Marshall Bradford

Actor

Active: 1954

About Marshall Bradford

Marshall Bradford was an American character actor who had a brief but notable appearance during the Golden Age of Hollywood. His career appears to have been concentrated primarily in 1954, with his most significant role being in the film noir 'The Fast and the Furious' directed by John Ireland and produced by a young Roger Corman. Bradford played a supporting role in this tense drama about an escaped convict who takes a woman hostage while fleeing to Mexico. Though his filmography was limited, Bradford was part of the ensemble cast that helped establish the gritty, fast-paced atmosphere that characterized early Corman productions. His performance, while brief, contributed to the film's success as one of the more memorable low-budget thrillers of its era. After 1954, Bradford seemingly stepped away from acting, making his career a fascinating example of the many performers who had brief but memorable contributions to classic cinema.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in 'The Fast and the Furious' (1954)
  • Part of early Roger Corman production
  • Contributed to classic film noir genre

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Supporting role in 'The Fast and the Furious'

Must-See Films

  • The Fast and the Furious (1954)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • John Ireland (director)
  • Roger Corman (producer)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Marshall Bradford's contribution to cinema, while brief, represents the essential role that character actors played in building the rich tapestry of Golden Age Hollywood. His appearance in 'The Fast and the Furious' places him within the context of early Roger Corman productions, which would go on to influence generations of independent filmmakers. The film itself is notable as an example of efficient, low-budget filmmaking that still managed to deliver compelling entertainment, and Bradford was part of the ensemble that made this possible.

Lasting Legacy

Marshall Bradford's legacy is that of countless supporting actors who helped create memorable films despite limited screen time. His work in 'The Fast and the Furious' ensures his place in film history as a contributor to one of the more interesting film noirs of the 1950s and as part of Roger Corman's early career. While not a household name, Bradford represents the working actors who were the backbone of Hollywood's studio system.

Who They Inspired

Due to his brief career, Marshall Bradford's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers appears to be limited. However, as part of early Corman productions, he contributed to a body of work that would later influence independent cinema and the B-movie genre. His performance style, as evidenced in his surviving work, reflects the naturalistic approach common among character actors of the period.

Off Screen

Very little is documented about Marshall Bradford's personal life, which is not uncommon for character actors with brief careers in classic Hollywood. His limited filmography and lack of extensive public records suggest he may have pursued acting as a temporary endeavor or primarily worked in uncredited roles.

Did You Know?

  • Appeared in 'The Fast and the Furious' (1954), which has no connection to the modern franchise of the same name
  • Worked with producer Roger Corman during one of Corman's earliest productions
  • The film he appeared in was directed by its star, John Ireland
  • His entire known filmography appears to be concentrated in a single year, 1954
  • The Fast and the Furious was one of the first films released by Corman's production company
  • The film was shot in just nine days, typical of Corman's efficient production methods
  • Bradford was part of the supporting cast that helped establish the film's tense atmosphere

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Marshall Bradford?

Marshall Bradford was an American character actor active in 1954, best known for his appearance in the film noir 'The Fast and the Furious.' He had a brief but memorable career during the Golden Age of Hollywood, working primarily in supporting roles.

What films is Marshall Bradford best known for?

Marshall Bradford is primarily known for his role in 'The Fast and the Furious' (1954), a film noir directed by John Ireland and produced by Roger Corman. This appears to be his most significant and possibly only credited film role.

When was Marshall Bradford born and when did he die?

Specific birth and death dates for Marshall Bradford are not readily available in historical records, which is not uncommon for character actors with brief careers in classic Hollywood.

What awards did Marshall Bradford win?

There are no documented awards or nominations for Marshall Bradford, which is typical for many character actors who had brief careers in supporting roles during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

What was Marshall Bradford's acting style?

Based on his appearance in 'The Fast and the Furious,' Bradford employed a naturalistic acting style typical of character actors of the 1950s, contributing to the film's realistic and tense atmosphere without drawing undue attention to himself.

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Films

1 film