Smiley Burnette
ActingAbout Smiley Burnette
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Lester Alvin Burnett (March 18, 1911 – February 16, 1967), better known as Smiley Burnette, was a popular American country music performer and a comedic actor in Western films and on radio and TV, playing sidekick to Gene Autry and other B-movie cowboys. He was also a prolific singer-songwriter who could play as many as 100 musical instruments, some simultaneously. His career, beginning in 1934, spanned four decades, including a regular role on CBS-TV's Petticoat Junction in the 1960s. Description above from the Wikipedia article Smiley Burnette, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Smiley Burnette 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: Western
The majority of Smiley Burnette's filmography leans towards the Western 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 22% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Smiley Burnette remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Smiley Burnette Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Smiley Burnette's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Smiley Burnette.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch | (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | It's Showtime | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Pack Train | Smiley Burnette | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | On Top of Old Smoky | Smiley | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Winning of the West | Smiley | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | Junction City | Smiley | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Rough, Tough West | Smiley Burnette | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Hawk of Wild River | Smiley Burnette | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | Smoky Canyon | Smiley Burnette | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | Bonanza Town | Smiley Burnette | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Trail of the Rustlers | Smiley Burnette | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Laramie | Smiley Burnette | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Quick on the Trigger | Smiley | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | Riders of the Lone Star | Smiley Burnette | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | The Stranger From Ponca City | Smiley Burnette | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | Galloping Thunder | Smiley Burnette | Average | Similar → |
| 1944 | Firebrands of Arizona | Frog / Beefsteak Discoe | Average | Similar → |
| 1944 | Call of the Rockies | Frog Millhouse | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | King of the Cowboys | Frog Millhouse | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | Idaho | Frog Millhouse | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Bells of Capistrano | Frog | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Call of the Canyon | Frog Millhouse | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Home in Wyomin' | Frog Millhouse | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Heart of the Rio Grande | Frog Millhouse | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Back in the Saddle | Frog Milhouse | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Gaucho Serenade | Frog Millhouse | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | In Old Monterey | Frog | Flop | Similar → |
| 1939 | S.O.S Tidal Wave | Voice of Felix the Dummy | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Mexicali Rose | Frog Millhouse | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Man from Music Mountain | Frog Millhouse | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Under Western Stars | Frog | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Hollywood Stadium Mystery | Smiley Burnette | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Manhattan Merry-Go-Round | Frog - Accordian Player | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Meet the Boy Friend | Band Leader | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | Yodelin' Kid from Pine Ridge | Colonel Millhouse | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Public Cowboy No. 1 | Helen Morgan | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Git Along Little Dogies | Frog Millhouse | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Round-Up Time in Texas | Frog Millhouse | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Dick Tracy | Mike McGurk | Flop | Similar → |
| 1936 | A Man Betrayed | Hillbilly | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Old Corral | Deputy Frog | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Oh, Susanna | Frog Millhouse | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Border Patrolman | Chuck Owens | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Red River Valley | Frog Millhouse | Flop | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Singing Vagabond | Frog | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Sagebrush Troubadour | Frog Millhouse | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Tumbling Tumbleweeds | Smiley | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Adventures of Rex and Rinty | Jensen | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Kids in the Shoe | Singing little boy | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Phantom Empire | Oscar (as Lester 'Smiley' Burnett) | Average | Similar → |
Smiley Burnette - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Smiley Burnette?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Smiley Burnette is "Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch" with a rating of 9.0/10.
How many movies has Smiley Burnette acted in?
Smiley Burnette has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Smiley Burnette?
Other notable films include "Heart of the Rio Grande", "Home in Wyomin'", and "Round-Up Time in Texas".