Stanley Ridges
Biography: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Stanley Ridges (17 July 1890 – 22 April 1951) was a British-born actor who made his mark in films by playing a wide assortment of character parts. Born 17 July 1890 in Southampton, Hampshire, England, UK, Stanley Ridges became a protégé of Beatrice Lillie, a star of musical stage comedies, and spent many years learning and honing his craft on the stage. Eventually making his way to America, Ridges began as a song-and-dance man on Broadway, but later turned to dramatic roles onstage, appearing in such plays as Maxwell Anderson's Mary of Scotland (as Lord Morton) and Valley Forge (as Lieutenant Colonel Lucifer Tench), becoming a romantic leading man. Ridges' silent film debut was in Success (1923). With his excellent diction and rich speaking voice, he easily made the transition into sound films, with his career taking off at age 43, in Crime Without Passion (1934), with Claude Rains. Ridges found himself cast in character roles, as his greying hair put his romantic leading man days at an end. His most best known roles were probably two different characters in one film, one of them the kindly Professor Kingsley and the other the murderous Red Cannon in the thriller Black Friday (1940). The Jekyll and Hyde transformations gave Ridges a chance to display his acting ability. Ridges was often cast in supporting roles in many classic films, and played the lead only once, in the B-picture False Faces (1943). Among Ridges's other film roles were as the Scotland Yard inspector who is shadowing Charles Laughton in the film The Suspect (1944), as Major Buxton (Gary Cooper's commanding officer) in Sergeant York (1942), as Professor Siletsky in To Be or Not to Be (also 1942), and as Cary Travers Grayson, the official White House physician in Wilson (1944). By 1950, he had just begun appearing in television anthologies such as Studio One and Philco Television Playhouse. His last feature film, the Ginger Rogers comedy The Groom Wore Spurs, in which he played a mobster, was released a month before he died. Stanley Ridges died 22 April 1951, in Westbrook, Connecticut, aged 60.
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: July 17, 1890
Deathday: April 22, 1951
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Known For
To Be or Not to Be
1942-03-06
To Be or Not to Be
Overview: During the Nazi occupation of Poland, an acting troupe becomes embroiled in a Polish soldier's efforts to track down a German spy.
Genres: Comedy War Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1942-03-06
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For Two Cents
1930-10-24
For Two Cents
Overview: DeWolf Hopper thinks he is on the verge of death and a couple of newspapers are bidding for the story rights. One of the newspapers is willing to pay a big sum if Hopper will kick off in time for its last edition of the day. Hopper plays the whole role in bed.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1930-10-24
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Possessed
1947-05-29
Possessed
Overview: After being found wandering the streets of Los Angeles, a severely catatonic woman tells a doctor the complex story of how she wound up there.
Genres: Drama Thriller Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1947-05-29
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Dust Be My Destiny
1939-09-16
Dust Be My Destiny
Overview: Embittered after serving time for a burglary he did not commit, Joe Bell is soon back in jail, on a prison farm. His love for the foreman's daughter leads to a fight between them, leading to the older man's death due to a weak heart. Joe and Mabel go on the run as he thinks no-one would believe a nobody like him.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1939-09-16
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The Sea Wolf
1941-03-21
The Sea Wolf
Overview: Shipwrecked fugitives try to escape a brutal sea captain who's losing his mind.
Genres: Adventure Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1941-03-21
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Crime Without Passion
1934-08-30
Crime Without Passion
Overview: Caddish lawyer Lee Gentry is going out with Katy Costello, but carrying on an affair with dancer Carmen Brown. When he wants to end the dalliance with Carmen, she is so distraught that she becomes suicidal. Seizing the gun from Carmen, he accidentally shoots her, and thinking she's dead, concocts a series of increasingly outlandish alibis to cover his tracks under the guidance of a ghostly apparition that is his alter ego.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1934-08-30
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The File on Thelma Jordon
1949-11-04
The File on Thelma Jordon
Overview: Cleve Marshall, an assistant district attorney, falls for Thelma Jordon, a mysterious woman with a troubled past. When Thelma becomes a suspect in her aunt's murder, Cleve tries to clear her name.
Genres: Thriller Drama Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1949-11-04
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No Way Out
1950-08-16
No Way Out
Overview: Two hoodlum brothers are brought into a hospital for gunshot wounds, and when one of them dies the other accuses their black doctor of murder.
Genres: Drama Crime Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1950-08-16
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Black Friday
1940-02-29
Black Friday
Overview: University professor George Kingsley is struck by gangsters while crossing the street, leaving him with brain damage and one of the gangsters, Cannon, paralyzed. Kingsley's friend Dr. Sovac attends to both men, and when Cannon offers him a reward for aiding his recovery, Kovac transplants part of Cannon's brain into the dying Kingsley's skull, creating a dual personality.
Genres: Science Fiction Crime Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1940-02-29
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Each Dawn I Die
1939-08-19
Each Dawn I Die
Overview: A corrupt D.A. with governatorial ambitions is annoyed by an investigative reporter's criticism of his criminal activities and decides to frame the reporter for manslaughter in order to silence him.
Genres: Crime Drama Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1939-08-19
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The Scoundrel
1935-04-30
The Scoundrel
Overview: A ruthless, cynical, hated publisher is killed in a plane crash, doomed to be a "restless" spirit for being unloved. A heavenly power gives him a month on Earth to find one person to shed a tear for him before his fate is sealed.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1935-04-30
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Canyon Passage
1946-07-17
Canyon Passage
Overview: In 1850s Oregon, a businessman is torn between his love of two very different women and his loyalty to a compulsive gambler friend who goes over the line.
Genres: Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1946-07-17
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An Act of Murder
1948-12-05
An Act of Murder
Overview: A man kills his terminally ill wife to prevent her further suffering.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1948-12-05
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This Is the Army
1943-08-14
This Is the Army
Overview: In WW I dancer Jerry Jones stages an all-soldier show on Broadway, called Yip Yip Yaphank. Wounded in the War, he becomes a producer. In WW II his son Johnny Jones, who was before his fathers assistant, gets the order to stage a knew all-soldier show, called THIS IS THE ARMY. But in his pesonal life he has problems, because he refuses to marry his fiancée until the war is over.
Genres: Comedy Music Romance War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1943-08-14
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Air Force
1943-03-20
Air Force
Overview: The crew of an Air Force bomber arrives in Pearl Harbor in the aftermath of the Japanese attack and is sent on to Manila to help with the defense of the Philippines.
Genres: Action Drama War Adventure
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1943-03-20
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Sergeant York
1941-09-27
Sergeant York
Overview: Alvin York a hillbilly sharpshooter transforms himself from ruffian to religious pacifist. He is then called to serve his country and despite deep religious and moral objections to fighting becomes one of the most celebrated American heroes of WWI.
Genres: War Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1941-09-27
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Paid in Full
1950-02-15
Paid in Full
Overview: Two sisters fall in love with the same man. After the wedding, the new husband realizes he may have married the wrong sister.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1950-02-15
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They Died with Their Boots On
1941-11-20
They Died with Their Boots On
Overview: The story follows General George Armstrong Custer's adventures from his West Point days to his death. He defies orders during the Civil War, trains the 7th Cavalry, appeases Chief Crazy Horse and later engages in bloody battle with the Sioux nation.
Genres: Western War Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1941-11-20
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Nick Carter, Master Detective
1939-12-13
Nick Carter, Master Detective
Overview: Detective Nick Carter is brought in to foil spies at the Radex Airplane Factory, where a new fighter plane is under manufacture.
Genres: Crime Mystery
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1939-12-13
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Let Us Live
1939-03-29
Let Us Live
Overview: When a confused eyewitness identifies New York City cabbie Brick Tennant as a killer, he is sentenced to death for a murder that he wasn't involved in. Though no one is willing to listen to the innocent prisoner's pleas for freedom, Brick's faithful fiancée, Mary, knows that her lover is innocent because she was with him when the crime was committed. As the scheduled execution draws ever nearer, Mary begins to investigate the murder herself.
Genres: Crime Drama Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1939-03-29
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The Big Shot
1942-06-13
The Big Shot
Overview: Duke Berne, former big shot but now a three-time loser, fears returning to crime because a fourth conviction will mean a life sentence. Finally, haunted by his past and goaded by his cohorts, he joins in planning an armoured car robbery.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1942-06-13
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Silver on the Sage
1939-03-31
Silver on the Sage
Overview: Hoppy goes undercover as a gambler from the East when Bar 20 cattle are stolen by unknown rustlers. Brennan/Talbot are twin brothers (one a casino owner, the other a rancher) and Hoppy believes they provide alibis for each other while one is out committing crimes. Hoppy gets a job in the casino to learn more but is exposed when a gambling gunslinger notices him.
Genres: Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1939-03-31
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The Lady Is Willing
1942-02-12
The Lady Is Willing
Overview: Bold, eccentric Broadway performer Elizabeth Madden befuddles her handlers by coming home with a baby she picked up on the street. She wants to keep the baby but has to find a husband to make adoption viable. She offers her new obstetrician Dr. McBain help with his research on rabbits in exchange for marriage - and he accepts. The marriage of convenience turns into a marriage of real love until Dr. McBain's ex-wife comes looking for money.
Genres: Romance Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1942-02-12
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You're My Everything
1949-07-22
You're My Everything
Overview: In 1924, stage-struck Boston blueblood Hannah Adams picks up musical star Tim O'Connor and takes him home for dinner. One thing leads to another, and when Tim's show rolls on to Chicago a new Mrs. O'Connor comes along as incompetent chorus girl. Hollywood beckons, and we follow the star careers of the O'Connor family in silents and talkies.
Genres: Music Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1949-07-22
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Tarzan Triumphs
1943-01-20
Tarzan Triumphs
Overview: Zandra, white princess of a lost civilization, comes to Tarzan for help when Nazis invade the jungle with plans to conquer her people and take their wealth. Tarzan, the isolationist, becomes involved after the Nazis shoot at him and capture Boy: "Now Tarzan make war!"
Genres: Action Adventure War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1943-01-20
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Eyes in the Night
1942-10-16
Eyes in the Night
Overview: Blind detective Duncan Maclain gets mixed up with enemy agents and murder when he tries to help an old friend with a rebellious stepdaughter.
Genres: Thriller Mystery Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1942-10-16
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The Groom Wore Spurs
1951-03-13
The Groom Wore Spurs
Overview: Pretty female attorney Abigail "AJ" Furnival is hired to keep high-flying cowboy movie star Ben Castle out of trouble in Las Vegas. Despite his many faults, Abigail falls in love with and marries Ben, with the hope that she can mold him into the virtuous hero he plays on the screen.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1951-03-13
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If I Were King
1938-09-28
If I Were King
Overview: King Louis XI masquerades as a commoner in Paris, seeking out the treachery he is sure lurks in his kingdom. At a local tavern, he overhears the brash poet François Villon extolling why he would be a better king. Annoyed yet intrigued, the King bestows on Villon the title of Grand Constable. Soon Villon begins work and falls for a lovely lady-in-waiting, but then must flee execution when the King turns on him.
Genres: Adventure History
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1938-09-28
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Sinner Take All
1936-12-18
Sinner Take All
Overview: A young lawyer is determined to identify who is murdering members of a wealthy New York publishing family.
Genres: Mystery
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1936-12-18
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Streets of Laredo
1949-05-27
Streets of Laredo
Overview: Texas, 1878: cheerful outlaw-buddies Jim, Lorn and Wahoo rescue spunky orphan Rannie Carter from rustling racketeers, then are forced to separate. Lorn goes on to bigger and better robberies, while Jim and Wahoo are (at first reluctantly) maneuvered into joining the Texas Rangers. For friendship's sake, the three try to keep out of direct conflict, but a showdown begins to look inevitable. And Rannie, now grown into lovely young womanhood, must choose between Lorn and Jim
Genres: Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1949-05-27
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They're Always Caught
1938-07-03
They're Always Caught
Overview: This MGM Crime Does Not Pay series short shows the role the crime laboratory plays in the solving of cases, and how even the smallest detail can become a major clue.
Genres: Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1938-07-03
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Mr. District Attorney
1941-03-27
Mr. District Attorney
Overview: An assistant prosecutor and his spunky friend investigate a suddenly hot case.
Genres: Comedy Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1941-03-27
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The Master Race
1944-09-22
The Master Race
Overview: When allied troops liberate a small battle-scarred Belgium town in 1944 the American and British commanders do all they can to help the war-weary people back on their feet. There are mental and physical wounds to heal, fields to plough, the church to rebuild. But a top Nazi, knowing the War is lost, has infiltrated the town and is fostering dissent and disunity.
Genres: Drama War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1944-09-22
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Union Pacific
1939-05-05
Union Pacific
Overview: One of the last bills signed by President Lincoln authorizes pushing the Union Pacific Railroad across the wilderness to California. But financial opportunist Asa Barrows hopes to profit from obstructing it. Chief troubleshooter Jeff Butler has his hands full fighting Barrows' agent, gambler Sid Campeau; Campeau's partner Dick Allen is Jeff's war buddy and rival suitor for engineer's daughter Molly Monahan. Who will survive the effort to push the railroad through at any cost?
Genres: Drama Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1939-05-05
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The Mad Miss Manton
1938-10-21
The Mad Miss Manton
Overview: When the murdered body discovered by beautiful, vivacious socialite Melsa Manton disappears, police and press label her a prankster until she proves them wrong.
Genres: Comedy Crime Mystery Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1938-10-21
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The Suspect
1945-01-31
The Suspect
Overview: Genial shopkeeper Philip has to endure the constant nagging of a shrewish wife while he secretly yearns for a pretty young stenographer. When the henpecking gets to be too much, Philip murders his wife and manages to make her death look like an accident. A ruthless blackmailer and a low-key detective both discover Philip's secret, and he has to decide which of them poses the more dangerous threat.
Genres: Crime Drama Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1945-01-31
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The Phantom Speaks
1945-04-13
The Phantom Speaks
Overview: The spirit of an executed murderer enters the body of a physician, and forces him to do its bidding--namely, murder.
Genres: Action Romance Mystery Horror Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1945-04-13
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Wilson
1944-08-01
Wilson
Overview: The political career of Woodrow Wilson is chronicled, beginning with his decision to leave his post at Princeton to run for Governor of New Jersey, and his subsequent ascent to the Presidency of the United States. During his terms in office, Wilson must deal with the death of his first wife, the onslaught of German hostilities leading to American involvement in the Great War, and his own country's reticence to join the League of Nations. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation in 2006.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1944-08-01
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There's That Woman Again
1938-12-24
There's That Woman Again
Overview: Bill Reardon, a private detective, is working on a case involving stolen items from a local jewelry store. The case takes a different turn when Bill's prying wife wants to help catch the crook.
Genres: Comedy Crime Mystery
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1938-12-24
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Mr. Ace
1946-08-02
Mr. Ace
Overview: A rich society woman uses a gangster to win a congressional election.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1946-08-02
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Espionage Agent
1939-09-30
Espionage Agent
Overview: When Barry Corvall discovers that his new bride is a possible enemy agent, he resigns from the diplomatic service to go undercover to route out an espionage ring planning to destroy American industrial capability.
Genres: Drama War Thriller Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1939-09-30
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Winterset
1936-12-03
Winterset
Overview: A man is determined to find the real culprit behind the crime for which his father was wrongly executed.
Genres: Romance Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1936-12-03
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Task Force
1949-08-30
Task Force
Overview: After learning the finer points of carrier aviation in the 1920s, career officer Jonathan Scott and his pals spend the next two decades promoting the superiority of naval air power. But military and political "red tape" continually frustrate their efforts, prompting Scott to even consider leaving the Navy for a more lucrative civilian job. Then the world enters a second World War and Scott finally gets the opportunity to prove to Washington the valuable role aircraft carriers could play in winning the conflict. But what will it cost him and his comrades personally?
Genres: Drama Romance War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1949-08-30
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Because of Him
1946-01-18
Because of Him
Overview: A young woman who wants to break into the theater schemes to become the protege of a famous Broadway star.
Genres: Comedy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1946-01-18
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Internes Can't Take Money
1937-04-16
Internes Can't Take Money
Overview: Dr. Kildare treats and falls for impoverished ex-con Janet Healy, widow of a bank robber, who can't find her baby. Later she helps Kildare sew up gangster Hanlon in a tavern back room. Kildare pursues Janet and enlists Hanlon to help her; the gangster's solution, not surprisingly, is violent.
Genres: Crime Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1937-04-16
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Captain Eddie
1945-06-18
Captain Eddie
Overview: WWI flyer Eddie Rickenbaker remembers his life which brought him from a car salesman, race driver and pilot in WWI, to an important person in the early years of civil airline service, after his plane crashed in the South Pacific in late 1942.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1945-06-18
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Eagle Squadron
1942-06-16
Eagle Squadron
Overview: An American joins the British Royal Air Force just before Pearl Harbor is attacked, and falls in love with a beautiful English girl.
Genres: Romance War Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1942-06-16
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The Story of Dr. Wassell
1944-07-04
The Story of Dr. Wassell
Overview: As the Japanese sweep through the East Indies during World War II, Dr. Wassell is determined to escape from Java with some crewmen of the cruiser Marblehead. Based on a true story of how Dr. Wassell saved a dozen or so wounded sailors who were left behind when able bodied men were evacuated to Australia.
Genres: War Adventure Drama Action Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1944-07-04
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The Poor Fish
1930-06-07
The Poor Fish
Overview: Harry comes home unexpectedly and overhears his wife calling another man 'sweetheart' on the telephone. It turns out that both men are avid fishermen. They leave, so Daisy calls Mr. Gill at the Aquarium and asks if he likes fish. He doesn't, so she invites him over.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1930-06-07
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I Stole a Million
1939-08-01
I Stole a Million
Overview: A cabbie and petty thief dreams of the big heist that will end his thieving ways.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1939-08-01
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False Faces
1943-05-28
False Faces
Overview: A district attorney sets out to vindicate his son who's been accused of murdering a nightclub singer.
Genres: Mystery
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1943-05-28
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Yellow Jack
1938-05-19
Yellow Jack
Overview: A fairly accurate historical account of Walter Reed's search for the cause of "Yellow Jack" or Yellow Fever and those who risked their lives in the pursuit.
Genres: Drama History Mystery Romance War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1938-05-19
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Success
1923-02-25
Success
Overview: The often-told film story of a drunken actor hitting the skids, making a comeback, and helping his grown daughter in the bargain.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1923-02-25
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The Voice That Thrilled the World
1943-10-16
The Voice That Thrilled the World
Overview: This short traces the history of sound in the movies, beginning with French scientist Leon Scott's experiments in 1857. Featured are snippets from early sound pictures.
Genres: History Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1943-10-16
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The Man Who Had Influence
1950-05-29
The Man Who Had Influence
Overview: Business mogul's son David Grant uses his father's power to extricate himself from problems - until implication in a woman's death tests David's willingness to avoid responsibility.
Genres: TV Movie Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1950-05-29
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God Is My Co-Pilot
1945-04-07
God Is My Co-Pilot
Overview: Robert L. Scott has dreamed his whole life of being a fighter pilot, but when war comes he finds himself flying transport planes over The Hump into China. In China, he persuades General Chennault to let him fly with the famed Flying Tigers, the heroic band of airmen who'd been fighting the Japanese long before Pearl Harbor. Scott gets his chance to fight, ultimately engaging in combat with the deadly Japanese pilot known as Tokyo Joe.
Genres: Action Adventure War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1945-04-07
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