Gordon Douglas
Actor
About Gordon Douglas
Gordon Douglas was an American actor who appeared briefly during the early sound era of Hollywood cinema. His only known credited film role was as 'The Mountie's Assistant' in the 1933 W.C. Fields comedy short 'The Fatal Glass of Beer.' This 21-minute film, directed by Clyde Bruckman, was one of several comedy shorts Fields made for Paramount Pictures during this period. Douglas played a supporting role alongside Charles Sellon, who portrayed The Mountie, in this absurdist comedy set in the Canadian Yukon. His character assisted the Mountie in the film's various comedic situations involving W.C. Fields' character. Unfortunately, historical records about Douglas's life and career are extremely limited, suggesting he may have been a bit player or extra who received this single credit. The lack of additional film credits or biographical information indicates his acting career was likely very brief, possibly consisting of uncredited roles or work outside the major studio system.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared as The Mountie's Assistant in W.C. Fields' 'The Fatal Glass of Beer' (1933)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Gordon Douglas's cultural impact is minimal due to his extremely brief film career, consisting of a single role in a W.C. Fields comedy short. However, his participation in 'The Fatal Glass of Beer' connects him to the broader context of early 1930s Hollywood comedy and the work of W.C. Fields, one of the era's most distinctive comedic performers. The film itself has become a cult classic among Fields enthusiasts, representing his absurdist humor and satirical take on melodramatic tropes. Douglas's role, though small, contributes to the ensemble that brings Fields's comedic vision to life.
Lasting Legacy
Gordon Douglas's legacy in film history is primarily that of a representative example of the many bit players and supporting actors who populated Hollywood films during the studio era. While major stars like W.C. Fields are well-remembered, actors like Douglas who appeared in minor roles often fade into obscurity, their contributions preserved only in film credits. His single known appearance serves as a reminder of the vast network of performers who contributed to classic cinema, even if their names and careers were not destined for lasting fame.
Who They Inspired
Due to the extremely limited nature of Gordon Douglas's known film work, there is no documented evidence of his influence on other actors or filmmakers. As a bit player in a single 1933 comedy short, his career was too brief to establish any significant artistic influence or mentorship relationships within the film industry.
Off Screen
Very little information is available about Gordon Douglas's personal life due to the brevity of his film career and limited historical records. As a minor actor who appeared in only one credited film during the early 1930s, details about his family background, relationships, or life outside of his brief film appearance have not been preserved in cinema archives or biographical databases.
Did You Know?
- Gordon Douglas appeared in only one known credited film role throughout his entire career
- His only film appearance was in a 21-minute W.C. Fields comedy short
- He should not be confused with the more famous director Gordon Douglas (1907-1993) who directed many Hollywood films
- 'The Fatal Glass of Beer' has become a cult classic among W.C. Fields fans
- The film was part of a series of comedy shorts Fields made for Paramount Pictures
- Douglas played a Mountie's assistant in the Canadian Yukon setting of the film
- The film features Fields's famous catchphrase 'It ain't a fit night out for man or beast'
- Historical records about Douglas are virtually non-existent beyond this single film credit
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Gordon Douglas?
Gordon Douglas was an American actor who had a very brief film career in the early 1930s, known primarily for his single credited role as The Mountie's Assistant in W.C. Fields' 1933 comedy short 'The Fatal Glass of Beer.' Little else is known about his life or career beyond this appearance.
What films is Gordon Douglas best known for?
Gordon Douglas is known for only one film: 'The Fatal Glass of Beer' (1933), a W.C. Fields comedy short where he played The Mountie's Assistant. This appears to be his only credited film role.
When was Gordon Douglas born and when did he die?
The birth and death dates for Gordon Douglas are not known due to the limited historical records available about this minor actor from the early 1930s.
What awards did Gordon Douglas win?
There are no records of Gordon Douglas receiving any awards or nominations for his brief acting career, which consisted of a single film role in 1933.
What was Gordon Douglas's acting style?
Due to the extremely limited documentation of his work, there is insufficient information to determine Gordon Douglas's specific acting style. His only known role was a minor supporting part in a W.C. Fields comedy short.
Is Gordon Douglas related to director Gordon Douglas?
No, the actor Gordon Douglas should not be confused with the more famous director Gordon Douglas (1907-1993), who directed many Hollywood films including 'Them!' and 'Our Gang' comedies. They appear to be different individuals with the same name.
Learn More
Films
1 film
