Frank Shannon - Actor Profile

Frank Shannon

Acting
Freshness: Jan 20, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jul 27, 1874
Birth Place: Ireland

About 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.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Frank Shannon 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: Drama

The majority of Frank Shannon'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 20% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Frank Shannon remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Flash Gordon: The Deadly Ray From Mars, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Frank Shannon Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Frank Shannon's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Frank Shannon.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1966 Peril from the Planet Mongo Dr. Zarkov Average 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: The Deadly Ray From Mars Dr. Alexis Zarkov Super Hit 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 Black Gold Dan O'Reilly Flop Similar →
1936 The Murder of Dr. Harrigan Police Sergeant Average 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".