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Richard Carlson
1912-1977
Updated 4/23/2007.
biography
Born in April 1912 in Albert Lea, Minnesota, Richard Carlson studied drama as a college student in his home state, eventually teaching acting at the college level before striking out as an actor and director on the legitimate stage. The talented Carlson performed in a number of Broadway productions in the mid to late 1930s, including The Ghost of Yankee Doodle (1937) and Stars In Your Eyes (February 1939-May 1939). Carlson's first film appearance came in the David Selznick production The Young in Heart (1938; with Janet Gaynor). In mid 1939, Carlson made a permanent move to Hollywood and freelanced in a number of films at different studios, including The Howards of Virginia (1940; with Cary Grant), Too Many Girls (1940; with Lucille Ball), Hold That Ghost (1941; with Bud Abbott and Lou Costello), and The Affairs of Martha (1942; with Marjorie Main). As with other actors during the era, Carlson served in World War II, interrupting his career. And as was the experience of many other actors, after coming back from the war he found it difficult to land the good roles he had previously been offered.
Early 1950s Universal-International studio photo of Richard Carlson
By the early 1950s, Carlson rebuilt his film career. Whereas before the war he had usually been cast in comedies and dramas, in the 1950s he starred in numerous science fiction and horror films, three of which were released in 3-D: The Maze (1953; with Hillary Brooke), It Came From Outer Space (1953; with Barbara Rush and Charles Drake), and The Creature From the Black Lagoon (1954; with Julie Adams and Richard Denning). In 1953, he took the lead part in the spy drama television series I Led Three Lives, which lasted through the 1956 season. Later in his career, he starred in the fun Bert I. Gordon horror flick Tormented (1960; with Susan Gordon, the daughter of Bert I. Gordon); this film was once featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000.
the films of richard carlson
Hold That Ghost (1941)
Fly-By-Night (1942)
As the desperate Dr. Geoffrey Burton, Richard Carlson attempts to free himself of an unjust murder charge in Paramount's film noir release Fly-By-Night
All I Desire (1953)
Promotional photo from the Douglas Sirk melodrama All I Desire
It Came from Outer Space (1953)
Images from Universal-International's cult science fiction favorite It Came from Outer Space. LEFT. With Charles Drake and Barbara Rush. CENTER A: With Kathleen Hughes, Charles Drake, and Barbara Rush. CENTER B: Carlson and Barbara Rush are terrified at the landing of the space ship. RIGHT: Carlson as John Putnam
The Magnetic Monster (1953)
From the independent release The Magnetic Monster
Seminole (1953)
From the Universal-International western Seminole with Barbara Hale
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
From Universal-International's 3-D classic Creature from the Black Lagoon. LEFT: With Julie Adams. CENTER A: With Nestor Paiva and Bernie Gozier. CENTER B. The Gill-Man stalks Julie Adams and Richard Carlson. CENTER C: On board the Rita with Richard Denning and Julie Adams. RIGHT: Carlson mixes it up with Richard Denning while Whit Bissell watches
The Last Command (1955)
Carlson in a Republic publicity still to promote the western The Last Command
Kid Rodelo (1966)
Carlson served as actor and director of the western Kid Rodelo, released by Paramount. Pictured are Broderick Crawford, Don Murray, Richard Carlson, and Janet Leigh
It Takes a Thief (1968-1970 ABC TV Series)
Carlson and Mark Richman from a January 1969 episode of ABC's It Takes a Thief
later years
Carlson began directing films and television shows in the 1950s. His first directorial effort was the 1954 film Riders to the Stars, in which he also starred. He also directed Four Guns to the Border (1954; with George Nader, Colleen Miller, and Rory Calhoun), The Saga of Hemp Brown (1958; with Rory Calhoun, Beverly Garland, and Yvette Vickers), and Appointment with a Shadow (1958; with George Nader), among other films. In addition, he directed episodes of the television series Thriller, The Detectives, and Men Into Space. By the late 1960s, Richard Carlson's career began to wind down; his last film was the Elvis Presley vehicle Change of Habit (1969; with Mary Tyler Moore). Carlson retired from acting in the early 1970s; his last appearance was on a 1973 episode of Cannon. Following a brain hemorrage, Carlson died on November 24, 1977, at the age of 65.
The Young In Heart [DVD](1938) DVD
Winning and warm comedy focusing on a family of con artists who meet their match and are shown the error of their ways by a charming old woman during a European train trip. Stars Roland Young, Minnie Dupree, Janet Gaynor, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., and Paulette Goddard. 91 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French; theatrical trailer.
Beyond Tomorrow [DVD](1940) DVD
Three well-to-do elderly men without families of their own invite a rodeo performer and a kindergarten teacher to a holiday dinner. The young couple fall in love, but when the trio of beneficiaries die in a plane crash, their spirits return to help the romance along in this charming fantasy. Richard Carlson, Jean Parker, Charles Winninger, C. Aubrey Smith star. 84 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby mono; theatrical trailer.
Beyond Tomorrow [VHS](1940) VHS
Three well-to-do elderly men without families of their own invite a rodeo performer and a kindergarten teacher to a holiday dinner. The young couple fall in love, but when the trio of beneficiaries die in a plane crash, their spirits return to help the romance along in this charming fantasy. Richard Carlson, Jean Parker, Charles Winninger, C. Aubrey Smith star. 82 min.
No No Nanette [VHS](1940) VHS
Second screen version of the 1925 Broadway farce about a doting niece and her financially troubled uncle. Anna Neagle, Roland Young, Victor Mature and ZaSu Pitts lead the cast through such standards as ``Tea for Two'' and ``I Want to Be Happy.'' 96 min.
The Ghost Breakers [DVD](1940) DVD
After killing a mobster, radio star Bob Hope lands in a haunted house in Cuba where, along with heiress Paulette Goddard, he encounters ghosts, caskets, hidden treasures and the dead gangster's twin brother. Spirited fright farce also stars Richard Carlson, Paul Lukas, Anthony Quinn and Willie Best. 85 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: French, Spanish; production notes; biographies; photo gallery; DVD-ROM content; theatrical trailer; more.
The Lucy & Desi Collection [DVD] DVD
In addition to "Forever Darling" and "The Long, Long Trailer," this three-disc set includes the exclusive title "Too Many Girls" (1940), a delightful Rodgers-Hart musical starring Lucille Ball as a carefree co-ed at a small university trying to dodge the four boys hired to keep an eye on her. Stellar support from Desi Arnaz (this is where they met!), Ann Miller, Eddie Bracken; look for Van Johnson as a chorus boy. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; theatrical trailers; bonus shorts.
The Little Foxes [DVD](1941) DVD
Bette Davis is unforgettable as the matriarch of a down-and-out Southern family who drives them unmercifully in her quest for wealth and status. Herbert Marshall, Teresa Wright co-star; based on Lillian Hellman's play. 116 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby mono, French mono, Spanish mono; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish; theatrical trailer. e menus; biographies; scene access; theatrical trailer.
The Best Of Bud Abbott And Lou Costello, Vol. 1 [DVD] DVD
Abbott and Costello's screen debut finds them as detectives cracking an insurance scam in "One Night in the Tropics" (1940); boot camp becomes a course in basic comedy training in the team's first starring film, "Buck Privates" (1941); the boys set sail for seafaring silliness in the service comedy "In the Navy" (1941); there are high spirits when the pair get trapped in a haunted house in "Hold That Ghost!" (1941); take off for laughs with the duo as would-be pilots in "Keep 'Em Flying" (1941); "Ride 'Em Cowboy" (1942) has them as city slickers-turned-comical cowhands; Chicago bus drivers Bud and Lou take a really wrong turn in "Pardon My Sarong" (1942); and, in "Who Done It?" (1942), they're private eyes "helping" the police catch a killer. 11 hrs. on two discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: French, Spanish.
A Stranger In Town [DVD](1943) DVD
Frank Morgan is a Supreme Court justice who decides to take a hunting vacation, only to discover the small town he stops at is riddled with political corruption. Morgan befriends the town's mayoral candidate and attempts to help him by offering advice. Richard Carlson, Jean Rogers, Chill Wills and John Hodiak also star in this lively mix of comedy and drama. 66 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
A Stranger In Town [VHS](1943) VHS
Frank Morgan is a Supreme Court justice who decides to take a hunting vacation, only to discover the small town he stops at is riddled with political corruption. Morgan befriends the town's mayoral candidate and attempts to help him by offering advice. Richard Carlson, Jean Rogers, Chill Wills and John Hodiak also star in this lively mix of comedy and drama. 67 min.
Presenting Lily Mars [DVD](1943) DVD
Charming and refreshing tale with Judy Garland as a small-town Indiana girl who sets her heart on making it big on Broadway. When a big-time producer (Van Heflin) passing through her hometown rejects her, the persistent aspiring actress follows him back to New York, determined to make it on the Great White Way. Spring Byington, Fay Bainter, Richard Carlson co-star. Songs include "Every Little Movement (Has a Meaning All Its Own)," "Where There's Music," "It's a Long Way to Tipperary," and more. 104 min. Soundtrack: English; theatrical trailer.
The Amazing Mr. X [DVD](1948) DVD
Suspenseful melodrama about a man who fakes his own death and teams up with a phony spiritualist in order to bilk his rich ``widow.'' Donald Curtis, Lynn Bari, Turhan Bey star. AKA: ``The Spiritualist.'' 78 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono. Plays All Regions.
The Amazing Mr. X [VHS](1948) VHS
Suspenseful melodrama about a man who fakes his own death and teams up with a phony spiritualist in order to bilk his rich ``widow.'' Donald Curtis, Lynn Bari, Turhan Bey star. AKA: ``The Spiritualist.'' 78 min.
Behind Locked Doors [DVD](1948) DVD
Private eye Richard Carlson masquerades as a patient in an asylum in an attempt to find a missing judge and collect a reward, but will he crack the case before the conditions crack him? Well-made suspenser from Budd Boetticher ("Comanche Station") with a "Snake Pit"-type atmosphere; co-stars Lucille Bremer and the great Tor Johnson. AKA: "Human Gorilla." 62 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; scene access.
Behind Locked Doors [VHS](1948) VHS
Private eye Richard Carlson masquerades as a patient in an asylum in an attempt to find a missing judge and collect a reward, but will he crack the case before the conditions crack him? Well-made suspenser from Budd Boetticher ("Comanche Station") with a "Snake Pit"-type atmosphere; co-stars Lucille Bremer and the great Tor Johnson. AKA: "Human Gorilla." 62 min.
King Solomon's Mines [DVD](1950) DVD
One of the greatest jungle adventure films ever made, this grand adaptation of the H. Rider Haggard novel stars Stewart Granger as rugged Allan Quatermain, leading Deborah Kerr and Richard Carlson on a search for a fabled diamond mine deep in the African wilderness. 103 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French; theatrical trailer.
Flat Top [DVD](1952) DVD
Set in 1944, this expert WWII saga stars Sterling Hayden as the tough commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Princeton. His no-nonsense style comes into conflict with new air group commander Richard Carlson. Featuring actual combat footage, the film also stars John Bromfield and William Phipps. 85 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
It Came From Outer Space [DVD](1953) DVD
Fifties sci-fi classic with Richard Carlson as an astronomer who can't convince anyone of the UFO crash he sighted...and the aliens who have taken human form while repairing their ship aren't making it any easier. Excellent adaptation of Ray Bradbury's story co-stars Barbara Rush, Russell Johnson. Not in 3-D. 81 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 3.0 stereo; Subtitles: Spanish, French; theatrical trailer; documentary; audio commentary; photo gallery.
Creature From The Black Lagoon: The Legacy Collection [DVD] DVD
This two-disc set collecting the cinematic adventures of everybody's favorite scary--and scaly--monster opens with "Creature from the Black Lagoon" (1954), in which a team of scientists in the Amazon is hunted by a water-breathing, half-human gillman. Richard Carlson, Julia Adams star. Not in 3-D. Next, it's the "Revenge of the Creature" (1955), as he torments tourists at a Florida aquarium. John Agar, Lori Nelson star. Then, "The Creature Walks Among Us" (1956) after scientists mutate the beastie so that he can live on land--and terrorize San Francisco. Jeff Morrow, Rex Reason star. 4 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: French, Spanish; audio commentary; documentary; photo gallery; theatrical trailer.
Hemo The Magnificent (1957)/Unchained Goddess [DVD](1958) DVD
Frank Capra wrote and directed this pair of educational animated films from the '50s Bell Science film series. First, take a trip through the human body and learn about the wonders of the heart and the circulatory system. Then, join the Goddess of Weather and her pals, Wind, Clouds and Rain, as they answer that all-important question: What is weather? Includes incredible live footage of hurricanes and tornadoes. 110 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Tormented [DVD](1960) DVD
Sometimes chintzy, sometimes genuinely creepy, this chiller from Bert I. Gordon ("The Amazing Colossal Man") stars Richard Carlson as a pianist haunted by the spirit of his mistress, who fell to her death from a lighthouse. Hands crawl, heads appear, a seaweed-covered body surfaces...and you'll be tormented! With Juli Reding, Susan Gordon. 75 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono. Plays All Regions.
Tormented [VHS](1960) VHS
Sometimes chintzy, sometimes genuinely creepy, this chiller from Bert I. Gordon ("The Amazing Colossal Man") stars Richard Carlson as a pianist haunted by the spirit of his mistress, who fell to her death from a lighthouse. Hands crawl, heads appear, a seaweed-covered body surfaces...and you'll be tormented! With Juli Reding, Susan Gordon. 75 min.
Change Of Habit [DVD](1969) DVD
An offbeat role for Elvis Presley (his final film) finds him as a doctor practicing in a ghetto clinic who falls for co-worker Mary Tyler Moore...unaware that she's actually a nun. With Barbara McNair, Ed Asner. Songs include "Rubberneckin'," "Let Us Pray," and the title tune. 93 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: Spanish, French; theatrical trailer; biographies.
The Valley Of Gwangi [DVD](1969) DVD
Cowboys and dinosaurs meet, courtesy of animation master Ray Harryhausen. James Franciscus stars as a circus promoter in 1912 Mexico who finds a hidden valley where prehistoric creatures still live, and he sets out to rope an allosaurus to exhibit. Spectacular effects; with Gila Golan, Richard Carlson. 95 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French; "making of" documentary; theatrical trailers.
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filmography
FILM
Change of Habit (1969) with Elvis Presley and Mary Tyler Moore
The Valley of Gwangi (1969) with James Franciscus
The Power (1968) with George Hamilton, Suzanne Pleshette, Yvonne De Carlo, and Barbara Nichols
The Doomsday Flight (1966) with Edward Asner, John Saxon, Van Johnson, and Jan Shepard
Kid Rodelo (1965) with Don Murray, Broderick Crawford, and Janet Leigh
Della (1964) with Joan Crawford, Diane Baker, and Paul Burke
Tormented (1960) with Susan Gordon; directed by Bert I. Gordon
The Unchained Goddess (1958) with Frank Baxter; an educational film
Hemo the Magnificent (1957) with Frank Baxter; an educational film
The Strange Case of the Cosmic Rays (1957) with Frank Baxter; an educational film
The Helen Morgan Story (1957) with Ann Blyth and Paul Newman
Three for Jamie Dawn (1956) with Laraine Day and Ricardo Montalban
An Annapolis Story (1955) with John Derek and Kevin McCarthy
Bengazi (1955) with Richard Conte and Mala Powers
The Last Command (1955) with Sterling Hayden, John Russell, Virginia Grey, and Jim Davis
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) with Julie Adams, Richard Denning, and Whit Bissell
Riders to the Stars (1954) with Martha Hyer and Dawn Addams; directed by Richard Carlson
It Came from Outer Space (1953) with Barbara Rush, Russell Johnson, and Charles Drake
All I Desire (1953) with Barbara Stanwyck, Lori Nelson, and Richard Long
Seminole (1953) with Rock Hudson, Barbara Hale, Hugh O'Brian, and Russell Johnson
The Maze (1953) with Hillary Brooke
The Magnetic Monster (1953) with King Donovan
Flat Top (1952) with Sterling Hayden, John Bromfield, Keith Larsen, and Phyllis Coates
Retreat, Hell! (1952) with Russ Tamblyn
The Rose Bowl Story (1952) with Marshall Thompson and Vera Miles
The Blue Veil (1951) with Jane Wyman and Vivian Vance
A Millionaire for Christy (1951) with Fred MacMurray and Eleanor Parker
The Sound of Fury (1951) with Adele Jergens and Lloyd Bridges
Whispering Smith Hits London (1951)
Valentino (1951) with Patricia Medina, Eleanor Parker, and Sally Forrest
King Solomon's Mines (1950) with Deborah Kerr and Stewart Granger
Behind Locked Doors (1948) with Tor Johnson and Dickie Moore
The Amazing Mr. X (1948) with Turhan Bey, Cathy O'Donnell, Lynn Bari, and Virginia Gregg
So Well Remembered (1947) with John Mills
The Man from Down Under (1943) with Charles Laughton and Donna Reed
Presenting Lily Mars (1943) with Judy Garland and Van Heflin
A Stranger in Town (1943) with Frank Morgan and John Hodiak
Young Ideas (1943) with Mary Astor and Herbert Marshall
Fly-By-Night (1942) with Nancy Kelly
Highways by Night (1942) with Ray Collins and Jane Darwell
White Cargo (1942) with Hedy Lamarr and Walter Pidgeon
The Affairs of Martha (1942) with Marjorie Main and Spring Byington
My Heart Belongs to Daddy (1942) with Frances Gifford and Cecil Kellaway
Hold That Ghost (1941) with Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Evelyn Ankers, Joan Davis, the Andrews Sisters, and Shemp Howard
Back Street (1941) with Charles Boyer, Margaret Sullavan, and Tim Holt
The Little Foxes (1941) with Bette Davis and Herbert Marshall
West Point Widow (1941) with Richard Denning, Frances Gifford, and Anne Shirley
The Ghost Breakers (1940) with Bob Hope, Paulette Goddard, and Willie Best
The Howards of Virginia (1940) with Cary Grant
No, No, Nanette (1940) with Anna Neagle, Victor Mature, Eve Arden, Zasu Pitts, and Helen Broderick
Too Many Girls (1940) with Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Frances Langford, Eddie Bracken, and Ann Miller
Beyond Tomorrow (1940) with Rod La Rocque and Harry Carey
Little Accident (1939) with Hugh Herbert and Edgar Kennedy
Winter Carnival (1939) with Ann Sheridan and Robert Armstrong
Dancing Co-Ed (1939) with Lana Turner, Artie Shaw, and Mary Beth Hughes
These Glamour Girls (1939) with Lana Turner, Lew Ayres, and Mary Beth Hughes
The Duke of West Point (1938) with Joan Fontaine
The Young in Heart (1938) with Janet Gaynor, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and Paulette Goddard
TV SERIES
Mackenzie's Raiders, 1958-1959 syndicated TV series
I Led Three Lives, 1953-1956 syndicated TV series
TV APPEARANCES
Cannon, episode Moving Target, originally aired January 31, 1973
Cannon, episode The Torch, originally aired February 29, 1972
The F.B.I., episode Moment of Truth, originally aired March 30, 1969
It Takes a Thief, episode The Naked Billionaire, originally aired January 28, 1969
Bonanza, episode The Thirteenth Man, originally aired January 21, 1968
Bonanza, episode A Girl Named George, originally aired January 14, 1968
Perry Mason, episode The Case of the Avenging Angel, originally aired March 13, 1966
Rawhide, episode Brush War at Buford, originally aired November 23, 1965
The Virginian (1962), episode Farewell to Honesty, originally aired March 24, 1965
Wagon Train, episode The Clay Shelby Story, originally aired December 6, 1964
Perry Mason, episode The Case of the Tragic Trophy, originally aired November 19, 1964
Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, episode Village of Guilt, originally aired November 2, 1964
The Fugitive, episode The Homecoming, originally aired April 7, 1964
The Virginian, episode Smile of a Dragon, originally aired Feburary 26, 1964
Wagon Train, episode The Cassie Vance Story, originally aired December 23, 1963
Thriller, episode Kill My Love, originally aired March 26,
1962
Riverboat, episode The Faithless, originally aired November 22, 1959
Lights Out, episode The Devil in Glencairn, originally aired July 16, 1951
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This page premiered May 3, 2001.
