Frank Craven was an American actor who is best known for his role as the Stage Manager in “Our Town,” his work as a playwright, and for his contributions to early film in Hollywood. Born on August 24, 1875, in Boston, Massachusetts, he had a significant impact on both stage and screen during his career.
Personal and Family Life
Frank Craven was born to a theatrical family and began acting as a child. He married Mazie Blythe Daly on May 9, 1914, and they had one child together. Craven’s family continued his legacy in the arts, with his son John Craven also pursuing acting.
Career
Craven started his acting career in theater before moving on to film. He gained fame for his domestic-comedy plays and his distinctive portrayal of small-town characters. His most notable work includes the original Broadway production and film adaptation of “Our Town,” where he played a central role that won him acclaim.
Death and Legacy
Frank Craven passed away on September 1, 1945, in Beverly Hills, California, due to a heart ailment, shortly after finishing his role in “Colonel Effingham’s Raid.” He left behind a rich legacy in American theater and film, known for his contributions to the art of storytelling through both acting and writing.
Filmography
Title
Release Date
Character
Jack London
1943-12-24
Old Tom
City for Conquest
1940-09-21
Old Timer
Our Town
1940-05-24
Mr. Morgan
Son of Dracula
1943-11-05
Dr. Harry Brewster
Keeper of the Flame
1943-04-01
Docteur Fielding
In This Our Life
1942-05-08
Asa Timberlake
Pittsburgh
1942-12-11
J.M. ‘Doc’ Powers
Destiny
1944-12-22
Clem Broderick
Dangerous Blondes
1943-09-23
Inspector Joseph Clinton
Barbary Coast
1935-10-13
Col. Marcus Aurelius Cobb
Small Town Girl
1936-04-10
Will “Pa” Brannan
You’re Only Young Once
1937-12-10
Frank Redmond
The Lady from Cheyenne
1941-04-11
Hank Foreman
City Limits
1934-04-14
John B. Matthews
Penrod and Sam
1937-02-28
Mr. Schofield
Harrigan’s Kid
1943-03-01
Walter Garnet
Blossoms On Broadway
1937-11-19
P. T. Quinterfield Sr.
Penrod and His Twin Brother
1938-02-26
Mr. Frank Schofield
Miracles for Sale
1939-08-10
Dad Morgan
The Harvester
1936-04-18
Mr. Biddle
Car 99
1935-03-02
Sheriff Peter Arnot
State Fair
1933-02-10
Storekeeper
The Very Idea
1929-09-15
Alan Camp
Vagabond Lady
1935-05-03
Spiggy Spiggins
Girl Trouble
1942-10-09
Ambrose Murdock Flint
My Best Gal
1944-03-28
Danny O’Hara
Dreaming Out Loud
1940-09-30
Dr. Walter Barnes
He Was Her Man
1934-06-16
Pop Sims, aka Jim Parker
Thru Different Eyes
1942-06-19
Steve Pettijohn
The Richest Man in Town
1941-08-02
Abb Crothers
Harvests for Tomorrow
1941-03-09
Narrator (voice)
Colonel Effingham’s Raid
1946-01-24
Dewey
Eyes Aloft
1943-01-24
Ed Randall
Handle with Care
1932-12-25
Radio Announcer
Let’s Talk It Over
1934-06-01
Mr. Rockland
How I Play Golf, by Bobby Jones No. 1: ‘The Putter’
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