John Dierkes
Biography: Dierkes was born on February 10, 1905 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended Brown University and subsequently went to work as an economist for the United States Department of State. In 1941 he joined the Red Cross and served in the Britain duringWorld War II. There he met director John Huston who recommended that he try Hollywood after the war. Instead, Dierkes went to work for the U.S. Treasury Department which coincidentally sent him to Hollywood to function as technical advisor for the film To the Ends of the Earth (1948). Because of his appearance and very tall frame (6 feet, 6 inches), Dierkes enjoyed a long career as a character actor, often portraying villains or soldiers. In the 1953 film Shane, Dierkes portrays villain Morgan Ryker, who is the last man shot by the title character, Shane, in the final bar room shootout. One of his more memorable scenes is in the 1960 film, The Alamo. Dierkes portrays a Tennessean named Jocko, who is torn between leaving before the attack to care for his blind wife, or staying to support the Texans' cause. Understanding that if Jocko stays to fight she will likely be widowed, Jocko's wife coaxes him to stay and defend the fort, despite her disability. Dierkes died in 1975 of emphesyma and was survived by his wife Cynthia, two sons, and two daughters.
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: February 10, 1905
Deathday: January 08, 1975
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Known For
Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
1953-08-01
Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Overview: As American policemen in London, Bud and Lou meet up with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Genres: Comedy Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1953-08-01
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Shane
1953-04-23
Shane
Overview: A weary gunfighter attempts to settle down with a homestead family, but a smouldering settler and rancher conflict forces him to act.
Genres: Drama Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1953-04-23
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The Haunted Palace
1963-08-28
The Haunted Palace
Overview: A warlock burned at the stake comes back and takes over the body of his great grandson to take his revenge on the descendents of the villages that burned him.
Genres: Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1963-08-28
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The Buccaneer
1958-12-11
The Buccaneer
Overview: During the War of 1812 against Britain: General Andrew Jackson has only 1,200 men left to defend New Orleans when he learns that a British fleet will arrive with 60 ships and 16,000 men to take the city. In this situation an island near the city becomes strategically important to both parties, but it's inhabited by the last big buccaneer: Jean Lafitte. Although Lafitte never attacks American ships, the governor hates him for selling merchandise without taxes - and is loved by the citizens for the same reason. When the big fight gets nearer, Lafitte is drawn between the fronts. His heart belongs to America, but his people urge him to join the party that's more likely to win.
Genres: Adventure Drama War History
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1958-12-11
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The Alamo
1960-10-23
The Alamo
Overview: The legendary true story of a small band of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in hopeless combat against a massive army in order to prevent a tyrant from smashing the new Republic of Texas.
Genres: War Adventure History Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1960-10-23
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Macbeth
1948-10-01
Macbeth
Overview: A Scottish warlord and his wife murder their way to a pair of crowns.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1948-10-01
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The Premature Burial
1962-03-07
The Premature Burial
Overview: An artist grows distant from his new wife as an irrational horror of premature burial consumes him.
Genres: Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1962-03-07
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The Raven
1963-01-25
The Raven
Overview: A magician who has been turned into a raven turns to a former sorcerer for help.
Genres: Comedy Horror Fantasy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1963-01-25
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The Left Handed Gun
1958-05-07
The Left Handed Gun
Overview: When a crooked sheriff murders his employer, William "Billy the Kid" Bonney decides to avenge the death by killing the man responsible, throwing the lives of everyone around him into turmoil, and endangering the General Amnesty set up by Governor Wallace to bring peace to the New Mexico Territory.
Genres: Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1958-05-07
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The Hanging Tree
1959-02-19
The Hanging Tree
Overview: Joseph "Doc" Frail is a doctor with a past he's trying to outrun. While in Montana, he comes across a mining camp with a hanging tree and rescues a man named Rune from the noose. With Rune as his servant, Frail decides to settle down, and he takes over as town doctor. He meets Elizabeth, who is suffering from shock, and the two soon fall in love. But when Elizabeth is attacked, Frail's attempt to help her lands them both in trouble.
Genres: Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1959-02-19
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Valerie
1957-08-01
Valerie
Overview: After the American Civil War, former Union Major John Garth marries pretty settler Valerie but tragedy strikes and the two spouses end up in court where they give two different conflicting accounts of their marriage.
Genres: Western Drama Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1957-08-01
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Johnny Cool
1963-10-02
Johnny Cool
Overview: A deported gangster trains an Italian convict to take over his operations in the U.S.
Genres: Action Crime Drama Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1963-10-02
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Creepy Classics
1987-10-01
Creepy Classics
Overview: A compilation of trailers for various horror and sci-fi films, narrated and hosted by Vincent Price.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1987-10-01
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Convicts 4
1962-09-15
Convicts 4
Overview: After his death sentence is commuted to life in prison, John Resko is transferred from Sing-Sing to Dannemora where, with the help of a humane prison guard, he becomes a rehabilitated man and a successful painter.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1962-09-15
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The Buckskin Lady
1957-07-01
The Buckskin Lady
Overview: Patricia Medina plays the title character in The Buckskin Lady. Medina is cast as female gambler Angela Medley, who is forced by circumstances to align herself with outlaw Slinger. But Angela has never gotten over her love for honest frontier doctor Bruce Merritt, and at the first opportunity she redeems herself by catching a bullet intended for the doc. Henry Hull delivers the film's most memorable performance as Angela's drunken wretch of a father. Per the title, Buckskin Lady affords the viewer ample opportunity to see Patricia Medina in form-fitting western garb.
Genres: Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1957-07-01
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Les Miserables
1952-08-14
Les Miserables
Overview: In 19th century France, Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a relentless policeman named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the student revolutions in France.
Genres: Adventure Drama History Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1952-08-14
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The Moonlighter
1953-09-19
The Moonlighter
Overview: Wes Anderson (Fred MacMurray) is caught cattle rustling and promptly jailed. The public is outraged, but, since Wes always worked at night, they don't know what he looks like. Still, they break into the prison and lynch a hobo they think is Wes, while the actual culprit sneaks off to see his old flame, Rela (Barbara Stanwyck), who has recently taken up with his straitlaced brother, Tom (William Ching). But Tom is envious of his outlaw brother, and he decides to join Wes in a life of crime.
Genres: Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1953-09-19
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Daughter of Dr. Jekyll
1957-06-28
Daughter of Dr. Jekyll
Overview: A young woman discovers she is the daughter of the infamous Dr. Jekyll, and begins to believe that she may also have a split personality, one of whom is a ruthless killer.
Genres: Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1957-06-28
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The Vanishing American
1955-11-17
The Vanishing American
Overview: A woman arrives in New Mexico to claim property she's inherited and receives an education in the greedy exploitation of the local Navajo.
Genres: Adventure Drama Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1955-11-17
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Three Husbands
1950-11-10
Three Husbands
Overview: When a recently deceased playboy gets to heaven and is granted one wish--granted to all newcomers--he requests that he be able to see the reactions of three husbands, with whom he regularly played poker, to a letter he left each of them claiming to have had an affair with each's wife.
Genres: Comedy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1950-11-10
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Hell's Outpost
1954-12-15
Hell's Outpost
Overview: A returning Korean War vet becomes embroiled in a fight over possession of a tungsten mine.
Genres: Action Adventure Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1954-12-15
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The Naked Jungle
1954-03-03
The Naked Jungle
Overview: The Leiningen South American cocoa plantation is threatened by a 2-mile-wide, 20-mile-long column of army ants.
Genres: Adventure Romance Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1954-03-03
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The Fastest Gun Alive
1956-07-12
The Fastest Gun Alive
Overview: Whenever it becomes known how good he is with guns, ex-gunman George and his wife Dora have to flee the town, in fear of all the gunmen who might want to challenge him. Unfortunately he again spills his secret when he's drunk. All citizens swear to keep his secret and support him to give up his guns forever -- but a boy tells the story to a gang of wanted criminals. Their leader threatens to burn down the whole town, if he doesn't duel him.
Genres: Drama Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1956-07-12
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The Raid
1954-08-04
The Raid
Overview: A group of confederate prisoners escape to Canada and plan to rob the banks and set fire to the small town of Saint Albans in Vermont. To get the lie of the land, their leader spends a few days in the town and finds he is getting drawn into its life and especially into that of an attractive widow and her son.
Genres: Western War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1954-08-04
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X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes
1963-07-13
X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes
Overview: A doctor uses special eye drops to give himself x-ray vision, but the new power has disastrous consequences.
Genres: Science Fiction Thriller Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1963-07-13
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Death in Small Doses
1957-09-15
Death in Small Doses
Overview: A government agent investigates the use of illegal amphetamines among long-haul truck drivers.
Genres: Drama Thriller Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1957-09-15
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The Omega Man
1971-08-01
The Omega Man
Overview: Due to an experimental vaccine, Dr. Robert Neville is the only human survivor of an apocalyptic war waged with biological weapons. Besides him, only a few hundred deformed, nocturnal people remain - sensitive to light, and homicidally psychotic.
Genres: Science Fiction Action
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1971-08-01
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Rage
1972-11-22
Rage
Overview: An accidental nerve gas leak by the military kills not only a rancher's livestock, but also his son. When he tries to hold the military accountable for their actions, he runs up against a wall of silence.
Genres: Drama Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1972-11-22
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Touch of Evil
1958-03-30
Touch of Evil
Overview: When a car bomb explodes on the American side of the U.S./Mexico border, Mexican drug enforcement agent Miguel Vargas begins his investigation, along with American police captain Hank Quinlan. When Vargas begins to suspect that Quinlan and his shady partner, Menzies, are planting evidence to frame an innocent man, his investigations into their possible corruption quickly put himself and his new bride, Susie, in jeopardy.
Genres: Crime Thriller Mystery
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1958-03-30
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The Slowest Gun in the West
1960-05-07
The Slowest Gun in the West
Overview: The town of Primrose, Arizona is beset by outlaws, so the towns people hire Fletcher Bissell III (A.K.A. The Silver Dollar Kid) as their new sheriff. Fletcher is so cowardly the townsfolk are sure that the local outlaws will be too proud to gun him down. This proves to be the case, and the outlaws hire their own cowardly gunfighter, Chicken Farnsworth, to go up against The Silver Dollar Kid. Written by Jim Beaver
Genres: Western Comedy TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1960-05-07
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Betrayed Women
1955-07-17
Betrayed Women
Overview: Love-starved gun molls (Carole Mathews, Beverly Michaels) escape from a prison farm where matrons make their lives miserable.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1955-07-17
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Friendly Persuasion
1956-11-25
Friendly Persuasion
Overview: The story of a family of Quakers in Indiana in 1862. Their religious sect is strongly opposed to violence and war. It's not easy for them to meet the rules of their religion in everyday life but when Southern troops pass the area they are in real trouble. Should they fight, despite their peaceful attitude?
Genres: Drama War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1956-11-25
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The Thing from Another World
1951-04-05
The Thing from Another World
Overview: Scientists and US Air Force officials fend off a blood-thirsty alien organism while investigating at a remote arctic outpost.
Genres: Drama Horror Science Fiction
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1951-04-05
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The Desperado
1954-06-20
The Desperado
Overview: "Only a fool sticks his neck out for somebody else. Don't get in the habit of it." Outlaw gunslinger Sam Garrett offers that sage wisdom to fellow fugitive Tom Cameron, who's on the run from the "Bluebellies," Texas State Police officers who wield a brutal iron fist of enforcement in the early 1870s. But quick-draw, hard-bitten Garrett soon decides not to take his own advice after young Cameron heads home to surrender - and instead gets framed for a revenge murder by a jealous rival for the affections of his girl.
Genres: Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1954-06-20
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The Oregon Trail
1959-08-31
The Oregon Trail
Overview: In 1846, a reporter for the New York Herald joins a wagon train bound for the Oregon Territory. He hopes to confirm a rumor that President Polk is sending in soldiers disguised as settlers in order to strengthen American claims to the Territory.
Genres: Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1959-08-31
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Duel at Apache Wells
1957-01-25
Duel at Apache Wells
Overview: A young man returns home after several years absence to find that a gang is after not only his family ranch, but his girlfriend as well.
Genres: Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1957-01-25
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The Comancheros
1961-12-16
The Comancheros
Overview: Texas Ranger Jake Cutter arrests gambler Paul Regret, but soon finds himself teamed with his prisoner in an undercover effort to defeat a band of renegade arms merchants and thieves known as Comancheros.
Genres: Western Action
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1961-12-16
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Not as a Stranger
1955-07-01
Not as a Stranger
Overview: Lucas Marsh, an intern bent upon becoming a first-class doctor, not merely a successful one. He courts and marries the warm-hearted Kristina, not out of love but because she is highly knowledgeable in the skills of the operating room and because she has frugally put aside her savings through the years. She will be, as he shrewdly knows, a supportive wife in every way. She helps make him the success he wants to be and cheerfully moves with him to the small town in which he starts his practice. But as much as he tries to be a good husband to the undemanding Kristina, Marsh easily falls into the arms of a local siren and the patience of the long-sorrowing Kristina wears thin.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1955-07-01
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The Red Badge of Courage
1951-09-27
The Red Badge of Courage
Overview: Henry Fleming is a young Union soldier in the American Civil War. During his unit's first engagement, Henry flees the battlefield in fear. When he learns that the Union actually won the battle, shame over his cowardice leads him to lie to his friend Tom and the other soldiers, saying that he had been injured in battle. However, when he learns that his unit will be leading a charge against the enemy, Henry takes the opportunity to face his fears and redeem himself.
Genres: War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1951-09-27
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Jubal
1956-02-25
Jubal
Overview: Jubal Troop is a cowboy who is found in a weakened condition, without a horse. He is given shelter at Shep Horgan's large ranch, where he quickly makes an enemy in foreman Pinky, a cattleman who accuses Jubal of carrying the smell of sheep.
Genres: Western Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1956-02-25
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Silver City
1951-12-01
Silver City
Overview: Having masterminded the hold up of his company office, a mining engineer is barred from the industry. He then sets up shop as an assayer, scheming to acquire a rich silver mine lease from its operators.
Genres: Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1951-12-01
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The Guns of Fort Petticoat
1957-04-01
The Guns of Fort Petticoat
Overview: Opposing his commanding officer's decision to attack a group of innocent Indians and wipe them out, Lt. Frank Hewitt leaves his post and heads home to Texas. He knows that the attack will send all of the tribes on the warpath and he wants to forewarn everyone. He gets a chilly reception back home however. With most of the men away having enlisted in the Confederate army Frank, a Union officer, is seen by the local women as a traitor. He convinces them of the danger that lies ahead and trains them to repel the attack that will eventually come.
Genres: Western Action War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1957-04-01
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One-Eyed Jacks
1961-03-30
One-Eyed Jacks
Overview: Running from the law after a bank robbery in Mexico, Dad Longworth finds an opportunity to take the stolen gold and leave his partner Rio to be captured. Years later, Rio escapes from the prison where he has been since, and hunts down Dad for revenge. Dad is now a respectable sheriff in California, and has been living in fear of Rio's return.
Genres: Western Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1961-03-30
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The Vanquished
1953-06-03
The Vanquished
Overview: A man returns to his home -- a post Civil-War village -- and finds the law is in the hands of a few scrupulous people.
Genres: Drama Action Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1953-06-03
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John Wayne's 'The Alamo'
1992-06-06
John Wayne's 'The Alamo'
Overview: Documentary about the making of the John Wayne film The Alamo (1960). Included are behind-the-scenes photos and footage of the actual production of the film, clips from it and interviews with members of the cast, crew and local residents in Brackettville, TX, where it was filmed.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1992-06-06
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Blood Arrow
1958-03-31
Blood Arrow
Overview: Phyllis Coates, TV's erstwhile Lois Lane, essays one of her largest film roles in Blood Arrow. Coates is cast as a devout Mormon girl whose mission is to transport smallpox vaccine to her friends and neighbors. Unfortunately, this requires her to journey through hostile Indian territory. Appointing themselves as the girl's unofficial protectors are Indian scout Scott Brady, trapper Don Haggerty and (reluctantly) gambler Paul Richards.
Genres: Western
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1958-03-31
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