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.
William B. Davidson Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of William B. Davidson reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of William B. Davidson's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 96% of William B. Davidson's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Mr. Doodle Kicks Off, which stands out as a key performance.
Best William B. Davidson Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from William B. Davidson's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie William B. Davidson has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 | The Judge Steps Out | Colonel Bright (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | My Darling Clementine | Saloon Owner (uncredited) | Super 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 | Lillian Russell | President Cleveland | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Dust Be My Destiny | Work Farm Warden | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Each Dawn I Die | Bill Mason | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Naughty But Nice | Samuel 'Sam' 'Simsy' Hudson - Music Publisher | 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 → |
| 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 → |
| 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 | Hit | 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".