Ralph Byrd (1909-1952)

biography

Born in Dayton, Ohio, on April 22, 1909, actor Ralph Byrd was initially a singer. He began his film career in bit parts in the mid 1930s with the release of Universal's crime drama Chinatown Squad (1935; with Lyle Talbot), and for the next couple of years toiled mostly in poverty row films produced by Mascot, Grand National, and Columbia. Along the way, Byrd met and married B-movie starlet Virginia Carroll in 1936; the two costarred in the low-budget western A Tenderfoot Goes West (1936; with Jack La Rue). Byrd's big break came in Victory's 15-chapter serial Blake of Scotland Yard (1937; with Herbert Rawlinson), before Republic cast him in the 15-chapter serial thriller Dick Tracy (1937; with Smiley Burnette and Lee Van Atta).

Among other serials, including S.O.S. Coast Guard (1937; with Bela Lugosi), Byrd made a name for himself as the title character in the serials Dick Tracy (1937), Dick Tracy Returns (1938), Dick Tracy's G-Men (1939) and Dick Tracy Versus Crime Inc. (1941). Between serials, he also acted in several films, both as a star in such productions as PRC's Misbehaving Husbands (1940; with Harry Langdon and Betty Blythe) and in uncredited roles in bigger productions, such as Four Jills in a Jeep (1944; with Kay Francis and Carole Landis). Nevertheless, his career was going well at the onset of U.S. involvement in World War II; he joined the Marines in 1943. While Byrd was in the service, RKO picked up the film rights to the Dick Tracy character. Morgan Conway assumed the role of Dick Tracy in Dick Tracy (1945; with Morgan Conway, Anne Jeffreys, and Mike Mazurki) and Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (1946; with Morgan Conway, Anne Jeffreys, and Dick Wessel). After Byrd returned from the war, he was in a serious auto accident that sidelined his career. His career momentum slid during his tenure in the Marines and as a result of his accident. When he was well enough to return to work, RKO cast him in the feature Dick Tracy's Dilemma (1947; with Lyle Latell).

the films of ralph byrd

Down in 'Arkansaw' (1938)

Dick Tracy Returns (1938)

Dick Tracy's G-Men (1939)

Misbehaving Husbands (1940)

Dick Tracy vs. Crime Inc. (1941)

They Came to Blow Up America (1943)

Dick Tracy's Dilemma (1947)

Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome (1947)

Jungle Goddess (1948)

Stage Struck (1948)

Thunder in the Pines (1948)

later years

After a few poverty row programmers, such as Jungle Goddess (1948; with George Reeves and Wanda McKay) and Radar Secret Service (1950; with John Howard, Adele Jergens, and Tom Neal), Byrd's career was on shaky ground. At this point, he was more than 40 years old. While it seemed he had put the Dick Tracy character behind him in with the release of RKO's Dick Tracy's Dilemma (1947; with Lyle Latell) and Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome (1947; with Boris Karloff and Lyle Latell), by 1950 it appeared the character would be his salvation. On September 11, 1950, the Dick Tracy TV series began airing on ABC, then a cash-strapped, struggling network often in last place. After a year, ABC canceled the Dick Tracy series in 1951 due to costs. However, the series made the shift to syndication for the following season. Before many episodes were in the can, however, Ralph Byrd died of a sudden heart attack on August 18, 1952, at the age of 43. He was survived by his wife, actress Virginia Carroll (1913-2009), and a daughter, Carol.

ralph byrd films available from movies unlimited

Dick Tracy [DVD](1937) DVD
The enemy of all that's illegal blasts his way from the funny pages to the big screen for the first time in this two-fisted tale of big city crime. Ralph Byrd makes the first of six appearances as the cop who's always "on the square." Smiley Burnette also stars. 15 thrilling chapters; 4 3/4 hrs. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono. Plays All Regions.
The Three Mesquiteers (1936)/The Trigger Trio [DVD](1937) DVD
First, "The Three Mesquiteers" follows Robert Livingston and Ray Corrigan as they travel westwards for a new life after they get released from an Army hospital. But when they encounter an outlaw gang, they team with cattleman/motorcycle-riding hero Syd Saylor (portraying Lullaby Joslin) to stop them. With Kay Hughes. Then, in "The Trigger Trio," Corrigan, Max Terhune and Ralph Byrd go after a rustler whose scheme is infecting cattle with hoof-and-mouth disease. Sandra Corday, Robert Warwick co-star. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
S.O.S. Coast Guard [DVD](1937) DVD
Set sail for slam-bang action, with Ralph Byrd as a young Coast Guard lieutenant after a mad munitions inventor (Bela Lugosi, playing it up for all he's worth!). Fine, fast-paced episodic fun! 12 seafaring chapters; 3 3/4 hrs. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Blake Of Scotland Yard [DVD](1937) DVD
When a death ray is invented by a former Scotland Yard detective and his niece, a villain known as "the Scorpion" steals the device with plans on using it. But when he realizes that the device is missing a crucial piece, he tries to locate it while the lawman races to stop his nefarious plans. Ralph Byrd, Herbert Rawlinson, Joan Barclay star. 61 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Born To Be Wild [DVD](1938) DVD
Thrilling vintage actioner follows a pair of buddies as they race to save a small town by blowing up a dam-thereby thwarting the evil plans of a group of greedy land barons. As they attempt to deliver a truck of dynamite to the site, the men encounter a number of obstacles that stand between them and success. Ralph Byrd, Doris Weston, Ward Bond star. 64 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Dick Tracy Returns [DVD](1938) DVD
Ralph Byrd returns as the razor-chinned hawkshaw, hot on the trail Pa Stark ("Flash Gordon" foe Charles Middleton), the head of a vicious crime family. Tracy captures the gang, but he's caught by Stark, who's out for blood. 15 chapters; 4 1/4 hrs. Standard; Soundtrack: English; theatrical trailers; more.
Dick Tracy's G-Men [DVD](1939) DVD
Zarnoff, international spy and saboteur, is out to steal America's air defense secrets. The government calls on Dick Tracy (Ralph Byrd) to head an elite squad of agents and break the ring. Exciting underwater and aerial scenes highlight the action in 15 cliffhanging episodes; 4 1/3 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; theatrical trailer; more.
Drums Of The Desert [DVD](1940) DVD
This Foreign Legion saga stars Ralph Byrd and Peter Lynn as Legionnaires battling nasty natives while trying to win the hand of the same woman, played by Adrian Booth (who's billed as "Lorna Gray"). With William Costello and Mantan Moreland. 64 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Misbehaving Husbands [DVD](1940) DVD
A woman becomes suspicious of her department store owner husband when he's seen in a compromising position with a beautiful blonde that turns out to be a mannequin. Harry Langdon, Betty Blythe, Ralph Byrd and, Gig Young (billed as Byron Barr, in his film debut) star in this romantic romp. 65 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
The Son Of Monte Cristo [DVD](1940) DVD
Sword-slinging action with Louis Hayward as the son of Edmond Dantes, defending the country and the honor of duchess Joan Bennett against scheming George Sanders in a grand Napoleonic saga. 102 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono. Plays All Regions.
Dick Tracy vs. Crime Inc. [DVD](1941) DVD
Comicdom's most famous shamus faces his greatest challenge, a foe he can't even see. When the Ghost, a criminal mastermind who can render himself invisible, plots to decimate New York City with a devastating tidal wave, only Dick Tracy (Ralph Byrd) can stop him. With Michael Owen, Jan Wiley. 15 episodes; 4 1/3 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Desperate Cargo [DVD](1941) DVD
Trouble's brewing for two lovely chorines who've found themselves stranded in a small Latin American town, and whose only escape is aboard a clipper ship harried by hoodlums. Stars Ralph Byrd, Carol Hughes and Julie Duncan. AKA: "S.O.S. Clipper," "Dangerous Cargo." 67 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono. Plays All Regions.
A Yank In The RAF [DVD](1941) DVD
Wartime flag-waving excitement with Tyrone Power as a brash American pilot who joins the British Royal Air Force. While romancing nightclub entertainer Betty Grable, he uses his aerial skills and all-American enthusiasm to battle the Nazis in the skies over France. With Reginald Gardiner, John Sutton, and some authentic WWII film footage. 98 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital stereo, Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French; theatrical trailer.
Power Dive [DVD](1941) DVD
High-flying drama concerns the heroic exploits of test pilot Richard Arlen. When his girlfriend's father develops a revolutionary new airplane that is constructed entirely of plastic, he tries to prove that the craft is safe to fly, while his engineer brother attempts to make a move on his gal. Don Castle, Jean Parker, Cliff Edwards co-star. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Moontide [DVD](1942) DVD
A dispirited drifter (Jean Gabin) working on the docks of the California coast comes to the rescue of a suicidal young woman (Ida Lupino). The incident proves to be a life-changing event for the hard-drinking man after the two lost souls grow closer on the waterfront than either thought possible. This distinguished and affecting drama written by John O'Hara from Willard Robertson's novel co-stars Claude Rains, Jerome Cowan. 95 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish; audio commentary; featurette; photo gallery.
Poverty Row Studio Collection: PRC, Vol. 7 [DVD] DVD
Complications arise in "Duke of the Navy" (1942) when two sailors on leave find themselves in the expensive hotel suite of a wealthy woman, and a con artist, believing one of the swabbies is the woman's son, attempts to steal her savings. Ralph Byrd, Veda Ann Borg and Stubby Kruger star. Also includes "The Monster Maker," "The Missing Corpse," and "Blonde Savage." Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Sabu! [DVD] DVD
Selar Shaik Sabu (aka Sabu), who was an 11-year-old orphaned stable boy in India when he was discovered by director Robert Flaherty, made his film debut as the "Elephant Boy" (1937). Young Indian Toomai dreams of reuniting with his family's beloved elephant after the animal is given away to a mean-spirited new owner. Exciting family adventure film co-stars W.E. Holloway, Allan Jeayes. Co-directed by Flaherty and Zoltan Korda; based on Rudyard Kipling's "Toomai of the Elephants." Next, "The Drum" (1938) offers a terrific action spectacle from the Korda brothers, starring Sabu as a 19th-century Indian prince who must stop the slaughter of British troops and protect his throne from treacherous uncle Raymond Massey. AKA: "Drums." Three-disc set
The Jungle Book [DVD](1942) DVD
The epic Kipling fantasy of a boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle is beautifully brought to the screen by Alexander and Zoltan Korda. Sabu stars as Mowgli, who grows up to return to his village and save them from the menace of Shere Kahn, the tiger. With Joseph Calleia, Rosemary De Camp. 105 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Guadalcanal Diary [DVD](1943) DVD
Made almost simultaneously with the American assaults on Japanese-held islands in the Pacific, this gritty look at the day-by-day struggles of a "melting pot" Marine squadron stars Anthony Quinn, Lloyd Nolan, William Bendix, Richard Jaeckel, Lionel Stander, Preston Foster and Richard Conte. 93 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital stereo, Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish; theatrical trailer.
Dick Tracy: RKO Classic Collection [DVD] DVD
Morgan Conway stars as Chester Gould's comic strip sleuth, hot on the trail of escaped killer Splitface, in "Dick Tracy, Detective" (1945), co-starring Anne Jeffreys, Jane Greer, Mike Mazurki. Conway returns to take down a murderous-and hairless-ex-con in "Dick Tracy vs. Cueball" (1946), with Jeffreys, Dick Wessel. "Dick Tracy's Dilemma" (1947) finds Ralph Byrd, as the razor-chinned gumshoe, battling a hook-handed killer who, for some reason, is called "the Claw." Kay Christopher, Jack Lambert also star. And Boris Karloff plays a criminal armed with a deadly paralyzing gas in "Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome" (1947), with Byrd and Anne Gwynne. 4 1/4 hrs. total on two discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; photo gallery; bonus "Dick Tracy Returns" and "Dick Tracy's G-Men" serial chapters; theatrical trailers.
Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome [DVD](1947) DVD
Boris Karloff is the perfect "Gruesome," and he intends to freeze the whole town so that he can do his evil stuff. But he's no match for Dick Tracy, who's an expert at cooling him down. Ralph Byrd stars as Tracy. 65 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Dick Tracy's Dilemma [DVD](1947) DVD
Ralph Byrd stars as Tracy. This time he meets "the Claw," an evil killer with a hook instead of a right hand. Tess Trueheart and all the other "Crimestoppers" keep a fast pace as the film reaches its electrifying climax. With Kay Christopher, Jack Lambert. 60 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo. Plays All Regions.
Stallion Road [DVD](1947) DVD
Based on the novel by Stephen Longstreet (who also scripted), this drama stars Ronald Reagan as a veterinarian and rancher being pursued by a beautiful horse breeder (Alexis Smith) and a vampy divorcee (Peggy Knudsen). But romantic entanglements are the least of his problems when he contracts anthrax after an epidemic breaks out among the local animal population. With Zachary Scott, Patti Brady. 97 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
George Reeves Double Feature [DVD] DVD
Two action-packed films starring a pre-Superman George Reeves! First, Reeves plays a pilot who ventures deep into the African jungle to find a rich man's daughter after her plane crashes. When he and his partner find her, worshipped by the native who rescued her, will they be able to escape with the "Jungle Goddess" (1948)? Ralph Byrd, Wanda McKay also star. Next, there's "Thunder in the Pines" (1948) when loggers Reeves and Byrd vie for the love of a mail-order bride. Which man gets to keep her is decided by a contest to see who can cut down the most trees! Lyle Talbot, Denise Darcel co-star. 164 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; filmography; featurettes; photo gallery.
Forgotten Noir: Collector's Set Series Four [DVD] DVD
A law school grad's (Dennis O'Keefe) gaffe working at the office of "Mr. District Attorney" (1941) nets him a dangerous new case. Peter Lorre co-stars. On "Highway 13" (1948), a lovestruck trucker (Robert Lowery) gets mixed up in murder. With Pamela Blake. An FBI agent tries to track down a spy possessing secret government documents aboard a "Sky Liner" (1949). Richard Travis, Blake star. A descendant of the Count of Monte Cristo goes against a crooked lawyer to obtain the "Treasure of Monte Cristo" (1949). Glenn Langan, Adele Jurgens star. When "Counterspy Meets Scotland Yard" (1950), secret missile plans are the prize. With Howard St. John, Amanda Blake. L.A. cops on the "Motor Patrol" (1950) chase down the culprit of a hit-and-run. Don Castle, Jane Nigh star. The "Radar Secret Service" (1950) makes use of high technology to foil bad guys in the atomic age. John Howard, Jergens star. When a mad killer goes on the hunt, a "Western Pacific Agent" (1950) must take him down. Kent Taylor, Lowery star. In the "Roaring City" (1951), a shamus takes a treacherous bet on boxing. Hugh Beaumont, Joan Valerie star. 9 2/3 hrs. total on three discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English.

ralph byrd photos and posters available

filmography

FILM

Please note: This listing does not include uncredited performances
The Redhead and the Cowboy (1951) with Glenn Ford, Edmond O'Brien, Rhonda Fleming, Alan Reed, and Morris Ankrum
Radar Secret Service (1950) with John Howard, Adele Jergens, Tom Neal, Myrna Dell, Sid Melton, and Kenne Duncan
Thunder in the Pines (1948) with George Reeves, Greg McClure, Michael Whalen, Denise Darcel, and Lyle Talbot
Jungle Goddess (1948) with George Reeves, Wanda McKay, Armida, and Smoki Whitfield
Canon City (1948) with Scott Brady, Jeff Corey, Whit Bissell, and DeForest Kelley
Stage Struck (1948) with Kane Richmond, Conrad Nagel, Pamela Blake, Nana Bryant, Evelyn Brent, and Wanda McKay
The Argyle Secrets (1948) with William Gargan, Marjorie Lord, John Banner, Barbara Billingsley, and Peter Brocco
Lt. Samuel Sampson Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome (1947) with Boris Karloff, Anne Gwynne, and Lyle Latell
The Vigilante: Fighting Hero of the West (1947) with Ramsay Ames and Lyle Talbot
Dick Tracy's Dilemma (1947) with Lyle Latell
Stallion Road (1947) with Ronald Reagan, Alexis Smith, and Zachary Scott
Guadalcanal Diary (1943) with Preston Foster, Lloyd Nolan, William Bendix, Richard Conte, Anthony Quinn, Richard Jaeckel, Lionel Stander, Reed Hadley, and John Archer
They Came to Blow Up America (1943) with George Sanders, Anna Sten, Ward Bond, and Sig Ruman
Three Cadets (1943) with Craig Stevens and Kent Smith
Time to Kill (1942) with Lloyd Nolan, Heather Angel, Doris Merrick, Sheila Bromley, and Morris Ankrum
Manila Calling (1942) with Lloyd Nolan, Carole Landis, Cornel Wilde, James Gleason, Ted North, and Elisha Cook Jr.
Careful, Soft Shoulder (1942) with Virginia Bruce, James Ellison, and Sheila Ryan
Ten Gentlemen from West Point (1942) with George Montgomery, Maureen O'Hara, Laird Cregar, Shepperd Strudwick, Ward Bond, and Douglass Dumbrille
Moontide (1942) with Jean Gabin, Ida Lupino, Thomas Mitchell, Claude Rains, and Jerome Cowan
Jungle Book (1942) with Sabu
Broadway Big Shot (1942) with Virginia Vale and Herbert Rawlinson
Duke of the Navy (1942) with Veda Ann Borg
Dick Tracy vs. Crime Inc. (1941) with Michael Owen and Jan Wiley
A Yank in the R.A.F. (1941) with Tyrone Powe, Betty Grable, and John Sutton
Desperate Cargo (1941) with Carol Hughes
Here Comes the Cavalry (1941) with Richard Travis
Power Dive (1941) with Richard Arlen and Jean Parker
Wings of Steel (1941) with Herbert Anderson and Tom Neal
The Penalty (1941) with Edward Arnold, Lionel Barrymore, Marsha Hunt, Robert Sterling, Veda Ann Borg, Gloria DeHaven, and Phil Silvers
Misbehaving Husbands (1940) with Harry Langdon, Betty Blythe, and Gig Young
The Son of Monte Cristo (1940) with Louis Hayward, Joan Bennett, George Sanders, Montagu Love, and Clayton Moore
Dark Streets of Cairo (1940) with Eddie Quillan, George Zucco, Katherine DeMille, and Rod La Rocque
North West Mounted Police (1940) with Gary Cooper, Madeleine Carroll, Paulette Goddard, Preston Foster, Robert Preston, Akim Tamiroff, Lon Chaney Jr., and Montagu Love
Drums of the Desert (1940) with Lorna Gray and Mantan Moreland
The Howards of Virginia (1940) with Cary Grant, Martha Scott, Cedric Hardwicke, Richard Carlson, Paul Kelly, and Anne Revere
The Golden Fleecing (1940) with Lew Ayres, Lloyd Nolan, Virginia Grey, Nat Pendleton, and Leon Errol
Dick Tracy's G-Men (1939) with Jennifer Jones
Mickey the Kid (1939) with Bruce Cabot and Zasu Pitts
S.O.S. Tidal Wave (1939) with Kay Sutton
Fighting Thoroughbreds (1939) with Mary Carlisle, George 'Gabby' Hayes, and Kenne Duncan
Down in 'Arkansaw' (1938) with Leon Weaver, June Weaver, and Frank Weaver
Dick Tracy Returns (1938) with Lynne Roberts and Charles Middleton
Army Girl (1938) with Madge Evans, Preston Foster, James Gleason, H.B. Warner, Neil Hamilton, Heather Angel, Billy Gilbert, and Barbara Pepper
Born to Be Wild (1938) with Ward Bond
Hard to Hold (1937) with Don Terry, Julie Bishop, Rita Hayworth, and Paul Fix
The Trigger Trio (1937) with Ray 'Crash' Corrigan and Max Terhune
S.O.S. Coast Guard (1937) with Bela Lugosi and Herbert Rawlinson
Criminals of the Air (1937) with Rita Hayworth
Motor Madness (1937) with Joseph Allen
Dick Tracy (1937) with Kay Hughes, Smiley Burnette, Lee Van Atta, and Francis X. Bushman
Blake of Scotland Yard (1937) with Herbert Rawlinson and Dickie Jones
Find the Witness (1937) with Charles Quigley
A Tenderfoot Goes West (1936) with Jack La Rue, Virginia Carroll, and Glenn Strange
Two-Fisted Gentleman (1936) with James Dunn
Border Caballero (1936) with Tim McCoy
Hell-Ship Morgan (1936) with George Bancroft, Ann Sothern, and Victor Jory
The Adventures of Rex and Rinty (1935) with Kane Richmond, Mischa Auer, and Smiley Burnette

TELEVISION SERIES
Dick Tracy, 1950-1951 ABC TV series. Byrd portrayed the title character

TELEVISION GUEST APPEARANCES
Craig Kennedy, Criminologist, episode The Golden Dagger, originally aired 1952
Fireside Theatre, episode Lucy and the Stranger, originally aired October 10, 1950
Fireside Theatre, episode Man Without a Country, originally aired May 30, 1950
Fireside Theatre, episode Operation Mona Lisa, originally aired May 2, 1950

ralph byrd film now showing

Watch Ralph Byrd in the 1947 RKO release Dick Tracy's Dilemma