Frank Craven (August 24, 1875September 1, 1945)U.S. Passport Application, Issue Date: 3-Jul-1919; National Archives Microfilm Publication M1490, Roll 0818, Certificate 93117; General Records of the Department of State, Record Group 59; National Archives, Washington, D.C. was an American stage and film actor, playwright, and screenwriter, best known for originating the role of the Stage Manager in Thornton Wilder's Our Town.
Early years Craven was born in Boston. His parents, John T. Craven and Ella Mayer Craven, were actors, and he first appeared on stage when he was three years old, in a child's part in The Silver King, in which his father was acting. His next appearance on stage occurred 13 years later in another production of the same play. That experience stirred an interest in acting as a career.
Career
Before he acted in films, Craven worked in stage productions, not limiting his activity to acting. "I would do anything around the place," he said. He found later that work with carpentry, painting, and other backstage activities proved "invaluable" to him. His initial success in New York came in the role of James Gilley in Bought and Paid For (1911). He also played the same role in a production in London. He also was a playwright, penning hits such as Too Many Cooks (1914) and The First Year (1920).(2 September 1945). Frank Craven, 65, Noted Actor, Dies; Playwright and Director Won Equal Success in His Many Stage and Film Chores, The New York Times
Craven was a character actor who often portrayed wry, small-town figures. His first film role was in We Americans (1928), and he appeared in State Fair (1933), Penrod and Sam (1937), Jack London (1943), and Son of Dracula (1943), among many others.
He wrote numerous screenplays, most notably for the Laurel and Hardy film Sons of the Desert (1933).
In 1938, Craven played the Stage Manager in Our Town on Broadway, and reprised the role in the 1940 film version of the play, co-writing the screenplay. His son John Craven starred as George Gibbs in the stage version, a role played by William Holden in the 1940 film.
Craven was a Republican who campaigned for Thomas Dewey in the 1944 United States presidential election.
Personal life and death When he died, Craven was married to the former Mary Blyth, an actress. He had one son and one stepdaughter. He died at his home of a heart ailment in Beverly Hills, California, on September 1, 1945, shortly after finishing his work in Colonel Effingham's Raid.
Filmography
Year Title Role Notes1928 We Americans Uncredited1929 The Very Idea Alan Camp 1932 Handle with Care Radio Announcer 1933 State Fair Storekeeper 1934 City Limits J.B. Matthews He Was Her Man Pop Sims, aka Jim Parker Let's Talk It Over Mr. Rockland That's Gratitude Bob Grant 1935 Car 99 Sheriff Pete Arnot Vagabond Lady 'Spiggy' Spiggins Barbary Coast Col. Marcus Aurelius Cobb 1936 It's Up To You Pop' Kane Small Town Girl Will 'Pa' Brannan The Harvester Mr. Biddle 1937 Penrod and Sam Mr. Schofield Blossoms on Broadway P.J. Quinterfield Sr. You're Only Young Once Frank Redmond (Carvel Newspaper Owner) 1938 Penrod and His Twin Brother Mr. Schofield 1939 Miracles for Sale Dad Morgan Our Neighbors – The Carters Doc Carter 1940 Our Town Mr. Morgan City for Conquest Old Timer Dreaming Out Loud Dr. Walter Barnes 1941 The Lady from Cheyenne Hank Foreman The Richest Man In Town Abb Crothers 1942 In This Our Life Asa Timberlake Thru Different Eyes Steve Pettijohn Girl Trouble Ambrose Murdock Flint Pittsburgh 'Doc' Powers Keeper of the Flame Dr. Fielding 1943 Harrigan's Kid Walter Garnet Dangerous Blondes Inspector Joseph Clinton Son of Dracula Doctor Brewster Jack London Old Tom 1944 My Best Gal Danny O'Hara Destiny Clem Broderick 1945 Forever Yours Uncle Charles 1946 Colonel Effingham's Raid Dewey (final film role)
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