Dave O'Brien (1912-1969)

biography

Born David Fronabarger on May 31, 1912, in Big Spring, Texas, actor Dave O'Brien began his career as an actor during the early days of sound films, at age 17. Dave started off as a dancer and chorus boy in Warner Bros. musicals, such as 42nd Street (1933; with Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler) and Footlight Parade (1933; with Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler), among others. His first starring role came in the exploitation classic Tell Your Children, now better known as Reefer Madness (1936; with Dorothy Short and Carleton Young). O'Brien married his Reefer Madness co-star, Dorothy Short, in 1936, and the couple eventually welcomed two daughters. When the couple married, Short's career was more stable than his, so he began working as a stuntman and villain in westerns while trying to get his foot in the door. By the late 1930's, O'Brien made his way to the top of Poverty Row, starring in numerous westerns and several horror films at Monogram and PRC and became the star of PRC's Texas Rangers series.

After years as a low-budget western star, O'Brien made the switch to comedy when he signed with MGM in 1945 do to a series of Pete Smith Specialties shorts, which he also wrote and often directed under the credited name 'David Barclay.' Afterward, O'Brien virtually gave up his feature-film career, with a couple of exceptions. Production on these shorts ended with Smith's retirement in 1954. O'Brien then moved to The Red Skelton Show, where he served as writer for many years. Whereas his career was going well, his marriage to Dorothy Short ended in 1954.

the films of dave o'brien

Reefer Madness (1936)

The Devil Bat (1940)

The Spider Returns (1941)

Spooks Run Wild (1941)

Captain Midnight (1942)

King of the Stallions (1942)

The Rangers Take Over (1942)

Border Buckaroos (1943)

Return of the Rangers (1943)

West of Texas (1943)

Brand of the Devil (1944)

later years

After Dave O'Brien began the Pete Smith Specialties shorts, he acted in only a handful of films, including Kiss Me Kate (1953; with Kathryn Grayson and Howard Keel), The Desperados Are in Town (1956; with Robert Arthur and Kathleen Nolan), and The Kettles in the Ozarks (1956; with Marjorie Main). Giving up his acting career in the mid 1950s, O'Brien took a job as a comedy writer for Red Skelton under his writing alias David Barclay, a job which he kept for the rest of his life. He died suddenly of a heart attack while sailing on November 8, 1969, at the age of 57. He was survived by his second wife, Nancy, and three daughters and two sons. O'Brien was preceded in death by his ex-wife Dorothy Short (1915-1963).

dave o'brien films available from movies unlimited

FILM
Reefer Madness (B&W/Color Versions) [DVD](1936) DVD
"The devil weed with its roots in Hell!" The classic anti-marijuana propaganda film that depicts innocent high school kids being "turned on" by adult pushers. See teens turn into giggling fiends after one puff, a puff that propels them down a road of vice and death. Laughable, even by '30s standards. With Dorothy Short, Kenneth Craig, Dave "Tex" O'Brien. Includes both the original black-and-white and the newly colorized versions. AKA: "Tell Your Children." 65 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: Spanish; audio commentary; theatrical trailer; bonus short.
RiffTrax: Reefer Madness [DVD](1936) DVD
65 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; audio commentary.
The Black Coin [DVD](1936) DVD
What is the sinister secret that the mysterious black coins reveal, and what is their connection to a map that people will kill to possess? Those questions haunt a group of government agents as they attempt to find out the truth before a group of ruthless treasure hunters can. Excitement-packed serial stars Ralph Graves, Ruth Mix, Dave O'Brien. 15 chapters; 5 1/3 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Poverty Row Studio Collections: Victory Pictures, Vol. 1 [DVD] DVD
Screen Tarzan Bruce Bennett (billed as Herman Brix) plays a rich man who stumbles upon a "Million Dollar Racket" (1937) after posing as his own chauffeur and romancing a beautiful woman. Romantic crime drama co-stars Joan Barclay, Bryant Washburn. Two-disc set also includes "Kelly of the Secret Service," "Shadow of Chinatown" (feature version), and "Amateur Crook." Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Brothers Of The West (1937)/Fast Bullets [DVD](1936) DVD
First, in "Brothers of the West," Tom Tyler must corral the thieves who have framed his brother and locate his sibling before it's too late. Powerful horse opera co-stars Lois Wilde, Dorothy Short, Bob Kelly. Then, in "Fast Bullets," Texas Rangers Tom Tyler and Rex Lease are breathing down the necks of some dad-blamed coyotes who've kidnapped a young woman, and ingeniously outwit the baddies with dummies on horseback. With Margaret Nearing, Al Bridge. AKA: "Law and Order." 114 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Lightnin' Crandall (1937)/Gun Lords Of Stirrup Basin [DVD](1937) DVD
First, in "Lightnin' Crandall," Bob Steele wants nothing more than to hang up his holsters and live in peace...but he's forced to strap 'em on again to settle the score between feuding ranchers at his Arizona retreat! Rootin'-tootin' oater co-stars Lois January, Frank LaRue. Then, in "Gun Lords of Stirrup Basin," Steele is about to marry a homesteader's daughter when a sleazy lawyer tries to stop a dam from being built. Now, our hero tries to intervene before the situation explodes into a cowpoke catastrophe. With Louise Stanley, Karl Hackett. 114 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Rough Riding Rhythm [DVD](1937) DVD
After she is abducted from her ranch, cowgirl Helen Hobart is forced to take care of a baby that has also been kidnapped. Meanwhile, frontiersmen Jim and Scrubby are mistaken for stagerobbers and arrested. Exciting western yarn stars Kermit Maynard, Beryl Wallace, Ralph Peters. 57 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Frontier Scout [DVD](1938) DVD
After fighting in the Civil War and acting as a personal scout for Ulysses S. Grant, Wild Bill Hickok (George Houston) takes work as a U.S. deputy marshal. Travelling to New Mexico with his faithful sidekick Whiney Roberts (Al St. John), he helps out an old army friend by taking on a group of cattle rustlers. With Beth Marion, Alden Chase. 59 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Man's Country [DVD](1938) DVD
Jack Randall plays the dashing ranger, doing battle with a nasty batch of outlaws led by a ruthless bandolero who happens to have a twin brother. Ralph Peters co-stars.
The Singing Cowgirl [DVD](1938) DVD
Singing rage Dorothy Page, the female answer to Gene Autry, helps an 8-year-old orphan win back the family ranch from the polecats who killed his kinfolk. Can she stop the varmints and still have time to belt out a few tunes? Includes the songs "I Gotta Sing," "Prairie Boy," and "Let's Round Up Our Dreams." With Dave O'Brien (billed as David), Vince Barnett, Warner Richmond. 59 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Where The Buffalo Roam (1938)/Sundown On The Prairie [DVD](1939) DVD
First, in "Where the Buffalo Roam," Tex Ritter goes into action when a desert rat decides to go over the authorities' limit for hunting buffalo. Dorothy Short, Horace Murphy, Peewee Pollard co-star. Then, in "Sundown on the Prairie," Tex and Horace are sent by the government to catch some rustlers in Santa Fe--resulting in plenty of action and excitement. With Dorothy Fay, Karl Hackett. 106 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Whirlwind Horseman (1938)/Alias: The Bad Man [DVD](1931) DVD
First, "Whirlwind Horseman," has cowpoke Ken Maynard arriving in a town overrun by outlaws to check out his buddy's gold claim. But when he discovers that his pal has vanished, he has to confront the no-good varmints. With Joan Barclay, Bill Griffith. Then, in "Alias: The Bad Man," Maynard dispenses frontier justice upon a group of cattle rustlers who murdered a ranch beauty's father. Co-stars Virginia Brown Faire, Frank Mayo. 122 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Flaming Lead [DVD](1939) DVD
Stranded in Chicago until he can raise enough cash to return to his home in Arizona, nightclub rope trick artist Ken Maynard takes a job working on the ranch of friendly cowpoke Dave O'Brien. But when some varmints try to cheat his new boss out of an Army horse contract, he becomes determined to stop their plans. With Eleanor Stewart, Walter Long, Tom London. 57 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Buried Alive [DVD](1939) DVD
Sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit, a man fights for parole and discovers that he was jailed for political reasons. While trying to clear his name, he befriends a kindly nurse who believes his claims of innocence. But when he is blamed for the murder of a guard, his situation begins to get dramatically worse. Robert Wilcox, Beverly Roberts and George Pembroke star. 62 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Code Of The Cactus (1939)/Outlaw Paradise [DVD](1939) DVD
First, in "Code of the Cactus," Tim McCoy turns in a heroic performance as a cowpoke who uses all of his skills to stop a group of ornery owlhoots who refuse to abide by the law. Dorothy Short, Forrest Taylor co-star. Then, in "Outlaw Paradise," McCoy shines in a dual role as a jailed member of a band of mail bond thieves and the lawman who impersonates him to bring the gang down. Joan Barclay, Benny Corbett co-star. AKA: "Outlaws' Paradise." 110 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Fighting Renegade [DVD](1939) DVD
Tim McCoy shines in this superb sagebrush spectacle as a government agent falsely accused of murdering a professor. Taking the identity of a Mexican vigilante leader known as "the Puma" with hopes of tracking down the real killers. Now, he finds himself putting his cowboy skills to the test while trying to catch the varmints. With Joyce Bryant, Ben Corbett, Ted Adams. Standard; Soundtrack: English; bonus "Stories of the Century" episode "Jack Slade." Plays All Regions.
Crashing Thru [DVD](1939) DVD
That crash you hear is James Newill as two-fisted Mountie Renfrew, trying to stop three owlhoots who swiped gold from their boss, an outlaw who recently pulled off a heist. Jean Carmen and Warren Hull also star in this exciting entry in the popular "Renfrew of the Mounties" series. 55 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Daughter Of The Tong [DVD](1939) DVD
A crime drama starring Grant Withers that celebrates the courageous deeds of the F.B.I. and the dedication of its famous director. A Chinese dragon lady rules with a murderous hand her group of waterfront smugglers. With Evelyn Brent, Dorothy Short. 53 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Gun Code (1939)/Black Mountain Stage [DVD](1940) DVD
First, in "Gun Code," Tim McCoy takes action against evil jaspers who have turned a peaceful town into the home of an extortion racket. Can he protect a beautiful heroine and make things right? With Inna Guest, Lou Fulton. Then, in "Black Mountain Stage," McCoy is a dapper U.S. marshal who goes undercover to stop some coach robbers. Pauline Haddon, Rex Lease co-star. AKA: "Riders of Black Mountain." Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Riders Of The Sage (1939)/Sunrise Trail (1931) [DVD] DVD
First, when a group of thugs kidnaps the son of a local homesteader, a fearless band of outlaws known as the "Riders of the Sage" come to the rescue. Bob Steele, Claire Rochelle, Ralph Hoopes star. Then, in the Western saga "Sunrise Trail," Steele stars as an undercover deputy who befriends a member of an outlaw gang that he has infiltrated. With Blanche Mehaffey, Jack Clifford. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Rollin' Westward (1939)/Rollin' Home To Texas (1941) [DVD] DVD
You'll be "Rollin' on the Ritter" with this Tex Ritter twin bill. First, after rescuing Dorothy Fay from a runaway coach, Ritter helps Fay and her pa defend their homestead from unscrupulous land-grabbers in "Rollin' Westward." Harry Harvey, Horace Murphy co-star. Next, Tex is "Rollin' Home to Texas" when he and sidekick Slim Andrews get wind of a scheme to spring convicts from jail, frame them for bank robberies, and collect the reward...dead or alive. With Virginia Carpenter, Eddie Dean. 158 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Texas Wildcats (1939)/Border Caballero [DVD](1936) DVD
First, in "Texas Wildcats," a price hangs over the head of perpetual paladin Tim McCoy set by a loathsome villain who'd like to dupe a homesteader out of a rich gold vein on his land. With Joan Barclay, Ben Corbett. Then, in "Border Caballero," McCoy and lady cowpoke Lois January try to topple the bad guys--but they'll have to shoot the skies out to do it! With Ralph Byrd, J. Frank Glendon. 109 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Water Rustlers [DVD](1939) DVD
Dorothy Page, the Singing Cowgirl, goes after the gang who closed the dam gates, thereby killing the grass, the cattle and, soon, the townspeople. But will she be able to track down the varmints responsible and bring them to justice before anyone else is hurt? Dave O'Brien, Vince Barnett co-star. 54 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English; bonus "Annie Oakley" episode. Plays All Regions.
Boys Of The City [DVD](1940) DVD
Things get scary for Leo Gorcey, Bobby Jordan and the East Side gang when a murder in a creepy old mansion makes them unofficial ghost chasers. 68 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono. Plays All Regions.
Danger Ahead [DVD](1940) DVD
From the "Renfrew of the Mounties" series comes this exciting tale starring James Newill as the mighty Mountie investigating the theft of a gold shipment and the death of an armored truck driver. With Dorothea Kent and Dave O'Brien. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
East Side Kids [DVD](1940) DVD
A gang of streetwise kids gets help from a crook-turned-detective in stopping a counterfeiting ring in the first of Monogram's "East Side Kids" series. Leon Ames, Joyce Bryant, Dave O'Brien star. 62 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Hold That Woman [DVD](1940) DVD
A process server goes up against gangsters, the police and his boss when he finds a stolen cache of jewels hidden inside a radio he repossesses, forcing him to get to the bottom of the crime in order to keep his job and stay out of prison. James Dunn, Frances Gifford, Martin Spellman star. 64 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Murder On The Yukon [DVD](1940) DVD
A prospector discovers that he's been paid off in phony money and takes a bullet for his trouble. Now, it's up to Renfrew, R.C.M.P., to catch the trigger-happy counterfeiters. Joined by his faithful constable, he embarks on an adventure packed with excitement and thrills as he tries to bring to bad guys to justice. James Newill, Polly Ann Young, Dave O'Brien, and Al St. John star. 58 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Phantom Rancher [DVD](1940) DVD
The masked rider coming to the aid of farmers unable to pay off their mortgages is none other than Ken Maynard. He's out to make amends for the bad reputation left behind by his late uncle in this frontier drama. Dorothy Short, Harry Harvey co-star. 61 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono. Plays All Regions.
Queen Of The Yukon [DVD](1940) DVD
Jack London's tale of high stakes comes to life in this thrilling adventure about a loving mother who runs a gambling den aboard a Yukon riverboat in order for her daughter to be able to attend school. Desiring to be reunited with her child, she sells her business to a mining company whose troublesome actions cause her and her offspring plenty of strife. Charles Bickford, Irene Rich, Melvin Lang star in this classic Monogram release. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Sky Bandits [DVD](1940) DVD
The last of the "Renfrew of the Mounties" series stands R.C.M.P. James Newill against gold hijackers and a deluded scientist who's crafting a death ray for knocking aircraft out of the sky. 55 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Son Of The Navy [DVD](1940) DVD
In this heartfelt drama, a sailor hitchhiking to his base in San Pedro, California, encounters an orphan boy and his dog. Thinking that it would be easier to get a ride if they pretend to be father and son, they team up. But when the boy decides that the man would make an excellent dad for real, an unlikely family is formed. Jean Parker, James Dunn, Dave O'Brien star. AKA: "The New Recruit." 72 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
The Cowboy From Sundown [DVD](1940) DVD
Hoof-and-mouth disease a thing of the past? Not in this sagebrush adventure in which lawman Tex Ritter tries to quarantine the ranches in the area, fearing the disease will spread. The ranchers are not happy and plan to stop Ritter's efforts. Carleton Young, Glenn Strange co-star. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
The Devil Bat (B&W/Color Versions) [DVD](1940) DVD
Kindly country doctor Bela Lugosi is not suspected to be the crazy fiend who trains his bats to attack anyone wearing a certain perfume. Also starring Dave O'Brien, of "Reefer Madness" fame. AKA: "Killer Bat." Includes both the original black-and-white and the newly colorized versions. 68 min. Soundtrack: English.
Yukon Flight [DVD](1940) DVD
Renfrew of the Mounties saddles up to bring in a pair of pernicious pilots who are charging an outrageous price for air freighting gold: all the cargo, and sometimes the prospectors' lives! James Newill returns as Renfrew; Louise Stanley, Warren Hull co-star. 57 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Spooks Run Wild [DVD](1941) DVD
On the way to summer camp, the East Side Kids (Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, and crew) wind up instead in a creepy castle owned by a creepy Bela Lugosi, who the boys think is a real bloodsucker. When Gorcey is given a drug that appears to have turned him into a zombie, things gets scarier-and funnier! With Angelo Rossitto, Dennis Moore, Dorothy Short. 65 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono. Plays All Regions.
Pride Of The Bowery: The East Side Kids (Six-DVD Set) [DVD] DVD
Six-disc set of East Side Kids adventures includes "Pride of the Bowery," "Bowery Blitzkrieg," "Smart Alecks," "Spooks Run Wild," "Kid Dynamite," and "Million Dollar Kid" (1944).
Billy The Kid Wanted [DVD](1941) DVD
Taking over the role from Bob Steele, Buster Crabbe shines in his debut outing as Billy the Kid. After riding into a small town, the Kid discovers that the residents of the community are powerless against a greedy land baron who dominates the area. Quicker than you can say "varmint," he sets out to save the day. With Al "Fuzzy" St. John, Dave O'Brien, Glenn Strange, Charles King. 61 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Classic Westerns Collection: Buster Crabbe [DVD] DVD
Four classic Billy the Kid oaters starring Buster Crabbe! First, Crabbe plays two roles in "Sheriff of Sage Valley" (1942). He's famed outlaw Billy, who is mistakenly appointed mayor of a Western town and promises to keep it clean, only to find trouble in the form of an oily twin brother, gambler Kansas Ed. Al St. John, Dave "Tex" O'Brien co-star. Next, a gang of ornery outlaws frames the Kid (Crabbe) for murder and the kidnapping of a young girl. Crabbe must clear his name by finding the girl, in "Western Cyclone" (1943). With St. John, Marjorie Manners. Then, in order to clear his name (again) of crimes being committed by a band of outlaws, Billy (Crabbe) joins the gang, only to find it's being led by a woman, in "Fugitive of the Plains" (1943). St. John, Maxine Leslie, Jack Ingram, and Kermit Maynard co-star. Finally, the Kid's grizzled sidekick has had it with life on the run and wants to go straight, but Billy is more than determined to show him the error of his ways, in "Fuzzy Settles Down" (1944). Crabbe, St. John star. 3 3/4 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; theatrical trailers.
Flying Wild [DVD](1941) DVD
It's up to the East Side Kids to ground a ring of saboteurs who are out to obtain airplane blueprints for the Axis. Keep 'em flying with Leo Gorcey, Bobby Jordan, Sammy Morrison, and the rest of the gang. 61 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Forbidden Trails (1941)/Down Texas Way [DVD](1942) DVD
The Rough Riders (Tim McCoy, Buck Jones, Raymond Hatton) return in two rousing sagebrushers. "Forbidden Trails" finds former U.S. marshal Jones wounded after a shootout with some ornery black hats. While he's recuperating, his compadres set out to find the varmints who hurt their pal. With Christine McIntyre, Dave O'Brien. Then, a trip "Down Texas Way" is anything but fun when Hatton is accused of killing a town's banker. Can McCoy and Jones catch the true culprits in time to clear their pardner's name? Luana Walters and Glenn Strange also star. 116 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Murder By Invitation [DVD](1941) DVD
The greedy relatives of an eccentric, wealthy old woman are invited to her mansion for a weekend visit, but one of the family members turns up dead. Will the quest for a hidden fortune lead the killer to strike again? Well-made Monogram suspenser stars Wallace Ford, Marian Marsh, Sarah Padden. 66 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono. Plays All Regions.
The Phantom Pinto [DVD](1941) DVD
What does Buzzy (Robert "Buzz" Henry) remember after he was shot? Not much, but he does recall spotting a mysterious, black phantom pinto. Will Buzzy regain his memories, and will his attacker ever be brought to justice? Find out in this exciting western adventure. Dave O'Brien, Dorothy Short co-star. AKA: "Buzzy and the Phantom Pinto." Standard; Soundtrack: English.
The Texas Marshal [DVD](1941) DVD
Cowboy hero Tim McCoy tries to corral a gang of gold-seeking hombres who have disguised themselves as the "League of Patriots" in order to pull off their heists. Kay Leslie, Karl Hackett also star. 54 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
The East Side Kids Gift Set (10-DVD Set) [DVD] DVD
Packaged in a hardbound, cloth-covered case, this 10-disc set includes "Boys of the City," "That Gang of Mine," "Spooks Run Wild," "Bowery Blitzkrieg, "'Neath Brooklyn Bridge," "Mr. Wise Guy," "Smart Alecks," "Clancy Street Boys," "Kid Dynamite," and "Million Dollar Kid."
'Neath Brooklyn Bridge [DVD](1942) DVD
The East Side Kids find themselves in hot water when they help a young girl in trouble, only to find they're accused of murder. Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall star. 61 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono. Plays All Regions.
Code Of The Red Man [DVD](1942) DVD
Chief Thundercloud heads a largely Indian cast in this Western saga of a vicious wild stallion who threatens both the herd and the locals... unless our hero can bring him to heel. Dave O'Brien, Princess Bluebird, Iron Eyes Cody co-star. AKA: "King of the Stallions." Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Billy The Kid's Smoking Guns [DVD](1942) DVD
In this epic western adventure, Billy the Kid (Buster Crabbe) must deal with a gang of ruthless land poachers who are in league with local authorities. As the black hats try to succeed in their sinister scheming, Billy demonstrates to them exactly who they are dealing with. Al "Fuzzy" St. John, Dave O'Brien, Joe Merton co-star. 58 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Bowery At Midnight [DVD](1942) DVD
Creepy mystery starring Bela Lugosi as a psychology professor who uses a mission as a front for his criminal deeds. When people become aware of his activities, Lugosi has them killed and buried in a basement, then revives them with a special drug. John Archer and Wanda McKay co-star. 60 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono; scene access. Plays All Regions.
Captain Midnight [DVD](1942) DVD
With a terror-stricken nation being blitzed by enemy bombing planes directed by the evil Ivan Shark, good guy Captain Albright becomes Captain Midnight and soars off into the big blue sky to head off the reign of terror and rescue a kidnapped scientist. Stars Dave O'Brien, Dorothy Short, James Craven. 15 episodes; 4 1/2 hrs. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; biographies; photo gallery; theatrical trailers.
Down Texas Way [DVD](1942) DVD
When Rough Rider Raymond Hatton is accused of killing the town banker, Buck Jones and Tim McCoy go undercover to catch the true culprits (come on, you knew Ray was innocent!). Luana Walters and screen Frankenstein monster Glenn Strange co-star. 57 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Law And Order [DVD](1942) DVD
Buster Crabbe shines as Billy the Kid in this great horse opera. After the Kid and some associates are arrested and taken to Fort Culver, the outlaw is shocked to discover that he is an exact double for the post's commander. But when the Calvary officer dies, Billy takes his identity and helps foil a plot to swindle an old lady. With Al St. John, Dave O'Brien. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Sheriff Of Sage Valley (1942)/Western Cyclone [DVD](1943) DVD
First, in "Sheriff of Sage Valley," Buster Crabbe does double duty as Billy the Kid and his oily twin brother. When the siblings square off, the stage is set for a sagebrush showdown. With Al "Fuzzy" St. John, Tex O'Brien. Then, in "Western Cyclone," Crabbe again plays the Kid. This time, he tries to clear his name after he is framed for the kidnapping and murder of a young girl. Co-stars St. John, Marjorie Manners, Karl Hackett. 111 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
The Rangers Take Over [DVD](1942) DVD
The first entry in B studio PRC's "Texas Rangers" series, this frontier drama stars Dave "Tex" O'Brien as a ranger recruit who hopes to follow in his commander father's footsteps. But when a failed raid on some rustlers leads to his dismissal from the force, O'Brien teams with pals Jim Newill and Guy Wilkerson to clear his name. 56 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Border Buckaroos (1943)/Outlaw Roundup [DVD](1944) DVD
First, in "Border Buckaroos," the Texas Rangers help two ranch heirs claim their inherited property before some black hats try to take possession of the land. Dave "Tex" O'Brien, Jim Newill, Guy Wilkerson star. Then, in "Outlaw Roundup," a varmint who attempted to hijack a stagecoach busts out of jail--and the Rangers are there to stop him! O'Brien, Newill, Wilkerson, and Helen Chapman star. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Fighting Valley [DVD](1943) DVD
Down in the valley, trouble's a-brewing. A large company is taking nasty measures to control the ore smelting business. The Texas Rangers, Tex O'Brien, and Jim Newill are out to right the wrongs, but negotiations among those with an interest quickly turn treacherous. Compelling vintage oater co-stars Guy Wilkerson, John Merton. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
The Return Of The Rangers [DVD](1943) DVD
In order to corral a group of cattle rustlers, the Texas Rangers pretend it's Halloween and don disguises. Things get complicated when a Ranger is accused of murder, but his compadres help him out and the trio rides to the rescue. Dave O'Brien, Jim Newill and Guy Wilkerson star. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Trail Of Terror [DVD](1943) DVD
Dave "Tex" O'Brien wears two hats in this Texas Rangers oater, portraying his usual role of lawman Dave Wyatt and also his twin brother, Curly, who gets talked into taking part in a stagecoach robbery. After a change of heart, Curly sends for his sibling and partners with Jim Steele (Jim Newill) and Panhandle Perkins (Guy Wilkerson) to set things right. With Patricia Knox, Jack Ingram. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Dead Or Alive [DVD](1944) DVD
Howdy, pardners! Saddle up with Tex Ritter and the Texas Rangers for this sagebrush spectacle. Pretending to be outlaws in order to infiltrate a gang of hardened criminals who are terrorizing a small frontier community, the men risk their lives in order to restore justice. With Dave O'Brien, Guy Wilkerson, Marjorie Clements, Charles King. 53 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Gangsters Of The Frontier [DVD](1944) DVD
Tex Ritter and company help spring the good folk of Red Rock, who've been held at gun's point and forced to work the mines by two brothers. Through a clever ruse, the corrupt kin are duped into squaring off against each other in a bloody showdown. Co-stars Dave O'Brien, Guy Wilkerson, Patti McCarty. 56 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Guns Of The Law [DVD](1944) DVD
The Texas Rangers try to stop an ornery lawyer (do you know any other kind?) and a crooked surveyor who attempt to swindle a Civil War veteran and his family out of a fortune in property. Can the trio stop the men from carrying out their evil scheme? You can bet your 10-gallon hat they will! Thrilling horse opera stars Dave "Tex" O'Brien, Jim Newill, Guy Wilkerson. 56 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Gunsmoke Mesa [DVD](1944) DVD
"Texas Rangers" Dave O'Brien, Jim Newill and Guy Wilkerson go into action against a notorious black hat who has killed his cousin and the man's wife and nabbed their baby and their gold. Gunplay and galloping rule the day when the Rangers come to the rescue! 59 min.
Spook Town [DVD](1944) DVD
After money that was slotted to finance a local irrigation program is stolen while in the custody of the Texas Rangers, blame immediately turns to them. It's up to Tex O'Brien, Jim Newill and Guy Wilkerson to right the wrong and bring the sneaky trading post owner to justice. With Dick Curtis. 55 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono; theatrical trailers; scene access.
The Pinto Bandit (1944)/Boss Of Rawhide [DVD](1943) DVD
First, in "The Pinto Bandit," a horse thief is causing plenty of troubles for some frontier folk. Fortunately, the Texas Rangers are on hand to stop the black hats and save the day. Dave "Tex" O'Brien, Jim Newill, Guy Wilkerson star. Then, in "Boss of Rawhide," a band of murderous owlhoots rides into an ill wind when they encounter the Texas Rangers, who also manage to knock out some musical numbers in between skirmishes. O'Brien, Newill, Wilkerson star. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
The Whispering Skull [DVD](1944) DVD
One of the most thrilling efforts in the popular "Texas Rangers" series finds the Rangers out to nab a phantom killer who strikes at night. The murder of a small-time sheriff puts the Rangers on the killer's trail. With Tex Ritter, Dave O'Brien, Dave Wilkerson. 55 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Enemy Of The Law [DVD](1945) DVD
It's just another day at the office for the tuneful, manful Texas Rangers when Tex Ritter and the boys thwart a group of terrorists on the plains. With Dave O'Brien, Kermit Maynard. 63 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Marked For Murder (1945)/Bad Men Of Thunder Gap [DVD](1943) DVD
First, in "Marked for Murder," the Texas Rangers attempt to stop a range war between ranchers and some cattlemen. But when tempers explode, can our heroes stop the feud before the situation worsens? Tex Ritter, Dave "Tex" O'Brien, Guy Wilkerson star. Then, in "Bad Men of Thunder Gap," the Rangers investigate the hijacking of supply trains that were headed for a mining camp. After learning about the outlaws who were responsible for the crime, the boys from Texas step in to save the day. O'Brien, Newill, Wilkerson, and Janet Shaw star. AKA: "Thunder Gap Outlaws." 158 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
The Man Who Walked Alone [DVD](1945) DVD
A mysterious hitchhiker seeks a ride into his hometown. Who is he? A World War II veteran? A deserter? A woman with a secret in her past picks him up, and the questions about both of them eventually are answered. Dave O'Brien and Kay Aldridge star. 71 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
The Phantom Of 42nd Street [DVD](1945) DVD
Murder on the Great White Way makes up this tangled whodunit about a drama critic out to lift the veil of suspicion from a family of Broadway thespians incriminated in the death of their wealthy uncle. Stars Dave O'Brien and Jack Mulhall. 58 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono. Plays All Regions.
Phantoms Of Death Triple Feature [DVD] DVD
Dick Purcell is a crusading D.A. prosecuting a deaf-mute do-gooder for murder in "Phantom Killer" (1942). Joan Woodbury, John Hamilton co-star. Also includes "The Phantom of 42nd Street" and "Phantom of Chinatown." 180 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Three In The Saddle [DVD](1945) DVD
Tex Ritter and the Texas Rangers gallop to the aid of a lady rancher who's under pernicious pressure from a sneaky stagecoach magnate to sell off her land! Singin' and six-guns by the saddleful with Dave O'Brien, Guy Wilkerson. 59 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Ma & Pa Kettle Complete Comedy Collection [DVD] DVD
Five-disc set includes "The Egg and I," "Ma and Pa Kettle," "Ma and Pa Kettle Go to Town," "Ma and Pa Kettle Back on the Farm," "Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair," "Ma and Pa Kettle on Vacation," "Ma and Pa Kettle at Home," "Ma and Pa Kettle at Waikiki," "The Kettles in the Ozarks," and "The Kettles on Old MacDonald's Farm."
The Further Adventures Of The Kettles Double Feature -- Exclusive! [DVD] DVD
After an auto accident forced series co-star Percy Kilbride to retire, Marjorie Main continued as Ma Kettle in the final two films. Main packs her brood up to visit hillbilly brother-in-law Arthur Hunnicutt and helps him deal with moonshiners in "The Kettles in the Ozarks" (1956). Una Merkel also stars. Then, Parker Fennelly takes over the role of Pa in "The Kettles on Old MacDonald's Farm" (1957), as he and Main play Cupid for woodsman John Smith and socialite Gloria Talbott. 162 min. total. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; poster gallery; photo gallery; more.

dave o'brien photos and posters available

filmography

FILMS
The Desperados Are in Town (1956) with Robert Arthur, Kathleen Nolan, Rhodes Reason, Kelly Thordsen, and Mae Clarke
The Kettles in the Ozarks (1956) with Marjorie Main, Arthur Hunnicutt, Una Merkel, and Ted de Corsia
Just What I Needed (1955) (short)
Keep Young (1955) (short)
The Man Around the House (1955) (short)
Safe at Home (1954) (short)
Out for Fun (1954) (short)
Do Someone a Favor! (short)
Tennessee Champ (1954) with Shelley Winters, Keenan Wynn, Dewey Martin, Earl Holliman, Charles Bronson, and Yvette Duguay
Ain't It Aggravatin' (1954) (short)
Things We Can Do Without (1953) (short)
Landlording It (1953) (short)
Kiss Me Kate (1953) with Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel, Ann Miller, Keenan Wynn, Bobby Van, James Whitmore, Bob Fosse, and Ron Randell
It Would Serve 'Em Right (1953) (short)
Cash Stashers (1953) (short)
The Postman (1953) (short)
I Love Children, But! (1952) (short)
Sweet Memories (1952) (short)
Reducing (1952) (short)
It Could Happen to You (1952) (short)
That's What You Think (1951) (short)
Bandage Bait (1951) (short)
Fixin' Fool (1951) (short)
Wanted: One Egg (1950) (short)
A Wife's Life (1950) (short)
Wrong Way Butch (1950) (short)
That's His Story (1950) (short)
Did'ja Know? (1950) (short)
Pest Control (1950) (short)
Sports Oddities (1949) (short)
We Can Dream, Can't We? (1949) (short)
So You Want to Be an Actor (1949) (short)
How Come? (1949) (short)
Those Good Old Days (1949) (short)
Let's Cogitate (1948) (short)
Why Is It? (1948) (short)
Just Suppose (1948) (short)
You Can't Win (1948) (short)
I Love My Mother-in-Law But... (1948) (short)
Have You Ever Wondered? (1947) (short)
What D'ya Know? (1947) (short)
Pet Peeves (1947) (short)
Neighbor Pests (1947) (short)
I Love My Wife But! (1947) (short)
Early Sports Quiz: What's Your I.Q. No. 13 (1947) (short)
I Love My Husband, But! (1946) (short)
Studio Visit (1946) (short)
Flaming Bullets (1945) with Tex Ritter and Guy Wilkerson
Frontier Fugitives (1945) with Tex Ritter and Guy Wilkerson
Three in the Saddle (1945) with Tex Ritter and Guy Wilkerson
Enemy of the Law (1945) with Tex Ritter and Guy Wilkerson
The Phantom of 42nd Street (1945) with Kay Aldridge and Alan Mowbray
The Man Who Walked Alone (1945) with Kay Aldridge, Walter Catlett, and Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams
Marked for Murder (1945) with Tex Ritter and Guy Wilkerson
The Whispering Skull (1944) with Tex Ritter and Guy Wilkerson
Tahiti Nights (1944) with Jinx Falkenburg, Mary Treen, Florence Bates, and Hilo Hattie
Safety Sleuth (1944) (short)
Dead or Alive (1944) with Tex Ritter and Guy Wilkerson
Gangsters of the Frontier (1944) with Tex Ritter and Guy Wilkerson
Gunsmoke Mesa (1944) with James Newill and Guy Wilkerson
Brand of the Devil (1944) with James Newill and Guy Wilkerson
Spook Town (1944) with James Newill and Guy Wilkerson
The Pinto Bandit (1944) with James Newill and Guy Wilkerson
Guns of the Law (1944) with James Newill, Guy Wilkerson, and Jennifer Holt
Outlaw Roundup (1944) with James Newill and Guy Wilkerson
Boss of Rawhide (1943) with James Newill and Guy Wilkerson
Return of the Rangers (1943) with James Newill and Guy Wilkerson
Trail of Terror (1943) with James Newill and Guy Wilkerson
Fighting Valley (1943) with James Newill and Guy Wilkerson
Border Buckaroos (1943) with James Newill and Guy Wilkerson
West of Texas (1943) with James Newill and Guy Wilkerson
Bad Men of Thunder Gap (1943) with James Newill and Guy Wilkerson
The Rangers Take Over (1942) with James Newill and Guy Wilkerson
'Neath Brooklyn Bridge (1942) with Leo Gorcey, Bobby Jordan, Huntz Hall, and Noah Beery Jr.
The Yanks Are Coming (1942) with Mary Healy and Max 'Slapsie Maxie' Rosenbloom
Bowery at Midnight (1942) with Bela Lugosi, John Archer, Wanda McKay, and Tom Neal
King of the Stallions (1942) with Rick Vallin
Sheriff of Sage Valley (1942) with Buster Crabbe, Al St. John, and Kermit Maynard
Law and Order (1942) with Buster Crabbe, Al St. John, Wanda McKay, and Kenne Duncan
Prisoner of Japan (1942) with Alan Baxter
Down Texas Way (1942) with Buck Jones, Tim McCoy, Raymond Hatton, Luana Walters, and Glenn Strange
Billy the Kid's Smoking Guns (1942) with Buster Crabbe and Al St. John
Captain Midnight (1942) with Dorothy Short, James Craven, Guy Wilkerson, and Luana Walters
Forbidden Trails (1941) with Buck Jones and Tim McCoy
Double Trouble (1941) with Harry Langdon and Benny Rubin
Spooks Run Wild (1941) with Bela Lugosi, Leo Gorcey, Bobby Jordan, Huntz Hall, Dorothy Short, and Guy Wilkerson
Billy the Kid Wanted (1941) with Buster Crabbe, Al St. John, and Glenn Strange
The Gunman from Bodie (1941) with Buck Jones, Tim McCoy, and Raymond Hatton
The Deadly Game (1941) with Charles Farrell
The Texas Marshal (1941) with Tim McCoy
Billy the Kid in Santa Fe (1941) with Bob Steele, Al St. John, and Rex Lease
Murder by Invitation (1941) with Wallace Ford and Marian Marsh
The Spider Returns (1941) with Warren Hull and Kenne Duncan
Buzzy and the Phantom Pinto (1941) with Dorothy Short
Flying Wild (1941) with Leo Gorcey and Bobby Jordan
The Devil Bat (1940) with Bela Lugosi
That Gang of Mine (1940) with Leo Gorcey and Bobby Jordan
Queen of the Yukon (1940) with Charles Bickford
Gun Code (1940) with Tim McCoy and Carleton Young
Boys of the City (1940) with Leo Gorcey and Bobby Jordan
Sky Bandits (1940) with James Newill
Hold That Woman! (1940) with James Dunn and Frances Gifford
The Kid from Santa Fe (1940) with Addison Randall and Kenne Duncan
The Cowboy from Sundown (1940) with Tex Ritter, Carleton Young, and Glenn Strange
Son of the Navy (1940) with Jean Parker and James Dunn
Phantom Rancher (1940) with Ken Maynard and Dorothy Short
East Side Kids (1940) with Leon Ames
Danger Ahead (1940) with James Newill
Yukon Flight (1940) with James Newill and Warren Hull
Buzzy Rides the Range (1940) with Claire Rochelle
Crashing Thru (1939) with James Newill and Warren Hull
Buried Alive (1939) with Beverly Roberts
Fighting Mad (1939) with James Newill, Sally Blane, and Benny Rubin
Flaming Lead (1939) with Ken Maynard
The Fighting Renegade (1939) with Tim McCoy
Daughter of the Tong (1939) with Evelyn Brent, Grant Withers, and Dorothy Short
New Frontier (1939) with John Wayne, Ray 'Crash' Corrigan, Raymond Hatton, and Jennifer Jones
Riders of the Sage (1939) with Bob Steele, Claire Rochelle, and Carleton Young
Outlaws' Paradise (1939) with Tim McCoy
Texas Wildcats (1939) with Tim McCoy
Trigger Smith (1939) with Addison Randall
Rollin' Westward (1939) with Tex Ritter
Code of the Cactus (1939) with Tim McCoy and Dorothy Short
Drifting Westward (1939) with Addison Randall
Water Rustlers (1939) with Vince Barnett
Song of the Buckaroo (1938) with Tex Ritter and Jinx Falkenburg
Gun Packer (1938) with Addison Randall and Glenn Strange
Where the Buffalo Roam (1938) with Tex Ritter, Dorothy Short, and 'Snub' Pollard
Frontier Scout (1938) with George Houston and Al St. John
The Utah Trail (1938) with Tex Ritter, 'Snub' Pollard, and Pamela Blake
Man's Country (1938) with Addison Randall and Marjorie Reynolds
The Singing Cowgirl (1938) with Dorothy Page, Vince Barnett, and Dorothy Short
Whirlwind Horseman (1938) with Ken Maynard and Glenn Strange
The Secret of Treasure Island (1938) with Grant Withers
Million Dollar Racket (1937) with Bruce Bennett and Joan Barclay
Rough Riding Rhythm (1937) with Kermit Maynard
Brothers of the West (1937) with Tom Tyler and Dorothy Short
Lightnin' Crandall (1937) with Bob Steele
The Black Coin (1936) with Ralph Graves
Reefer Madness, aka Tell Your Children (1936) with Dorothy Short and Carleton Young
Red Salute (1935) with Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Young
Welcome Home (1935) with James Dunn and Arline Judge

TELEVISION GUEST APPEARANCES
The Red Skelton Hour, episode Appleby, the Witness, originally aired May 26, 1959
The Red Skelton Hour, episode Nobu McCarthy, originally aired April 7, 1959
The Red Skelton Hour, episode Clem in Miami Beach, originally aired March 3, 1959
The Red Skelton Hour, episode Cauliflower and the Kidnappers, originally aired February 3, 1959
The Bob Cummings Show, episode Bachelor Apartment, originally aired March 20, 1955
Climax!, episode Epitaph for a Spy, originally aired December 9, 1954

dave o'brien film now showing

Watch Dave O'Brien in the 1940 PRC horror/comedy flick The Devil Bat