Fred F. Sears
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Frederick Francis Sears (July 7, 1913 – November 30, 1957) was an American film actor and director.


Biography

Sears, formerly based in Boston as a dramatic director and instructor, was hired as a dialogue director by
Columbia Pictures Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. is an American film production studio that is a member of the Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment, which is one of the Big Five studios and a subsidiary of the mu ...
in 1946. He began playing incidental roles in Columbia's productions. The actors in Columbia's stock company were expected to perform in any kind of film, from adventures to musicals, to two-reel comedy shorts, to westerns and serials. Sears gradually received larger supporting roles (as "Fred Sears"), notably in the popular '' Blondie'' series and the long-running
Charles Starrett Charles Robert Starrett (March 28, 1903 – March 22, 1986) was an American actor, best known for his starring role in the ''Durango Kid'' westerns. Starrett still holds the record for starring in the longest series of theatrical features: ...
western series. By 1949 Sears was so well established in the close-knit Starrett unit that he was allowed to direct, and he continued to helm the Starrett westerns (as "Fred F. Sears") until the studio retired the series in 1952. Toward the end of the series's run, the films were being made so cheaply that the scripts would incorporate lengthy excerpts from older films. In ''Bonanza Town'' (1951), director Sears also had to appear as an actor, to match footage from his performance in ''West of Dodge City'' (1947). Sears's budget-stretching skills attracted the attention of Columbia staff producer
Sam Katzman Sam Katzman (July 7, 1901 – August 4, 1973) was an American film producer and director. Katzman produced low-budget genre films, including serials, which had disproportionately high returns for the studios and his financial backers. Ea ...
. Katzman was a notoriously cheap producer, making topical films so quickly that they could be playing in theaters while the topic was still hot. Katzman recruited Sears for the 1952 serial ''
Blackhawk Black Hawk and Blackhawk may refer to: Animals * Black Hawk (horse), a Morgan horse that lived from 1833 to 1856 * Common black hawk, ''Buteogallus anthracinus'' * Cuban black hawk, ''Buteogallus gundlachii'' * Great black hawk, ''Buteogallus urub ...
'', and after Sears was relieved of the Charles Starrett features, Katzman offered Sears full-time work in his unit. For the next five years Fred Sears worked steadily as a contract director, having no particular style or specialty of his own but capable of working in various genres. His most famous films are probably the
Bill Haley William John Clifton Haley (; July 6, 1925 – February 9, 1981) was an American rock and roll musician. He is credited by many with first popularizing this form of music in the early 1950s with his group Bill Haley & His Comets and million-sel ...
musicals ''
Rock Around the Clock "Rock Around the Clock" is a rock and roll song in the 12-bar blues format written by Max C. Freedman and James E. Myers (the latter being under the pseudonym "Jimmy De Knight") in 1952. The best-known and most successful rendition was record ...
'' and ''
Don't Knock the Rock ''Don't Knock the Rock'' is a 1956 American musical film starring Alan Dale and Alan Freed. Directed by Fred F. Sears, the film also features performances by Bill Haley & His Comets, Little Richard, The Treniers, and Dave Appell and the App ...
'', and the science-fiction features ''
Earth vs. the Flying Saucers ''Earth vs. the Flying Saucers'' (a.k.a. ''Invasion of the Flying Saucers'' and ''Flying Saucers from Outer Space'') is a 1956 American science fiction film from Columbia Pictures. It was produced by Charles H. Schneer, directed by Fred F. Sears, ...
'' and ''
The Giant Claw ''The Giant Claw'' is a 1957 American monster film from Columbia Pictures, produced by Sam Katzman, directed by Fred F. Sears, that stars Jeff Morrow and Mara Corday. Both Sears and Katzman were well known as low-budget B film genre filmmakers. ...
''. Sears might have continued indefinitely with Sam Katzman but he died in late 1957, at the age of 44. His final films were released posthumously.Movie Director Sears Found Dead at Studios Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) os Angeles, Calif01 Dec 1957: 17.


Filmography


Director

*''
The Jolson Story ''The Jolson Story'' is a 1946 American musical biography film which purports to tell the life story of singer Al Jolson. It stars Larry Parks as Jolson, Evelyn Keyes as Julie Benson (approximating Jolson's wife, Ruby Keeler), William Demarest a ...
'' (1946) *''
The Lone Hand Texan ''The Lone Hand Texan'' is a 1947 American Western musical film directed by Ray Nazarro and starring Charles Starrett, Mustard, Gravy, Smiley Burnette, John Cason, and George Chesebro. The film was released by Columbia Pictures on March 6, 1947 ...
'' (1947) *''
The Corpse Came C.O.D. ''The Corpse Came C.O.D.'' is a 1947 American comedy-mystery film directed by Henry Levin, produced by Samuel Bischoff and starring George Brent and Joan Blondell. The comedic mystery is notable for featuring cameos by Hollywood gossip columnists ...
'' (1947) *'' Millie's Daughter'' (1947) *''
West of Dodge City ''West of Dodge City'' is a 1947 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Bert Horswell. The film stars Charles Starrett, Nancy Saunders, Mustard, Gravy and Smiley Burnette. The film was released on March 27, 1947, by Columb ...
'' (1947) *''
The Return of the Whistler ''The Return of the Whistler'' is a 1948 American mystery film noir based on the radio drama ''The Whistler''. Directed by D. Ross Lederman, the production features Michael Duane, Lenore Aubert, and Dick Lane. This is the eighth and final entr ...
'' (1948) *'' Tokyo Joe'' (1949) *''
Rusty's Birthday ''Rusty's Birthday'' is a black-and-white American juvenile drama, released by Columbia Pictures in November 1949. Structured as an hour-long second feature, it is the final entry in the eight-film low-budget series which centers on the bond bet ...
'' (1949) *''
Desert Vigilante ''Desert Vigilante'' is a 1949 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and written by Earle Snell. The film stars Charles Starrett, Peggy Stewart, Tris Coffin, Mary Newton, George Chesebro and Smiley Burnette. The film was released on ...
'' (1949) *''
Horsemen of the Sierras ''Horsemen of the Sierras'' is a 1949 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and written by Barry Shipman. The film stars Charles Starrett, Smiley Burnette, T. Texas Tyler, Lois Hall, Tommy Ivo and John Dehner. The film was released ...
'' (1949) *'' The Blazing Trail'' (1949) *''
Across the Badlands ''Across the Badlands'' is a 1950 American Western (genre), Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and written by Barry Shipman. The film stars Charles Starrett, Smiley Burnette, Helen Mowery, Stanley Andrews, Robert J. Wilke and Dick Elliott. T ...
'' (1950) *''
Raiders of Tomahawk Creek ''Raiders of Tomahawk Creek'' is a 1950 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and written by Barry Shipman. The film stars Charles Starrett, Smiley Burnette, Edgar Dearing, Kay Buckley, Billy Kimbley and Paul Marion. The film was re ...
'' (1950) *''
Lightning Guns ''Lightning Guns'' is a 1950 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and starring Charles Starrett, Gloria Henry and William Bailey.Pitts p.191 The film is part of Columbia's long-running Durango Kid series. It was shot at the Iver ...
'' (1950) *''
Prairie Roundup ''Prairie Roundup'' is a 1951 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and starring Charles Starrett, Mary Castle and Frank Fenton.Blottner p.156 It is part of the Durango Kid series. Main cast * Charles Starrett as Steve Carson / The ...
'' (1951) *''
Ridin' the Outlaw Trail ''Ridin' the Outlaw Trail'' is a 1951 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and starring Charles Starrett, Sunny Vickers and Edgar Dearing.Martin p.464 The film's sets were designed by the art director Charles Clague. Shot at the I ...
'' (1951) *''
Snake River Desperadoes ''Snake River Desperadoes'' is a 1951 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and written by Barry Shipman. The film stars Charles Starrett, Don Reynolds, Tommy Ivo, Monte Blue and Smiley Burnette. The film was released on May 30, 19 ...
'' (1951) *'' Bonanza Town'' (1951) * ''
Pecos River The Pecos River ( es, Río Pecos) originates in north-central New Mexico and flows into Texas, emptying into the Rio Grande. Its headwaters are on the eastern slope of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range in Mora County north of Pecos, New Mexico ...
'' (1951) *''
Smoky Canyon ''Smoky Canyon'' is a 1952 American Western musical film directed by Fred F. Sears and starring Charles Starrett, Jock Mahoney, Danni Sue Nolan, Tris Coffin, and Larry Hudson. The film was released by Columbia Pictures on January 31, 1952. Pl ...
'' (1952) *''
The Hawk of Wild River ''The Hawk of Wild River'' is a 1952 American Western (genre), Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and written by Howard J. Green. The film stars Charles Starrett, Smiley Burnette, Jock Mahoney, Clayton Moore, Eddie Parker (actor), Eddie Par ...
'' (1952) *'' The Miraculous Blackhawk: Freedom's Champion'' (1952, Serial) *''
The Kid from Broken Gun ''The Kid from Broken Gun'' is a 1952 American western action film directed by Fred F. Sears, and starring Charles Starrett, Jock Mahoney, Angela Stevens, Tristram Coffin, and Myron Healey. The film was released by Columbia Pictures on August ...
'' (1952) (final film in the
Charles Starrett Charles Robert Starrett (March 28, 1903 – March 22, 1986) was an American actor, best known for his starring role in the ''Durango Kid'' westerns. Starrett still holds the record for starring in the longest series of theatrical features: ...
series) *''
Last Train from Bombay ''Last Train from Bombay'' is a 1952 American drama film starring Jon Hall, Christine Larson and Lisa Ferraday. Plot An American diplomat is accused of murder during an Indian civil war and becomes involved in an assassination plot. Cast * Jo ...
'' (1952) *'' Target Hong Kong'' (1953) *''
Ambush at Tomahawk Gap ''Ambush at Tomahawk Gap'' is a 1953 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and produced by Wallace MacDonald. It stars John Hodiak, John Derek, David Brian, and María Elena Marqués. Plot Four outlaws have just been released from ...
'' (1953) *'' The 49th Man'' (1953) * ''
Flame of Calcutta ''Flame of Calcutta'' is a 1953 American historical film directed by Seymour Friedman and starring Denise Darcel, Patric Knowles and Paul Cavanagh. It was one of a number of historical films made by Sam Katzman's production unit for Columbia Pic ...
'' (1953) *''
Sky Commando ''Sky Commando'' is a 1953 American war film released by Columbia Pictures, directed by Fred F. Sears and starring Dan Duryea, Frances Gifford and Mike Connors (credited as "Touch Conners"). The Cold War period provides the background, althoug ...
'' (1953) *'' Mission Over Korea'' (1953) *''
The Nebraskan ''The Nebraskan'' is a 1953 3-D Film, 3-D American Western (genre), Western film directed by Fred F. Sears starring Philip Carey, Phil Carey and Roberta Haynes. ''The Nebraskan'' was one of seven feature films from prolific director Fred Sears ...
'' (1953) *'' El Alaméin'' (1953) *'' Overland Pacific'' (1954) *''
Massacre Canyon The Massacre Canyon battle took place in Nebraska on August 5, 1873 near the Republican River. It was one of the last hostilities between the Pawnee and the Sioux (or Lakota) and the last battle/massacre between Great Plains Indians in North Ame ...
'' (1954) *'' The Miami Story'' (1954) *''
The Outlaw Stallion ''The Outlaw Stallion'' is a 1954 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and written by David Lang. The film stars Philip Carey, Dorothy Patrick, Billy Gray, Roy Roberts, Gordon Jones, Trevor Bardette and Morris Ankrum. The film was ...
'' (1954) *'' Wyoming Renegades'' (1955) *'' Cell 2455, Death Row'' (1955) *'' Chicago Syndicate'' (1955) *''
Apache Ambush ''Apache Ambush'' is a 1955 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and starring Bill Williams, Richard Jaeckel and Alex Montoya. Plot During the last days of the Civil War, President Lincoln (James Griffith) selects Indian scout Jam ...
'' (1955) *''
Teen-Age Crime Wave ''Teen-Age Crime Wave'' (aka ''Teenage Crime Wave'') is a 1955 American juvenile delinquency film noir crime film directed by Fred F. Sears and starring Tommy Cook (actor), Tommy Cook and Molly McCart. It was released by Columbia Pictures. The pl ...
'' (1955) *''
Inside Detroit ''Inside Detroit'' is a 1956 American film noir crime film directed by Fred F. Sears and starring Dennis O'Keefe, Pat O'Brien and Tina Carver. ''Inside Detroit'' is centered on corruption within the United Auto Workers union and is loosely ...
'' (1956) *'' Fury at Gunsight Pass'' (1956) *''
Rock Around the Clock "Rock Around the Clock" is a rock and roll song in the 12-bar blues format written by Max C. Freedman and James E. Myers (the latter being under the pseudonym "Jimmy De Knight") in 1952. The best-known and most successful rendition was record ...
'' (1956) *''
Earth vs. the Flying Saucers ''Earth vs. the Flying Saucers'' (a.k.a. ''Invasion of the Flying Saucers'' and ''Flying Saucers from Outer Space'') is a 1956 American science fiction film from Columbia Pictures. It was produced by Charles H. Schneer, directed by Fred F. Sears, ...
'' (1956) *'' The Werewolf'' (1956) *''
Miami Exposé ''Miami Exposé'' is a 1956 American film noir crime film directed by Fred F. Sears and starring Lee J. Cobb, Patricia Medina and Edward Arnold. The film marked the last performance of Arnold, who was fatally stricken during the production. Also ...
'' (1956) *''
Cha-Cha-Cha Boom! ''Cha-Cha-Cha Boom!'' is a 1956 American musical film starring Dámaso Pérez Prado, Stephen Dunne, the Mary Kaye Trio, Helen Grayco, Luis Arcaraz and his Orchestra, Lucerto Bárcenas, and Manny López and his Orchestra. It was produced by Sa ...
'' (1956) *''
Don't Knock the Rock ''Don't Knock the Rock'' is a 1956 American musical film starring Alan Dale and Alan Freed. Directed by Fred F. Sears, the film also features performances by Bill Haley & His Comets, Little Richard, The Treniers, and Dave Appell and the App ...
'' (1956) *'' Rumble on the Docks'' (1956) *''
Utah Blaine ''Utah Blaine'' is a 1957 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and starring Rory Calhoun. It was based on a novel by Louis L'Amour. Plot After saving a rancher from hanging, cowboy Mike "Utah" Blaine learns that his enemy Rink Witte ...
'' (1957) *''
The Giant Claw ''The Giant Claw'' is a 1957 American monster film from Columbia Pictures, produced by Sam Katzman, directed by Fred F. Sears, that stars Jeff Morrow and Mara Corday. Both Sears and Katzman were well known as low-budget B film genre filmmakers. ...
'' (1957) *''
The Night the World Exploded ''The Night the World Exploded'' is a 1957 science fiction, disaster film. The film was written by Jack Natteford and Luci Ward, and directed by Fred F. Sears for producer Sam Katzman. Both Katzman and Sears were great exponents of the low-budge ...
'' (1957) *''
Calypso Heat Wave ''Calypso Heat Wave'' is a 1957 American drama musical film directed by Fred F. Sears and starring Johnny Desmond, Merry Anders and Meg Myles. It was an attempt by producer Sam Katzman to repeat the success of '' Rock Around the Clock'' with ...
'' (1957) *''
Escape from San Quentin '' Escape from San Quentin'' is a 1957 American film noir crime film produced by Sam Katzman, directed by Fred F. Sears, and starring Johnny Desmond and Merry Anders. Plot Mike Gilbert is doing time at San Quentin prison in California. His senten ...
'' (1957) *'' The World Was His Jury'' (1958) *''
Going Steady Going steady is a romantic relationship in which both partners commit to date only each other. Growing in prevalence in the United States after World War II, going steady became the mainstream dating pattern in high schools and colleges in the 1950 ...
'' (1958) *'' Crash Landing'' (1958) *''
Badman's Country ''Badman's Country'' is a 1958 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and written by Orville H. Hampton. The film stars George Montgomery. Plot Pat Garrett arrives in Abilene where he catches five of Butch Cassidy's gang. He calls in ...
'' (1958) *''
Ghost of the China Sea ''Ghost of the China Sea'' is a 1958 American war film released by Columbia Pictures co-written by Charles B. Griffith set during World War II. It was the last movie directed by Fred F. Sears. Plot During World War II, Japanese troops over-run ...
'' (1958)


Actor

*'' The Return of Rusty'' (1946) - Detective (uncredited) *''
The Jolson Story ''The Jolson Story'' is a 1946 American musical biography film which purports to tell the life story of singer Al Jolson. It stars Larry Parks as Jolson, Evelyn Keyes as Julie Benson (approximating Jolson's wife, Ruby Keeler), William Demarest a ...
'' (1946) - Oscar - Cutter (uncredited) *''
Blondie Knows Best ''Blondie Knows Best'' is a 1946 American comedy film directed by Abby Berlin and starring Penny Singleton, Arthur Lake, Larry Simms, and Marjorie Ann Mutchie. It is the eighteenth of the 28 Blondie films. Plot Dagwood is under the threat o ...
'' (1946) - Man on Park Bench (uncredited) *''
Lone Star Moonlight ''Lone Star Moonlight'' is a 1946 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Louise Rousseau. The film stars Ken Curtis, Joan Barton, Guy Kibbee, Robert Kellard, Claudia Drake and Arthur Loft. It was released on December 12 ...
'' (1946) - Announcer (uncredited) *''
The Lone Hand Texan ''The Lone Hand Texan'' is a 1947 American Western musical film directed by Ray Nazarro and starring Charles Starrett, Mustard, Gravy, Smiley Burnette, John Cason, and George Chesebro. The film was released by Columbia Pictures on March 6, 1947 ...
'' (1947) - Sam Jason (uncredited) *'' Millie's Daughter'' (1947) - Escort Manager (uncredited) *''
West of Dodge City ''West of Dodge City'' is a 1947 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Bert Horswell. The film stars Charles Starrett, Nancy Saunders, Mustard, Gravy and Smiley Burnette. The film was released on March 27, 1947, by Columb ...
'' (1947) - Henry Hardison (uncredited) *''
Blondie's Holiday ''Blondie's Holiday'' is a 1947 American comedy film directed by Abby Berlin and starring Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake. The film is based on the comic strip of the same name. The screenplay was written by Chic Young and Connie Lee. The fil ...
'' (1947) - Gambler (uncredited) *'' Law of the Canyon'' (1947) - Dr. Middleton (uncredited) *''
For the Love of Rusty ''For the Love of Rusty'' is a 1947 drama film directed by John Sturges. It was the third of the "Rusty" film series involving the adventures of German shepherd Rusty and his human companions - young Danny Mitchell (Ted Donaldson) and his pals. ...
'' (1947) - Doc Levy (uncredited) *''
The Corpse Came C.O.D. ''The Corpse Came C.O.D.'' is a 1947 American comedy-mystery film directed by Henry Levin, produced by Samuel Bischoff and starring George Brent and Joan Blondell. The comedic mystery is notable for featuring cameos by Hollywood gossip columnists ...
'' (1947) - Police Detertive Dave Short *'' Sport of Kings'' (1947) *'' The Son of Rusty'' (1947) - E.A. Thompson (uncredited) *'' Down to Earth'' (1947) - Bill - Orchestra Leader (uncredited) *''
Blondie in the Dough ''Blondie in the Dough'' is a 1947 American comedy film directed by Abby Berlin and starring Penny Singleton, Arthur Lake, Larry Simms, and Marjorie Ann Mutchie. It is 21st of the 28 Blondie films. Plot Dagwood and his boss are frantically se ...
'' (1947) - Quinn *''
Her Husband's Affairs ''Her Husband's Affairs'' is a 1947 American romantic comedy film directed by S. Sylvan Simon and starring Lucille Ball and Franchot Tone Stanislaus Pascal Franchot Tone (February 27, 1905 – September 18, 1968) was an American actor, produc ...
'' (1947) - Man at Mayor's Party (uncredited) *'' It Had to Be You'' (1947) - Fireman #2 / Tilleman (uncredited) *''
Blondie's Anniversary ''Blondie's Anniversary'' is a 1947 American comedy film directed by Abby Berlin and starring Penny Singleton, Arthur Lake, and Larry Simms. It is the twenty-second of the 28 Blondie films. Plot Dagwood is holding a watch, a gift that his bos ...
'' (1947) - Bert Dalton *'' Phantom Valley'' (1948) - Ben Theibold (uncredited) *''
The Return of the Whistler ''The Return of the Whistler'' is a 1948 American mystery film noir based on the radio drama ''The Whistler''. Directed by D. Ross Lederman, the production features Michael Duane, Lenore Aubert, and Dick Lane. This is the eighth and final entr ...
'' (1948) - Crandall (uncredited) *'' Song of Idaho'' (1948) - Himself - Radio Announcer (uncredited) *''
Adventures in Silverado ''Adventures in Silverado'' is a 1948 American Western film directed by Phil Karlson and written by Kenneth Gamet, Tom Kilpatrick and Jo Pagano. The film stars William Bishop, Gloria Henry, Edgar Buchanan, Forrest Tucker, Edgar Barrier and I ...
'' (1948) - Hatfield *''
The Fuller Brush Man ''The Fuller Brush Man'' is a 1948 American comedy film starring Red Skelton as a door-to-door salesman for the Fuller Brush Company who becomes a murder suspect. Plot Success doesn't exactly stare the unfortunate street cleaner Red Jones (Red Sk ...
'' (1948) - Bartender (uncredited) *''Whirlwind Raiders'' (1948) - Tracy Beaumont *''Singin' Spurs'' (1948) - Mr. Hanson *'' The Gallant Blade'' (1948) - Lawrence (Soldier in Woods) *''
Rusty Leads the Way ''Rusty Leads the Way'' is a 1948 American drama film directed by Will Jason and starring Ted Donaldson, Sharyn Moffett and John Litel. It is part of the Rusty film series.Blottner p.286 Plot Cast * Ted Donaldson as Danny Mitchell * Sharyn M ...
'' (1948) - Jack Coleman (uncredited) *'' The Return of October'' (1948) - Reporter (uncredited) *'' Smoky Mountain Melody'' (1948) - Mr. Crump *''
The Man from Colorado ''The Man from Colorado'' is a 1948 American Western film directed by Henry Levin, produced by Jules Schermer for Columbia Pictures, and starring Glenn Ford as a Union officer who becomes addicted to killing during the American Civil War, Willia ...
'' (1949) - Veteran (uncredited) *''
Shockproof ''Shockproof'' is a 1949 American crime film noir directed by Douglas Sirk and starring Patricia Knight and Cornel Wilde. Wilde and Knight were husband and wife during filming. They divorced in 1951. Plot Griff Marat (Cornel Wilde), is a parole ...
'' (1949) - Clerk (uncredited) *''
Slightly French ''Slightly French'' is a 1949 American musical comedy film directed by Douglas Sirk and starring Dorothy Lamour, Don Ameche and Janis Carter.Stern p.59 The screenplay concerns a Hollywood director who recruits an American singer. Plot After cla ...
'' (1949) - Cameraman (uncredited) *'' Boston Blackie's Chinese Venture'' (1949) - Police Chemist (uncredited) *''
The Crime Doctor's Diary ''The Crime Doctor's Diary'' is a 1949 American mystery film directed by Seymour Friedman and starring Warner Baxter, Stephen Dunne and Lois Maxwell. It is the last of the Crime Doctor series of films made by Columbia Pictures. Plot Cast * Wa ...
'' (1949) - Ballistics Man (uncredited) *''
The Lone Wolf and His Lady ''The Lone Wolf and His Lady'' is a 1949 American mystery film directed by John Hoffman and starring Ron Randell, June Vincent and Alan Mowbray. It is the 15th and final Lone Wolf film produced by Columbia Pictures, and was written by Edward Dein ...
'' (1949) - Tex Talbot (uncredited) *''
Home in San Antone ''Home in San Antone'' is a 1949 American Western musical film directed by Ray Nazarro, and starring Roy Acuff, The Smoky Mountain Boys, The Modernaires, Doye O'Dell, Lyn Thomas, and Bill Edwards. The film was released by Columbia Pictures on A ...
'' (1949) - Radio Announcer Breezy *'' Laramie'' (1949) - Col. Ron Dennison *''
Johnny Allegro ''Johnny Allegro'' is a 1949 American film noir directed by Ted Tetzlaff and starring George Raft. An ex-gangster (Raft), temporarily working as a federal agent, runs afoul of a counterfeiting crime lord (Macready) who enjoys hunting.Everett Aa ...
'' (1949) - Desk Clerk (uncredited) *'' The Blazing Trail'' (1949) - Luke Masters *''
The Secret of St. Ives ''The Secret of St. Ives'' is a 1949 American historical adventure film directed by Phil Rosen and starring Richard Ney, Vanessa Brown and Henry Daniell. It is adapted from the 1897 novel '' St. Ives'' by Robert Louis Stevenson.Goble p.442 Set dur ...
'' (1949) - Narrator (voice, uncredited) *''
South of Death Valley ''South of Death Valley'' is a 1949 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Earle Snell. The film stars Charles Starrett, Gail Davis, Fred F. Sears, Lee Roberts, Richard Emory, Clayton Moore, Smiley Burnette and Tommy Dunc ...
'' (1949) - Sam Ashton *''Bandits of El Dorado'' (1949) - Ranger Captain Richard Henley *'' Tokyo Joe'' (1949) - Medical Major (uncredited) *''
Rusty's Birthday ''Rusty's Birthday'' is a black-and-white American juvenile drama, released by Columbia Pictures in November 1949. Structured as an hour-long second feature, it is the final entry in the eight-film low-budget series which centers on the bond bet ...
'' (1949) - Policeman (uncredited) *'' Renegades of the Sage'' (1949) - Lt. Jones *'' Texas Dynamo'' (1950) - Hawkins *''
Hoedown A hoedown is a type of American folk dance or square dance in duple meter, and also the musical form associated with it. Overview The most popular sense of the term is associated with Americans in rural or southeastern parts of the country, par ...
'' (1950) - Sam Baker (uncredited) *''
David Harding, Counterspy ''David Harding, Counterspy'' is a 1950 American film noir crime film directed by Ray Nazarro and starring Willard Parker. It was based on the radio series '' Counterspy''. Plot An American spy is killed under suspicious circumstances. His frien ...
'' (1950) - Peters (uncredited) *''
On the Isle of Samoa ''On the Isle of Samoa'' is a 1950 American south seas adventure film directed by William Berke and starring Jon Hall. It was a rare villainous role for Hall. Plot A thief crashes on a tropical island. Cast * Jon Hall as Kenneth Crandall * S ...
'' (1950) - Pilot (uncredited) *'' Convicted'' (1950) - Fingerprint Man (uncredited) *'' Counterspy Meets Scotland Yard'' (1950) - Agent Peters *'' Frontier Outpost'' (1950) - Major Copeland *''
Lightning Guns ''Lightning Guns'' is a 1950 American Western film directed by Fred F. Sears and starring Charles Starrett, Gloria Henry and William Bailey.Pitts p.191 The film is part of Columbia's long-running Durango Kid series. It was shot at the Iver ...
'' (1950) - Opening Off Screen Narrator (voice, uncredited) *''Gasoline Alley'' (1951) - Smite (uncredited) *''
My True Story "My True Story" is a 1961 single recorded by The Jive Five and co-written by the group's lead singer Eugene Pitt, along with Oscar Waltzer and Joe Rene. Chart performance The single was the biggest hit for the group on both the R&B and pop cha ...
'' (1951) - E. H. Carlyle *''
Fort Savage Raiders ''Fort Savage Raiders'' is a 1951 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and written by Barry Shipman. Released in March 1951 by Columbia Pictures, the production stars Charles Starrett and Smiley Burnette, with John Dehner, Trevor Barde ...
'' (1951) - Col. Sutter *'' The Big Gusher'' (1951) - Sheriff (uncredited) *''
Never Trust a Gambler ''Never Trust a Gambler'' is a 1951 American film noir crime film directed by Ralph Murphy and starring Dane Clark, Cathy O'Donnell and Tom Drake. Plot Steve Garry, insisting he has quit gambling, asks his ex-wife Virginia Merrill if he can lay ...
'' (1951) - State Trooper (uncredited) *'' Bonanza Town'' (1951) - Henry Hardison *''
Cyclone Fury ''Cyclone Fury'' is a 1951 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and starring Charles Starrett. Production A late entry in Columbia's long-running ''Durango Kid'' Western series, ''Cyclone Fury'' has perhaps the greatest scripting ch ...
'' (1951) - Captain Barham *'' Saturday's Hero'' (1951) - Reporter (uncredited) *'' The Family Secret'' (1951) - Laboratory Analyst (uncredited) * ''
The Kid from Amarillo ''The Kid from Amarillo'' is a 1951 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and starring Charles Starrett, Smiley Burnette and Harry Lauter.Pitts p.172 It is part of the Durango Kid series. In Britain it was released under the alternative ...
'' (1951) - Jonathan Cole *''Pecos River'' (1951) - Townsman on Porch Listening to Music (uncredited) *''
Laramie Mountains The Laramie Mountains are a range of moderately high peaks on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains in the U.S states of Wyoming and Colorado. The range is the northernmost extension of the line of the ranges along the eastern side of the Rocki ...
'' (1952) - Major Markham *'' Brave Warrior'' (1952) - Opening Narrator (voice, uncredited) *''
The Rough, Tough West ''The Rough, Tough West'' is a 1952 American Western film directed by Ray Nazarro and starring Charles Starrett, Jock Mahoney and Carolina Cotton. It was released in 1952, during the last year of the Durango Kid series of films.Freese p.60 At th ...
'' (1952) - Pete Walker / Doctor (uncredited) *''
The Kid from Broken Gun ''The Kid from Broken Gun'' is a 1952 American western action film directed by Fred F. Sears, and starring Charles Starrett, Jock Mahoney, Angela Stevens, Tristram Coffin, and Myron Healey. The film was released by Columbia Pictures on August ...
'' (1952) - Opening Narrator (voice, uncredited) *'' Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder'' (1952) - Director (uncredited) *'' Serpent of the Nile'' (1953) - Off-Screen Narrator (voice, uncredited) *''
Flame of Calcutta ''Flame of Calcutta'' is a 1953 American historical film directed by Seymour Friedman and starring Denise Darcel, Patric Knowles and Paul Cavanagh. It was one of a number of historical films made by Sam Katzman's production unit for Columbia Pic ...
'' (1953) - Opening Off-Screen Narrator (voice, uncredited) *'' The Werewolf'' (1956) - Narrator (voice, uncredited) *''
The Night the World Exploded ''The Night the World Exploded'' is a 1957 science fiction, disaster film. The film was written by Jack Natteford and Luci Ward, and directed by Fred F. Sears for producer Sam Katzman. Both Katzman and Sears were great exponents of the low-budge ...
'' (1957) - Narrator (voice, uncredited) *''
The Giant Claw ''The Giant Claw'' is a 1957 American monster film from Columbia Pictures, produced by Sam Katzman, directed by Fred F. Sears, that stars Jeff Morrow and Mara Corday. Both Sears and Katzman were well known as low-budget B film genre filmmakers. ...
'' (1957) - Narrator (voice, uncredited) *'' Crash Landing'' (1958) - Opening Off-Screen Narrator (voice, uncredited) (final film role)


Notes


Further reading

Dixon, Wheeler Winston. ''Lost in the Fifties: Recovering Phantom Hollywood''. Southern Illinois University Press, 2005.


External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Sears, Fred F. 1913 births 1957 deaths American film directors American male film actors 20th-century American male actors