FORGOTTEN FILMS: TV TRANSITION

Though typically overshadowed by Hollywood's A-list, there were respectable performances by numerous actors and actresses who never became major film stars. A common career shift was to the new medium of television. These periodic posts offer insight into their transition.

Harry Lauter: Herman Arthur Lauter (1914-1990)

Character actor Harry Lauter seemed destined for television. His many uncredited film roles began a career in which he was better known as “what’s his name” or “that guy.” Though the western villain made up a big chunk of his career, he had bit parts in modern settings like White Heat (1949) or a radio officer in Twelve O’Clock High (1949). He received billing for a small role in Experiment Alcatraz (1950), as a wheelchair-bound veteran. Lauter had uncredited roles in the film noir Roadblock (1951) and as a platoon leader in The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951). He was also uncredited in two notable crime films, Crime Wave (1953) and The Big Heat (1953). His network appearances on the small screen eased him away from the uncredited roles. But never entirely.

Lauter kept busy with several appearances on The Lone Ranger (1949), The Range Rider (1951) and The Adventures of Kit Carson (1951). Lauter guest-starred in one of the twenty-six episodes of Biff Baker, U.S.A. (1952). He played Atlasander on eleven episodes of the serial, Rocky Jones, Space Ranger (1954). He neared stardom in Tales of the Texas Rangers (1955) playing Ranger Clay Morgan for three seasons. Part of the popularity was its twist on the typical western. Each week Willard Parker, as Ranger Jace Pearson, and Lauter played Rangers from different points in history.

Lauter certainly hit his stride on many popular shows during the Fifties. When he was not riding horseback, one might find him in such comedies as The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet or My Favorite Martian. Strictly as a straight man of course. As the Sixties came to a close, Lauter made several appearances on Gunsmoke and Death Valley Days during the western’s waning years. The Seventies cast him often as a sheriff or detective. However, small the role he was a dependable actor.

Note: Before retiring in 1979, there was the occasional bit part in a few forgettable films but television is where he made a name for himself as Harry...somebody or other. He devoted much of his energy late in life to his own painting and running an art gallery.