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.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Charles Middleton 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: Drama
The majority of Charles Middleton'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 76% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Charles Middleton remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Going Hollywood: The '30s, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Charles Middleton Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Charles Middleton's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Charles Middleton.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Going Hollywood: The '30s | (archive footage) | 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 | Batman | Ken Colton | Average | 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 | 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: The Deadly Ray From Mars | Ming the Merciless | Super 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 | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Frisco Kid | Speaker (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Special Agent | State Police Commander (uncredited) | Average | 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 | 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".