This post is part of the O CANADA Blogathon hosted by Ruth of Silver Screenings (http://silverscreenings.org) and Kristina of Speakeasy (http://hqofk.wordpress.com) Lots of interesting topics including Deanna Durbin,Jack Carson,Norma Shearer, John Ireland, Niagara,Johnny Belinda.
DOUGLASS DUMBRILLE (1889-1974)
The first thing I learned about Mr. Dumbrille was that his Christian name ends in two S’s, despite how you may see it on credits or posters.
This well known character actor was born in Hamilton,Ontario.
He appeared in over 200 movies and was generally villainous,pompous ,officious and always moustachioed. He was never an underling – a general, a district attorney, a nightclub owner, a businessman – or a sheik – or Buffalo Bill (in The World Changes,1934). And slave trader in THE ROAD TO ZANZIBAR.
He was Athos to Don Ameche’s singing D’Artagnan in the 1939 THREE MUSKETEERS. And George Washington in MONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE (1946).
He was the nasty Mr.Cedar whom Mr. Deeds finally stood up to in MR DEEDS GOES TO TOWN.
He put on a wig and held Jeanette MacDonald’s hand in NAUGHTY MARIETTA. And he joined her again in THE FIREFLY.
He was a French policeman in Carole Lombard ‘s THE PRINCESS COMES ACROSS.
In LIVES OF A BENGAL LANCER, he is the one who says to Richard Cromwell, Franchot Tone and Gary Cooper,
“We have ways to make men talk.”
You recognise him instantly, but then wonder, is it Henry Daniell or Lionel Atwill.
Versatility should have been his middle name. He was even a westerner and a good guy, an upright sheriff in 1945’s FLAME OF THE WEST.
Strangest of all his films is one called THE KANGAROO KID (1950), made in Australia, with a cast including Jock Mahoney,Veda Ann Borg and Martha Hyer.
Mahoney goes to Oz to catch a criminal. It just so happens several Americans have settled in the town of Gold Star!
I haven’t seen it, but no doubt Douglass will be the baddie.
We know of Hollywood stars going to England to make films, but it’s a long way to Australia.
Also strange is that Hollywood went to Australia again for the 1952 film,KANGAROO ( with Maureen O’Hara and Peter Lawford.).
with Martha Hyer
Douglass was married from 1910 till 1957 when his first wife died.
In 1960, at the age of 70, he married again , to the 28 year old daughter of his friend Alan Mowbray.
Vienna's Classic Hollywood 
Whenever I see Douglass Dumbrille, I always think, “Hey! It’s that guy!” He’s always a treat to watch, and I LOVE him as the villainous type. He had the look and air of a Man of Authority, as you pointed out.
I didn’t realize he was a Canuck, so my admiration for him just increased. Thanks for joining the O Canada blogathon, and for bringing Douglass to the party!
Great Blogathon. thanks for co-hosting.
This is great, I’m not too far from Hamilton and knew one of the mayors. And yet I had no clue Dumbrille was from from there! Goes to show this blogathon is teaching us Canadians a thing or two. Thanks for taking part 🙂
I’m learning too about Canadians in Hollywood.
I applaud your subject and excellent treatment.
In my movie universe Douglass Dumbrille is most renowned for being in “3 Count ’em 3” Charlie Chan movies. Charlie Chan on Treasure Island, City in Darkness and Castle in the Desert (with Henry Daniell!). Also for being from Hamilton and marrying the much younger Patricia Mowbray – but mostly for being in Charlie Chan movies.
I need to see these Charlie Chans.
Douglass and Henry in the same movie. Be still my heart!
Great stuff, Vienna — a really useful piece on an oft-unjustly-forgotten actor. Many thanks!
Glad you liked it. It’s always good to remember Hollywood’s great character actors.
Ha, I remember him from Mr Deeds Goes to Town and A Day at the Races! Indeed, he has villaineous looks, and his mustache helps with his always serious facial expression. Nice to know more about him!
Don’t forget to read my contribution to the blogathon! 🙂
Kisses!
Le
http://www.criticaretro.blogspot.com
Will be reading your post soon. Thanks for stopping by.