1. Overview
Richard Carle (born Charles Nicholas Carleton; July 7, 1871 - June 28, 1941) was a prominent American stage and film actor, as well as a prolific playwright and stage director. His extensive career spanned from the late 19th century into the early 1940s, during which he appeared in over 130 films and held significant roles in numerous theatrical productions across major cities like London, New York, and Chicago. Beyond acting, Carle also contributed to the performing arts as a librettist, film producer, lyricist, and composer.
2. Life
Richard Carle's life encompassed a notable career in entertainment, beginning in Massachusetts and concluding in California.
2.1. Birth and Early Background
Richard Carle was born Charles Nicholas Carleton on July 7, 1871, in Somerville, Massachusetts. His early life set the foundation for a long and diverse career in the performing arts.
2.2. Death
Carle passed away on June 28, 1941, in North Hollywood, California. His death was attributed to a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack.
3. Career
Richard Carle's professional life was marked by his versatility and extensive contributions to both the stage and screen.
3.1. Stage Career
Carle dedicated many years to the stage, establishing himself as a significant theatrical presence. He performed in important roles in major theatrical centers, including London, New York City, and Chicago. Notable stage appearances include his portrayal of J. Offenbach Gaggs in The Casino Girl in 1900 and Algy Cuffs in The Belle of Bohemia in London in 1901. His stage work preceded his transition into cinema.
3.2. Film Career
Carle made his screen debut and became a prolific film actor, appearing in more than 130 films between 1915 and 1941. His active period in cinema showcased his ability to transition from the theatrical stage to the burgeoning film industry, maintaining a consistent presence throughout the silent and early sound eras.
3.3. Playwright and Director
Beyond his acting roles, Richard Carle was also active as a playwright and stage director, demonstrating his comprehensive involvement in theatrical production. His creative contributions extended to writing librettos, lyrics, and composing music. He was also credited as a film producer, further highlighting his multifaceted career in the entertainment industry.
4. Filmography
Richard Carle appeared in a vast number of films throughout his career. The following is a selected list of his film appearances:
- Mary's Lamb (1915) - Leander Lamb
- The Mad Marriage (1925)
- Zander the Great (1925) - Mr. Pepper
- The Coming of Amos (1925) - David Fontenay
- Eve's Leaves (1926) - Richard Stanley
- The Understanding Heart (1927) - Sheriff Bentley
- Soft Cushions (1927) - The Slave Dealer
- The Fleet's In (1928) - Judge Hartley
- While the City Sleeps (1928) - Wally
- Habeas Corpus (1928, Short) - Professor Padilla
- It Can Be Done (1929) - Watson
- Madame X (1929) - Perissard
- His Glorious Night (1929) - Count Albert
- So This Is College (1929) - Entomology Professor (uncredited)
- Brothers (1929) - Thomas Blackwood
- The Grand Parade (1930) - Rand
- A Lady to Love (1930) - Postman
- Free and Easy (1930) - Eunuch Crowning Elmer (uncredited)
- The Unholy Three (1930) - Sideshow Barker (uncredited)
- Estrellados (1930) - Eunuch (uncredited)
- Sin Takes a Holiday (1930) - Minister (uncredited)
- Flying High (1931) - Hotel Manager (uncredited)
- Fireman, Save My Child (1932) - Dan Toby
- One Hour with You (1932) - Henri Dornier - Private Detective
- The Washington Masquerade (1932) - Dinner Guest (uncredited)
- The Night of June 13 (1932) - Otto
- Hat Check Girl (1932) - Professor (uncredited)
- Rockabye (1932) - Doc (uncredited)
- Smoke Lightning (1933) - Parson
- Private Jones (1933) - Lecturer (uncredited)
- Diplomaniacs (1933) - Ship's Captain
- Man Hunt (1933) - Sheriff Bascom
- No Marriage Ties (1933) - Peggy's Song Publisher Escort (uncredited)
- Morning Glory (1933) - Henry Lawrence
- Golden Harvest (1933) - Doctor Hoyt
- Ladies Must Love (1933) - Wilbur Muller
- Moulin Rouge (1934) - Sugar Daddy (uncredited)
- Beloved (1934) - Judge B. T. Belden
- Caravan (1934) - Majordomo
- George White's Scandals (1934) - Minister
- Harold Teen (1934) - Parmalee - School Official
- Bottoms Up (1934) - Party Guest (uncredited)
- Sing and Like It (1934) - Mr. Abercrombie Hancock - Critic
- The Witching Hour (1934) - Lew Ellinger
- The Last Round-Up (1934) - Judge Savin
- Affairs of a Gentleman (1934) - Paul Q. Bindar
- Hollywood Party (1934) - Knapp
- Such Women Are Dangerous (1934) - Thomas H. Delahanty
- The Old Fashioned Way (1934) - Sheriff of Barnesville
- Wake Up and Dream (1934) - Roger Babcock
- The Merry Widow (1934) - Defense Attorney (uncredited)
- The Ghost Walks (1934) - Herman Wood
- Life Returns (1935) - A.K. Arnold
- Home on the Range (1935) - Butts
- Night Life of the Gods (1935) - Grandpa Lambert
- Baby Face Harrington (1935) - Judge Forbes
- Love in Bloom (1935) - Sheriff
- Together We Live (1935) - Charlie
- Here Comes Cookie (1935) - Sam (uncredited)
- The Gay Deception (1935) - Mr. Spitzer
- Moonlight on the Prairie (1935) - Colonel Gowdy
- I Dream Too Much (1935) - Snobbish Critic (uncredited)
- Nevada (1935) - Judge Franklidge
- The Bride Comes Home (1935) - Frank - Butler
- Dangerous (1935) - Pitt Hanley
- Anything Goes (1936) - Bishop Dobson
- Drift Fence (1936) - Sheriff Bingham
- The Trail of the Lonesome Pine (1936) - Ezra Tolliver
- The Little Red Schoolhouse (1936) - The Professor, a Hobo
- Love Before Breakfast (1936) - Brinkerhoff
- Small Town Girl (1936) - Jeffers Cass, J.P. (uncredited)
- Let's Sing Again (1936) - Carter
- The Case Against Mrs. Ames (1936) - Uncle Gordon
- One Rainy Afternoon (1936) - Minister of Justice
- Three of a Kind (1936) - F. Thorndyke Penfield
- San Francisco (1936) - Founders' Club Member (uncredited)
- The Arizona Raiders (1936) - Boswell Albernathy, Justice of the Peace
- Spendthrift (1936) - Popsy
- The Texas Rangers (1936) - Casper Johnson
- The Man I Marry (1936) - Storekeeper
- Easy to Take (1936) - Attorney Olney
- Arizona Mahoney (1936) - Sheriff
- College Holiday (1936) - Judge Bent
- Champagne Waltz (1937) - Messenger (uncredited)
- She's Dangerous (1937) - Kegley
- Outcast (1937) - Mooney
- Top of the Town (1937) - Edwin Borden
- Racketeers in Exile (1937) - Regan Langdon aka 'Porky'
- The Man in Blue (1937) - Willie Loomis
- Married Before Breakfast (1937) - Colonel Eustace Randolph (uncredited)
- Rhythm in the Clouds (1937) - J.C. Boswell
- Love in a Bungalow (1937) - Mr. Bisbee
- It's All Yours (1937) - Judge Reynolds
- She Asked for It (1937) - Ted Hoyt
- Merry-Go-Round of 1938 (1937) - Col. J. Addison Frooks
- I'll Take Romance (1937) - Rudi
- 45 Fathers (1937) - Bunny Carothers
- True Confession (1937) - Judge
- Persons in Hiding (1939) - Zeke (Pa) Bronson
- It's a Wonderful World (1939) - Major I.E. Willoughby
- Undercover Doctor (1939) - Elmer Porter
- Maisie (1939) - Roger Bannerman
- Ninotchka (1939) - Gaston
- Remember? (1939) - Mr. Piper
- Parole Fixer (1940) - Gustav Kalkus
- The Ghost Comes Home (1940) - John Reed Thomas
- Ma! He's Making Eyes at Me (1940) - C. J. Woodbury
- Lillian Russell (1940) - Bradley (uncredited)
- Those Were the Days! (1940) - Old Man (uncredited)
- The Great McGinty (1940) - Dr. Jonas J. Jarvis - Card Player in Cantina (uncredited)
- Comin' Round the Mountain (1940) - Lester Smoot
- The Golden Fleecing (1940) - Pattington
- Seven Sinners (1940) - District Officer
- One Night in the Tropics (1940) - James G. Moore
- Las Vegas Nights (1941) - Judge Elkins (uncredited)
- The Devil and Miss Jones (1941) - Oliver
- That Uncertain Feeling (1941) - The Butler
- Million Dollar Baby (1941) - George
- My Life with Caroline (1941) - Reverend Dr. Curtis (uncredited)
- A Dangerous Game (1941) - Agatha - alias Mooseface Hogarty
- New Wine (1941) - Karl Hasslinger
- Buy Me That Town (1941) - Judge Paradise
- Moonlight in Hawaii (1941) - J. B. Lawton