
Frank Shannon
ActingAbout Frank Shannon
Frank Shannon was an Irish-born stage and screen performer. He had his film debut in The Prisoner of Zenda (1913). He is most fondly remembered as the brilliant Dr. Zarkov in the three Flash Gordon serials.
Frank Shannon Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Frank Shannon reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Frank Shannon's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 20% of Frank Shannon'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 Flash Gordon: The Deadly Ray From Mars, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Frank Shannon Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Frank Shannon's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Frank Shannon has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Peril from the Planet Mongo | Dr. Zarkov | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | Flash Gordon: The Deadly Ray From Mars | Dr. Alexis Zarkov | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | Spaceship to the Unknown | Dr. Hans Zarkov (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | Purple Death from Outer Space | Dr. Zarkov | Flop | Similar → |
| 1949 | A Dangerous Profession | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | Crack-Up | Train Station Gateman (Uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | The Phantom | Prof. Davidson (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | The Phantom | Professor Davidson | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | Batman | Dr. Hayden | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | The Secret Code | Police Commissioner | Flop | Similar → |
| 1942 | Ten Gentlemen from West Point | Senator (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Rawhide Rangers | McDowell | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | Federal Fugitives | Hammond | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | A Dispatch from Reuters | Mr. O'Malley - Captain of the Nova Scotian (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Wildcat Bus | Sweeney | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Return of Frank James | Sheriff | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe | Dr. Zarkov | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Emergency Squad | Construction Supervisor at Elevator | Flop | Similar → |
| 1939 | Rulers of the Sea | Kelsey (Uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Torchy Blane... Playing with Dynamite | Inspector McTavish | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Torchy Runs for Mayor | Captain McTavish | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Union Pacific | Old Man (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Torchy Blane in Chinatown | Police Capt. McTavish | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Next Time I Marry | Police Lieutenant (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Torchy Gets Her Man | Police Captain McTavish (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Mars Attacks the World | Dr. Alexis Zarkov | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | You Can't Take It with You | Mac (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Torchy Blane in Panama | Captain McTavish | Flop | Similar → |
| 1938 | Over the Wall | Duke Slattery - Policeman with Warrant | Flop | Similar → |
| 1938 | Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars | Dr. Zarkov | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Rocket Ship | Dr. Hans Zarkov | Flop | Similar → |
| 1938 | The Ship That Died | Minor Role (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Blondes at Work | Capt. McTavish | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Mannequin | Police Sergeant at Jail (Uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Adventurous Blonde | Captain McTavish | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | Ever Since Eve | Desk Sergeant (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | End of the Trail | Sheriff Anderson | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Texas Rangers | Captain Stafford | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Flash Gordon | Dr. Hans Zarkov | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Road Gang | Chaplain (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Prisoner of Shark Island | Mr. Holt | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Perfect Set-Up | Detective Hewitt (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Murder of Dr. Harrigan | Police Sergeant | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Eagle's Brood | Mike | Flop | Similar → |
| 1935 | Men Without Names | Agent Joe | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | 'G' Men | Police Chief at Lodge (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Woman in the Dark | Prison Warden | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | A Burglar to the Rescue | The Burglar, Holtz aka Jack Dunning | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1924 | Monsieur Beaucaire | Badger | Flop | Similar → |
| 1922 | The Bride's Play | Sir John Mansfield | Flop | Similar → |
Frank Shannon - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Frank Shannon?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Frank Shannon is "Flash Gordon: The Deadly Ray From Mars" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Frank Shannon acted in?
Frank Shannon has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Frank Shannon?
Other notable films include "End of the Trail", "A Burglar to the Rescue", and "You Can't Take It with You".




