Robert Gist
ActingAbout Robert Gist
Robert Marion Gist (October 1, 1917 – May 21, 1998) was an American actor and film director. Gist was reared around the stockyards of Chicago, Illinois, during the Great Depression. Reform school-bound after injuring another boy in a fistfight, Gist instead ended up at Chicago's Hull House, a settlement house originally established by social worker Jane Addams. There he first became interested in acting. Work in Chicago radio was followed by stage acting roles in Chicago and on Broadway (in the long-running Harvey with Josephine Hull).[citation needed] While acting in Harvey, he made his motion picture debut in 20th Century-Fox's Christmas classic Miracle on 34th Street (1947). Gist was also seen on Broadway in director Charles Laughton's The Caine Mutiny Court Martial (1954) with Henry Fonda and John Hodiak. While shooting Operation Petticoat (1959), Gist told director Blake Edwards that he was interested in directing. Edwards later hired Gist to helm episodes of the TV series Peter Gunn. Gist also directed episodes of TV shows Naked City, The Twilight Zone, Route 66 and many others.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Robert Gist reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 20 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Robert Gist'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 45% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Robert Gist remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Strangers on a Train, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Robert Gist Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Robert Gist's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Robert Gist.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Jack the Giant Killer | Scottish Captain | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Blueprint for Robbery | Chips McGann | Flop | Similar → |
| 1959 | Operation Petticoat | Lieutenant Watson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | The FBI Story | Medicine Salesman | Average | Similar → |
| 1959 | Al Capone | Dion O'Banion | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | Wolf Larsen | Matthews | Flop | Similar → |
| 1958 | The Naked and the Dead | Red | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | D-Day the Sixth of June | Dan Stenick | Flop | Similar → |
| 1955 | The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Band Wagon | Hal | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Angel Face | Miller | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | One Minute to Zero | Maj. Carter | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | Strangers on a Train | Det. Leslie Hennessey | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Jackpot | Pete Spooner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | I Was a Shoplifter | Barkie Neff | Flop | Similar → |
| 1949 | A Dangerous Profession | Roy Collins, aka Max Gibney | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | Scene of the Crime | P.J. Pontiac | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | The Stratton Story | Earnie | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Jigsaw | Tommy Quigley | Flop | Similar → |
| 1947 | Miracle on 34th Street | Department Store Window Dresser (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
Robert Gist - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Robert Gist?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Robert Gist is "Strangers on a Train" with a rating of 7.7/10.
How many movies has Robert Gist acted in?
Robert Gist has been featured in at least 20 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Robert Gist?
Other notable films include "Miracle on 34th Street", "Operation Petticoat", and "The Band Wagon".