Francis Sayles
Biography
Francis Sayles was an American character actor active during the beginning of the sound film era. Born on November 22, 1891, in Buffalo, New York, he maintained a career spanning approximately twelve years. During this time, he appeared in over 100 films, the majority of which were feature-length productions. While he was typically cast in small, uncredited parts, he occasionally secured featured roles, such as the character of Dickman in the 1934 film. His filmography includes appearances in Black Legion, The Purple Vigilantes, Midnight Phantom, The Shadow, Home on the Range, and Public Enemies. Francis Sayles died on March 19, 1944, in Los Angeles, California.
Career overview
Francis Sayles was an American character actor who worked during the beginning of the sound film era. Born on November 22, 1891, in Buffalo, New York, he maintained a career that spanned approximately twelve years. During this period, he appeared in over 100 films, the majority of which were feature-length productions. While he was frequently cast in small, uncredited roles, he also secured featured parts, such as his performance as Dickman in the 1934 film.
His filmography includes appearances in various projects such as Black Legion, The Purple Vigilantes, and Midnight Phantom, all released between 1935 and 1938. Other notable credits associated with his career include The Shadow, Home on the Range, and Public Enemies. Sayles died on March 19, 1944, in Los Angeles, California.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
52 titles- Ministry of Fear (1944) as Man Answering Rennit's Knock (uncredited)
- Coney Island (1943) as Heckler
- Crazy House (1943) as Stooge
- Honeymoon Lodge (1943) as Bailiff
- Moonlight in Vermont (1943) as Dr. Stubbs
- The Pride of the Yankees (1942) as Cab Driver (uncredited)
- The Glass Key (1942) as Seedy-Looking Man at Campaign Headquarters (uncredited)
- Wild Bill Hickok Rides (1942) as Ben Freeman
- The Mystery of Marie Roget (1942) as Parisian
- Sunset on the Desert (1942) as Desk Clerk
- Alias Boston Blackie (1942) as Laundry Proprietor (uncredited)
- Stagecoach Express (1942) as Postmaster (uncredited)
- Dr. Broadway (1942) as Clerk (uncredited)
- Citizen Kane (1941) as Politician (uncredited)
- Ball of Fire (1941) as Taxi Driver (uncredited)
- Man-Made Monster (1941) as Frank Davis (uncredited)
- Bad Man of Deadwood (1941) as Show Spectator
- The Son of Davy Crockett (1941) as Dr. Banks
- Pacific Blackout (1941) as Court Clerk
- Riders of Pasco Basin (1940) as Rancher (uncredited)
- Private Affairs (1940) as Bailiff (uncredited)
- One Crowded Night (1940) as Jasper, Postman
- Union Pacific (1939) as Railwayman (uncredited)
- Dodge City (1939) as Stage Shotgun Guard (uncredited)
- The Night Riders (1939) as President James A. Garfield
- Devil's Island (1939) as Boatman Taking Madame Lucien to Mainland
- Hollywood Cavalcade (1939) as Second Cab Driver
- Overland with Kit Carson (1939) as Dr. Parker
- Riders of Black River (1939) as Doc Josh Greene
- The Arizona Kid (1939) as Man Reporting Roy Alive
- Down on the Farm (1938) as Member of Chamber of Commerce
- The Fighting Devil Dogs (1938) as Renault (uncredited)
- The Purple Vigilantes (1938) as Wiliam Jones
- Make Way for Tomorrow (1937) as Bartender (uncredited)
- Easy Living (1937) as Martin - Houseman (uncredited)
- Black Legion (1937) as Charlie
- It Happened in Hollywood (1937) as Waiter
- Alcatraz Island (1937) as Court Clerk (uncredited)
- Wells Fargo (1937) as Townsman
- Trapped (1937) as Chong
- Satan Met a Lady (1936) as Detective (uncredited)
- Yours for the Asking (1936) as Waiter (uncredited)
- Big Brown Eyes (1936) as Barber (Uncredited)
- Florida Special (1936) as Sergeant (uncredited)
- Alibi for Murder (1936) as Waiter (Uncredited)
- Below the Deadline (1936) as Train Conductor (uncredited)
- One in a Million (1935) as Mr. Dickman
- Midnight Phantom (1935) as Police Surgeon Kelly
- Bum Voyage (1934) as Madame Zaza's Manager (uncredited)
- Girl Missing (1933) as Motorcycle Policeman (Uncredited)
- Blonde Venus (1932) as Charlie Blaine (uncredited)
- Strangers of the Evening (1932) as Roberts
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Francis Sayles best known for?
Francis Sayles is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Pride of the Yankees (1942), Citizen Kane (1941), Saki (2009), The Night Riders (1939).
When and where was Francis Sayles born?
Francis Sayles was born on November 22, 1891 in Buffalo, New York, USA. They passed away on March 19, 1944.
How many credits does Francis Sayles have?
Francis Sayles has accumulated over 52 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1932 to 1944.
What is Francis Sayles's background in cinema and television?
Francis Sayles was an American character actor active during the beginning of the sound film era. Born on November 22, 1891, in Buffalo, New York, he maintained a career spanning approximately twelve years. During this time, he appeared in over 100 films, the majority of which were feature-length productions. While he ...
Francis Sayles by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Citizen Kane (1941) as Politician (uncredited) — aged about 49
- The Pride of the Yankees (1942) as Cab Driver (uncredited) — aged about 50
- Easy Living (1937) as Martin - Houseman (uncredited) — aged about 45
- The Night Riders (1939) as President James A. Garfield — aged about 47
- The Purple Vigilantes (1938) as Wiliam Jones — aged about 46
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