William B. Davidson
ActingAbout William B. Davidson
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia William B. Davidson (June 16, 1888 – September 28, 1947) was an American film actor. Davidson attended Columbia University where he played football. He became a popular football star. This fame eventually led to his foray into motion pictures after he had spent some time as a lawyer. He started in films in 1914 with Vitagraph and supported well known stage and film actresses such as Ethel Barrymore, Mabel Taliaferro, Charlotte Walker, Olga Petrova, Viola Dana, June Caprice, Edna Goodrich, and Mae West. He appeared in 318 films between 1915 and 1949. He was born in Dobbs Ferry, New York, and died in Santa Monica, California. His first Hollywood film was For the Honor of the Crew. Afterward, he appeared in many films, his best-known role was perhaps the Ship's captain in The Most Dangerous Game. He remained in show business until his sudden death after surgery in 1947.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of William B. Davidson reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of William B. Davidson'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 90% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), William B. Davidson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Mr. Doodle Kicks Off, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best William B. Davidson Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from William B. Davidson's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of William B. Davidson.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 | The Judge Steps Out | Colonel Bright (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | My Darling Clementine | Saloon Owner (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | They Were Expendable | Hotel Manager (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Over the Wall | Warden Ed | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Hers to Hold | Al | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Gentleman Jim | Donovan (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | The Magnificent Dope | Mr. Reindel | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | In This Our Life | Jim Purdy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Larceny, Inc. | McCarthy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Remember the Day | Committeeman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Week-End in Havana | Captain Moss | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Sun Valley Serenade | Jack Murray | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Hold That Ghost | Moose Matson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Lady with Red Hair | Stock Company Manager (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Hired Wife | Mumford (as William Davidson) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | My Little Chickadee | Sheriff of Little Bend (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Each Dawn I Die | Bill Mason | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Three Smart Girls Grow Up | Stock Broker | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Illegal Traffic | Dalton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | There Goes My Heart | Skipper Jackson (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Mr. Doodle Kicks Off | Ellory Bugs | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | You and Me | N. G. Orton, Attorney-at-Law (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Hurricane | The Bully (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Easy Living | Mr. Hyde | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Marked Woman | Bob Crandall | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Road Gang | Attorney General Mardsen | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Love on a Bet | A.W. Hutchinson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Dangerous | Reed Walsh | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Show Them No Mercy! | Chief Haggerty (as William Davidson) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Oil for the Lamps of China | E.H. Swaley | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Go Into Your Dance | Tom McGee | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Devil Dogs of the Air | Adjutant | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | Imitation of Life | Man Buying Cigar (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Housewife | Nan's Attorney | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Lady Killer | Director Williams | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | I'm No Angel | Ernest Brown | Average | Similar → |
| 1933 | Mystery of the Wax Museum | Detective (Uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1932 | The Most Dangerous Game | Captain | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Scarface | Citizens Committee Member (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | The Secret Call | Jim Blake | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | The Vice Squad | Magistrate Tom Morrison | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | Dishonored | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | Captain Applejack | Bill Dennett | Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | Hell's Angels | Staff Major | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | Sunny | First Ship's Officer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | Playboy of Paris | Monsieur Bannack (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | Scarlet Pages | Jackson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | A Man from Wyoming | Major | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | Men Are Like That | Frank Hyland | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1918 | In Pursuit of Polly | Larry O'Malley | Super Hit | Similar → |
William B. Davidson - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of William B. Davidson?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring William B. Davidson is "Mr. Doodle Kicks Off" with a rating of 9.0/10.
How many movies has William B. Davidson acted in?
William B. Davidson has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by William B. Davidson?
Other notable films include "A Man from Wyoming", "Men Are Like That", and "In Pursuit of Polly".