James Flavin

James Flavin

Deceased · Born: May 14, 1906 · Died: Apr 23, 1976

1967
1964
1957
1950
1949
1945
1943
1942

Personal Details

BornMay 14, 1906 Portland, Maine, USA

Biography

James Flavin, a talented individual with a passion for acting, made the unconventional decision to pursue a career in the entertainment industry rather than following in the footsteps of his West Point education, which would have led him down a path of military service.

As he embarked on his journey, Flavin spent time touring with various stock and repertory companies, honing his craft and gaining valuable experience before eventually making his way to Hollywood in the early 1930s.

Upon arriving in Hollywood, Flavin quickly broke into the film industry, and his unique combination of a fast-talking, granite-jawed Irish persona led to him being cast in hundreds of films throughout his career.

Flavin's impressive range of roles included big-city homicide detectives, street cops, prison guards, and Marine sergeants, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as an actor.

Interestingly, Flavin's closest friend was the legendary cheapo producer Sam Katzman, a partnership that highlights the importance of strong relationships in the entertainment industry.

Flavin's personal life was marked by a long and loving marriage to actress Lucile Browne, which lasted for over 40 years until his passing in 1976. Tragically, his wife Lucile followed him in death just two weeks later, leaving behind a legacy of their enduring love and commitment to one another.

Career

1976
Law and Order
Law and Order as Capt. Toomey
1967
In Cold Blood
In Cold Blood as Clarence Duntz
Good Times
Good Times as Lieutenant
1964
Cheyenne Autumn
Cheyenne Autumn as Ft. Robinson Sergeant of the Guard (uncredited)
1963
It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World
It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World as Patrolman (uncredited)
Critic's Choice
Critic's Choice as Security Guard (uncredited)
1958
The Last Hurrah
The Last Hurrah as Police Capt. Michael J. Shanahan (uncredited)
1957
Hold That Hypnotist
Hold That Hypnotist as Jake Morgan
Wild Is the Wind
Wild Is the Wind as Wool Buyer
The Restless Breed
The Restless Breed as Secret Service Chief
Night Passage
Night Passage as Tim Riley
1956
Francis in the Haunted House
Francis in the Haunted House as Police Chief Martin
1955
The Naked Street
The Naked Street as Attorney Michael X. Flanders
Apache Ambush
Apache Ambush as Col. Marshall
Mister Roberts
Mister Roberts as Military Policeman
1954
Massacre Canyon
Massacre Canyon as Col. Tarant
1953
Star of Texas
Star of Texas as Texas Rangers Capt. Sturdivant
Hot News
Hot News as Al Bragg
Family Theatre
Family Theatre as Longinus
Abbott and Costello Go to Mars
Abbott and Costello Go to Mars as First Policeman in Bank
Confidentially Connie
Confidentially Connie as Harry (uncredited)
Trouble Along the Way
Trouble Along the Way as Coach Buck Holman
Fighter Attack
Fighter Attack as Col. Allison
1952
Here Come the Marines
Here Come the Marines as Lieutenant-Colonel at End
Sailor Beware
Sailor Beware as Petty Officer (uncredited)
O. Henry's Full House
O. Henry's Full House as Cop (segment "The Cop and the Anthem") (uncredited)
Carrie
Carrie as Mike - Bartender (uncredited)
1951
According to Mrs. Hoyle
According to Mrs. Hoyle as Prosecuting Attorney
Follow the Sun
Follow the Sun as Henry Gibbs
Fighting Coast Guard
Fighting Coast Guard as Commander Rogers
Oh! Susanna
Oh! Susanna as Capt. Worth
Operation Pacific
Operation Pacific as SP Commander
Rhubarb
Rhubarb as O'Leary, Manhattan Police Chief (uncredited)
Come Fill the Cup
Come Fill the Cup as Russ - Homicide Captain (uncredited)
1950
Armored Car Robbery
Armored Car Robbery as Lt. Phillips
Destination Murder
Destination Murder as Police Lt. Brewster
Dakota Lil
Dakota Lil as Secret Service Chief
Rock Island Trail
Rock Island Trail as Railroad Workman
When Willie Comes Marching Home
When Willie Comes Marching Home as Gen. Brevort (uncredited)
The Devil's Henchman
The Devil's Henchman as Police Sergeant Briggs
Homicide
Homicide as Det. Lt. Boylan
Shockproof
Shockproof as Policeman in Park (Uncredited)
1948
The Plunderers
The Plunderers as Sergeant Major
Secret Service Investigator
Secret Service Investigator as Police Inspector Thorndyke
My Girl Tisa
My Girl Tisa as Guard (uncredited)
The Noose Hangs High
The Noose Hangs High as Traffic Cop (uncredited)
The Velvet Touch
The Velvet Touch as Sgt. Oliphant
Sleep, My Love
Sleep, My Love as Lieutenant Mitchell
1947
Desert Fury
Desert Fury as Pat Johnson
Dishonored Lady
Dishonored Lady as Police Sergeant Patella
Robin Hood of Texas
Robin Hood of Texas as Captain Danforth
Unconquered
Unconquered as Villager (uncredited)
Nora Prentiss
Nora Prentiss as District Attorney
Song of the Thin Man
Song of the Thin Man as Policeman Reardon (uncredited)
My Favorite Brunette
My Favorite Brunette as Det. Lt. 'Mac' Hennessey (uncredited)
Nightmare Alley
Nightmare Alley as Hoatley / First Carnival Owner (uncredited)
It Happened on Fifth Avenue
It Happened on Fifth Avenue as First Policeman (uncredited)
1946
Tars and Spars
Tars and Spars as Chief Bosun Mate Gurney
The Missing Lady
The Missing Lady as Police Insp. Cardona
Nobody Lives Forever
Nobody Lives Forever as Shake Thomas
Young Widow
Young Widow as Subway Conductor (Uncredited)
Sentimental Journey
Sentimental Journey as Detective Sgt. McFarland (uncredited)
Rendezvous with Annie
Rendezvous with Annie as Turnkey (uncredited)
Boys' Ranch
Boys' Ranch as Policeman (uncredited)
A Stolen Life
A Stolen Life as Investigator (uncredited)
Cloak and Dagger
Cloak and Dagger as Col. Walsh
1945
The Spider
The Spider as Officer Johnny Tracy
Murder, He Says
Murder, He Says as Police Officer (uncredited)
The Shanghai Cobra
The Shanghai Cobra as H.R. Jarvis
Over 21
Over 21 as Captain (uncredited)
God Is My Co-Pilot
God Is My Co-Pilot as Major at Kweilin Airbase (uncredited)
Mildred Pierce
Mildred Pierce as Detective (uncredited)
Anchors Aweigh
Anchors Aweigh as Radio Cop
Johnny Angel
Johnny Angel as Flavin, Mate of the Quincy (uncredited)
Hold That Blonde!
Hold That Blonde! as Laundry Truck Driver (uncredited)
1944
Uncertain Glory
Uncertain Glory as Captain of Mobile Guard
Strange Affair
Strange Affair as Bank Security Guard (Uncredited)
Hollywood Canteen
Hollywood Canteen as Marine Sergeant (uncredited)
Once Upon a Time
Once Upon a Time as Man in Subway (uncredited)
Laura
Laura as Det. McEveety (uncredited)
1943
Corvette K-225
Corvette K-225 as 1st Lt. Bill Gardner
So Proudly We Hail!
So Proudly We Hail! as Captain O'Brien (Uncredited)
Riding High
Riding High as Train Conductor
It Ain't Hay
It Ain't Hay as Cop (uncredited)
Thank Your Lucky Stars
Thank Your Lucky Stars as Policeman (uncredited)
Swing Shift Maisie
Swing Shift Maisie as Radio Policeman (Uncredited)
Heaven Can Wait
Heaven Can Wait as Policeman (uncredited)
Action in the North Atlantic
Action in the North Atlantic as Merchant Marine School Lieutenant-Commander (uncredited)
Air Force
Air Force as Maj. A.M. Bagley
I Dood It
I Dood It as Federal Agent (uncredited)
Mission to Moscow
Mission to Moscow as American Senator (uncredited)
1942
A Yank on the Burma Road
A Yank on the Burma Road as Police Dispatcher
Fingers at the Window
Fingers at the Window as Police Lieutenant Schaeffer
Treat 'Em Rough
Treat 'Em Rough as Joe Trosper
Tough As They Come
Tough As They Come as Process Server
Gentleman Jim
Gentleman Jim as George Corbett (uncredited)
Night in New Orleans
Night in New Orleans as Egan (uncredited)
Kid Glove Killer
Kid Glove Killer as Keenan - Detective Grilling Eddie (uncredited)
Saboteur
Saboteur as Motorcycle Cop (voice) (uncredited)
Reap the Wild Wind
Reap the Wild Wind as Girl's Father (uncredited)
Ride 'Em Cowboy
Ride 'Em Cowboy as Railroad Detective #2 (uncredited)
Broadway
Broadway as Doorman (uncredited)
1941
Pot o' Gold
Pot o' Gold as Sheriff Bud Connolly
New York Town
New York Town as Recruiting Sergeant (uncredited)
Texas
Texas as Abilene Fight Announcer
The Night of January 16th
The Night of January 16th as Policeman Kelly
Ride on Vaquero
Ride on Vaquero as Officer Johnson
Kathleen
Kathleen as Moving Man
We Go Fast
We Go Fast as Police Lt. Bardette
Four Mothers
Four Mothers as Demolition Man (uncredited)
Buck Privates
Buck Privates as Recruiting Sergeant (uncredited)
Manpower
Manpower as Orderly About to Give Bath (uncredited)
Bedtime Story
Bedtime Story as Hotel Guest in Room 625 (uncredited)
Ziegfeld Girl
Ziegfeld Girl as Buck (uncredited)
Belle Starr
Belle Starr as Sergeant
Hold Back the Dawn
Hold Back the Dawn as Immigration Guard (uncredited)
Western Union
Western Union as Deputy Sheriff
I Wake Up Screaming
I Wake Up Screaming as Detective (uncredited)
The Strawberry Blonde
The Strawberry Blonde as Ticket Inspector on Boat (uncredited)
1940
Hot Steel
Hot Steel as Storm Swenson
Manhattan Heartbeat
Manhattan Heartbeat as Truck Driver
South of Pago Pago
South of Pago Pago as Cafe Customer
Private Affairs
Private Affairs as Doorman (uncredited)
Florian
Florian as Policeman
Queen of the Mob
Queen of the Mob as Third FBI Director
When the Daltons Rode
When the Daltons Rode as Annabella's Brother
The Golden Fleecing
The Golden Fleecing as Cop (uncredited)
Girl in 313
Girl in 313 as Det. Carvin
Lucky Cisco Kid
Lucky Cisco Kid as Ranch Foreman
The Fighting 69th
The Fighting 69th as Supply Sergeant (uncredited)
It All Came True
It All Came True as Roaring 90's Club Doorman (uncredited)
Johnny Apollo
Johnny Apollo as Prison Guard In Library (uncredited)
Broadway Melody of 1940
Broadway Melody of 1940 as Clancy (uncredited)
The Ghost Breakers
The Ghost Breakers as Hotel Porter (uncredited)
Double Alibi
Double Alibi as Patrolman Johnson
Knute Rockne All American
Knute Rockne All American as Army Assistant Coach (uncredited)
Tin Pan Alley
Tin Pan Alley as Army Sergeant (uncredited)
Brother Orchid
Brother Orchid as Parking Attendant at Fat Dutchy's (uncredited)
The Long Voyage Home
The Long Voyage Home as Dock Policeman
Remember the Night
Remember the Night as Court Attendant (uncredited)
Castle on the Hudson
Castle on the Hudson as Death Row Guard (uncredited)
The Grapes of Wrath
The Grapes of Wrath as Guard (uncredited)
1939
Irish Luck
Irish Luck as Fluger
Mr. Wong in Chinatown
Mr. Wong in Chinatown as Police Sgt. Jerry
Big Town Czar
Big Town Czar as George Mitchell
They All Come Out
They All Come Out as Officer (uncredited)
Rose of Washington Square
Rose of Washington Square as Guard (uncredited)
The Ice Follies of 1939
The Ice Follies of 1939 as Doorman (uncredited)
Each Dawn I Die
Each Dawn I Die as Policeman (uncredited)
Tell No Tales
Tell No Tales as Officer Simmons (uncredited)
They Shall Have Music
They Shall Have Music as Police Sergeant (uncredited)
Fast and Furious
Fast and Furious as Policeman Guarding Entrance (uncredited)
Union Pacific
Union Pacific as Paddy (uncredited)
The Roaring Twenties
The Roaring Twenties as Policeman (uncredited)
Jesse James
Jesse James as Cavalry Captain (uncredited)
1938
Convicts at Large
Convicts at Large as Detective Sgt. Berkovich
Three Loves Has Nancy
Three Loves Has Nancy as Jack's Friend (uncredited)
Lightning Carson Rides Again
Lightning Carson Rides Again as Justice Department Agent
Night Spot
Night Spot as Kidnapper
Start Cheering
Start Cheering as Gas Station Attendant
Blondie
Blondie as Policeman in Accident Car (uncredited)
Everybody's Doing It
Everybody's Doing It as Detective Hayes
Born to Be Wild
Born to Be Wild as Striker (uncredited)
Gateway
Gateway as Guard
Wives Under Suspicion
Wives Under Suspicion as Jenks - Chauffeur (uncredited)
The Duke of West Point
The Duke of West Point as Plebe Hockey Coach
Alexander's Ragtime Band
Alexander's Ragtime Band as Army Captain (uncredited)
I Am the Law
I Am the Law as George - Witness (uncredited)
Mannequin
Mannequin as Burly Man (Uncredited)
Test Pilot
Test Pilot as Pilot (uncredited)
You Can't Take It with You
You Can't Take It with You as Jailer (uncredited)
Too Hot to Handle
Too Hot to Handle as Young Reporter (uncredited)
1937
Live, Love and Learn
Live, Love and Learn as Marine Who Likes Painting (uncredited)
My Dear Miss Aldrich
My Dear Miss Aldrich as Dr. Spitzy Calahan (uncredited)
Midnight Taxi
Midnight Taxi as Detective McCormick
Dangerous Number
Dangerous Number as Cab Driver
Angel's Holiday
Angel's Holiday as Detective
You Only Live Once
You Only Live Once as State Trooper (uncredited)
My Man Godfrey
My Man Godfrey as Detective (uncredited)
1935
Shipmates Forever
Shipmates Forever as Lieutenant (uncredited)
Special Agent
Special Agent as Agent Arresting Julie (uncredited)
Woman Wanted
Woman Wanted as Mac - Policeman (uncredited)
Chinatown Squad
Chinatown Squad as Detective
Rendezvous
Rendezvous as 2st Military Policeman (uncredited)
The Murder Man
The Murder Man as Policeman at Merry-Go-Round (uncredited)
Man on the Flying Trapeze
Man on the Flying Trapeze as Chauffeur (uncredited)
Public Hero Number 1
Public Hero Number 1 as Flavin - Federal Agent (uncredited)
'G' Men
'G' Men as Agent with Jean (uncredited)
1934
Baby, Take a Bow
Baby, Take a Bow as Flannigan
The Brand of Hate
The Brand of Hate as Holt Larkins
The Affairs of Cellini
The Affairs of Cellini as Palace Guard (uncredited)
1933
King Kong
King Kong as Mate Briggs
Riot Squad
Riot Squad as Det. Mack McCue
Only Yesterday
Only Yesterday as Billy (Uncredited)
1932
The Most Dangerous Game
The Most Dangerous Game as First Mate on Yacht (uncredited)
Okay America!
Okay America! as Undetermined Role (uncredited)
Back Street
Back Street as Reporter (uncredited)