What's After the Movie
Joseph Crehan
Joseph Crehan was a prolific American film and stage actor whose career spanned nearly five decades, appearing in more than three hundred motion pictures from the silent era through the mid‑1960s. Born Joseph A. Creaghan on July 15, 1883 in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mathew Crehan and received his early education at Calvert Hall College before briefly attending Kent College of Law, a path he abandoned in favor of his passion for drama. Crehan began his professional life in light comedy and did not transition to more serious character roles until his late thirties, a shift that would define his enduring legacy in Hollywood. He made his Broadway debut with credits that include Twentieth Century (1932), Lilly Turner (1932), and Yosemite (1914), showcasing a versatility that translated seamlessly to the silver screen. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Crehan became a familiar face in the industry, often portraying authority figures such as police captains, judges, and military officers; his imposing presence and dependable demeanor made him a valued supporting actor. Notably, he portrayed Ulysses S. Grant on nine separate occasions, most memorably in the epic western Union Pacific (1939) and in They Died with Their Boots On (1941), cementing his association with the historical figure. In addition to his film work, Crehan made television appearances, including a 1961 role as Thomas Boland in the western series Bat Masterson. He married Dorothy R. Lord in 1933, and the couple had one child. Crehan’s extensive filmography, characterized by reliable character work and a steady presence across genres, reflects the industrious spirit of classic Hollywood. He died on April 15, 1966 in Hollywood, California, after suffering a stroke, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be appreciated by classic film enthusiasts.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Joseph Crehan, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Joseph Crehan rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Joseph A. Creaghan
Born: Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Citizenship: American
Birthday: July 15, 1883
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1916-1965
Children: 1
Spouses: Dorothy R. Lord
External Links and Streaming Options
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Movies Featuring Joseph Crehan
Special Agent
Doctors Don’t Tell
Night Time in Nevada
A Lost Lady
You Can’t Escape Forever
The Desert Song
Nine Lives Are Not Enough
Eyes of the Underworld
Whistling in Dixie
The Hunted
Now I’ll Tell
Shine on Harvest Moon
April Showers
Deadline at Dawn
Jimmy the Gent
Bad Bascomb
Secrets of a Secretary
City Without Men
Texas
One Mysterious Night
I Love a Mystery
Street Corner
Crazy House
Adventures in Silverado
Murder in the Big House
The Payoff
The Missing Juror
Wild Bill Hickok Rides
Love Crazy
Broadway Melody of 1940
Deadline - U.S.A.
Hands Across the Border
Havana Widows
Nevada City
Here Comes Mr. Jordan
Back Street
Homicide for Three
Gambler’s Choice
Manpower
Monsieur Verdoux
The Sea of Grass
Philo Vance’s Gamble
State Department: File 649
Phantom Lady
The Navy Way
There Goes My Girl
Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome
Society Lawyer
Gang Bullets
Road Gang
King of Hockey
Go Into Your Dance
To the People of the United States
Dancing in the Dark
Girls Can Play
Born Reckless
The Go-Getter
The Green Hornet
Gang Busters
Union Pacific
Frisco Kid
Front Page Woman
Here’s Flash Casey
Earthworm Tractors
Hit the Ice
Alexander’s Ragtime Band
Private Detective
The Case of the Howling Dog
Four’s a Crowd
Stranded
The Flying Missile
Bullets or Ballots
The Roaring Twenties
Dodge City
Full Confession
Behind the Mask
Stolen Heaven
Maisie
Larceny, Inc.
Guns of the Pecos
The Shadow Returns
Anthony Adverse
Lady on a Train
Mr. Lucky
The Merry Frinks
The Brute Man
Three Girls About Town
The Case of the Lucky Legs
Washington Melodrama
Gentlemen Are Born
You Can’t Get Away with Murder
Don’t Bet on Blondes
Babes in Arms
The Fuller Brush Girl
Hollywood Cavalcade
Night Spot
The Mysterious Mr. M
The Phantom Thief
Cain and Mabel
Traveling Saleslady
Dick Tracy vs. Cueball
Her Husband’s Secretary
Santa Fe Trail
The Return of Doctor X
Girls on Probation
Brother Orchid
Midnight Intruder
Bengal Tiger
Draegerman Courage
Andy Hardy’s Private Secretary
The Thin Man Goes Home
Jailbreak
Big Hearted Herbert
Jack Pot
Tell No Tales
Black Magic
Geronimo
Gaucho Serenade
Crazylegs
A Day at Santa Anita
Before Midnight
Smart Blonde
Mission to Moscow
Because of Eve
The Amazing Mrs. Holliday
Beg, Borrow or Steal
Kid Galahad
Invisible Stripes
The Adventures of Mark Twain
Girl Trouble
Sealed Lips
Gentleman Jim
The Law in Her Hands
Music in My Heart
Christmas Holiday
The House Across the Bay
Adventure
Let ’em Have It
The Singing Kid
Once a Doctor
The Case of the Black Parrot
We’re in the Money
God’s Country and the Woman
The Woman of the Town
The Texas Rangers Ride Again
The Wrong Road
Here Comes the Navy
Talent Scout
Highway Dragnet
The Falcon’s Adventure
Dinky
Know For Sure
Man Alive
Oil for the Lamps of China
Triple Trouble
The Fighting 69th
Little Nellie Kelly
A Criminal Is Born
Colorado
Black Fury
Happy Landing
Here Comes Happiness
Boulder Dam
Woman Against Woman
Man of Iron
While the Patient Slept
Here Comes Carter
Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife
Billy The Kid Returns
Mystery Broadcast
Dick Tracy
Down the Stretch
Relentless
The Courtship of Andy Hardy
Female
Stanley and Livingstone
O.S.S.
This Is My Affair
City for Conquest
China Clipper
Murder by an Aristocrat
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Joseph Crehan, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1950
The Flying Missile
Rear Admiral
The Fuller Brush Girl
Police Boat Captain (uncredited)
Triple Trouble
Warden Burnside
1948
Night Time in Nevada
Engineer Casey
The Hunted
Small Town Police Captain
April Showers
William Barnes
Street Corner
Dr. James Fenton
Adventures in Silverado
McHugh
Homicide for Three
Police Captain
Because of Eve
Dr. West
Relentless
Doctor (uncredited)
1947
Monsieur Verdoux
Broker (uncredited)
The Sea of Grass
Colorado Sen. Grew (uncredited)
Philo Vance’s Gamble
Ellis Mason
Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome
Chief Brandon
1946
Deadline at Dawn
Lt. Kane
Bad Bascomb
Gov. Clark (uncredited)
Behind the Mask
Police Inspector Cardonna
The Shadow Returns
Police Insp. Cardona
The Brute Man
Police Commissioner Salisbury (uncredited)
The Mysterious Mr. M
Dan Blair
The Phantom Thief
'Jumbo' Madigan - Pawnbroker
Dick Tracy vs. Cueball
Chief Brandon
The Falcon’s Adventure
Inspector Cavanaugh
O.S.S.
Gen. Donovan
1945
I Love a Mystery
Police Captain Quinn (Uncredited)
Lady on a Train
Train passenger (uncredited)
Adventure
Ed - Maritime Office (uncredited)
Man Alive
Dr. James P. Whitney
Dick Tracy
Chief Brandon
1944
Shine on Harvest Moon
Harry Miller (uncredited)
One Mysterious Night
Jumbo Madigan (Uncredited)
The Missing Juror
Willard Apple / Falstaff
Hands Across the Border
Jeff "Bet-A-Hundred" Adams
Gambler’s Choice
Toby (uncredited)
Phantom Lady
Detective
The Navy Way
Chaplain Benson
To the People of the United States
Doctor at Hospital (uncredited)
The Thin Man Goes Home
Clancy - Policeman at Railroad Station (uncredited)
Black Magic
Police Sgt. Matthews
The Adventures of Mark Twain
Ulysses S. Grant
Christmas Holiday
Steve, the bartender
1943
The Desert Song
Steve, a Reporter
City Without Men
Father Burns
Crazy House
Mogey
Hit the Ice
Train Conductor #1 (uncredited)
Mr. Lucky
Detective (uncredited)
Mission to Moscow
Reporter (uncredited)
The Amazing Mrs. Holliday
The Woman of the Town
New York Newspaper Editor
Mystery Broadcast
Chief Daniels
1942
You Can’t Escape Forever
Warden (uncredited)
Eyes of the Underworld
Kirby - Assistant Police Chief
Whistling in Dixie
Deputy Police Commissioner (uncredited)
Murder in the Big House
Ainslee
Wild Bill Hickok Rides
Ray Trent (uncredited)
Gang Busters
Police Chief Martin O'Brien
Larceny, Inc.
Warden
Girl Trouble
Kohn
Sealed Lips
Chief Charles R. Dugan
Gentleman Jim
Duffy - Referee (uncredited)
The Courtship of Andy Hardy
Peter Dugan
1941
Doctors Don’t Tell
Judge Hoskins
Nine Lives Are Not Enough
Yates
Texas
Rancher Dusty King
Love Crazy
Judge
Nevada City
Mark Benton
Here Comes Mr. Jordan
Doctor (uncredited)
Back Street
Postman
Manpower
Sweeney
Three Girls About Town
Labor leader
Washington Melodrama
Phil Sampson
Andy Hardy’s Private Secretary
Peter Dugan
The Case of the Black Parrot
Inspector Grady
Know For Sure
supporting role
Here Comes Happiness
Tom Burke
1940
Broadway Melody of 1940
Ballroom Manager (uncredited)
The Green Hornet
Judge Stanton
Santa Fe Trail
Officer at Washington Party (uncredited)
Brother Orchid
Brother MacEwen
Jack Pot
Mayor Steven Andrews (uncredited)
Gaucho Serenade
Edward Martin
Music in My Heart
Mark C. Gilman
The House Across the Bay
Federal Man
The Texas Rangers Ride Again
Johnson
The Fighting 69th
Inoculations Doctor (uncredited)
Little Nellie Kelly
Commissioner O'Brien (uncredited)
Colorado
Gen. Ulysses S. Grant
City for Conquest
Doctor
1939
Society Lawyer
City Editor
Union Pacific
Ulysses S. Grant
Private Detective
Capt. Murphy
The Roaring Twenties
Michaels
Dodge City
Hammond (uncredited)
Full Confession
Warden (uncredited)
Maisie
Defense Attorney Wilcox
You Can’t Get Away with Murder
Warden of Sing Sing
Babes in Arms
Mr. Essex
Hollywood Cavalcade
Attorney
The Return of Doctor X
Editor
Tell No Tales
Chalmers
Geronimo
President Ulysses S. Grant
Invisible Stripes
Garage Owner (uncredited)
Stanley and Livingstone
Morehead
1938
Gang Bullets
Wallace
Here’s Flash Casey
Blaine
Alexander’s Ragtime Band
Stage Manager
Four’s a Crowd
Butler Pierce
Night Spot
Inspector Wayland
Girls on Probation
Todd
Midnight Intruder
Bill Harwood - Newspaper Editor
A Criminal Is Born
Frank Wheeler
Happy Landing
Agent
Woman Against Woman
Sen. Kingsley
Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife
American Tourist (uncredited)
Billy The Kid Returns
U.S. Marshal Dave Conway
1937
There Goes My Girl
Sgt. Wood
Girls Can Play
Editor Brophy
Born Reckless
District Attorney
The Go-Getter
Karl Stone
Her Husband’s Secretary
Stevenson
Draegerman Courage
Dr. Stuart Hunter
A Day at Santa Anita
Biff, Blackburn's Trainer (uncredited)
Smart Blonde
Tiny Torgensen
Beg, Borrow or Steal
Mr. Parsons, Murillo Customer (uncredited)
Kid Galahad
Brady
Once a Doctor
Captain Andrews
God’s Country and the Woman
Jordan
The Wrong Road
District Attorney
Talent Scout
A.J. Lambert
This Is My Affair
Priest
1936
Road Gang
Harry Shields
King of Hockey
Mike Trotter
Earthworm Tractors
Mr. Henderson
Bullets or Ballots
Grand Jury Spokesman
Guns of the Pecos
Captain Norris
Anthony Adverse
Capt. Elisha Jorham
Cain and Mabel
Reed's Manager
Bengal Tiger
Bill Hinsdale
Jailbreak
Warden
The Law in Her Hands
Dist. Atty. Thomas Mallon
The Singing Kid
Agent Fulton (uncredited)
Boulder Dam
Ross
Here Comes Carter
Daniel Bronson
Down the Stretch
C.D. Burch
China Clipper
Jim Horn
Murder by an Aristocrat
Hilary Thatcher
1935
Special Agent
The Payoff
Harvey Morris
Go Into Your Dance
H.P. Jackson
Frisco Kid
McClanahan
Front Page Woman
Spike Kiley
Stranded
Johnny Quinn
The Case of the Lucky Legs
Detective Johnson
Don’t Bet on Blondes
Doctor Delivering Quintuplets (Uncredited)
Traveling Saleslady
Murdock
Let ’em Have It
Memory Test Instructor
We’re in the Money
Dinky
Orphanage Director
Oil for the Lamps of China
Clements
Black Fury
Johnny Farrell
Man of Iron
Tom Martin
While the Patient Slept
Evening Bulletin Editor (uncredited)
1934
A Lost Lady
Second Doctor (uncredited)
Now I’ll Tell
Hospital Doctor (uncredited)
Jimmy the Gent
Murder Trial Judge (uncredited)
The Case of the Howling Dog
Captain Kelly (uncredited)
The Merry Frinks
Mr. Baxter
Gentlemen Are Born
Haskins
Big Hearted Herbert
IRS Tax Investigator (uncredited)
Here Comes the Navy
Recruiting Officer (uncredited)
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