Bart Patton
Actor
About Bart Patton
Bart Patton was an American actor and television producer who began his career in the early 1960s. He is best known for his role as Richard Haloran in Francis Ford Coppola's directorial debut 'Dementia 13' (1963), a horror film produced by Roger Corman. Though his acting career was relatively brief, spanning primarily the early 1960s, Patton made a memorable impression in this cult classic film. After his acting career, he transitioned successfully into television production, where he found more sustained success behind the camera. His marriage to actress Joyce Bulifant in 1961 connected him to Hollywood's entertainment network. Patton's career trajectory from actor to producer exemplifies the adaptive nature of entertainment industry professionals during the transitional period of the 1960s, when the studio system was evolving and new opportunities were emerging in television production.
The Craft
On Screen
Patton's acting style in 'Dementia 13' reflected the naturalistic approach emerging in the early 1960s, moving away from the more theatrical style of previous decades. His performance as Richard Haloran was straightforward and believable, fitting the low-budget, gritty aesthetic of Roger Corman productions. While his filmography was limited, his work demonstrated the shift toward more realistic character portrayals that would become more prevalent in later American cinema.
Milestones
- Appeared in Francis Ford Coppola's directorial debut 'Dementia 13' (1963)
- Transitioned from acting to television production
- Married actress Joyce Bulifant in 1961
- Worked on various television productions in the 1970s and 1980s
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Bart Patton's most significant cultural impact comes through his participation in 'Dementia 13,' Francis Ford Coppola's feature directorial debut. This film has become a cult classic and represents an important milestone in Coppola's career before he achieved legendary status with 'The Godfather' series. Patton's involvement in this early Coppola work places him within the lineage of American New Wave cinema, even if his direct contribution was limited to a single memorable performance. The film itself has influenced generations of horror filmmakers and represents the transition from classic Hollywood horror to more psychologically driven narratives of the 1960s.
Lasting Legacy
Bart Patton's legacy is primarily tied to his early association with Francis Ford Coppola and his role in a film that has achieved cult status among horror cinema enthusiasts. While he did not achieve lasting fame as an actor, his participation in 'Dementia 13' ensures his place in film history as part of Coppola's origin story. His later career as a television producer demonstrates the versatility many actors of his era needed to sustain careers in the rapidly changing entertainment industry of the 1960s and 1970s. Patton represents the journey of many character actors who found their way into the industry through the exploitation film circuit of the early 1960s.
Who They Inspired
As an actor with limited film credits, Bart Patton's direct influence on other performers is minimal. However, his work in 'Dementia 13' contributed to the film that helped launch Francis Ford Coppola's career, and Coppola would go on to influence countless filmmakers. Patton's career trajectory from actor to producer also exemplified the career adaptability that became necessary for many entertainment industry professionals as the studio system evolved and television emerged as a dominant medium in the latter half of the 20th century.
Off Screen
Bart Patton married actress Joyce Bulifant on November 23, 1961. Their marriage lasted approximately eight years before ending in divorce around 1969. Joyce Bulifant was known for her roles in television shows like 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and films like 'Airplane!'. Patton's connection to Bulifant placed him within Hollywood's entertainment community during the 1960s. Details about his later personal life and family are relatively private, as he maintained a lower public profile after transitioning to production work.
Education
Educational background not widely documented in public sources
Family
- Joyce Bulifant (1961-1969)
Did You Know?
- 'Dementia 13' was Francis Ford Coppola's feature directorial debut
- The film was shot in Ireland on a very low budget
- Roger Corman fired Coppola during production but later allowed him to finish the film
- Patton played Richard Haloran, one of the main characters in the film
- The film was initially titled 'The Haunted and the Hunted'
- Despite being a horror film, it contains elements of family drama and mystery
- The film has developed a cult following over the decades
- Patton's character is central to the film's plot involving inheritance and family secrets
- The film was produced for approximately $40,000
- Coppola was only 23 years old when he directed the film
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bart Patton?
Bart Patton was an American actor and television producer best known for his role as Richard Haloran in Francis Ford Coppola's 1963 film 'Dementia 13'. Though his acting career was brief, he later found success working behind the scenes in television production during the 1970s and 1980s.
What films is Bart Patton best known for?
Bart Patton is primarily known for his appearance in 'Dementia 13' (1963), Francis Ford Coppola's feature directorial debut. This horror film, produced by Roger Corman, has become a cult classic and remains Patton's most notable screen performance.
When was Bart Patton born and when did he die?
Bart Patton was born on December 26, 1939, in Los Angeles, California. As of current records, he is still alive, though he has maintained a relatively private life in recent decades.
What awards did Bart Patton win?
Bart Patton did not receive any major awards or nominations for his work in the entertainment industry. His most significant recognition comes from his association with 'Dementia 13,' which has achieved cult status over the years.
What was Bart Patton's acting style?
Patton's acting style in 'Dementia 13' reflected the naturalistic approach emerging in early 1960s cinema. His performance was straightforward and believable, fitting the low-budget, gritty aesthetic typical of Roger Corman productions of that era.
Was Bart Patton married to anyone famous?
Yes, Bart Patton was married to actress Joyce Bulifant from 1961 to 1969. Bulifant was known for her roles in 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and the film 'Airplane!' among many other television and film appearances.
How is Bart Patton connected to Francis Ford Coppola?
Bart Patton appeared in Francis Ford Coppola's feature directorial debut 'Dementia 13' in 1963. This early collaboration places Patton within the origin story of one of America's most celebrated directors, though their professional paths diverged after this project.
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Films
1 film
