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John Ridgely

John Ridgely

Actor · Died January 18, 1968, aged 58 · Chicago, Illinois, USA

​From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia John Ridgely (born John Huntington Rea, September 6, 1909 – January 18, 1968) was an American film character actor with over 175 film credits. He appeared in the 1946 Humphrey Bogart film The Big Sleep as blackmailing gangster Eddie Mars and had a memorable role as a suffering heart patient in the film noir Nora Prentiss (1947). He appeared in a large number of other Warner Bros. films in the 1930s and 1940s. 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 in 1968.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
September 6, 1909
Died
January 18, 1968 (aged 58)
From
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Works as
Actor
Titles
66 on MovieCove · 145 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 39 days to Oct 28Down 42% in 30 days

What are John Ridgely's films like?

Across their 27 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Bonds and Morality.

Genres

Drama8 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 60th percentile
: browse their Drama movies
Comedy7 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 54th percentile
: browse their Comedy movies
Crime5 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 78th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Crime movies
Action3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 66th percentile
: browse their Action movies
Adventure2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 74th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Adventure 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
Bonds
35%
Morality
27%
Self
17%
Survival
9%
Power
8%
Society
2%
Ideas
2%
Romantic love9 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds8 titles, browse their movies with this themeJustice4 titles, browse their movies with this themeLoyalty5 titles, browse their movies with this themeDuty4 titles, browse their movies with this themePurpose3 titles, browse their movies with this themeIdentity4 titles, browse their movies with this themeDeception4 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 27 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

A split, not a type: Grounded 14 · Stylized 11 · Heightened 2

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

Gentle 5 · Charged 14 · Intense 8

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

Steady 17 · Shifting 9 · Whiplash 1

Some laughs: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their some laughs movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

A split, not a type: Straight-faced 12 · Some laughs 11 · Funny 4

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

Slow burn 8 · Even-paced 17 · Relentless 2

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

Casual 16 · Engaged 10 · Full focus 1

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

A split, not a type: Easy watch 12 · Affecting 11 · Heavy 4

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

Resolved 22 · Open-ended 4 · Ambiguous 1

Roles they play

4 analyzed roles

Usually the Shadow: 2 of 4 analyzed roles.

Shadow
2 of 4
Hero
1 of 4
Ally
1 of 4

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
16
Warm
11
Thrilling
6
Romantic
8
Melancholic
9
Other
22

How their films linger

Feel-good9 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful11 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet8 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteRousing7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHaunting3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 1 with a twist

  • Happy13
  • Bittersweet12
  • Ambiguous1
  • Other1

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 John Ridgely's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 17 of their 66 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (10).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for John Ridgely'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

145 credits, 66 with a MovieCove page; 1 appearance as themselves is hidden until asked for.

  • Off Limits (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1952)

    as Lt. Cmdr. Parnell

  • The Greatest Show on Earth(1952)

    as Assistant Manager

    Midcredits score: 60th percentile of all films

  • Fort Osage (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1952)

    as Henry Travers

  • Room for One More(1952)

    as Harry Foreman

    Midcredits score: 85th percentile of all films

  • The Congregation (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1952)

    Actor

  • The Blue Veil (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1951)

    as Doctor (Uncredited)

  • As You Were (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1951)

    as Captain

  • A Place in the Sun(1951)

    as Coroner

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all films

  • When the Redskins Rode (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1951)

    as Christopher Gist

  • Half Angel(1951)

    as Tim McCarey

    Midcredits score: 36th percentile of all films

  • Thunder in God's Country (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1951)

    as Bill Stafford

  • The Last Outpost(1951)

    as Sam McQuade

    Midcredits score: 37th percentile of all films

  • Pal's Gallant Journey (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1951)

    as Gary's father

  • Al Jennings of Oklahoma(1951)

    as Railroad Detective Dan Hanes

    Midcredits score: 42nd percentile of all films

  • Saddle Tramp(1950)

    as Slim

    Midcredits score: 73rd percentile of all films

  • Pal, Canine Detective (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1950)

    as Gary's Father

  • Rookie Fireman (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1950)

    as Harry Williams

  • South Sea Sinner (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1950)

    as Don Williams

  • The Petty Girl (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1950)

    as Patrolman

  • Edge of Doom(1950)

    as Detective #1

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all films

  • The Lost Volcano (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1950)

    as Fred Barton

  • Beauty on Parade (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1950)

    as Jeffrey Woodstock

  • Backfire(1950)

    as Plainclothesman (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all films

  • Border Incident(1949)

    as Mr. Neley

    Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all films

  • Once More, My Darling(1949)

    as Burke

    Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all films

  • Task Force(1949)

    as Dixie Rankin

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all films

  • Tucson (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1949)

    as Ben

  • Command Decision(1948)

    as James Carwood

    Midcredits score: 85th percentile of all films

  • Trouble Makers (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1948)

    as 'Silky' Thomas

  • Luxury Liner (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1948)

    as Chief Officer Carver

  • Sealed Verdict (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1948)

    as Lance Nissen

  • Night Wind (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1948)

    as Walters

  • The Iron Curtain (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1948)

    Actor

  • High Wall (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1947)

    as Assistant District Attorney David Wallace (as John Ridgeley)

  • Cry Wolf(1947)

    as Jackson Laidell

    Midcredits score: 63rd percentile of all films

  • That's My Man(1947)

    as Ramsey

    Midcredits score: 47th percentile of all films

  • Possessed(1947)

    as Harker

    Midcredits score: 83rd percentile of all films

  • Nora Prentiss(1947)

    as Walter Bailey

    Midcredits score: 81st percentile of all films

  • That Way with Women (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1947)

    as Sam

  • The Man I Love(1946)

    as Roy Otis

    Midcredits score: 68th percentile of all films

  • The Big Sleep(1946)

    as Eddie Mars

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • Two Guys from Milwaukee(1946)

    as Mike Collins

    Midcredits score: 54th percentile of all films

  • My Reputation(1946)

    as Cary Abbott

    Midcredits score: 81st percentile of all films

  • Danger Signal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1945)

    as Thomas Turner

  • Pride of the Marines (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1945)

    as Jim Merchant

  • God Is My Co-Pilot(1945)

    as David 'Tex' Hill

    Midcredits score: 66th percentile of all films

  • The Doughgirls (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1944)

    as Julian Cadman

  • Arsenic and Old Lace(1944)

    as Officer Saunders

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • Destination Tokyo(1943)

    as Reserve Officer Raymond

    Midcredits score: 83rd percentile of all films

  • Northern Pursuit(1943)

    as Jim Austen

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all films

  • Proceed and Report (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1943)

    as Murphy's pal

  • Mountain Fighters (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1943)

    as Lt. Evers

  • Air Force(1943)

    as Pilot

    Midcredits score: 81st percentile of all films

  • Secret Enemies (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1942)

    as John Trent

  • Wings for the Eagle (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1942)

    as Alec Johnson

  • The Big Shot (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1942)

    as Tim

  • Bullet Scars (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1942)

    as Hank O'Connor

  • Dangerously They Live (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1941)

    as John, Nazi Henchman

  • The Man Who Came to Dinner(1941)

    as Radio Man

    Midcredits score: 89th percentile of all films

  • Steel Against the Sky(1941)

    as Joe (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 30th percentile of all films

  • They Died with Their Boots On(1941)

    as 2nd Lt. Davis (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all films

  • At the Stroke of Twelve (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1941)

    as Reporter

  • Nine Lives Are Not Enough (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1941)

    as Garage Mechanic (uncredited)

  • Navy Blues (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1941)

    as 'Jersey'

  • Highway West (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1941)

    as Alex, Armored Car Guard

  • Million Dollar Baby (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1941)

    as Ollie Ward

  • The Wagons Roll at Night(1941)

    as Arch

    Midcredits score: 51st percentile of all films

  • Strange Alibi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1941)

    as Tex Alexander (prisoner)

  • Knockout (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1941)

    as Pat Martin

  • Here Comes Happiness (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1941)

    as Jim

  • The Great Mr. Nobody(1941)

    as Eddie Williams

    Midcredits score: 29th percentile of all films

  • Skinnay Ennis and His Orchestra (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1941)

    as Assistant (uncredited)

  • March On, Marines (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1940)

    as Hap

  • Lady with Red Hair(1940)

    as Actor Playing Paul (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 51st percentile of all films

  • The Letter(1940)

    as Driver (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all films

  • Father Is a Prince(1940)

    as Salesman

    Midcredits score: 46th percentile of all films

  • No Time for Comedy(1940)

    as Cashier (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 52nd percentile of all films

  • Service with the Colors (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1940)

    as Army Lieutenant (uncredited)

  • Money and the Woman(1940)

    as Doctor (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 33rd percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • River's End (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1940)

    as Jeffers

  • They Drive by Night(1940)

    as Hank Dawson (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all films

  • The Man Who Talked Too Much (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1940)

    as Brooks

  • Brother Orchid(1940)

    as Texas Pearson

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all films

  • Flight Angels(1940)

    as Lt. Parsons

    Midcredits score: 17th percentile of all films

  • Torrid Zone(1940)

    as Gardner

    Midcredits score: 72nd percentile of all films

  • Saturday's Children (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1940)

    as Mr. MacReady (voice) (uncredited)

  • 'Til We Meet Again(1940)

    as Junior Officer (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 70th percentile of all films

  • Alice in Movieland (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1940)

    as Bill (uncredited)

  • Teddy the Rough Rider (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1940)

    as Reporter

  • Castle on the Hudson(1940)

    as Intake Guard (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 72nd percentile of all films

  • The Fighting 69th(1940)

    as Moran (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 66th percentile of all films

  • Spills for Thrills (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1940)

    as Movie Director (uncredited)

  • Invisible Stripes(1939)

    as Employment Clerk (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 70th percentile of all films

  • Private Detective (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1939)

    as Donald Norton

  • A Child Is Born(1939)

    as Intern Going to See Operation (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 52nd percentile of all films

  • The Return of Doctor X(1939)

    as Rodgers

    Midcredits score: 28th percentile of all films

  • On Dress Parade (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1939)

    as Fort Lewis Firing Range Sergeant (uncredited)

  • Kid Nightingale (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1939)

    as Whitey

  • The Roaring Twenties(1939)

    as Cabbie at Grand Central (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • Smashing the Money Ring(1939)

    as Policeman (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 29th percentile of all films

  • Slapsie Maxie's (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1939)

    as Reporter (uncredited)

  • Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1939)

    as Reporter

  • Angels Wash Their Faces(1939)

    as Reporter at Pillory (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 46th percentile of all films

  • Everybody's Hobby (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1939)

    as Ranger Mike Morgan

  • Each Dawn I Die(1939)

    as Reporter (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all films

  • The Bill of Rights (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1939)

    as Massachusetts Congressman

  • Torchy Blane.. Playing with Dynamite(1939)

    as Reporter at Match

    Midcredits score: 42nd percentile of all films

  • Indianapolis Speedway (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1939)

    as Ted Horn

  • The Cowboy Quarterback (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1939)

    as Mr. Walters

  • Quiet, Please (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1939)

    as Sears' Assistant (uncredited)

  • Naughty But Nice(1939)

    as Harry, Hudson's Assistant (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 41st percentile of all films

  • Torchy Runs for Mayor (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1939)

    as Photographer in Mayor's Office (uncredited)

  • Confessions of a Nazi Spy(1939)

    as Army Hospital Clerk (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 67th percentile of all films

  • Dark Victory(1939)

    as Man Making Crack About Judith (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films

  • Women in the Wind(1939)

    as Salesman (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 44th percentile of all films

  • On Trial (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1939)

    as Radio Announcer (uncredited)

  • You Can't Get Away with Murder(1939)

    as Gas Station Proprietor

    Midcredits score: 52nd percentile of all films

  • The Adventures of Jane Arden (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1939)

    as Reporter

  • Secret Service of the Air(1939)

    as Joe LeRoy

    Midcredits score: 30th percentile of all films

  • Nancy Drew... Reporter(1939)

    as Beldenburg Hotel Desk Clerk (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 60th percentile of all films

  • Wings of the Navy(1939)

    as Dan Morrison

    Midcredits score: 40th percentile of all films

  • Torchy Blane in Chinatown (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1939)

    as Officer (uncredited)

  • They Made Me a Criminal(1938)

    as Charles 'Charlie' Magee (Reporter)

    Midcredits score: 70th percentile of all films

  • King of the Underworld(1939)

    as Jerry

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all films

  • Going Places (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1938)

    as Desk Clerk

  • Nancy Drew… Detective (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1938)

    as Radio Station Technician (uncredited)

  • Torchy Gets Her Man(1938)

    as Henchman Bugs

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films

  • Hard to Get (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1938)

    as Burke

  • Garden of the Moon(1938)

    as Sound Control Engineer (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 38th percentile of all films

  • Boy Meets Girl (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1938)

    as Simmons - Friday's Film Cutter

  • Racket Busters(1938)

    as Yellow Stripe Truck Driver (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 37th percentile of all films

  • Cowboy from Brooklyn (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1938)

    as Beacon Reporter

  • My Bill (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1938)

    as Mr. Martin, Florist

  • White Banners (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1938)

    as Charles Ellis

  • Little Miss Thoroughbred (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1938)

    as Jim (aka Slug)

  • Western Trails (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1938)

    as Ben McClure

  • Torchy Blane in Panama(1938)

    as Sparks (as John Ridgeley)

    Midcredits score: 33rd percentile of all films

  • He Couldn't Say No (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1938)

    as Man-On-The-Street Reporter

  • Forbidden Valley (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1938)

    as Duke Lafferty

  • Blondes at Work (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1938)

    as Regan

  • The Patient in Room 18 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1938)

    as Jim Warren

  • The Spy Ring (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1938)

    as Spy Ring Member (uncredited)

  • Missing Witnesses (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1937)

    as Train Ticket Clerk (uncredited)

  • The Man Without a Country (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1937)

    as Ship's Officer (uncredited)

  • Streamline Express(1935)

    as Train Steward (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 14th 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 145 titles from 1935 to 1952.

Biggest box office

The Big Sleep (1946)

$54K worldwide

Highest rated

The Big Sleep (1946)

Midcredits 97th

Film career

MilestoneBreakout

Top draw in 4 MovieCove titles.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting145 of 145: 145 only acting, 0 with another role · typical Midcredits score61st

By decade

1930s53 · acting1940s69 · acting1950s23 · acting

Billing

usually 12th · top billed in 4% of 24 roles
394449

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 John Ridgely's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 61st percentile, the median of all 66; across their 27 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 27

Approval · how many liked their films

59thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 27

Reach · how many have seen their films

41stpercentile
Typical film, the median of 27

Midcredits score across 66 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up19
  • 50th to 74th26
  • 25th to 49th19
  • Below 25th2

Shape of the crowd

None of their 66 titles divides audiences: 36 are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved7
  • Crowd Pleaser36
  • Broadly Agreed13
  • Mixed10

Most loved · actor

The Big Sleep (1946)

Midcredits 97th · 86% liked

Reviewers score the acting 69/100 in their films, across 27 reviewed titles; fans 77, detractors 48. 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.

Who does John Ridgely work with?

People who share at least 2 of John Ridgely's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Jack L. Warner shares the most, 12.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Composers and cinematographers

Producers