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Emile Meyer

Emile Meyer

Actor · Died March 19, 1987, aged 76 · New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Emile Meyer (August 18, 1910 – March 19, 1987) was an American actor (born in New Orleans) usually known for tough, aggressive, authoritative characters in Hollywood films from the 1950s era, mostly in westerns or thrillers. He provided such noteworthy performances as Ryker in Shane (1953), as Father Dupree in Paths of Glory (1957) and the corrupt cop in Sweet Smell of Success (1957). He appeared in an episode of the 1961 series The Asphalt Jungle. He also appeared on television, including a guest spot on John Payne's The Restless Gun and as a truculently stubborn juror opposite James Garner in the 1957 Maverick episode "Rope of Cards." His guest appearance on the "Restless Gun" episode "Man and Boy" in 1957 included filming on the Iverson Movie Ranch in Chatsworth, Calif. His final film role was in The Legend of Frank Woods (1977). Description above from the Wikipedia article Emile Meyer, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
August 18, 1910
Died
March 19, 1987 (aged 76)
From
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Works as
Actor
Titles
45 on MovieCove · 77 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 38 days to Oct 27Down 19% in 30 days

What are Emile Meyer's films like?

Across their 24 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Morality and Power.

Genres

Drama12 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 59th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Drama movies
Crime6 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 67th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Crime movies
Western4 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 55th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Western movies
Action2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 38th percentile
: browse their Action movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Morality
35%
Power
19%
Bonds
15%
Survival
13%
Self
11%
Society
8%
Justice11 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds6 titles, browse their movies with this themeCorruption4 titles, browse their movies with this themeSurvival4 titles, browse their movies with this themeRevenge3 titles, browse their movies with this themeGreed3 titles, browse their movies with this themeClass2 titles, browse their movies with this themeRedemption2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 24 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Serious: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their serious movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

A split, not a type: Light 3 · Serious 7 · Dark 14

Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

A split, not a type: Grounded 15 · Stylized 9 · Heightened 0

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 1 · Charged 13 · Intense 10

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 9 · Shifting 14 · Whiplash 1

Straight-faced: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their straight-faced movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 20 · Some laughs 4 · Funny 0

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 6 · Even-paced 17 · Relentless 1

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 12 · Engaged 12 · Full focus 0

Affecting: How much it costs you emotionally; whether you need recovery time. Browse their affecting movies.
Demand · Emotional cost
easyheavy

Easy watch 6 · Affecting 11 · Heavy 7

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 18 · Open-ended 6 · Ambiguous 0

Roles they play

9 analyzed roles

Usually the Threshold guardian: 4 of 9 analyzed roles.

Threshold guardian
4 of 9
Shadow
3 of 9
Mentor
1 of 9
Herald
1 of 9
Show the 9 roles

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
22
Melancholic
9
Dread
4
Contemplative
7
Thrilling
5
Other
13

How their films linger

Bittersweet11 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling9 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHaunting7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 5 with a twist

  • Happy6
  • Bittersweet13
  • Tragic2
  • Ambiguous3

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Emile Meyer's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 19 of their 45 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (14).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Emile Meyer's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

77 credits, 45 with a MovieCove page.

  • The Legend of Frank Woods(1977)

    as Sheriff Dooley

    Midcredits score: 2nd percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Macon County Line(1974)

    as Gurney

    Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all films

  • The Blue Knight (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    as Harry Debbs

  • The Blue Knight (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    Show 4 episodes · as Harry Debbs

  • The Outfit(1973)

    as Amos Hopper

    Midcredits score: 81st percentile of all films

  • A Time for Killing(1967)

    as Col. Harries

    Midcredits score: 24th percentile of all films

  • Hostile Guns (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    as Uncle Joe Reno

  • The F.B.I. (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Legend of Jesse James (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

    Show 1 episode · as Cap Walters

  • Young Dillinger(1965)

    as Det. Jergins

    Midcredits score: 14th percentile of all films

  • Taggart(1964)

    as Ben Blazer

    Midcredits score: 28th percentile of all films

  • Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Move Over, Darling(1963)

    as Process Server (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all films

  • 87th Precinct (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Asphalt Jungle (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Roaring 20's (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Route 66(1960)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 73rd percentile of all shows

  • The Islanders (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    Show 1 episode · as Gard

  • Outlaws (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Tall Man (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Young Jesse James (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    as Major Charlie Quantrill

  • The Girl in Lovers Lane(1960)

    as Cal Anders

    Midcredits score: 1st percentile of all films

  • Dennis the Menace(1959)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 47th percentile of all shows

  • Wichita Town (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Tightrope (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • King of the Wild Stallions(1959)

    as Matt MacGuire

    Midcredits score: 32nd percentile of all films

  • Rawhide (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

    Show 1 episode · as Raymond Curtis

  • Good Day for a Hanging(1959)

    as Marshal Hiram Cain

    Midcredits score: 52nd percentile of all films

  • Revolt in the Big House (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1958)

    as Warden

  • 77 Sunset Strip (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1958)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Bat Masterson(1958)

    Show 2 episodes · as Gen. Zachary Moran

    Midcredits score: 60th percentile of all shows

  • Lawman (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1958)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Peter Gunn(1958)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all shows

  • The Fiend Who Walked the West(1958)

    as Ames, Head Prison Guard

    Midcredits score: 53rd percentile of all films

  • The Lineup (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1958)

    as Inspector Al Quine

  • The Case Against Brooklyn(1958)

    as Police Capt. T.W. Wills

    Midcredits score: 60th percentile of all films

  • Baby Face Nelson(1957)

    as Mac – Detective

    Midcredits score: 53rd percentile of all films

  • Paths of Glory(1957)

    as Father Dupree

    Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films

  • Maverick(1957)

    Show 1 episode · as Pike

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all shows

  • Perry Mason(1957)

    Show 1 episode · as Ed Talbert · as Patrolman Joe

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all shows

  • The Thin Man (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1957)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Sweet Smell of Success(1957)

    as Lt. Harry Kello

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • The Delicate Delinquent(1957)

    as Sgt. Kelly

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films

  • Badlands of Montana (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1957)

    as Henry Harrison Hammer

  • Gun the Man Down(1956)

    as Sheriff Morton

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all films

  • Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1956)

    Show 1 episode · as Kane Eldridge

  • The Maverick Queen (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1956)

    as Leo Malone

  • Raw Edge(1956)

    as Pop Penny

    Midcredits score: 38th percentile of all films

  • The Man with the Golden Arm(1955)

    as Detective Bednar

    Midcredits score: 89th percentile of all films

  • Man with the Gun(1955)

    as Saul Atkins

    Midcredits score: 67th percentile of all films

  • The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing(1955)

    as Hunchbacher

    Midcredits score: 59th percentile of all films

  • The Tall Men(1955)

    as Chickasaw Charlie

    Midcredits score: 70th percentile of all films

  • Blackboard Jungle(1955)

    as Mr. Halloran

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all films

  • Stranger on Horseback(1955)

    as Sheriff Nat Bell

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all films

  • White Feather(1955)

    as Magruder

    Midcredits score: 63rd percentile of all films

  • The Millionaire (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1955)

    Show 1 episode · as Lt. Peyser

  • The Human Jungle (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1954)

    as Abe Rowan

  • Shield for Murder(1954)

    as Capt. Gunnarson

    Midcredits score: 74th percentile of all films

  • Silver Lode(1954)

    as Sheriff Wooley

    Midcredits score: 74th percentile of all films

  • Drums Across the River(1954)

    as Nathan Marlowe

    Midcredits score: 50th percentile of all films

  • Public Defender (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1954)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Riot in Cell Block 11(1954)

    as Warden Reynolds

    Midcredits score: 83rd percentile of all films

  • Stories of the Century (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1954)

    Show 1 episode · as Joe Burns

  • City Detective (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1953)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Shane(1953)

    as Rufus Ryker

    Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all films

  • Girls in the Night(1953)

    as Kovacs

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all films

  • Bloodhounds of Broadway(1952)

    as Skipper (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 39th percentile of all films

  • Hurricane Smith(1952)

    as Capt. Raikes

    Midcredits score: 13th percentile of all films

  • We're Not Married!(1952)

    as Beauty Contest Announcer (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 49th percentile of all films

  • The Wild North(1952)

    as Jake (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all films

  • The Big Night(1951)

    as Peckinpaugh (as Emil Meyer)

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all films

  • Cattle Queen (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1951)

    as Shotgun Thompson

  • The Sea Hornet (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1951)

    as Harrie

  • Schlitz Playhouse of Stars (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1951)

    Show 1 episode · as Earl Hollowell

  • The People Against O'Hara(1951)

    as Captain Tom Mulvaney

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all films

  • Tomorrow Is Another Day(1951)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 80th percentile of all films

  • Panic in the Streets(1950)

    as Capt. Beauclyde - Master of Nile Queen (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all films

Career shape

Star power in the 96th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 77 titles from 1950 to 1977; peak year 1974.

Biggest box office

Shane (1953)

$22K worldwide

Highest rated

Sweet Smell of Success (1957)

Midcredits 97th

Most popular right now

Shane (1953)

Film career

MilestoneBreakout
19501977

Peak 1974 · steadily prominent in film for years. Top draw in 1 MovieCove title. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting77 of 77: 77 only acting, 0 with another role · typical Midcredits score62nd

By decade

1950s55 · acting1960s17 · acting1970s5 · acting

Billing

usually 9th · top billed in 0% of 20 roles
5055

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30; the columns are the share of top-billed roles in each era, 5-year spans from the year on the label, merged until each holds at least 5 roles.

How do Emile Meyer's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 60th percentile, the median of all 39; across their 24 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 61st percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

61stpercentile
Typical film, the median of 24

Approval · how many liked their films

59thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 24

Reach · how many have seen their films

46thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 24

Midcredits score across 45 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up13
  • 50th to 74th21
  • 25th to 49th6
  • Below 25th5

Shape of the crowd

31 of their 45 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved4
  • Universally Panned1
  • Crowd Pleaser31
  • Broadly Agreed2
  • Mixed7

Most divisive · actor

The Legend of Frank Woods (1977)

72nd percentile spread · 64% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Paths of Glory (1957)

Midcredits 99th · 91% liked

Reviewers score the acting 67/100 in their films, across 23 reviewed titles; fans 74, detractors 45. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Is Emile Meyer's work okay for kids?

Across a limited sample of up to 4 MovieCove titles with content scores.

Their medianMedian of all films
Sex & Nudity4 titlesmedian 18 · mildMedian of all films: 32

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted.

Who does Emile Meyer work with?

People who share at least 2 of Emile Meyer's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Margaret Hayes shares the most, 3.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Composers and cinematographers

Producers