ARTHUR O'CONNELL?

ARTHUR O'CONNNELL (1908 - 1981) is an American actor who appeared in both films and television shows. His acting career began in vaudeville and on the stage. In films, he played character roles, mostly the sincere folksy type. I often felt I'd like to know a lot of his characters. He did however occasionally play villians. I was first introduced to Arthur O'Connell watching the film The Solid Gold Cadillac. Later, I saw him in numerous single episodes of various television shows, such as My Three Sons, Father Knows Best, The Big Valley, The Fugitive, Petticoat Junction, The F.B.I., The Wild Wild West, Ironside, Lassie, and many others. His face may be recognizable to you, but you never knew his name. It's time that you took a look at a few of his films. Arthur O'Connell was a actor who took his work very seriously and always delivered his very best.


Haven't you seen Operation Petticoat (1959)? This comedy about a submarine captain who is determined to make his injured ship seaworthy again has a wonderful cast which also includes Cary Grant, Tony Curtis, and Dina Merrill. Arthur O'Connell plays Chief Machinist's Mate Sam Tostin. It's a great film that you really should know.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Hiding Place (1975) Here he plays Casper ten Boom or 'Papa'. This is an inspiring drama based upon real events. It is the story of Corrie ten Boom and her family who sheltered Jews from Nazi soldiers during World War II as part of Holland's underground resistance. She and her family are arrested and sent to concentration camps, where they must rely on their faith to protect them from harm. Papa is Corrie's father.
The Great Impostor (1961) He plays the very likeable Warden J.B. Chandler. This film tells the incredible story of Ferdinand Demara played by Tony Curtis succeeds in a variety of professions after forging records that he's qualified to do so. He led a very interesting life. I like his story working where Warden J.B. Chandler is best.
Pocketful of Miracles (1961) He plays Count Alfonso Romero. This is a Frank Capra film and his last film. It is a remake of his Lady for a Day. I actually prefer this one to the original. Some critics may disagree. I like Bette Davis in the role of Apple Annie. Arthur O'Connell has a fun role.
The Solid Gold Cadillac (1956) He plays Mark Jenkins. This is one of my all-time favorite Judy Holliday films. It's about a small stockholder named Laura Partridge in a very large company becoming a corporate heroine as she works to get rid of the corrupt board of directors. Arthur O'Connell plays the office manager that Laura tries to hookup with her secretary Amelia. It's a fun film.


*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Mon, Mar 10 2008 / 11:06:45 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1955 Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: PICNIC
1959 Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: ANATOMY OF A MURDER