John Merton

John Merton was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Radar Patrol vs. Spy King, The Ten Commandments, and Drums of Fu Manchu. Born on February 18, 1901, in Washington, D.C., he left a mark in the film industry before passing away on September 19, 1959.

Personal and Family Life

John Merton had two marriages. His first wife was Esther Swarts, with whom he had six children before their divorce in 1941. Later, he married Ellen Margaret Curtan in 1950, who was his wife until his death in 1959. John was the father of Lane Bradford and Bob LaVarre, both of whom followed in his footsteps to become actors, appearing together in several films.

Death and Legacy

John Merton passed away due to a heart attack on September 19, 1959, in Los Angeles, California. He left behind a legacy not only of his performances in films but also through his family, including his grandchildren like Diane Delano. His contributions to the film industry, especially in westerns and action films, are remembered by fans and historians alike.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Zorro’s Fighting Legion 1939-12-16 Commandante Manuel
Gunsmoke Ranch 1937-05-05 Brawler in Suit
Fuzzy Settles Down 1944-06-25 Henchman Pete
Bandits of the Badlands 1945-09-14 Cort McKinnon
Slaves in Bondage 1937-07-24 Nick Costello
Broadway Bill 1934-11-30 Morgan’s Henchman (uncredited)
The Crooked Trail 1936-07-25 Harve Tarlton
Roaring Six Guns 1937-09-01 ‘Mileaway’ Roberts
Up in Daisy’s Penthouse 1953-02-05 Daisy’s Boyfriend
Female Fugitive 1938-04-15 Henchman Mort
Frontier Gambler 1956-07-01 Shorty
Down Texas Way 1942-05-22 Henchman Steve
Lightnin’ Bill Carson 1936-04-14 ‘Breed’ Hawkins
Fury Below 1936-11-22 Emil
Border Caballero 1936-03-01 Runnyian
Wildcat Trooper 1936-07-01 Henry McClain
Wolves of the Sea 1936-06-05 Mitchell
The Gun Ranger 1936-11-17 Kemper Mills
The Vigilantes Are Coming 1936-08-21 Rance Talbot, Burr Henchman
Covered Wagon Days 1940-04-22 Henchman
The Law Commands 1937-05-07 Frank Clark
Law of the Ranger 1937-05-11 Bill Nash
Where the Buffalo Roam 1938-10-12 Foster
Arizona Gunfighter 1937-09-24 Farley
Knight of the Plains 1938-05-07 Carson / Pedro de Cordoba
Girl Rush 1944-10-21 Scully
Range Defenders 1937-06-29 Henchman Craig
The Lone Ranger 1938-02-13 Henchman Kester
Dick Tracy Returns 1938-08-19 Champ Stark
The Rangers Step In 1937-08-08 Martin
Gang Bullets 1938-11-10 Red Hampton
Phantom Ranger 1938-05-27 Henchman Bud
Songs and Saddles 1938-06-01 Rocky Renaut
Valley of Terror 1937-01-20 Mark Flemming
The Mysterious Rider 1942-11-20 Dalton Sykes
In Old Montana 1939-02-05 Ed Brandt
Gunsmoke Trail 1938-05-26 Bill Larson, posing as Moose Walters
Code of the Fearless 1939-01-05 Red Kane
Daredevils of the Red Circle 1939-06-10 Davis–Gas Plant Heavy
Four Girls in White 1939-01-27 John – Man at Accident
Hop-a-long Cassidy 1935-08-23 Party Guest