John Brown
ActingAbout John Brown
Brown had major roles in several popular radio shows: He was "John Doe" in the Texaco Star Theater's version of Fred Allen's Allen's Alley,[2] played Irma's love interest Al in My Friend Irma, both "Gillis" and Digby "Digger" O'Dell in The Life of Riley, (a role he reprised for the first incarnation of the television show), "Broadway" in The Damon Runyon Theatre, and "Thorny" the neighbor on the radio version of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. Perhaps his most memorable piece of work is the ‘Broadway’ role; once heard, many find it impossible to think of the narrator of Damon Runyon’s stories as anyone else. It was a measure of Brown’s talent that this quintessentially American character was portrayed by an Englishman. Brown appeared in some notable films: as the inebriated professor in Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train (1951), The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951, uncredited), and The Wild One (1953); he supplied the voice of "Ro-Man" in the 1953 cult science fiction B-film Robot Monster.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of John Brown reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 16 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of John Brown'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 50% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), John Brown 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 John Brown Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from John Brown's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of John Brown.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Heritage | Narrator | Flop | Similar → |
| 1954 | Dixieland Droopy | Narrator / Pee Wee Runt (voice) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Wild One | Bill Hannegan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Bigamist | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Man Crazy | Mr. Duncan | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Crazylegs | Keller | Flop | Similar → |
| 1953 | Jennifer | Service Station Attendant (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Robot Monster | Ro-Man / Great Guidance (voice) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1952 | Hans Christian Andersen | Schoolmaster | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Day the Earth Stood Still | George Barley, boarder | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Strangers on a Train | Prof. Collins | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Symphony in Slang | The Hipster / Noah Webster (voice) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | The Life of Riley | Digger O'Dell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Stranger | Passport Photographer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | The Horn Blows at Midnight | Lou the waiter (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | A Peach of a Pair | John | Hit | Similar → |
John Brown - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of John Brown?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring John Brown is "Strangers on a Train" with a rating of 7.7/10.
How many movies has John Brown acted in?
John Brown has been featured in at least 16 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by John Brown?
Other notable films include "The Day the Earth Stood Still", "Symphony in Slang", and "The Stranger".