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Paul McDowell

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
10Total Films
6.7 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 15, 1931
Birth Place: London, England

About Paul McDowell

Paul McDowell was born on August 15, 1931 in London, England as Paul William McDowell. He was an actor and writer, known for National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985), Chemical Wedding (2008) and The Thirty-Nine Steps (1978). He was married to Trisha. He died on May 2, 2016 in London.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Paul McDowell reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 10 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Comedy

The majority of Paul McDowell's filmography leans towards the Comedy 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 30% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Paul McDowell remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Porridge, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Paul McDowell Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Paul McDowell's career based on audience ratings.

★6.7
Porridge (1979) movie poster
★6.7

Porridge — Times are hard for habitual guest of Her Majesty Norman Stanley Fletcher. The new prison officer, Beale, makes MacKay lo

Porridge

1979•Comedy
★6.7
The Thirty Nine Steps (1978) movie poster
★6.7

The Thirty Nine Steps — The year is 1914 and Richard Hannay, Mining Engineer who is visiting Britain for a short time before returning to South

The Thirty Nine Steps

1978•Mystery
★6.6
R.H.I.N.O.; Really Here in Name Only (1983) movie poster
★6.6

R.H.I.N.O.; Really Here in Name Only — An isolated, overweight girl with a penchant for shoplifting, gets pushed from pillar to post as the authorities struggl

R.H.I.N.O.; Really Here in Name Only

1983•Drama
★6.2
National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985) movie poster
★6.2

National Lampoon's European Vacation — The Griswolds win a vacation to Europe on a game show, and so pack their bags for the continent. They do their best to c

National Lampoon's European Vacation

1985•Adventure
★6.1
Savage Messiah (1972) movie poster
★6.1

Savage Messiah — In the Paris of the 1910s, brash young sculptor Henri Gaudier begins a creative partnership with an older writer, Sophie

Savage Messiah

1972•Drama

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Paul McDowell.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2008 Chemical Wedding Symons Flop Similar →
1985 National Lampoon's European Vacation English Motorist #1 Average Similar →
1983 R.H.I.N.O.; Really Here in Name Only Barry Clarke Hit Similar →
1980 Pasmore Bill Newsome Flop Similar →
1980 Rough Cut Postman Average Similar →
1979 Porridge Collinson Hit Similar →
1978 The Life Story of Baal Piller Flop Similar →
1978 The Thirty Nine Steps McLean Hit Similar →
1978 Return Fare William Flop Similar →
1972 Savage Messiah Agitator (uncredited) Average Similar →

Paul McDowell - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Paul McDowell?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Paul McDowell is "Porridge" with a rating of 6.7/10.

How many movies has Paul McDowell acted in?

Paul McDowell has been featured in at least 10 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Paul McDowell?

Other notable films include "The Thirty Nine Steps", "R.H.I.N.O.; Really Here in Name Only", and "National Lampoon's European Vacation".