Ben Alexander

Acting

Ben Alexander

Born May 27, 1911 · Goldfield, Nevada, USA

Died July 5, 1969 · aged 58

Nicholas Benton "Ben" Alexander III (June 27, 1911 – July 5, 1969) was an American motion picture actor, who started out as a child actor in 1916. He is best remembered for his role as Officer Frank Smith in the Dragnet franchise.

Known For

All Quiet on the Western FrontAll Quiet on the Western Front · 1930
All Quiet on the Western Front
7.81930
MovieDramaWar
When a group of idealistic young men join the German Army during the Great War, they are assigned to the Western Front, where their patriotism is destroyed by the harsh realities of combat.
The Wet ParadeThe Wet Parade · 1932
The Wet Parade
6.21932
MovieDramaHistory
The evils of alcohol before and during prohibition become evident as we see its effects on the rich Chilcote family and the hard working Tarleton family.
Jealous HusbandsJealous Husbands · 1923
Jealous Husbands
10.01923
MovieDrama
When a man's wife is accused of adultery, her insanely jealous husband gives her young son away to a traveling band of gypsies. Years later, when the son grows up, he sets out to prove that his mother wasn't guilty of adultery but was actually trying to help her sister-in-law escape the clutches of a blackmailer.
Shall We DanceShall We Dance · 1937
Shall We Dance
7.31937
MovieComedyRomance
Ballet star Petrov arranges to cross the Atlantic aboard the same ship as the dancer and musical star he's fallen for but barely knows. By the time the ocean liner reaches New York, a little white lie has churned through the rumour mill and turned into a hot gossip item—that the two celebrities are secretly married.
Man in the ShadowMan in the Shadow · 1957
Man in the Shadow
6.71957
MovieThrillerDrama
In a modern cow town, the powerful ranch owner’s henchmen kill a ranch hand, prompting the sheriff to investigate despite facing strong opposition. He finds an unlikely ally in the rancher's overprotected daughter, but their quest for justice puts them both in danger.
Reckless RoadsReckless Roads · 1935
Reckless Roads
8.01935
MovieDrama
Edith Adams, burdened by her family’s financial struggles, faces pressure from her mother to marry well.
Stage MotherStage Mother · 1933
Stage Mother
6.31933
MovieDramaRomance
Kitty Lorraine has one purpose in life: turning her daughter Shirley into a star. Kitty controls every aspect of the girl's nascent career -- even blackmailing a stage manager so that Shirley can take a more prestigious gig. But Kitty goes too far when she breaks up her daughter's budding relationship with sweet artist Warren Foster. Heartbroken, Shirley sets off on a series of disastrous but profitable relationships.
Big TremaineBig Tremaine · 1916
Big Tremaine
1916
MovieDramaRomance
John spies his girlfriend embracing his brother. Stunned, John deposits the family's money and leaves the country. Years later he returns to find his brother dead, the plantation in ruins, and that he is suspected of stealing the money.

Filmography

Sort
The White HeatherThe White Heather · 1919
The White Heather
7.01919
MovieAdventureDrama
Lord Angus Cameron's marriage to a woman of his titled Scottish class is thwarted by his secret marriage years before to Marion Hume, the housekeeper of the castle. Cameron attempts to repudiate the marriage, the only record of which is a certificate in the sunken wreck of a yacht, The White Heather. Marion goes to court to prove her claim and secure the rights of her son by Cameron, but is defeated. Alec McClintock, who is in love with Marion, and Cameron both want to recover the record, so they don diving suits and descend to the wreck. An underwater struggle ensues and Cameron severs his own air tube and drowns while attempting to cut off his rival's air supply. Alec then recovers the marriage record and wins Marion. —AFI

Donald Cameron

Little Orphant AnnieLittle Orphant Annie · 1918
Little Orphant Annie
5.31918
MovieDrama
Annie, left orphaned after the death of her mother, goes to an orphanage where she tells her fellow orphans stories of ghosts and goblins. The matron of the orphanage finds Annie's closest relative, the abusive Uncle Thomp. Big Dave, a neighbor comes to her aid, becoming her protector. Eventually Annie goes to live with Squire Goode and his large family. There, she entertains the children of the household with her stories, but sees her abusive aunt and uncle as her chief tormentors. She tells stories of how the goblins will take away the children if they are not good. War breaks out and Dave, who Annie adores, enlists. In a feverish vision triggered by her distress—revealed later as a nightmare—she imagines receiving news of Dave's battlefield death, delivered mockingly by her uncle, leading to her heartbroken collapse and apparent deathbed vigil.

Orphan