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Hugh Beaumont
1909-1982
Updated 2/28/2008 with more films available on DVD.
biography
Born in Lawrence, Kansas, in February 1909, actor Hugh Beaumont rose through the ranks before entering films in 1940. Beaumont's first ambition was to be a minister, but he left it behind, at least temporarily, and began doing stage and radio work. Beaumont later earned a Master's degree in Theology from USC in the mid 1940s. His first film appearance came in the MGM short Jack Pot (1940; with Tom Neal), which was a part of the studio's Crime Doesn't Pay series of shorts. However, Beaumont's career was stagnating in a series of bit parts until the mid 1940s, when he took over the role of Michael Shayne from Lloyd Nolan in PRC's detective series of films. When the series was resurrected for television in 1960, Richard Denning played the fictional private detective.
Beaumont continued in a flourish of noir releases at PRC, but when the studio was absorbed by Eagle-Lion in 1948, Beaumont's film career sagged. But he kept working in the then-new medium of television, in educational and indsutrial films (as an actor and narrator), and in theatrically released films such as The Mole People (1956; with John Agar) and in westerns including Night Passage (1957; with Audie Murphy. In 1957, Beaumont landed the role of Ward Cleaver in the CBS (later ABC) situation comedy Leave It to Beaver for which he's now best remembered.
the films of hugh beaumont
South of Panama (1941)
From the PRC thriller South of Panama
Apology for Murder (1945)
With B movie queen Ann Savage in PRC's Apology for Murder
The Lady Confesses (1945)
With Mary Beth Hughes in the PRC noir The Lady Confesses
Blonde for a Day (1946)
LEFT: With Frank Ferguson and Mauritz Hugo in PRC's Michael Shayne entry Blonde for a Day. RIGHT: With Kathryn Adams
Three on a Ticket (1947)
From Beaumont's penultimate Michael Shayne series entry Three on a Ticket, one of the later films released by PRC
Railroaded (1947)
Beaumont is on John Ireland's trail in PRC's crime drama Railroaded
Money Madness (1948)
With Frances Rafferty and Cecile Weston in the low-budget mystery Money Madness
Danger Zone (1951)
With Tom Neal, Pamela Blake, and Virginia Dale in Danger Zone
The Mole People (1956)
From the campy Universal-International sci-fi release The Mole People. LEFT: With John Agar and Cynthia Patrick. CENTER: With John Agar. RIGHT: With Nestor Paiva
Leave It to Beaver (1957-1963 TV Series)
With Tony Dow, Barbara Billingsley, and Jerry Mathers in a 1958 ABC-TV photo from Leave It to Beaver. Beaumont directed many episodes during the six-year run of the series
later years
After Leaver It to Beaver was canceled in the summer of 1963, Beaumont's acting career slowed. He made just one more film, the 1965 sci-fi flick The Human Duplicators with George Nader and Barbara Nichols. He kept working on television until the early 1970s, where he made a number of guest appearances on popular TV programs, including Mannix and Petticoat Junction, and he also returned to stage work. But following a stroke at the age of 63, Beaumont officially retired from acting and moved to Minnesota. He passed away in 1982 at the age of 73 and was survived by his wife, actress Kathryn Adams, and their three children.
Racket Squad, Vol. 3 [DVD] DVD
Includes four episodes. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Weekend In Havana [DVD](1941) DVD
Macy's shopgirl Alice Faye heads off on a Caribbean vacation, but after her ship encounters problems, the cruise company sends her to Havana with official chaperone John Payne. In the Cuban resort city, Faye meets a married gambler who takes a liking to her, while Payne realizes she's the gal for him. Cesar Romero and Carmen Miranda co-star. Songs include "Romance and Rhumba" and "Tropical Magic." 80 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital stereo, Dolby Digital mono, Spanish Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish; theatrical trailer; audio commentary; photo gallery; collectible lobby cards.
To The Shores Of Tripoli [DVD](1942) DVD
Spoiled rich youth John Payne finds out a hitch in the Marine Corps isn't the same as a vacation in the Hamptons, but under the eye of D.I. Randolph Scott he becomes a full-fledged leatherneck. Rousing WWII flag-waver also stars Maureen O'Hara, Henry (Harry) Morgan, Maxie Rosenbloom. 86 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital stereo, Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish; theatrical trailer; interactive menus; scene access.
Wake Island [DVD](1942) DVD
One of the first Hollywood films to honestly deal with American front line forces in WWII, this blistering saga recounts the true story of a handful of Marines who fought off an overwhelming Japanese land, air and sea attack for 16 days. Brian Donlevy, Robert Preston, William Bendix star. 88 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French.
The Val Lewton Horror Collection [DVD] DVD
Along with "Cat People" (1942), "I Walked with a Zombie," "The Curse of the Cat People," "The Body Snatcher," "Isle of the Dead," "Bedlam," and "Martin Scorsese Presents: Val Lewton: The Man in the Shadows," this six-disc also includes two exclusive double features. First, a New Mexico town is filled with fear when a killer jungle cat is on the loose in "The Leopard Man" (1943), with Dennis O'Keefe and Jean Brooks; and the new third mate aboard a vessel discovers that his captain is sadistic maniac in "The Ghost Ship" (1943), starring Richard Dix and Russell Wade. Next, a women comes to New York City to look for her missing sister and uncovers a devil-worshipping cult in "The Seventh Victim" (1943), with Kim Hunter, Tom Conway and Jean Brooks; followed by "Shadows in the Dark: The Val Lewton Legacy," a documentary look at how the producer's '40s RKO tenure changed the face of screen horror. 13 1/4 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English; audio commentary; theatrical trailers.
Blood On The Sun [DVD](1945) DVD
Hard-hitting newspaperman James Cagney, stationed in 1930s Japan, finds himself caught in an espionage plot when he tries to warn American officials about the growing threat of war. Terrific action-drama co-stars Sylvia Sydney, Robert Armstrong. 98 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono; scene access. Plays All Regions.
Objective, Burma! [DVD](1945) DVD
One of the most requested films at Movies Unlimited is this classic WWII epic starring Errol Flynn as the commander of American parachutists who go behind enemy lines to destroy an important Japanese communications center. Rugged action scenes and Flynn at his finest highlight Raoul Walsh's stirring drama. With William Prince, James Brown. 142 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French; biography; bonus shorts; theatrical trailer.
The Lady Confesses [DVD](1945) DVD
As he prepares to get re-married, a gentleman discovers that his supposedly dead ex-wife is alive and well. But when the old flame is brutally murdered (and found quite deceased for real), he becomes the prime suspect. Now, his new fiancee becomes determined to clear his name by finding the real killers. Will the couple ever be able to straighten out the mess and get hitched? Noirish thriller stars Hugh Beaumont, Mary Beth Hughes, Edmund MacDonald. 64 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Railroaded [DVD](1947) DVD
When a police detective's girlfriend's brother is implicated in a cop's murder but the detective knows he's innocent, the hunt for the real killer is on! Compelling underworld thriller from director Anthony Mann stars Hugh Beaumont, Peggy Ryan, Ed Kelly and John Ireland as a sadistic, gun-obsessed hit man. 74 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Classic Film Noir Double Feature [DVD] DVD
A down-on-his luck WWII vet gets a job as chauffeur to a ruthless mobster, but when he falls for his boss's wife and the two plan to escape to Havana, a deadly pursuit begins. "The Chase" (1946) stars Robert Cummings, Michele Morgan, Steve Cochran, and Peter Lorre. Next, when a young woman shows up at her own funeral, her quest to learn who's being buried in her name leads her down a dangerous path where deception and murder wait at the end. The intriguing thriller "Bury Me Dead" (1947) stars June Lockhart, Mark Daniels, Cathy O'Donnell, and Hugh Beaumont. 153 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English; audio commentary; filmographies; poster gallery; trailers; more.
The Lost Continent [DVD](1951) DVD
The search for a missing atomic rocket leads Cesar Romero, Whit Bissell, Sid Melton and Hugh Beaumont to a mysterious plateau where dinosaurs roam and everything looks green (thanks to the wonders of film tinting). Sci-fi adventure also features Acquanetta, the title star of "Rocketship X-M," and lots of rock climbing. 83 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; theatrical trailer; more.
Monster Madness Collection [DVD] DVD
Four-disc boxed set includes "Lost Continent" (1951), "Monster from Green Hell," "She Demons," and "The Giant Gila Monster."
Cavalry Charge [DVD](1951) DVD
Two brothers find themselves on opposite sides in the frontier during the Civil War, but join forces to save a Union fort from an Apache attack, in this well-mounted Western drama. Ronald Reagan, Bruce Bennett, Rhonda Fleming and Noah Beery, Jr. star. 88 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English; 3 bonus shorts.
Cavalry Charge (The Last Outpost)(1951) VHS
Two brothers find themselves on opposite sides in the frontier during the Civil War, but join forces to save a Union fort from an Apache attack, in this well-mounted Western drama. Ronald Reagan, Bruce Bennett, Rhonda Fleming and Noah Beery, Jr. star. 88 min.
Stanley Kramer Film Collection [DVD] DVD
This six-disc set of producer/director Stanley Kramer's classic films begins with the moving adaptation of Carson McCullers' play "The Member of the Wedding" (1952). Julie Harris (25 when the movie was made) shines as an awkward 12-year-old girl who tries to grow up too quickly during her brother's impending marriage. Fine support from Brandon De Wilde, Arthur Franz, Nancy Gates, and Ethel Waters. Also included are "The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T," "The Wild One," "Ship of Fools," "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," and a bonus disc of special materials. 8 1/2 hrs. total. Standard/Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English; featurettes; photo gallery; more.
Night Passage [DVD](1957) DVD
When Grant McLaine (James Stewart) is entrusted with taking the railroad's payroll to the end of the line, he must face off against his fearsome train-robbing brother, "the Utica Kid" (Audie Murphy). Forced to choose between duty and family, can Grant bring his unlawful sibling to justice? Thrilling western yarn co-stars Dan Duryea, Brandon De Wilde. 91 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: French, Spanish; theatrical trailer. NOTE: This Title Is Out Of Print; Limit One Per Customer.
Leave It To Beaver: The Complete First Season [DVD](1957) DVD
All 39 episodes from the premiere season--including "Captain Jack," "The Haircut," "Beaver's Crush," "Wally's Girl Trouble," and "The State vs. Beaver"--are presented in a three-disc set. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH), Spanish; unaired pilot.
Leave It To Beaver: The Complete First Season (Limited Edition Lunchbox) [DVD](1957) DVD
All 39 episodes from the premiere season--including "Captain Jack," "The Haircut," "Beaver's Crush," "Wally's Girl Trouble," and "The State vs. Beaver"--are presented in a three-disc set. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH), Spanish; unaired pilot. Special edition comes in collectible lunchbox packaging, and includes a "Cleaver Family Album."
Leave It To Beaver: The Complete Second Season [DVD](1958) DVD
All 39 episodes from the second season--including "Beaver's Poem," "Eddie's Girl," "The Shave," "Wally's New Suit," and "Beaver Plays Hooky"--are presented in a three-disc set. 16 3/4 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH).
The Human Duplicators [DVD](1965) DVD
When alien giant Richard Kiel is sent to Earth to build android doubles of world leaders in an effort to conquer the planet, who can save humanity? Will it be government agent George Nader or will Kiel's affection for a beautiful blind woman make him rethink his evil ways? Dolores Faith, Barbara Nichols and "Leave It to Beaver's" Hugh Beaumont also star in this classic "drive-in" sci-fi shocker.
filmography
This listing does not include many of Beaumont's uncredited performances:
FILM
The Human Duplicators (1965) with George Nader, Barbara Nichols, Richard Kiel, Dolores Faith, and Richard Arlen
Night Passage (1957) with James Stewart, Audie Murphy, and Elaine Stewart
The Mole People (1956) with John Agar, Cynthia Patrick, Nestor Paiva, and Alan Napier
Hell's Horizon (1955) with John Ireland, Marla English, Bill Williams, and Larry Pennell
The Mississippi Gambler (1953) with Tyrone Power, Piper Laurie, Julie Adams, William Reynolds, and Guy Williams
The Member of the Wedding (1952) with Julie Harris, Ethel Waters, and Dickie Moore
Night Without Sleep (1952) with Gary Merrill, Linda Darnell, and Hildegard Knef
Wild Stallion (1952) with Martha Hyer, Ben Johnson, and Edgar Buchanan
Bugles in the Afternoon (1952) with Ray Milland, Hugh Marlowe, and George Reeves
Phone Call from a Stranger (1952) with Bette Davis, Gary Merrill, Shelley Winters, Warren Stevens, and Craig Stevens
Overland Telegraph (1951) with Tim Holt, Mari Blanchard, and George Nader
Callaway Went Thataway (1951) with Fred MacMurray, Dorothy McGuire, Jesse White, and Howard Keel
Lost Continent (1951) with Cesar Romero, Hillary Brooke, Acquanetta, John Hoyt, Sid Melton, and Chick Chandler
Savage Drums (1951) with Sabu, Lita Baron, and Sid Melton
Pier 23 (1951) with Ann Savage, Mike Mazurki, and Peter Mamakos
Roaring City (1951) with Wanda McKay
Danger Zone (1951) with Tom Neal and Virginia Dale
The Last Outpost (1951) with Rhonda Fleming, Ronald Reagan, Bruce Bennett, and Bill Williams
Target Unknown (1951) with Mark Stevens, Joyce Holden, and Alex Nicol
Second Chance (1950) with Ruth Warrick
Tokyo Joe (1949) with Humphrey Bogart and Florence Marly
The Counterfeiters (1948) with Lon Chaney Jr., George O'Hanlon, Joi Lansing, and Herbert Rawlinson
Money Madness (1948) with Frances Rafferty
Reaching From Heaven (1948) with Regis Toomey and Margaret Hamilton
Bury Me Dead (1947) with Cathy O'Donnell and June Lockhart
Railroaded! (1947) with John Ireland, Sheila Ryan, Keefe Brasselle, and Peggy Converse
Too Many Winners (1947) with Trudy Marshall and Byron Foulger
Three on a Ticket (1947)
The Guilt of Janet Ames (1947) with Rosalind Russell, Melvyn Douglas, and Sid Caesar
Blonde for a Day (1946) with Frank Ferguson
Larceny in Her Heart (1946) with Cheryl Walker
The Blue Dahlia (1946) with Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake
Johnny Comes Flying Home (1946) with Richard Crane and Harry Morgan
Murder Is My Business (1946) with Lyle Talbot, Cheryl Walker, and Virginia Christine
Apology for Murder (1945) with Ann Savage and Arch Hall Sr.
You Came Along (1945) with Lizabeth Scott, Robert Cummings, and Don DeFore
The Lady Confesses (1945) with Mary Beth Hughes
The Racket Man (1944) with Tom Neal and Larry Parks
Prunes and Politics (1944) with Edgar Kennedy and Barbara Hale
There's Something About a Soldier (1943) with Tom Neal, Evelyn Keyes, Bruce Bennett, Jeff Donnell, and Kane Richmond
The Seventh Victim (1943) with Tom Conway and Evelyn Brent
The Fallen Sparrow (1943) with John Garfield, Maureen O'Hara, and Walter Slezak
Du Barry Was a Lady (1943) with Lucille Ball, Red Skelton, and Gene Kelly
Mexican Spitfire's Blessed Event (1943) with Lupe Velez and Leon Errol
He Hired the Boss (1943) with Stuart Erwin, Vivian Blaine, and Chick Chandler
Canal Zone (1942) with Chester Morris, Harriet Nelson, and Larry Parks
To the Shores of Tripoli (1942) with John Payne, Maureen O'Hara, and Randolph Scott
Right to the Heart (1942) with Brenda Joyce, Cobina Wright, and Don DeFore
Week-End in Havana (1941) with John Payne, Alice Faye, and Carmen Miranda
South of Panama (1941) with Roger Pryor and Virginia Vale
Jack Pot (1940) with Tom Neal and Reed Hadley
TELEVISION
Leave It to Beaver, 1957-1963 CBS/ABC TV Series. Beaumont portrayed Ward Cleaver
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This page premiered October 8, 2003.
