Dave O'Brien
Acting Born May 31, 1912 Died Nov 8, 1969 Big Spring, Texas, USA 265 credits
Biography
Dave O'Brien was an American film actor, director, and writer. He was born on May 31, 1912, in Big Spring, Texas, USA. O'Brien is best known for starring in the movie serial Captain Midnight in 1942. He also appeared in many low-budget Westerns, often billed as Tex O'Brien. Additionally, O'Brien was the hero of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer comedy short film series Pete Smith Specialties, which was narrated by Pete Smith. He wrote and directed many of these subjects under the name David Barclay. O'Brien passed away on November 8, 1969, at the age of 57.
Sources & verification
Dave O'Brien — The Movie Database (TMDB)
Dave O'Brien | ČSFD.cz
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Career overview
Dave O'Brien began his acting career in the 1930s, appearing in low-budget exploitation films. One notable film from this period is Tell Your Children, a 1936 low-budget exploitation film in which O'Brien played a frantic dope addict.
O'Brien also gained recognition for his work in the 1940s as the hero of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer comedy short film series Pete Smith Specialties. The series was narrated by Pete Smith and featured O'Brien in a starring role.
In addition to his work in comedy shorts, O'Brien appeared in many low-budget Westerns, often billed as Tex O'Brien. He also starred in the 1942 movie serial Captain Midnight.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
42nd Street: From Book to Screen to Stage
That's Entertainment, Part II
The Big Parade of Comedy
The Kettles in the OzarksThe Desperados Are in Town
MGM ParadeMGM ParadeThe Man Around the HouseThe Man Around the House · DirectorThe Man Around the House · Story
Film Antics · DirectorDo Someone a Favor!Do Someone a Favor! · DirectorDo Someone a Favor! · ScreenplayTennessee Champ
Kiss Me KateThe Mosconi Story · DirectorT.V. of TomorrowDogs 'n Ducks · Original StoryDogs 'n Ducks · Screenplay
Musiquiz · DirectorI Love Children, But!I Love Children, But! · DirectorI Love Children, But! · WriterReducing
The Red Skelton Show · WriterCamera Sleuth · DirectorCamera Sleuth · WriterBargain Madness · DirectorBargain Madness · Writer
Pest ControlPest Control · DirectorA Wife's LifeA Wife's Life · DirectorA Wife's Life · Story
We Can Dream, Can't We? · DirectorThose Good Old DaysThose Good Old Days · DirectorSuper Cue Men · Director
Ice Aces · WriterIce Aces · DirectorJust SupposeJust Suppose · DirectorJust Suppose · Writer
Diamond Demon · DirectorDiamond Demon · WriterNeighbor PestsNeighbor Pests · DirectorHave You Ever Wondered?
Studio VisitTreasures from TrashTreasures from Trash · DirectorTreasures from Trash · ScreenplayEquestrian Quiz: What's Your I.Q.? No. 11
Flaming BulletsThree in the SaddleThe Phantom of 42nd StreetFrontier FugitivesEnemy of the Law
Safety SleuthGangsters of the FrontierDead or AliveThe Pinto BanditSportsman's Memories
Fighting ValleyBoss of RawhideBad Men of Thunder GapThe Return of the RangersWest of Texas
Carry HarryCaptain MidnightVictory QuizBowery at MidnightWhat About Daddy?
Double TroubleForbidden TrailsSpooks Run WildThe Spider ReturnsThe Texas Marshal
Isle Of DestinyThat Gang of MineThe Devil BatPhantom RancherEast Side Kids
Water RustlersUndercover AgentNew FrontierOn Your ToesThe Arizona Kid
Where the Buffalo RoamTell Your ChildrenThe Spider's Web · StuntsBorn to Be WildThe Singing Cowgirl
Lightnin' CrandallRough Riding RhythmMillion Dollar RacketBrothers of the West
Wanted - A MasterThe Girl on the Front PageThe Adventures of Frank MerriwellThe Black Coin
She Married Her BossNo More LadiesWoman WantedDoubting ThomasShip Cafe
Wonder BarTomorrow's ChildrenMurder at the VanitiesSearch for BeautyMusic in the Air
42nd StreetPick-upCollege HumorCollege CoachThe World Changes
The Sign of the CrossRasputin and the EmpressDevil and the DeepRoar of the DragonHot Saturday
Flying HighLover Come BackConsolation Marriage
Madam SatanThe Dawn PatrolGood News
Full Filmography
265 titles- 42nd Street: From Book to Screen to Stage (2006) as Self (archive footage)
- That's Entertainment, Part II (1976) as (archive footage)
- The Big Parade of Comedy (1964) as Actor in the Pete Smith Shorts (archive footage)
- The Kettles in the Ozarks (1956) as Conductor
- The Desperados Are in Town (1956) as Dock Lapman / Mr. Brown
- MGM Parade (1955)
- MGM Parade (1955) as Self
- The Man Around the House (1955) as Hugo Hightonsil (uncredited)
- The Man Around the House (1955) Director
- The Man Around the House (1955) Story
- The Man Around the House (1955) Screenplay
- The Fall Guy (1955) as Himself as Various Characters (archive footage)
- The Fall Guy (1955) Director
- Just What I Needed (1955) as Harry Horseknuckle
- Just What I Needed (1955) Director
- Just What I Needed (1955) Screenplay
- Film Antics (1954) Director
- Do Someone a Favor! (1954) as George Dibson
- Do Someone a Favor! (1954) Director
- Do Someone a Favor! (1954) Screenplay
- Tennessee Champ (1954) as Luke MacWade
- Meet the O'Briens (1954) as Dave
- Meet the O'Briens (1954) Teleplay
- Meet the O'Briens (1954) Producer
- Ain't It Aggravatin' (1954) as Parking Space Hog / Apartment House Manager / Frugal Man / Harry Hollowhead
- Ain't It Aggravatin' (1954) Director
- Ain't It Aggravatin' (1954) Story
- Out for Fun (1954) as Businessman Seeking Relaxation
- Out for Fun (1954) Writer
- Out for Fun (1954) Director
- Kiss Me Kate (1953) as Ralph
- The Mosconi Story (1953) Director
- T.V. of Tomorrow (1953) as Man on TV
- Dogs 'n Ducks (1953) Original Story
- Dogs 'n Ducks (1953) Screenplay
- Things We Can Do Without (1953) as Thaddeus E. Thud III
- Things We Can Do Without (1953) Director
- Things We Can Do Without (1953) Story
- Things We Can Do Without (1953) Screenplay
- Cash Stashers (1953) as A Shmoe Named Joe
- Cash Stashers (1953) Director
- Cash Stashers (1953) Story
- Cash Stashers (1953) Screenplay
- Musiquiz (1952) Director
- I Love Children, But! (1952) as The Daddy
- I Love Children, But! (1952) Director
- I Love Children, But! (1952) Writer
- Reducing (1952) as Man on Bench (uncredited)
- Reducing (1952) Director
- Reducing (1952) Screenplay
- Reducing (1952) Original Story
- The Red Skelton Show (1951) Writer
- Camera Sleuth (1951) Director
- Camera Sleuth (1951) Writer
- Bargain Madness (1951) Director
- Bargain Madness (1951) Writer
- Pest Control (1950) as Cruising Wolf
- Pest Control (1950) Director
- A Wife's Life (1950) as George T. Hardnose (uncredited)
- A Wife's Life (1950) Director
- A Wife's Life (1950) Story
- A Wife's Life (1950) Screenplay
- Crashing the Movies (1950) Director
- Did'ja Know? (1950) as Expectant Father / Greeting Card Shopper / Hospital Patient / Job Applicant
- Did'ja Know? (1950) Director
- Did'ja Know? (1950) Screenplay
- Wrong Way Butch (1950) as Butch
- Wrong Way Butch (1950) Director
- Wrong Way Butch (1950) Original Story
- Wrong Way Butch (1950) Screenplay
- We Can Dream, Can't We? (1949) Director
- Those Good Old Days (1949)
- Those Good Old Days (1949) Director
- Super Cue Men (1949) Director
- Ice Aces (1948) Writer
- Ice Aces (1948) Director
- Just Suppose (1948) as Husband (uncredited)
- Just Suppose (1948) Director
- Just Suppose (1948) Writer
- Bowling Tricks (1948) Director
- I Love My Mother-In-Law But... (1948) as The Son-In-Law / Husband
- I Love My Mother-In-Law But... (1948) Director
- I Love My Mother-In-Law But... (1948) Original Story
- I Love My Mother-In-Law But... (1948) Screenplay
- Let's Cogitate (1948) as Oliver T. Aseltafel
- Let's Cogitate (1948) Director
- You Can't Win (1948) as Harried Homeowner
- You Can't Win (1948) Writer
- You Can't Win (1948) Director
- Diamond Demon (1947) Director
- Diamond Demon (1947) Writer
- Neighbor Pests (1947)
- Neighbor Pests (1947) Director
- Have You Ever Wondered? (1947) as Husband / Driver / Man at Gumball Machine / Toupee Wearer
- Have You Ever Wondered? (1947) Director
- Have You Ever Wondered? (1947) Writer
- I Love My Wife BUT! (1947) as The Husband
- I Love My Wife BUT! (1947) Director
- I Love My Wife BUT! (1947) Screenplay
- I Love My Wife BUT! (1947) Story
- Early Sports Quiz: What's Your I.Q. No. 13 (1947) Director
- Football Thrills No. 10 (1947) Director
- Surfboard Rhythm (1947) Director
- Studio Visit (1946) as O'Brien
- Treasures from Trash (1946) as Alonzo T. Mousebrain
- Treasures from Trash (1946) Director
- Treasures from Trash (1946) Screenplay
- Equestrian Quiz: What's Your I.Q.? No. 11 (1946) as Horace
- Equestrian Quiz: What's Your I.Q.? No. 11 (1946) Director
- Equestrian Quiz: What's Your I.Q.? No. 11 (1946) Writer
- I Love My Husband, But! (1946) as The Husband
- I Love My Husband, But! (1946) Director
- I Love My Husband, But! (1946) Story
- I Love My Husband, But! (1946) Screenplay
- Sure Cures (1946) as Xavier T. Schneckendorf
- Sure Cures (1946) Writer
- Sure Cures (1946) Director
- Flaming Bullets (1945) as Dave Wyatt / Steve Carson
- Three in the Saddle (1945) as Dave Wyatt
- The Phantom of 42nd Street (1945) as Tony Woolrich
- Frontier Fugitives (1945) as Dave Wyatt
- Enemy of the Law (1945) as Dave Wyatt
- The Man Who Walked Alone (1945) as Marion Scott
- Marked for Murder (1945) as Dave Wyatt
- Safety Sleuth (1944) as Careless Man
- Gangsters of the Frontier (1944) as Dave Wyatt
- Dead or Alive (1944) as Dave Wyatt
- The Pinto Bandit (1944) as Tex Wyatt
- Sportsman's Memories (1944) as Fabian Tecumseh 'Joe' Funk (uncredited)
- Movie Pests (1944) as Feet-in-the-Aisle Pest
- The Whispering Skull (1944) as Dave Wyatt
- Guns of the Law (1944) as Tex Wyatt
- Outlaw Roundup (1944) as Tex Wyatt
- Tahiti Nights (1944) as Jack
- Brand of the Devil (1944) as Tex Wyatt
- Gunsmoke Mesa (1944) as Tex Wyatt
- Spook Town (1944) as Tex Wyatt
- Fighting Valley (1943) as Tex Wyatt
- Boss of Rawhide (1943) as Tex Wyatt
- Bad Men of Thunder Gap (1943) as Tex Wyatt
- The Return of the Rangers (1943) as Tex Wyatt
- West of Texas (1943) as Tex Wyatt
- Trail of Terror (1943) as Tex Wyatt / Curly Wyatt
- Border Buckaroos (1943) as Tex Wyatt
- Seventh Column (1943) as Falstaff Pratt the Indestructible Man
- Carry Harry (1942) as Arthur - Harry's Friend
- Captain Midnight (1942) as Captain Albright / Captain Midnight
- Victory Quiz (1942)
- Bowery at Midnight (1942) as Det. Pete Crawford
- What About Daddy? (1942) as The Husband
- Prisoner of Japan (1942) as U. S. Marine
- Law and Order (1942) as Jeff Travis
- King of the Stallions (1942)
- 'Neath Brooklyn Bridge (1942) as Sgt. Phil Lyons
- Down Texas Way (1942) as Dave Dodge
- The Yanks Are Coming (1942) as Sgt. Callahan
- Billy the Kid's Smoking Guns (1942) as Jeff
- The Rangers Take Over (1942) as Tex Wyatt
- Calling All Pa's (1942) as Joe Thunderstruck
- Sheriff of Sage Valley (1942) as Jeff
- Double Trouble (1941) as Sparky Barton
- Forbidden Trails (1941) as Jim Cramer
- Spooks Run Wild (1941) as Jeff Dixon
- The Spider Returns (1941) as Jackson, Wentworth's Aide
- The Texas Marshal (1941) as Buzz Weston
- The Deadly Game (1941) as Ralph Spencer
- Sky Raiders (1941) Stunts
- Flying Wild (1941) as Tom Lawson
- The Iron Claw (1941) Stunts
- Billy the Kid Wanted (1941) as Jeff
- Murder by Invitation (1941) as Michael, the chauffeur
- The Gunman From Bodie (1941) as Joe Martin
- Billy the Kid in Santa Fe (1941) as Texas Joe
- Buzzy and the Phantom Pinto (1941) as Jim Dana
- Isle Of Destiny (1940) as Whitey - Navy Radio Man
- That Gang of Mine (1940) as Knuckles Dolan
- The Devil Bat (1940) as Johnny Layton
- Phantom Rancher (1940) as Henchman Lucke
- East Side Kids (1940) as Knuckles Dolan
- The Cowboy from Sundown (1940) as Steve Davis
- Son of the Navy (1940) as Nelson
- Hold That Woman! (1940) as Miles Hanover
- Boys of the City (1940) as Knuckles Dolan
- Danger Ahead (1940) as Corporal Kelly
- Queen of the Yukon (1940) as Bob Adams
- Murder on the Yukon (1940) as Constable Kelly
- Yukon Flight (1940) as Constable Kelly
- On the Spot (1940) as Charlie
- Sky Bandits (1940) as Constable Kelly
- Gun Code (1940) as Henchman Gale
- Water Rustlers (1939) as Bob Lawson
- Undercover Agent (1939) as Billiards Player
- New Frontier (1939) as Jason Braddock
- On Your Toes (1939) as Man in Audience
- The Arizona Kid (1939) as Soldier
- Wyoming Outlaw (1939) as Acacia Park Game Warden
- The Fighting Renegade (1939) as Dr. Jerry Leonard
- Mutiny in the Big House (1939) as Daniels
- Crashing Thru (1939) as Fred Chambers
- Riders of the Sage (1939) as Tom Martin
- Buried Alive (1939) as Carson
- Outlaws' Paradise (1939) as Henchman Meggs
- Code of the Cactus (1939) as Bob Swane
- Daughter of the Tong (1939) as Jerry Morgan
- Rollin' Westward (1939) as Ranch hand Red
- Fighting Mad (1939) as Constable Kelly
- Flaming Lead (1939) as Frank Gordon
- Texas Wildcats (1939) as Ed Arden
- Drifting Westward (1939) as Henchman Trigger
- Trigger Smith (1939) as Duke
- Where the Buffalo Roam (1938) as Jeff Gray
- Tell Your Children (1938) as Ralph
- The Spider's Web (1938) Stunts
- Born to Be Wild (1938) as Trucker (uncredited)
- The Singing Cowgirl (1938) as Dick Williams
- Whirlwind Horseman (1938) as Henchman Slade
- Gun Packer (1938) as Red Baker - Henchman
- Man's Country (1938) as Bat
- Frontier Scout (1938) as Steve Norris
- The Secret of Treasure Island (1938) as Det. Jameson [Chs. 4-7]
- Starlight Over Texas (1938) as Henchman
- Utah Trail (1938) as Mason - Bookkeeper
- Song of the Buckaroo (1938) as Tex Alden
- Lightnin' Crandall (1937) as Tommy Shannon
- Rough Riding Rhythm (1937) as Detective Waters
- Million Dollar Racket (1937) as Johnny Henessey
- Brothers of the West (1937) as Bart
- Wanted - A Master (1936) as Dog's Master (uncredited)
- The Girl on the Front Page (1936) as Nightclub Patron
- The Adventures of Frank Merriwell (1936) as George Baldwin
- The Black Coin (1936) as Terry Navarro
- She Married Her Boss (1935) as Shopper
- No More Ladies (1935) as Party Guest (uncredited)
- Woman Wanted (1935) as Steve - Tap Dancer at Baxter's Party (uncredited)
- Doubting Thomas (1935) as Member of Audience
- Ship Cafe (1935) as Young Man (uncredited)
- Welcome Home (1935) as Stanley Phillips
- Wonder Bar (1934) as Chorus Boy (uncredited)
- Tomorrow's Children (1934) as Interne (uncredited)
- Murder at the Vanities (1934) as Chorus Boy (uncredited)
- Search for Beauty (1934) as Talent Contestant (uncredited)
- Music in the Air (1934) as Karl Roder (singing voice) (uncredited)
- Gift of Gab (1934) as Dancer (uncredited)
- Student Tour (1934) as Student
- We're Rich Again (1934) as Pete (uncredited)
- 42nd Street (1933) as Chorus Boy (uncredited)
- Pick-up (1933) as Party Boy (uncredited)
- College Humor (1933) as Student
- College Coach (1933) as Student on Tennis Court (uncredited)
- The World Changes (1933) as Otto Peterson (uncredited)
- One Man's Journey (1933) as Dance Extra (uncredited)
- Sitting Pretty (1933) as Assistant Cameraman (uncredited)
- The Sign of the Cross (1932) as Christian on Stairway (uncredited)
- Rasputin and the Empress (1932) as Soldier (uncredited)
- Devil and the Deep (1932) as Submarine Crewman (uncredited)
- Roar of the Dragon (1932) as Submarine Crewman
- Hot Saturday (1932) as Party Guest (Uncredited)
- 70,000 Witnesses (1932) as Football Player (uncredited)
- Is My Face Red? (1932) as Chorus Boy (uncredited)
- Flying High (1931) as Dancer (uncredited)
- Lover Come Back (1931) as Pool Party Boy (uncredited)
- Consolation Marriage (1931) as Man Picking Up Stack of Newspapers (uncredited)
- Madam Satan (1930) as Zeppelin Reveler
- The Dawn Patrol (1930) as Pilot (uncredited)
- Good News (1930) as Student
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Dave O'Brien best known for?
Dave O'Brien is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including That's Entertainment, Part II (1976), The Big Parade of Comedy (1964), MGM Parade (1955), MGM Parade (1955).
When and where was Dave O'Brien born?
Dave O'Brien was born on May 31, 1912 in Big Spring, Texas, USA. They passed away on November 8, 1969.
How many credits does Dave O'Brien have?
Dave O'Brien has accumulated over 265 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1930 to 2006.
What is Dave O'Brien's background in cinema and television?
Dave O'Brien was an American film actor, director, and writer. He was born on May 31, 1912, in Big Spring, Texas, USA. O'Brien is best known for starring in the movie serial Captain Midnight in 1942. He also appeared in many low-budget Westerns, often billed as Tex O'Brien. Additionally, O'Brien was the hero of the Met...
Dave O'Brien by the numbers
265credits
262films
3TV series
1930–2006active years
Age in their best-rated roles
- Double Trouble (1941) as Sparky Barton — aged about 29
- MGM Parade (1955) — aged about 43
- MGM Parade (1955) as Self — aged about 43
- The Big Parade of Comedy (1964) as Actor in the Pete Smith Shorts (archive footage) — aged about 52
- That's Entertainment, Part II (1976) as (archive footage) — aged about 64
- Do Someone a Favor! (1954) as George Dibson — aged about 42
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