones | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | Beau Hunks | Commandant | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | Palmy Days | Yolando | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | The Miracle Woman | Simpson | Hit | Similar → |
Charles Middleton - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Charles Middleton?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Charles Middleton is "Going Hollywood: The '30s" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Charles Middleton acted in?
Charles Middleton has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Charles Middleton?
Other notable films include "Flash Gordon: The Deadly Ray From Mars", "Shooting High", and "Gone with the Wind".




