John Ridgely Biography

Trained for an industrial career but sidetracked into showbiz by a few seasons at Pasadena Playhouse, "Mr. Average Man" utility player John Ridgely spent most of his Hollywood years at Warner Bros. From his first film Submarine D-1 (1937), Ridgely was one of the studio's most reliable and ubiquitous supporting players, portraying first-reel murder victims, last-reel "surprise" killers, best friends, policemen, day laborers, and military officers. One of his largest film roles was the commanding officer in Howard Hawks' Air Force (1943), in which he was billed over the more famous John Garfield. His indeterminate features could also convey menace, as witness his portrayal of blackmailing gangsters Eddie Mars in Hawks' The Big Sleep (1946). Freelancing after 1948, John Ridgely continued to essay general-purpose parts until he left films in 1953; thereafter he worked in summer-theater productions and television until his death from a heart attack at the age of 58. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

• 1. Steve Wagner: Whatever he is, he's no northwoodsman.
  2. Jim Austen: A German officer in the north country. I don't get it.
  3. Col. Hugo von Keller: I give you my word as a German officer.
  4. Jim Austen: I think we captured a German flyer. [uh, no, he was sent by submarine]
  5. Laura McBain: You're not going to marry him, I am.
  6. Laura McBain: He captured 3 German aviators. [no, just one and he was not flying to Canada]
  7. Steve Wagner: Fast? We've had the longest engagement in Manitoba!
  From Northern Pursuit. Submitted by rick b (57 days ago)