James Flavin
Acting
American character actor whose career lasted nearly half a century. James Wilson Flavin Jr. was the son of a hotel waiter of Canadian-English extraction and a mother, Katherine, whose father was an Irish immigrant. (Thus Flavin, well-known in Hollywood as an "Irish" type, was only one-quarter Irish.) Flavin was born and raised in Portland, Maine (a fact that may have enrichened his later working relationship with director John Ford, also a Portland native). He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, but (contrary to some sources) did not graduate. Instead he dropped out and returned to Portland where he drove a taxi. Then as now, summer stock companies flocked to Maine each year, and in 1929 he was asked to fill in for an actor. He did well with the part and the company manager offered him $150 per week to go with the troupe back to New York. Flavin accepted and by the spring of 1930 was living in a rooming house at 108 W. 87th Street in Manhattan. Flavin didn't manage to crack Broadway at this time (his Broadway debut would not occur for another thirty-nine years, in the 1971 revival of "The Front Page," in which Flavin played Murphy and briefly took over the lead role of Walter Burns from star Robert Ryan). He worked his way across the country in stock productions and tours, arriving in Los Angeles around 1932. He quickly made the transition to movies, landing the lead in his very first film, a Universal serial, The Airmail Mystery (1932). He also landed his leading lady, marrying the serial's female star Lucile Browne that same year. However, the serial marked virtually the last time that Flavin would play the lead in a film. Thereafter, he was restricted almost exclusively to supporting characters, many of them without so much as a name. He specialized in uniformed cops and hard-bitten detectives, but played chauffeurs, cabbies, and even a 16th-century palace guard with aplomb. Flavin appeared in nearly four hundred films between 1932 and 1971, and in almost a hundred television episodes before his final appearance, as President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Francis Gary Powers: The True Story of the U-2 Spy Incident (1976). Flavin died of a heart ailment at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on April 23, 1976. His widow Lucile died seventeen days later. They were survived by their son, William James Flavin, subsequently a professor at the United States Army War College. James and Lucile Brown Flavin were buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.
Known for
Acting322
movieThe Lost Spider Pit Sequence
2005
Second Mate Briggs (archive footage)
movieFrancis Gary Powers: The True Story of the U-2 Spy Incident
1976
President Dwight D. Eisenhower
movieLaw and Order
1976
Capt. Toomey
tvIt Takes a Thief
1968
Gen. Levin
movieIn Cold Blood
1967
Clarence Duntz
movieGood Times
1967
Lieutenant
movieCheyenne Autumn
1964
Ft. Robinson Sergeant of the Guard (uncredited)
tvThe Addams Family
1964
Lt. Poston
movieIt's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
1963
Patrolman (uncredited)
tvMr. Novak
1963
Fire Chief Hawkins
tvBurke's Law
1963
Officer Danny Robin
movieCritic's Choice
1963
Security Guard (uncredited)
tvThe Lucy Show
1962
Sergeant Wilcox
tvThe New Breed
1961
Moose
tvDr. Kildare
1961
John Dolan
tvCain's Hundred
1961
Arnie Kellwin
tvThe Roaring 20's
1960
Robert Howard
tvThe Twilight Zone
1959
1962 Policeman / Truck Driver
movieThe Last Hurrah
1958
Police Capt. Michael J. Shanahan (uncredited)
movieJohnny Rocco
1958
Mooney
movieWild Is the Wind
1957
Wool Buyer
tvAlcoa Theatre
1957
Gavin Marshall
movieNight Passage
1957
Tim Riley
tvRichard Diamond, Private Detective
1957
Sam Cooper
movieThe Restless Breed
1957
Secret Service Chief
movieFootsteps in the Night
1957
Mr. Bradbury
movieHold That Hypnotist
1957
Jake Morgan
movieThe Wings of Eagles
1957
MP at Garden Party (uncredited)
State Trooper
1956
Police Capt. Daniel Box
movieFrancis in the Haunted House
1956
Police Chief Martin
tvAlfred Hitchcock Presents
1955
Joe Felix / Tony - The Doorman / Dan
tvNavy Log
1955
Col. Flynn
movieApache Ambush
1955
Col. Marshall
movieThe Naked Street
1955
Attorney Michael X. Flanders
movieMister Roberts
1955
Military Policeman
tvThe Millionaire
1955
Dan Mulcahy
tvClimax!
1954
Hogan
movieReturn of the Dead
1954
Judd Harrison
movieMassacre Canyon
1954
Col. Tarant
movieFighter Attack
1953
Col. Allison
movieHot News
1953
Al Bragg
tvLetter to Loretta
1953
MacNamara / Sgt. Danny Doofle / Deputy Mason
movieAbbott and Costello Go to Mars
1953
First Policeman in Bank
movieTrouble Along the Way
1953
Coach Buck Holman
movieI Beheld His Glory
1953
Longinus
movieConfidentially Connie
1953
Harry (uncredited)
tvGeneral Electric Theater
1953
Callahan
movieStar of Texas
1953
Texas Rangers Capt. Sturdivant
tvThe Abbott and Costello Show
1952
Joe Kelly
movieMillion Dollar Mermaid
1952
Conductor
tvFour Star Playhouse
1952
Mr. Swanson
movieO. Henry's Full House
1952
Cop (segment "The Cop and the Anthem") (uncredited)
movieCarrie
1952
Mike - Bartender (uncredited)
movieHere Come the Marines
1952
Lieutenant-Colonel at End
movieSailor Beware
1952
Petty Officer (uncredited)
tvHallmark Hall of Fame
1951
Captain Kimble / General Charles Lee
movieCome Fill the Cup
1951
Russ - Homicide Captain (uncredited)
tvI Love Lucy
1951
Immigration Officer
movieRhubarb
1951
O'Leary, Manhattan Police Chief (uncredited)
movieFighting Coast Guard
1951
Commander Rogers
movieFollow the Sun
1951
Henry Gibbs
movieAccording to Mrs. Hoyle
1951
Prosecuting Attorney
movieOh! Susanna
1951
Capt. Worth
movieOperation Pacific
1951
SP Commander
tvThe Living Christ
1951
Longinus
Lux Video Theatre
1950
Steve / Heineman / Detective
movieSouth Sea Sinner
1950
Andrews
movieDestination Murder
1950
Police Lt. Brewster
movieArmored Car Robbery
1950
Lt. Phillips
movieRock Island Trail
1950
Railroad Workman
movieWhen Willie Comes Marching Home
1950
Gen. Brevort (uncredited)
movieDakota Lil
1950
Secret Service Chief
moviePrison Warden
1949
Guard Capt. Peter Butler
movieThe Devil's Henchmen
1949
Police Sergeant Briggs
movieMighty Joe Young
1949
Schultz
movieMississippi Rhythm
1949
Stan Caldwell
movieHomicide
1949
Det. Lt. Boylan
movieShockproof
1949
Policeman in Park (Uncredited)
movieBungalow 13
1948
Lt. Sam Wilson
movieThe Plunderers
1948
Sergeant Major
movieOne Touch of Venus
1948
Kerrigan
movieThe Velvet Touch
1948
Sgt. Oliphant
movieSecret Service Investigator
1948
Police Inspector Thorndyke
movieThe Noose Hangs High
1948
Traffic Cop (uncredited)
movieSleep, My Love
1948
Lieutenant Mitchell
movieMy Girl Tisa
1948
Guard (uncredited)
movieUnconquered
1947
Villager (uncredited)
movieNightmare Alley
1947
Hoatley / First Carnival Owner (uncredited)
movieJoe Palooka in the Knockout
1947
Policeman
movieSong of the Thin Man
1947
Policeman Reardon (uncredited)
movieDesert Fury
1947
Pat Johnson
movieRobin Hood Of Texas
1947
Captain Danforth
movieDishonored Lady
1947
Police Sergeant Patella
movieIt Happened on Fifth Avenue
1947
First Policeman (uncredited)
movieMy Favorite Brunette
1947
Det. Lt. 'Mac' Hennessey (uncredited)
movieNora Prentiss
1947
District Attorney
movieNobody Lives Forever
1946
Shake Thomas
movieCloak and Dagger
1946
Col. Walsh
movieAngel on My Shoulder
1946
Dan Bellamy
movieThe Strange Love of Martha Ivers
1946
Police Detective #1
movieThe Missing Lady
1946
Police Insp. Cardona
movieRendezvous with Annie
1946
Turnkey (uncredited)
movieBoys' Ranch
1946
Policeman (uncredited)
movieA Stolen Life
1946
Investigator (uncredited)
movieSentimental Journey
1946
Detective Sgt. McFarland (uncredited)
movieYoung Widow
1946
Subway Conductor (Uncredited)
movieTars and Spars
1946
Chief Bosun Mate Gurney
movieThe Spider
1945
Officer Johnny Tracy
movieHold That Blonde!
1945
Laundry Truck Driver (uncredited)
movieJohnny Angel
1945
Flavin, Mate of the Quincy (uncredited)
movieMildred Pierce
1945
Detective (uncredited)
movieThe Shanghai Cobra
1945
H.R. Jarvis
movieAnchors Aweigh
1945
Radio Cop
movieOver 21
1945
Captain (uncredited)
movieMurder, He Says
1945
Police Officer (uncredited)
movieGod Is My Co-Pilot
1945
Major at Kweilin Airbase (uncredited)
movieHollywood Canteen
1944
Marine Sergeant (uncredited)
movieLaura
1944
Det. McEveety (uncredited)
movieStrange Affair
1944
Bank Security Guard (uncredited)
movieAbroad with Two Yanks
1944
Sgt. Wiggins
movieOnce Upon a Time
1944
Man in Subway (uncredited)
movieChristmas Holiday
1944
Policeman (uncredited)
movieUncertain Glory
1944
Captain of Mobile Guard
movieRiding High
1943
Train Conductor
movieSwing Shift Maisie
1943
Radio Policeman (Uncredited)
movieCorvette K-225
1943
1st Lt. Bill Gardner
movieThank Your Lucky Stars
1943
Policeman (uncredited)
movieMurder on the Waterfront
1943
Cmdr. Kalin
movieSo Proudly We Hail
1943
Captain O'Brien (Uncredited)
movieI Dood It
1943
Federal Agent (uncredited)
movieHeaven Can Wait
1943
Policeman (uncredited)
movieAction in the North Atlantic
1943
Merchant Marine School Lieutenant-Commander (uncredited)
movieMission to Moscow
1943
American Senator (uncredited)
movieAir Force
1943
Maj. A.M. Bagley
movieSomething to Shout About
1943
Policeman
movieIt Ain't Hay
1943
Cop (uncredited)
movieLife Begins at Eight-Thirty
1942
Policeman
movieGentleman Jim
1942
George Corbett (uncredited)
movieNight in New Orleans
1942
Egan (uncredited)
movieTen Gentlemen from West Point
1942
Capt. Luddy
movieTough as They Come
1942
Process Server
movieBroadway
1942
Doorman (uncredited)
movieFingers at the Window
1942
Police Lieutenant Schaeffer
movieSaboteur
1942
Motorcycle Cop (voice) (uncredited)
movieKid Glove Killer
1942
Keenan - Detective Grilling Eddie (uncredited)
movieReap the Wild Wind
1942
Girl's Father (uncredited)
Treat 'Em Rough
1942
Joe Trosper
movieA Yank on the Burma Road
1942
Police Dispatcher
movieBedtime Story
1941
Hotel Guest in Room 625 (uncredited)
movieKathleen
1941
Moving Man
movieThe Night of January 16th
1941
Policeman Kelly
movieRide 'Em Cowboy
1941
Railroad Detective #2 (uncredited)
movieNew York Town
1941
Recruiting Sergeant (uncredited)
movieI Wake Up Screaming
1941
Detective (uncredited)
movieTexas
1941
Abilene Fight Announcer
movieHold Back the Dawn
1941
Immigration Guard (uncredited)
movieWe Go Fast
1941
Police Lt. Bardette
movieBelle Starr
1941
Sergeant
movieManpower
1941
Orderly About to Give Bath (uncredited)
movieAffectionately Yours
1941
Tomassetti
movieZiegfeld Girl
1941
Buck (uncredited)
movieRide on Vaquero
1941
Officer Johnson
moviePot o' Gold
1941
Sheriff Bud Connolly (uncredited) / Sheriff Bud Connolly
movieWestern Union
1941
Deputy Sheriff
movieThe Strawberry Blonde
1941
Ticket Inspector on Boat (uncredited)
movieBuck Privates
1941
Recruiting Sergeant (uncredited)
movieThe Wild Man of Borneo
1941
Policeman (uncredited)
movieFour Mothers
1941
Demolition Man (uncredited)
movieTin Pan Alley
1940
Army Sergeant (uncredited)
movieYouth Will Be Served
1940
Buck Miller
movieThe Long Voyage Home
1940
Dock Policeman
movieKnute Rockne All American
1940
Army Assistant Coach (uncredited)
movieThe Great Profile
1940
Detective
movieRhythm on the River
1940
Detective
movieWhen the Daltons Rode
1940
Annabella's Brother
movieThe Golden Fleecing
1940
Cop (uncredited)
movieSouth of Pago Pago
1940
Cafe Customer
movieManhattan Heartbeat
1940
Truck Driver
movieThe Way of All Flesh
1940
Policeman
moviePrivate Affairs
1940
Doorman (uncredited)
movieLucky Cisco Kid
1940
Ranch Foreman
movieQueen of the Mob
1940
Third FBI Director
movieThe Ghost Breakers
1940
Hotel Porter (uncredited)
movieBrother Orchid
1940
Parking Attendant at Fat Dutchy's (uncredited)
movieFlorian
1940
Policeman
movieGirl in 313
1940
Det. Carvin
movieLa Conga Nights
1940
Grogin
movieHot Steel
1940
Storm Swenson
movieJohnny Apollo
1940
Prison Guard In Library (uncredited)
movieIt All Came True
1940
Roaring 90's Club Doorman (uncredited)
movieAnd One Was Beautiful
1940
McRafferty
movieThe Grapes of Wrath
1940
Guard (uncredited)
movieDouble Alibi
1940
Patrolman Johnson
movieCastle on the Hudson
1940
Death Row Guard (uncredited)
movieBroadway Melody of 1940
1940
Clancy (uncredited)
movieThe Fighting 69th
1940
Supply Sergeant (uncredited)
movieRemember the Night
1940
Court Attendant (uncredited)
movieThe Roaring Twenties
1939
Policeman (uncredited)
movieFast and Furious
1939
Policeman Guarding Entrance (uncredited)
movieIrish Luck
1939
Fluger
movieEach Dawn I Die
1939
Policeman (uncredited)
movieThey Shall Have Music
1939
Police Sergeant (uncredited)
movieWhen Tomorrow Comes
1939
Coard Guard Man on Road (uncredited)
movieThey All Come Out
1939
Officer (uncredited)
movieMr. Wong in Chinatown
1939
Police Sgt. Jerry
movieMickey the Kid
1939
Sanders
movieTell No Tales
1939
Officer Simmons (uncredited)
movieUnion Pacific
1939
Paddy (uncredited)
movieRose of Washington Square
1939
Guard (uncredited)
movieBig Town Czar
1939
George Mitchell
movieCode of the Streets
1939
Doorman
movieSergeant Madden
1939
Police Interrogator
movieEverybody's Baby
1939
Police Announcer (uncredited)
movieThe Ice Follies of 1939
1939
Doorman (uncredited)
movieJesse James
1939
Cavalry Captain (uncredited)
movieThe Duke of West Point
1938
Plebe Hockey Coach
movieConvicts at Large
1938
Detective Sgt. Berkovich
movieBlondie
1938
Policeman in Accident Car (uncredited)
movieLightning Carson Rides Again
1938
Justice Department Agent
movieToo Hot to Handle
1938
Young Reporter (uncredited)
movieThree Loves Has Nancy
1938
Jack's Friend (uncredited)
movieYou Can't Take It with You
1938
Jailer (uncredited)
movieI Am the Law
1938
George - Witness (uncredited)
movieGateway
1938
Guard
movieWives Under Suspicion
1938
Jenks (uncredited)
movieAlexander's Ragtime Band
1938
Army Captain (uncredited)
movieTest Pilot
1938
Pilot (uncredited)
movieMiracle Money
1938
Cop (uncredited)
movieStart Cheering
1938
Gas Station Attendant
movieNight Spot
1938
Kidnapper
movieBorn to Be Wild
1938
Striker (uncredited)
movieMannequin
1938
Burly Man (Uncredited)
movieEverybody's Doing It
1938
Detective Hayes
movieBig Town Girl
1937
State Trooper
movieLive, Love and Learn
1937
Marine Who Likes Painting (uncredited)
movieHot Water
1937
Policeman (uncredited)
movieMy Dear Miss Aldrich
1937
Dr. Spitzy Calahan (uncredited)
movieGirls Can Play
1937
Det. Bill O'Malley
movieAngel's Holiday
1937
Detective
movieI Promise to Pay
1937
Bill Seaver
movieMidnight Taxi
1937
Detective McCormick
movieYou Only Live Once
1937
State Trooper (uncredited)
movieDangerous Number
1937
Cab Driver
movieThey Met in a Taxi
1936
Policeman
movieMy Man Godfrey
1936
Detective (uncredited)
movieHow to Behave
1936
Man in Manhole (uncredited)
movieRendezvous
1935
2st Military Policeman (uncredited)
movieShipmates Forever
1935
Lieutenant (uncredited)
movieSpecial Agent
1935
Agent Arresting Julie (uncredited)
movieMan on the Flying Trapeze
1935
Chauffeur (uncredited)
movieWoman Wanted
1935
Mac - Policeman (uncredited)
movieThe Daring Young Man
1935
Informant on Telephone
movieThe Murder Man
1935
Policeman at Merry-Go-Round (uncredited)
movieChinatown Squad
1935
Detective
moviePublic Hero Number 1
1935
Flavin - Federal Agent (uncredited)
movie'G' Men
1935
Agent with Jean (uncredited)
movieStraight from the Heart
1935
Policeman
movieCaptain Hurricane
1935
Freighter Officer
movieSecrets of Chinatown
1935
Brandhma
movieThe Brand of Hate
1934
Holt Larkins
movieThe Affairs of Cellini
1934
Palace Guard (uncredited)
movieBaby Take a Bow
1934
Flannigan
movieWild Gold
1934
Detective (uncredited)
movieThe Big Race
1934
Bill Figg
movieBeloved
1934
Wilcox
movieOnly Yesterday
1933
Billy (Uncredited)
movieShip of Wanted Men
1933
Frank Busch
movieRiot Squad
1933
Det. Mack McCue
movieHello, Sister!
1933
Fireman
movieKing Kong
1933
Mate Briggs
movieAir Mail
1932
Man with Radio Report (uncredited)
movieThe All-American
1932
Don Lindsay
movieThe Most Dangerous Game
1932
First Mate on Yacht (uncredited)
movieOkay, America!
1932
Undetermined Role (uncredited)
movieMcKenna of the Mounted
1932
Corporal Randall McKenna
movieBack Street
1932
Reporter (uncredited)
movieThe Airmail Mystery
1932
Bob Lee