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John Russell
1921-1991
Updated 1/24/2009 with more films available!
biography
Born in Los Angeles in January 1921, John Russell was an athletic youth who majored in drama in college. But with the outbreak of World War II, Russell enlisted in the Marines and returned from the war as a decorated veteran. He was discovered by a talent scout in the mid 1940s, and 20th Century-Fox eventually signed the handsome 6'3" actor to a contract. Russell began his film career with small parts in such films as Don Juan Quilligan (1945; with William Bendix) and Somewhere in the Night (1946; with John Hodiak and Richard Conte). In 1949, he left Fox for Universal-International and was cast as a featured player in a number of westerns and film noir thrillers, often in villainous roles. Some of his better films from this period include the film noir thrillers The Story of Molly X (1949; with June Havoc), The Fat Man (1951; with Julie London and Rock Hudson), and Hoodlum Empire (1952; with Brian Donlevy) and the westerns Man in the Saddle (1951; with Randolph Scott), Jubilee Trail (1954; with Vera Ralston and Joan Leslie), and The Last Command (1955; with Sterling Hayden and Richard Carlson). Russell left Universal-International in the early 1950s and freelanced at Columbia and Republic, among other studios. In 1955, he signed to do his first TV series, the syndicated adventure Soldiers of Fortune produced by Revue. Cast as Russell's sidekick was comedian Chick Chandler. The series ran for 52 episodes before being canceled in late 1956. After a few more films, Russell returned to television in 1958 when he signed a contract with Warner Bros. and was cast as Marshal Dan Troop in the ABC western series Lawman. Co-starring Peter Brown and Peggie Castle, the popular half-hour series aired until the fall of 1962.
the films of john russell
Forever Amber (1947)
With Linda Darnell in the 20th Century-Fox costume drama Forever Amber
The Story of Molly X (1949)
With June Havoc in Universal-International's film noir thriller The Story of Molly X
Frenchie (1950)
From the Universal-International western Frenchie
The Fat Man (1951)
LEFT and CENTER: From Universal-International's noirish mystery The Fat Man with sleuth J. Scott Smart. RIGHT: Promotional photo
Oklahoma Annie (1952)
With Si Jenkins, Judy Canova, and Frank Ferguson in the Republic comedy Oklahoma Annie
Jubilee Trail (1954)
From the Republic western Jubilee Trail with Joan Leslie
Hell Bound (1957)
Russell is flanked by Margo Woode and June Blair in this promotional photo from the United Artists film noir release Hell Bound
Untamed Youth (1957)
With Mamie Van Doren in the exploitation flick Untamed Youth
Fort Massacre (1958)
Lawman (1958-1962 ABC TV series)
Russell as Marshal Dan Troop on Lawman. The photo on the right includes Peter Brown
Hostile Guns (1967)
From the Paramount western Hostile Guns
later years
When Lawman was canceled in 1962, John Russell parted ways with Warner Bros. Oddly, his acting career floundered for several years, perhaps as a result of typecasting. Yet he managed to find work in films from the mid 1960s through the early 1980s, including the westerns Hostile Guns (1967; with George Montgomery and Tab Hunter) and Cannon for Cordoba (1970; with George Peppard and Peter Duel), as well as the horror flick Blood Legacy (1971; with Faith Domergue and Merry Anders). He also worked in television, guest-starring on popular programs such as It Takes a Thief and Alias Smith and Jones and was a regular on the late 1970s Saturday morning series Jason of Star Command. In the 1980s, Russell fell ill with emphysema and worked very little. Of his later film appearances, his best role came in the 1985 Clint Eastwood western Pale Rider. Sadly, John Russell passed away at the age of 70 in 1991; he was survived by three children.
Daniel Boone: Season 1 [DVD](1964) DVD
All 28 episodes from the first season--including "Ken-Tuck-E," "My Brother's Keeper," "The Ben Franklin Encounter," the two-part "Cain's Birthday," and "The Courtship of Jericho Jones"--are collected in an eight-disc set. 24 1/4 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 5.1; featurette; interviews; photo gallery. **28 episodes on 8 discs. 24 1/4 hrs.**
Emergency!: Season Three [DVD](1973) DVD
All 22 third-season episodes--including "Frequency," "Alley Cat," "Snakebite," "Computer Error," and "Inventions"--are featured in a five-disc set. 18 1/4 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English (SDH). **22 episodes on 5 discs. 18 1/4 hrs.**
The Dark Corner [DVD](1946) DVD
Private eye Mark Stevens is a man backed into a corner, framed for the murder of his ex-partner, in an intriguing film noir thriller that also stars Lucille Ball as Stevens' lovestruck secretary, Clifton Webb as a well-to-do art dealer and William Bendix in his patented "Neanderthal gunsel" role. 99 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital stereo, Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish; audio commentary; theatrical trailer.
Yellow Sky [DVD](1949) DVD
Gregory Peck leads a group of outlaws in a bank robbery, then seeks refuge in a deserted Arizona town known as Yellow Sky. There he meets tomboy Anne Baxter and her prospector grandfather Charles Barton, who seeks the stolen loot along with ornery Richard Widmark. Directed by William Wellman. 98 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital stereo, Dolby Digital mono, Spanish Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: Spanish; photo gallery.
Man In The Saddle [DVD](1951) DVD
Unusual Western tale looks at jealousy and adultery in a sagebrush saga framework. Randolph Scott is the cowpoke caught between two women and a ruthless rancher who wants him done in. Joan Leslie, Ellen Drew and Alexander Knox co-star. 87 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Japanese.
Oklahoma Annie [DVD](1952) DVD
New deputy Judy Canova sets out to help her sheriff beau clean up a crooked frontier town in a wild western comedy. With John Russell, "Fuzzy" Knight, Denver Pyle. 90 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Rio Bravo (Ultimate Collector's Edition) [DVD](1959) DVD
Howard Hawks' western epic stars John Wayne as a sheriff whose town is under siege by the army of gunmen brought in by crooked cattle baron John Russell to free his brother, trigger-happy Claude Akins, from Wayne's jail. The Duke's only allies are elderly sidekick Walter Brennan, drunken ex-deputy Dean Martin, and fiery young gunslinger Ricky Nelson. Angie Dickinson, Ward Bond also star. 141 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Korean, Portuguese, French; audio commentary; featurettes; theatrical trailers. Collector's edition includes reproductions of a comic book, a press book and lobby cards. Two-disc set.
Rio Bravo [Blu-ray](1959)
Howard Hawks' western epic stars John Wayne as a sheriff whose town is under siege by the army of gunmen brought in by crooked cattle baron John Russell to free his brother, trigger-happy Claude Akins, from Wayne's jail. The Duke's only allies are elderly sidekick Walter Brennan, drunken ex-deputy Dean Martin, and fiery young gunslinger Ricky Nelson. Angie Dickinson, Ward Bond also star.
Alias Smith And Jones: Season One [DVD](1971) DVD
All 15 episodes from the first season--including the pilot "Alias Smith and Jones," "Wrong Train to Brimstone," "Return to Devil's Hole," "The Man Who Murdered Himself," and "The Legacy of Charlie O'Rourke"--are featured in a four-disc set. 13 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH); audio commentary on pilot.
Legacy Of Blood [DVD](1971) DVD
The children of a deceased millionaire are summoned to his estate, where they must stay the night in order in gain their inheritance. It soon becomes obvious that someone wants more than their fair share, as the heirs are murdered one by one. John Carradine, Faith Domergue, John Russell star. AKA: "Blood Legacy." 90 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Legacy Of Blood (1971)/The Devil's Wedding Night [DVD](1973) DVD
Hosted by Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. First, three feuding sisters must live for three days in the family home in order to gain their inheritance, but find instead a "Legacy of Blood," terror, and death. Gory great from Andy Milligan stars Pete Barcia, Elaine Boies, Julia Curry. AKA: "Legacy of Horror." Next, Mark Damon stars in the erotically charged Italian horror opus "The Devil's Wedding Night," playing twin archeologists in search of the legendary ring of the Nibelungen in Transylvania. One of the siblings becomes a bloodsucker after coming under the spell of a beautiful female vampire, and the secrets to her bloody rituals are soon revealed. Sara Bey (Rosalba Neri) also stars. 170 min. total. Soundtrack: English.
The Outlaw Josey Wales [DVD](1976) DVD
Director/star Clint Eastwood and co-screenwriter Phil Kaufman add another dimension to Eastwood's classic insular western hero, as a Missouri farmer enlists in the Confederate army to better pursue the renegade soldiers responsible for his family's murder. And during a trek to Mexico with an aged Cherokee Indian (Chief Dan George), comes to the aid of a number of people in need of help. Co-stars Bill McKinney, John Vernon and Sondra Locke. 136 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish; "making of" documentary; theatrical trailer; scene access.
The Father Kino Story [DVD](1977) DVD
An all-star cast brings to life the struggle between the Spanish conquistadors ruling California and the Indians they were killing off to conquer the land. Only one man, a simple Jesuit missionary, stands between the forces in this exciting clash of guns and wills. Richard Egan, Ricardo Montalban, Cesar Romero, Rory Calhoun, and Aldo Ray star. AKA: "Mission to Glory: A True Story," "Padre on Horseback: The Legendary Story of Father Kino," "Savage Hunter." 92 min. Soundtrack: English.
Jason Of Star Command: The Complete Series [DVD](1979) DVD
When evil conspirators seek to conquer the cosmos, Jason (Craig Littler) joins an elite group within the Space Academy known as Star Command. With the aid of computer ace Nicole (Susan Pratt), eggheaded Dr. E.J. Parsafoot (Charlie Dell), and robots Peepo and Wiki, Jason fights to vanquish the wicked Dragos (Sid Haig) and his minions. The serial-style space opera also stars Tamara Dobson, Julie Newmar, and James Doohan. All 28 episodes of the Saturday morning series--including "Attack of the Dragonship," "Peepo's Last Chance," "The Victory of Star Command," "Web of the Star Witch," and "Battle for Freedom"--are included. 8 1/3 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English; audio commentary; featurettes; interview; photo gallery.
Scandal U.S.A. [DVD](1981) DVD
1980's Abscam scandal, in which FBI agents posed as Middle Eastern businessmen to catch politicians in a bribery sting, was the basis for this sexy, shot-in-Philadelphia satire where some hapless feds try to snare legislators in their less-than-elaborate operation and quickly learn that politics makes strange bedfellows. Tom McCarthy, Maxine Greene, Pat Cooper, and Joan Rivers as herself star. AKA: "Uncle Scam." 105 min. Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Honkytonk Man [DVD](1982) DVD
In contrast to his action and western roles, Clint Eastwood portrays a hope-filled country singer during the Depression who won't let a lack of finances, or battles with the bottle and tuberculosis, hamper his dreams of performing on the Grand Ol' Opry stage. Also stars Clint's son, Kyle, as his supportive nephew; Verna Bloom, John McIntire. 123 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai; theatrical trailer.
Pale Rider [DVD](1985) DVD
Clint Eastwood returns to the western as a mysterious stranger, disguised as a priest, who helps the settlers of a small mining town overcome the oppression of a ruthless gold baron. Michael Moriarty, Carrie Snodgress. 116 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital mono, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish; filmographies; production notes; theatrical trailers; scene access.
Pale Rider [Blu-ray](1985)
Director/star Clint Eastwood returns to the western as a mysterious stranger who helps the settlers of a small mining town overcome the oppression of a ruthless gold baron. Wearing a priest's collar and oddly half-remembered by many of the town's residents, Eastwood's stoic avenger--known only as "Preacher"--is seen by some as a savior who may be more than just a man. Michael Moriarty, Carrie Snodgress co-star. 116 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital stereo, Italian Dolby Digital mono, Japanese Dolby Digital mono, German Dolby Digital mono, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese.
john russell dvds and out-of-print vhs available from amazon.com
filmography
FILM
Under the Gun (1989) with Nick Cassavetes and Bill McKinney
Pale Rider (1985) with Clint Eastwood and Carrie Snodgress
Honkytonk Man (1982) with Clint Eastwood
Uncle Scam (1981) with Joan Rivers
The Father Kino Story (1977) with Ricardo Montalban, Richard Egan, Rory Calhoun, Aldo Ray, Cesar Romero, and John Ireland
Where the Wind Dies (1976) with Tippi Hedren and Mala Powers
The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976) with Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Bill McKinney, and Joyce Jameson
Fugitive Lovers (1975) with Virginia Mayo, Jeff Morrow, and Juanita Moore
Lord Shango (1975) with Marlene Clark
Noon Sunday (1975)
Blood Legacy (1971) with Faith Domergue, Merry Anders, John Carradine, John Smith, Jeff Morrow, and Richard Davalos
Smoke in the Wind (1971) with John Ashley and Myron Healey
Alias Smith and Jones (1971) with Peter Duel, Ben Murphy, Sid Haig, and Bill McKinney
Cannon for Cordoba (1970) with George Peppard, Peter Duel, and Francine York
Fireball Jungle (1969) with Lon Chaney Jr.
Buckskin (1968) with Barry Sullivan, Wendell Corey, Joan Caulfield, Lon Chaney Jr., Barbara Hale, and Richard Arlen
If He Hollers, Let Him Go! (1968) with Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter, and James Craig
Fort Utah (1967) with John Ireland, Virginia Mayo, Scott Brady, Richard Arlen, and James Craig
Hostile Guns (1967) with George Montgomery, Yvonne De Carlo, Tab Hunter, Brian Donlevy, Richard Arlen, and James Craig
Apache Uprising (1966) with Rory Calhoun, Corinne Calvet, Lon Chaney Jr., Richard Arlen, and Johnny Mack Brown
Yellowstone Kelly (1959) with Clint Walker, Ray Danton, Edd Byrnes, and Rhodes Reason
Rio Bravo (1959) with John Wayne, Angie Dickinson, Dean Martin, and Ricky Nelson
Fort Massacre (1958) with Joel McCrea, Susan Cabot, and Forrest Tucker
The Dalton Girls (1957) with Merry Anders, Penny Edwards, and Lisa Davis
Hell Bound (1957) with Stuart Whitman
Untamed Youth (1957) with Mamie Van Doren, Lori Nelson, and Yvonne Lime
The Last Command (1955) with Sterling Hayden, Richard Carlson, Virginia Grey, and Ernest Borgnine
Hell's Outpost (1954) with Rod Cameron, Joan Leslie, and Chill Wills
Jubilee Trail (1954) with Vera Ralston, Forrest Tucker, and Joan Leslie
The Sun Shines Bright (1953) with Arleen Whelan and Stepin Fetchit
Fair Wind to Java (1953) with Fred MacMurray and Vera Ralston
Hoodlum Empire (1952) with Brian Donlevy, Forrest Tucker, and Vera Ralston
Oklahoma Annie (1952) with Judy Canova and Grant Withers
The Barefoot Mailman (1951) with Robert Cummings and Terry Moore
Man in the Saddle (1951) with Randolph Scott, Joan Leslie, and Ellen Drew
Fighting Coast Guard (1951) with Brian Donlevy, Forrest Tucker, Hugh O'Brian, Martin Milner, and Ella Raines
The Fat Man (1951) with Julie London and Rock Hudson
Frenchie (1950) with Joel McCrea, Marie Windsor, and Shelley Winters
Saddle Tramp (1950) with Joel McCrea and Wanda Hendrix
The Story of Molly X (1949) with June Havoc and Sandra Gould
Undertow (1949) with Scott Brady, Bruce Bennett, Peggy Dow, and Rock Hudson
The Gal Who Took the West (1949) with Yvonne De Carlo and Scott Brady
Slattery's Hurricane (1949) with Veronica Lake, Richard Widmark, Linda Darnell, and Gary Merrill
Yellow Sky (1948) with Gregory Peck, Anne Baxter, and Richard Widmark
Sitting Pretty (1948) with Robert Young, Maureen O'Hara, Clifton Webb, and Betty Lynn
Forever Amber (1947) with Cornel Wilde, Linda Darnell, Glenn Langan, and George Sanders
The Dark Corner (1946) with Lucille Ball, Clifton Webb, Mark Stevens, and Cathy Downs
Within These Walls (1945) with Mark Stevens
Don Juan Quilligan (1945) with Joan Blondell, William Bendix, Anne Revere, and Phil Silvers
TELEVISION SERIES
Jason of Star Command, 1979-1981 TV series. Russell portrayed Commander Stone during the 1980-1981 season. Also in the cast were Tamara Dobson, Sid Haig, and Francine York
Lawman, 1958-1962 ABC TV series. Russell portrayed Marshal Dan Troop. Also in the cast were Peter Brown and Peggie Castle
Soldiers of Fortune, 1955-1956 syndicated TV series. Russell portrayed Tim Kelly
TELEVISION GUEST APPEARANCES
The Fall Guy, episode King of the Cowboys, originally aired February 29, 1984
Simon & Simon, episode Rough Rider Rides Again, originally aired November 18, 1982
Police Story, episode Love, Mabel, originally aired November 26, 1974
McCloud, episode The Concrete Jungle Caper, originally aired November 24, 1974
Gunsmoke, episode The Iron Men, originally aired October 21, 1974
Emergency!, episode Understanding, originally aired December 15, 1973
Alias Smith and Jones, episode Witness to a Lynching, originally aired December 16, 1972
Alias Smith and Jones, episode The Day the Amnesty Came Through, originally aired November 25, 1972
Alias Smith and Jones, episode Which Way to the O.K. Corral?, originally aired February 10, 1972
It Takes a Thief, episode A Friend in Deed, originally aired November 27, 1969
It Takes a Thief, episode Payoff in the Piazza, originally aired November 13, 1969
It Takes a Thief, episode The Blue, Blue Danube, originally aired October 30, 1969
It Takes a Thief, episode Saturday Night in Venice, originally aired September 25, 1969
It Takes a Thief, episode Guess Who's Coming to Rio?, originally aired January 7, 1969
Daniel Boone, episode The Prophet, originally aired January 21, 1965
Maverick, episode Hadley's Hunters, originally aired September 25, 1960
Northwest Passage, episode The Killers, originally aired March 13, 1959
Maverick, episode Lonesome Reunion, originally aired September 28, 1958
Sugarfoot, episode Ring of Sand, originally aired September 16, 1958
Cheyenne, episode Dead to Rights, originally aired May 20, 1958
Cheyenne, episode The Empty Gun, originally aired February 25, 1958
Maverick, episode Rage for Vengeance, originally aired January 12, 1958
The Gale Storm Show, episode It's Only Money, originally aired October 12, 1957
Studio 57, episode The Senorita and the Texan, originally aired September 25, 1955
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This page premiered February 19, 2003.
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