Paul Hurst
Paul Hurst (October 15, 1888 - February 27, 1953) was an American character actor of prodigious output who also directed and wrote silent films. Much of his early work was in low budget western films. A native of central California, Hurst had a first-hand knowledge of Western lore, growing up surrounded by the multi-million acre Lux & Miller ranches which ran cattle throughout the state. Visiting San Francisco as a young man, Hurst became involved in amateur theatricals and thereafter traveled to Los Angeles to join in the emerging film industry there. He began appearing in films as early as 1912, most of them Westerns. By 1916, he was directing them as well (some sources report that he served in the First World War as a member of the French Foreign Legion, but the dates of his film projects make this story highly suspect). In the early 1920s, Hurst wrote several scenarios for films he directed and appeared in. He proved adept at working as a director for some of the cheapest producers along Gower Gulch, where movies were normally shot on location in a week or less and where stunt men were often the highest paid folks on the set. Within a few years, he focused all of his energies into acting, notably becoming one of the few successes to emerge from Hollywood's Poverty Row. Hurst quickly became one of the more prolific and familiar characters in American movies. With his blocky build and squinty demeanor, and with a raspy voice that enhanced his memorability once sound pictures came in, Hurst played villains and cops and comedy sidekicks in more than 250 films. His most famous role was that of the deserter shot dead on the stairway of Tara by Vivien Leigh in Gone with the Wind (1939). Hurst was the sidekick to Monte Hale in a number of B-Westerns. Former Gower Gulch veteran John Wayne hired Hurst for Big Jim McLain (1952) knowing that Hurst was ill with terminal cancer. In 1953, at the age of 64, due to his health problems, Paul Hurst committed suicide. Date of Death: 27 February 1953, Hollywood, California (suicide)
Known For
Credits
- 1953 ยทThe Sun Shines Brightas Jimmy Bagby
- 1952 ยทToughest Man in Arizonaas
- 1952 ยทBig Jim McLainas Mr. Lexiter
- 1951 ยทMillion Dollar Pursuitas Ray Harvey
- 1950 ยทThe Missouriansas John X. Finn
- 1950 ยทThe Old Frontieras Skipper Horton
- 1950 ยทThe Vanishing Westerneras Waldorf Worthington
- 1949 ยทPioneer Marshalas Huck Homer
- 1949 ยทRanger of Cherokee Stripas Sheriff Jug Mason
- 1949 ยทSan Antone Ambushas Happy Daniels
- 1949 ยทSouth of Rioas Andy Weems
- 1949 ยทOutcasts of the Trailas Doc Meadowlark
- 1949 ยทLaw of the Golden Westas Otis Ellis
- 1949 ยทPrince of the Plainsas Sheriff Hank Hartley
- 1948 ยทGun Smugglersas Sergeant Hasty Jones
- 1948 ยทYellow Skyas Drunk (uncredited)
- 1948 ยทSon of Godโs Countryas Eli Walker
- 1948 ยทThe Arizona Rangeras Ben Riddle
- 1948 ยทHeart of Virginiaas Whit Galtry
- 1948 ยทWho Killed Doc Robbin?as Jailer
- 1948 ยทCalifornia Firebrandas Chuck Waggoner
- 1948 ยทMadonna of the Desertas Pete Connors
- 1947 ยทUnder Colorado Skiesas Lucky John Hawkins
- 1947 ยทAngel and the Badmanas Frederick Carson
- 1946 ยทThe Plainsman and the Ladyas Al
- 1946 ยทDeath Valleyas Sergeant Dailey
- 1946 ยทIn Old Sacramentoas Stagecoach Driver
- 1946 ยทThe Virginianas
- 1946 ยทMurder in the Music Hallas Hobarth
- 1945 ยทDakotaas Captain Spotts
- 1945 ยทMidnight Manhuntas Murphy
- 1945 ยทSteppin' in Societyas Cookie
- 1945 ยทScared Stiffas Sheriff
- 1945 ยทThe Big Show-Offas Herbert Trafagan, aka "The Devil", a wrestler
- 1944 ยทSomething for the Boysas Defense Plant Foreman (uncredited)
- 1944 ยทGirl Rushas Muley
- 1944 ยทBarbary Coast Gentas Jake Compton
- 1944 ยทSummer Stormas Orloff
- 1944 ยทThe Ghost That Walks Aloneas Sheriff Slim Carson
- 1943 ยทThe Sky's the Limitas Dock Foreman (uncredited)
- 1943 ยทConey Islandas Louie
- 1943 ยทThe Ox-Bow Incidentas Monty Smith
- 1943 ยทDecember 7thas World War I Ghost Soldier
- 1943 ยทHi'ya, Chumas Archie Billings
- 1943 ยทCalabooseas Ed the bartender
- 1942 ยทNight in New Orleansas Sergeant Casper Riordan
- 1942 ยทSundown Jimas Broderick
- 1942 ยทDudes Are Pretty Peopleas Two-Gun
- 1942 ยทPardon My Stripesas Feets
- 1941 ยทEllery Queen and the Murder Ringas Page
- 1941 ยทThis Woman Is Mineas Second Mate Mumford
- 1941 ยทThe Parson of Panamintas Jake Waldren
- 1941 ยทCaught in the Draftas Sgt. Burns
- 1941 ยทThe Great Mr. Nobodyas Michael O'Connor
- 1941 ยทPetticoat Politicsas Slats O'Dell
- 1941 ยทVirginiaas Thomas
- 1941 ยทTall, Dark and Handsomeas Biff Sage
- 1940 ยทTugboat Annie Sails Againas Pete
- 1940 ยทGoin' Fishin'as
- 1940 ยทSpring Paradeas Headwaiter
- 1940 ยทThe Westerneras Chickenfoot
- 1940 ยทSouth to Karangaas Slats
- 1940 ยทThey Drive by Nightas Pete Haig (uncredited)
- 1940 ยทTorrid Zoneas Daniels
- 1940 ยทEdison, the Manas Sheriff
- 1940 ยทStar Dustas Mac, Amalgamated Lab Tech
- 1940 ยทCastle on the Hudsonas Guard (uncredited)
- 1939 ยทRemember?as Policeman
- 1939 ยทGone with the Windas Yankee Deserter
- 1939 ยทGlove Slingersas Chuck Brenner
- 1939 ยทHeaven with a Barbed Wire Fenceas Empire State Building Guard
- 1939 ยทOn Your Toesas Variety Club Bartender
- 1939 ยทBad Landsas Curly Tom
- 1939 ยทQuick Millionsas Sheriff
- 1939 ยทEach Dawn I Dieas Garsky
- 1939 ยทIt Could Happen to Youas Sandy
- 1939 ยทBroadway Serenadeas Reynolds, a Drunk
- 1939 ยทCafe Societyas Bartender
- 1938 ยทTopper Takes a Tripas Charlie - the Bartender
- 1938 ยทSecrets of a Nurseas Arlington Bysshe 'Slice' Cavanaugh
- 1938 ยทThe Last Expressas Asst. Dist. Atty. Springer
- 1938 ยทHold That Co-edas Slapsy
- 1938 ยทMy Lucky Staras Louie
- 1938 ยทPrison Breakas Soapy
- 1938 ยทJosetteas A. Adolphus Heyman
- 1938 ยทAlexander's Ragtime Bandas Bill Mulligan
- 1938 ยทIn Old Chicagoas Mitch
- 1938 ยทIsland in the Skyas Happy
- 1938 ยทRebecca of Sunnybrook Farmas Florabelle's Father
- 1938 ยทNo Time to Marryas Sergeant
- 1937 ยทSecond Honeymoonas Dennis Huggins
- 1937 ยทAli Baba Goes to Townas Captain
- 1937 ยทThe Lady Fights Backas Maloney
- 1937 ยทDanger โ Love at Workas NYC policeman
- 1937 ยทWife, Doctor and Nurseas Bill
- 1937 ยทWake Up and Liveas McCabe
- 1937 ยทShe's No Ladyas Cop
- 1937 ยทYou Can't Have Everythingas Truck Driver (uncredited)
- 1937 ยทThe Legion of Missing Menas Muggsy
- 1937 ยทSuper-Sleuthas Motorcycle Cop
- 1937 ยทYou Can't Beat Loveas Foreman Butch Mehaffey
- 1937 ยทSlave Shipas Drunk
- 1937 ยทAngel's Holidayas Sgt. Murphy
- 1937 ยทFifty Roads to Townas Tom
- 1937 ยทThis Is My Affairas Bowler
- 1937 ยทTrouble in Moroccoas Tiger Malone
- 1937 ยทWe Who Are About to Dieas Tip Fuller
- 1936 ยทNorth of Nomeas Carlson
- 1936 ยทThe Gay Desperadoas American Detective
- 1936 ยทI'd Give My Lifeas "Sport" Conly
- 1936 ยทTo Mary - with Loveas Drunk
- 1936 ยทBlackmaileras Inspector Killian
- 1936 ยทMr. Deeds Goes to Townas 1st Deputy (uncredited)
- 1936 ยทRobin Hood of El Doradoas Wilson
- 1936 ยทRiffraffas Belcher
- 1935 ยทThe Gay Deceptionas Bell Captain
- 1935 ยทThe Daring Young Manas Prison Guard
- 1935 ยทCalm Yourselfas Detective Roscoe
- 1935 ยทPublic Hero Number 1as Rufe Parker
- 1935 ยทMississippias Hefty
- 1935 ยทShadow of Doubtas Lt. Sackville
- 1935 ยทCarnivalas Policeman
- 1935 ยทSequoiaas Bergman
- 1935 ยทMaybe It's Loveas Expressman (uncredited)
- 1934 ยทThe Ballad of Paducah Jailas Escaped Felon
- 1934 ยทTomorrow's Youthas Detective
- 1934 ยทAmong the Missingas Capt. W.F. 'Big Bill' Connors
- 1934 ยทTake the Standas Denny O'Brien
- 1934 ยทMidnight Alibias Babe the Butcher
- 1934 ยทCharlie Chan's Courageas Undetermined Role
- 1934 ยทA Very Honorable Guyas Butler
- 1934 ยทThe Big Raceas Skipper O'Neal
- 1933 ยทQueen Christinaas Swedish Soldier Betting on 6 (uncredited)
- 1933 ยทThe Women in His Lifeas Paul, Perez's Second Bodyguard
- 1933 ยทDay of Reckoningas Harry
- 1933 ยทSaturday's Millionsas Doc Maloney, Trainer
- 1933 ยทTugboat Annieas Sam
- 1933 ยทHold Your Manas Aubrey C. Mitchell (uncredited)
- 1933 ยทThe Sphinxas Detective Terrence Aloysius Hogan
- 1933 ยทTerror Aboardas Boatswain
- 1933 ยทGrand Slamas Man Who Speaks Final Line of the Film
- 1932 ยทIsland of Lost Soulsas Capt. Donahue
- 1932 ยทMen Are Such Foolsas Stiles
- 1932 ยทThe Big Stampedeas 'Arizona' Frank Bailey
- 1932 ยทThe Phantom Presidentas Sailor (uncredited)
- 1932 ยทHold 'Em Jailas Butch
- 1932 ยทThe Thirteenth Guestas Detective Grump
- 1932 ยทState's Attorneyas Police Captain Morgan
- 1932 ยทMy Pal, the Kingas Red
- 1932 ยทPanama Floas Al
- 1931 ยทThe Secret Witnessas Officer Brannigan
- 1931 ยทBad Companyas Paul Hurst
- 1931 ยทMaker of Menas Gabby
- 1931 ยทThe Public Defenderas Doc
- 1931 ยทThat's My Lineas Mexican Bandit
- 1931 ยทSweepstakesas Bartender
- 1931 ยทKick Inas Detective Whip Fogarty
- 1931 ยทThe Secret Sixas Nick Mizoski - the Gouger
- 1931 ยทThe Single Sinas Slug
- 1930 ยทThe Third Alarmas 'Beauty' Johnson
- 1930 ยทBorrowed Wivesas Bull Morgan
- 1930 ยทParadise Islandas Beauty
- 1930 ยทHot Curvesas 'Slug', Baseball Player
- 1930 ยทShadow of the Lawas Pete Shore
- 1930 ยทThe Runaway Brideas Sergeant Daly
- 1930 ยทMountain Justiceas Lem Harland
- 1930 ยทSwellheadas Mugsy
- 1930 ยทOfficer O'Brienas Captain Antrim
- 1930 ยทLucky Larkinas Pete Brierson
- 1929 ยทHis First Commandas Sgt. Westbrook
- 1929 ยทThe Racketeeras Mehaffy - Policeman
- 1929 ยทOh, Yeah!as Railroad-Yard Superintendent
- 1929 ยทSailor's Holidayas Jimmylegs
- 1929 ยทThe California Mailas Rowdy Ryan
- 1929 ยทTide of Empireas Poppy
- 1929 ยทThe Lawless Legionas Ramirez
- 1928 ยทLilac Timeas (uncredited)
- 1928 ยทThe Cossacksas Sitchi
- 1927 ยทButtonsas Slugger McGlue
- 1927 ยทThe Valley of the Giantsas Randeau
- 1927 ยทThe Red Raidersas Sergeant Murphy
- 1927 ยทThe Devil's Saddleas 'Swig' Moran
- 1927 ยทOutlaw's Paradiseas McDonald
- 1926 ยทBlue Streak O'Neilas
- 1926 ยทThe Fighting Rangeras
- 1926 ยทRoaring Roadas Checking Board Tabulator (uncredited)
- 1923 ยทThe Hunchback of Notre Dameas Emeralda's Torturer (uncredited)
- 1919 ยทLightning Bryceas Powder Solvang
- 1918 ยทSmashing Throughas Stevens
- 1918 ยทRimrock Jonesas Ike Bray
- 1917 ยทThe Further Adventures of Stingareeas Howie
- 1917 ยทThe Railroad Raidersas Steve Arnold (as Paul C. Hurst)
- 1917 ยทThe Hazards of Helenas Benton - a Foreman
- 1916 ยทThe Manager of the B & Aas Roger Oakley (as Paul C. Hurst)
- 1916 ยทThe Diamond Runnersas Paul - the Brains of the I.D.B.
- 1916 ยทJudith of the Cumberlandsas Blatchley Turrentine
- 1916 ยทMedicine Bendas Murray Sinclair
- 1916 ยทWhispering Smithas Murray Sinclair
- 1916 ยทA Lass of the Lumberlandsas
- 1915 ยทStingareeas Howie - Stingaree's Partner
- 1915 ยทThe Vivisectionistas Bart - Jardine's Servant
- 1915 ยทThe Red Signalas Chief Dispatcher
- 1915 ยทThe Hazards of Helen: Episode13, The Escape on the Fast Freightas A Trainman
- 1915 ยทThe Girl Detectiveas Blair / Thompson / Michaels / Snake Henely / Mike Donegal / Bat Dorgan / Kelly / Dalton / Blake
- 1914 ยทThe Plot at the Railroad Cutas Benton, the Foreman
- 1914 ยทThe Chief of Policeas Daniels
- 1914 ยทThe Quicksandsas Captain Lanning - Osborn's Rival
- 1913 ยทThe Cave Men's Waras Red Axe
- 1912 ยทThe Driver Of The Deadwood Coachas Bad Bill - a Desperado