Richard Arlen
back| Full Name | Sylvanus Richard Mattimore |
| Stage Name | Richard Arlen |
| Born | September 1, 1899 |
| Birthplace | St. Paul, Minnesota, USA |
| Died | March 28, 1976 |
| Buried | Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California |
| Married to | Ruth Austin (m. 1920; div. 1923) - Jobyna Ralston (m. 1927; div. 1945) - Margaret Kinsella (m. 1946) |
| Children | One son, Richard Arlen Jr. (born May 17, 1933) |
| Notable films | Wings (1927) - Beggars of Life (1928) - The Four Feathers (1929) |
Richard Arlen
Hollywood’s Quiet Hero
Richard Arlen (1899–1976) was an American actor best known for his role in Wings (1927), the first film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Born Sylvanus Richard Mattimore in St. Paul, Minnesota, he served in the Royal Flying Corps during World War I before finding his way into Hollywood.
His rugged, understated acting style made him a staple of silent films and early talkies, particularly in aviation and Western genres. He starred in Island of Lost Souls (1932), The Virginian (1929), and numerous adventure films. Arlen worked steadily into the 1960s, later receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Known for his quiet strength on screen, he remained a respected figure in Hollywood. He passed away from emphysema in 1976 and is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery. His legacy endures as one of early cinema’s most dependable leading men.
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Richard Arlen (1899 - 1976)
Biography and Movie Career
Richard Arlen, born Sylvanus Richard Mattimore on September 1, 1899, in St. Paul, Minnesota, came into the world at the turn of the century—a time of rapid industrial growth and shifting social landscapes. Raised in a working-class Irish Catholic family, Arlen spent his formative years in Minnesota before moving to Pennsylvania. He later attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he briefly pursued higher education before seeking a more adventurous path.
From a young age, Arlen exhibited a deep fascination with aviation, a passion that would later define both his personal life and acting career. With the outbreak of World War I, he sought adventure by joining the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) as a pilot. Though he never saw combat, his experience in the air would later lend authenticity to his most famous film roles.
The Accidental Road to Hollywood
After the war, Arlen found himself drifting between jobs. He worked as a motorcycle messenger in Los Angeles, which unexpectedly led him to the world of film. One day, he had an accident while making a delivery to a Paramount Pictures studio lot. When he returned to the studio to resolve the matter, he caught the attention of casting directors, who saw potential in his rugged good looks and self-assured demeanor. This serendipitous moment marked the beginning of his Hollywood career.
Arlen started out as an extra in silent films, slowly working his way up. His chiseled features and quiet intensity helped him secure more prominent roles, leading to a breakthrough that would etch his name into Hollywood history.
Rise to Stardom: “Wings” and Beyond
The defining moment of Richard Arlen’s career came in 1927, when he was cast in "Wings", the first film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Directed by William A. Wellman, the war epic followed two American pilots during World War I and featured groundbreaking aerial combat sequences. Given his real-life aviation experience, Arlen brought authenticity to the role, making the daring flights and dogfights appear all the more realistic.
"Wings" catapulted Arlen to stardom, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after leading men of the late silent era. His transition into talkies was smooth, as his deep, resonant voice complemented his screen presence. He continued to work steadily throughout the 1930s and 1940s in a variety of films, including:
• "Beggars of Life" (1928) – A gritty silent drama starring Louise Brooks
• "Thunderbolt" (1929) – His first major talking picture
• "The Four Feathers" (1929) – A British colonial war adventure
• "Island of Lost Souls" (1932) – A horror classic based on The Island of Dr. Moreau
• "The Virginian" (1946) – A Western where he played alongside Joel McCrea
Personal Life and Marriages
Richard Arlen’s off-screen life was as eventful as his on-screen performances. He was married three times, with each marriage reflecting a different stage of his life.
• Ruth Austin (1920–1923) – His first marriage was relatively short-lived and took place before he became famous.
• Jobyna Ralston (1927–1945) – His second and most famous marriage was to silent film actress Jobyna Ralston, with whom he shared both a professional and personal life. The couple had a son, Richard Arlen Jr., born in 1933. However, as the pressures of Hollywood mounted, their marriage ended in divorce.
• Margaret Kinsella (1946–his death in 1976) – His third wife, Margaret, remained with him for the rest of his life, providing stability in his later years.
Despite his stardom, Arlen was known to be a humble and down-to-earth man. He had a passion for aviation and continued flying recreationally throughout his life. He was also active in Hollywood social circles, forming friendships with actors like Gary Cooper and Buddy Rogers.
Later Years and Decline in Hollywood
As Hollywood evolved, Arlen’s career began to slow in the late 1940s and 1950s. While he continued to act, his leading man status gradually faded, and he took on character roles in B-movies and Western films. Unlike some of his contemporaries, he never fully retired from acting, embracing roles in television and smaller productions well into the 1960s.
Despite stepping away from the limelight, Arlen remained respected in Hollywood, often making appearances at industry events and retrospectives about early Hollywood cinema.
Final Years and Death
In the early 1970s, Arlen’s health began to decline. Years of smoking contributed to a battle with emphysema, a chronic lung disease that severely impacted his ability to breathe. On March 28, 1976, Richard Arlen passed away in North Hollywood, California, at the age of 76. His death marked the end of an era—one of the last surviving stars from the silent film age.
He was laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California, where many other Hollywood legends are buried.
Legacy
Richard Arlen may not be as widely remembered as some of his contemporaries, but his role in "Wings" and his contributions to early Hollywood remain significant. His career spanned more than five decades, proving his adaptability and dedication to the craft. Beyond film, his love of aviation and modest approach to fame set him apart from many actors of his time.
To this day, film historians and aviation enthusiasts alike continue to celebrate his work, ensuring that the legacy of this silent-era hero and Hollywood aviator lives on.
Richard Arlen’s Height
Richard Arlen stood at a height of 5 feet 11½ inches (1.82 meters).
Short Video Documentary on Richard Arlen
Richard Arlen’s Acting Style: The Quiet Strength of a Hollywood Everyman
Richard Arlen was not a flamboyant performer, nor did he rely on grand theatrical gestures to captivate audiences. Instead, his acting style was marked by understated intensity, rugged masculinity, and quiet confidence. He exuded a natural screen presence that allowed him to slip into roles effortlessly, whether he was playing a daring pilot, a cowboy with a moral code, or a hardened war veteran.
The Transition from Silent Films to Talkies
Arlen’s career began in the silent era, where actors had to convey emotion without dialogue. Unlike some of his contemporaries, who relied on exaggerated expressions and melodramatic gestures, Arlen mastered a more reserved, naturalistic approach. His expressive eyes and firm jawline often spoke more than words could, making him a compelling presence on screen.
When sound was introduced to film, many silent stars struggled to adapt. However, Arlen's deep, steady voice and controlled delivery made the transition seamless. His measured speech and deliberate pacing suited the strong-but-silent archetype, helping him maintain his status in Hollywood.
Masculine but Approachable
Unlike the ultra-charismatic stars of his time, such as Clark Gable or Errol Flynn, Arlen projected a more relatable, working-class charm. He often played ordinary men thrust into extraordinary circumstances—a young pilot in Wings, a drifter in Beggars of Life, or a rugged frontier figure in countless Westerns. His characters were rarely larger-than-life; they were grounded, realistic figures whose heroism felt authentic rather than theatrical.
• His stoic demeanor made him believable as a war hero or lawman.
• He excelled in action roles, portraying men who let their actions speak louder than words.
• He carried a strong sense of moral integrity, often playing men who had to navigate ethical dilemmas.
Strength in Subtlety
Arlen was never a scenery-chewer. Instead of dominating a scene with over-the-top performances, he played off his co-stars, reacting rather than overpowering. This made him particularly effective in ensemble films, where he could support and elevate the performances of those around him.
One of his greatest strengths was his ability to show vulnerability beneath a tough exterior. In Island of Lost Souls, for example, his character starts as a traditional leading man but gradually reveals fear and unease as he realizes the horrors around him. This ability to transition from strength to fear, without losing his character’s core essence, set him apart from many one-note actors of the time.
Consistency and Durability
Arlen’s acting style remained remarkably consistent throughout his career. While he never became a superstar, his dependability kept him working steadily for over five decades. His presence in the industry was akin to that of a reliable character actor—never the flashiest, but always believable, always professional.
• He didn’t need grandstanding monologues to make an impression.
• His restrained performances fit war films, Westerns, and adventure films perfectly.
• He was rarely cast as a villain—his natural honest, rugged demeanor made him best suited for protagonists.
Final Thoughts: The Actor Who Let His Roles Speak for Themselves
Richard Arlen was a master of authenticity. His performances felt lived-in, believable, and quietly compelling. While he may not have reached the legendary heights of some of his contemporaries, he carved out a career as a dependable, versatile leading man whose work remains an important part of Hollywood’s golden era.
In an industry filled with grand personalities and larger-than-life stars, Arlen’s power lay in his subtlety, strength, and steadfast presence—a reminder that sometimes, the most enduring performances are the ones that feel the most real.
Awards and Recognition
• Photoplay Awards: In the early 1930s, Arlen received two Photoplay Awards, which were among the first significant annual movie awards in the United States.
• Hollywood Walk of Fame: In 1960, Arlen was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 6755 Hollywood Boulevard, commemorating his impact on motion pictures.
Notable Film Lines
• "Even them people in feather beds ain't satisfied—we're all beggars of life."
— Beggars of Life (1928)
• "Not to eat meat. That is the Law. Are we not men?"
— Island of Lost Souls (1932)
Richard Arlen Movies
• 1921:
o Ladies Must Live – Arlen's uncredited role in this silent drama marked one of his earliest appearances on screen.
• 1922:
o The Green Temptation – A silent crime drama where Arlen had an uncredited role.
o The Ghost Breaker – A comedy-thriller involving ghosts and hidden treasures; Arlen appeared uncredited.
• 1923:
o Quicksands – A silent film where Arlen's role remains uncredited.
o Vengeance of the Deep – Arlen played Jean in this lost silent film.
o Hollywood – A comedy featuring Arlen as himself in an uncredited role.
• 1924:
o The Fighting Coward – A silent comedy-drama with Arlen in a minor uncredited role.
• 1925:
o Sally – A musical comedy where Arlen appeared uncredited.
o In the Name of Love – Arlen portrayed Dumas Dufrayne in this silent romance.
o The Coast of Folly – He played a bather in this lost silent drama.
• 1926:
o The Enchanted Hill – Arlen starred as Link Halliwell in this Western.
o Behind the Front – A war comedy where Arlen played Percy Brown.
o Padlocked – He portrayed 'Tubby' Clark in this drama.
o You'd Be Surprised – Arlen appeared as a photographer in this mystery-comedy.
o Old Ironsides – A historical adventure film with Arlen in an uncredited role as a seaman.
• 1927:
o Wings – Arlen starred as David Armstrong in this World War I epic, which won the first Academy Award for Best Picture.
o Rolled Stockings – He played Ralph Treadway in this college-themed comedy.
o The Blood Ship – Arlen portrayed John Shreve in this maritime adventure.
o Sally in Our Alley – A lost film where Arlen played Jimmie Adams.
o Figures Don't Lie – He starred as Bob Blewe in this comedy.
o She's a Sheik – Arlen played Capt. Colton in this romantic adventure.
• 1928:
o Under the Tonto Rim – Arlen starred as Edd Denmeade in this Western.
o Feel My Pulse – A comedy where he played a character known as Her Problem.
o Ladies of the Mob – Arlen portrayed 'Red' in this crime drama.
o Beggars of Life – He starred as Jim, a drifter, in this drama alongside Louise Brooks.
o Manhattan Cocktail – Arlen played Fred Tilden in this lost film.
• 1929:
o The Man I Love – Arlen starred as Dum-Dum Brooks in this drama.
o The Four Feathers – He portrayed Lt. Harry Faversham in this adventure film.
o Thunderbolt – Arlen played Bob Moran in this crime drama.
o Dangerous Curves – He starred as Larry Lee in this romantic drama.
o The Virginian – Arlen portrayed Steve in this Western classic.
• 1930:
o Burning Up – Arlen played Lou Larrigan in this racing drama.
o The Border Legion – He starred as Jim Cleve in this Western.
o Dangerous Paradise – Arlen portrayed Dick Bailey in this adventure film.
o The Light of Western Stars – He played Jim Cleve in this Western romance.
o Paramount on Parade – A musical revue where Arlen appeared as a hunter in the 'Dream Girl' segment.
o The Sea God – He starred as Phillip 'Pink' Barker in this adventure film.
o The Santa Fe Trail – Arlen played Stan Hollister in this Western.
o Only Saps Work – A comedy where he portrayed Lawrence Payne.
• 1931:
o The Conquering Horde – Arlen starred as Dan McMasters in this Western.
o Gun Smoke – He played Brad Farley in this Western drama.
o The Lawyer's Secret – Arlen portrayed Joe Hart in this mystery film.
o The Secret Call – He starred as Tom Blake in this drama.
o Caught – Arlen played Lt. Tom Colton in this romantic drama.
o Touchdown – He portrayed Dan Curtis in this football-themed drama.
1932:
• Sky Bride – Arlen portrayed Bert "Speed" Condon in this drama about daredevil parachutists.
• Guilty as Hell – He played Frank C. Marsh in this crime mystery where two detectives solve a murder case.
• Tiger Shark – Arlen starred as Pipes Boley in this Howard Hawks-directed drama about a tuna fisherman and his romantic entanglements.
• The All-American – He portrayed Gary King in this sports drama focusing on college football.
• Island of Lost Souls – Arlen played Edward Parker in this horror film based on H.G. Wells' The Island of Dr. Moreau.
1933:
• Song of the Eagle – Arlen starred as Bill Hoffman in this drama about a brewing family's struggles during Prohibition.
• College Humor – He played Mondrake in this musical comedy set in a college.
• Three-Cornered Moon – Arlen portrayed Dr. Alan Stevens in this comedy about an eccentric family's financial woes.
• Hell and High Water – He starred as Captain J.J. Jericho in this adventure film about a sea captain facing mutiny.
• Alice in Wonderland – Arlen appeared as the Cheshire Cat in this adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic tale.
1934:
• Come On, Marines! – Arlen played Lucky Davis in this action film about Marines on a rescue mission.
• She Made Her Bed – He starred as Wild Bill Smith in this drama about a woman entangled with a carnival worker.
• Ready for Love – Arlen portrayed Julian Barrow in this romantic comedy about a writer and a runaway heiress.
1935:
• Helldorado – He played Art Ryan in this Western about a cowboy seeking vengeance.
• Let 'em Have It – Arlen starred as Mal Stevens in this crime drama about federal agents combating gangsters.
• The Calling of Dan Matthews – He portrayed Dan Matthews in this drama about a minister confronting corruption.
1936:
• Three Live Ghosts – Arlen played William "Bill" Jones in this comedy about three soldiers presumed dead returning home.
• Secret Valley – He starred as Bob Harvey in this Western involving a cattle rancher and land disputes.
1937:
• Secret Valley – Arlen portrayed Bob Harvey in this Western about a rancher protecting his land from outlaws.
• The Great Barrier – He played Hickey in this historical drama about the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
• Artists and Models – Arlen starred as Alan Townsend in this musical comedy about a struggling artist.
• Murder in Greenwich Village – He portrayed Steve Havens Jackson Jr. in this mystery involving a playboy and a murder case.
1938:
• No Time to Marry – Arlen played Perry Brown in this comedy about a reporter and his romantic escapades.
• Call of the Yukon – He starred as Gaston Rogers in this adventure film set in the Alaskan wilderness.
• Straight, Place and Show – Arlen portrayed Denny Paine in this comedy about three jockeys involved in horse racing.
1939:
• Missing Daughters – He played Wally King in this crime drama about missing young women.
• Mutiny on the Blackhawk – Arlen starred as Captain Robert Lawrence in this adventure film about a ship's crew uprising.
• Tropic Fury – He portrayed Dan Burton in this action film set in the tropics involving crime and romance.
• Legion of Lost Flyers – Arlen played Gene "Loop" Gillan in this aviation drama about pilots facing challenges.
• The Man from Montreal – He starred as Clark Manning in this Western about a man seeking justice.
1940:
• Danger on Wheels – Arlen portrayed Larry Taylor in this action film about race car drivers.
• Hot Steel – He starred as Frank Stewart in this drama centered around the steel industry.
• Black Diamonds – Arlen played Walter Norton in this drama about coal miners.
• The Leather Pushers – He portrayed Dick Roberts in this sports drama about a boxer.
• The Devil's Pipeline – Arlen starred as Dick Talbot in this adventure film about oil pipeline workers.
1941:
• A Dangerous Game – He played Dick Williams in this mystery involving a detective and a series of crimes.
• Mutiny in the Arctic – Arlen starred as Dick Barclay in this adventure film about an Arctic expedition facing challenges.
• Power Dive – He portrayed Brad Farrell in this aviation drama about test pilots.
• Men of the Timberland – Arlen played Dick O'Hara in this drama about lumberjacks and their challenges.
• Flying Blind – He starred as Jim Clark in this action film about pilots facing dangers in the air.
• Raiders of the Desert – Arlen portrayed Dick Manning in this adventure film set in the desert involving treasure hunts.
1942:
• Wildcat – Arlen portrayed Johnny Maverick in this adventure film about oil wildcatters facing challenges and rivalries.
• Submarine Alert – He played John Lewis, a radio engineer who uncovers a Japanese spy ring during World War II.
• Wrecking Crew – Arlen starred as Matt Carney, a demolition expert dealing with sabotage and intrigue during the war.
1943:
• Aerial Gunner – He portrayed Sgt. Jon Davis, focusing on the rivalry and camaraderie between two aerial gunners during World War II.
• Minesweeper – Arlen played Lt. Richard Houston, a former naval officer who returns to service to clear mines during the war.
• Alaska Highway – He starred as Woody Ormsby, depicting the construction of the Alaska Highway amidst personal dramas.
1944:
• The Lady and the Monster – Arlen portrayed Dr. Patrick Cory in this science fiction horror film about a scientist experimenting with a dead man's brain.
• Timber Queen – He played Russ Evans, focusing on the logging industry and a woman's struggle to keep her business afloat.
• Storm Over Lisbon – Arlen starred as John Craig in this spy thriller set in neutral Portugal during World War II.
1945:
• The Phantom Speaks – He portrayed Matt Fraser, a reporter entangled in a murder mystery involving a deceased criminal's spirit.
1946:
• Accomplice – Arlen played Simon Lash, a private detective drawn into a complex case of murder and deception.
1947:
• Buffalo Bill Rides Again – He starred as Buffalo Bill Cody in this Western depicting the legendary figure's adventures.
1948:
• Speed to Spare – Arlen portrayed Cliff Jordan, focusing on the dangerous world of truck racing and personal redemption.
• The Return of Wildfire – He played Dobe Williams in this Western about horse ranchers dealing with rustlers.
• When My Baby Smiles at Me – Arlen had a supporting role as Harvey in this musical about a vaudeville couple's tumultuous relationship.
1949:
• Grand Canyon – He starred as Mike Adams in this Western adventure involving a cowboy's quest for justice.
1950:
• Kansas Raiders – Arlen appeared as a Union captain in this Western about Jesse James and his gang during the Civil War.
1951:
• Silver City – He played Charles Storrs in this Western involving mining disputes and romantic entanglements.
1952:
• Flaming Feather – Arlen portrayed Showdown Calhoun in this Western about a mysterious outlaw terrorizing settlers.
• Hurricane Smith – He starred as Brundage in this adventure film about a man searching for his missing brother in the South Seas.
• The Blazing Forest – Arlen played Joe Morgan in this drama centered around the perilous life of lumberjacks.
1953:
• Sabre Jet – He portrayed Gen. Robert E. Hale in this Korean War film focusing on jet pilots and their personal lives.
1954:
• Devil's Point – Arlen starred as John "Captain" Martin in this adventure film about treasure hunters facing danger on a tropical island.
1955:
• Stolen Time – He played Tony Pelassier in this crime drama about a man wrongfully accused of murder seeking to clear his name.
1956:
• Hidden Guns – Arlen portrayed Sheriff Ward Young in this Western about a lawman confronting a corrupt land baron.
• The Mountain – He appeared as C.W. Rivial in this drama about two brothers on a perilous journey to a plane crash site in the Alps.
1959:
• Warlock – Arlen played Bacon in this Western about a town hiring a renowned gunfighter to establish law and order.
1960:
• Raymie – He starred as Garber in this family film about a young boy's adventures at sea.
1961:
• The Last Time I Saw Archie – Arlen portrayed Col. Frank Martindale in this comedy set during World War II.
1963:
• The Young and the Brave – He played Col. Ralph Holbein in this war film about American soldiers escaping from a Korean POW camp.
• The Crawling Hand – Arlen starred as Steve Curan in this science fiction horror film about an astronaut's possessed hand terrorizing a community.
1964:
• Law of the Lawless – He appeared as a bartender in this Western about a judge facing opposition in a lawless town.
• The Best Man – Arlen played Senator Oscar Anderson in this political drama about a contentious presidential nomination.
1965:
• Apache Uprising – He portrayed Capt. Gannon in this Western about a stagecoach under attack by Apache warriors.
• Black Spurs – Arlen played Pete in this Western about a bounty hunter facing moral dilemmas.
• Town Tamer – He starred as Thomas Jefferson Ryan in this Western about a gunslinger cleaning up a corrupt town.
• The Bounty Killer – Arlen portrayed Matthew Ridgeway in this Western about a man seeking vengeance turning into a bounty hunter.
• 1966:
o Johnny Reno – Arlen appeared as Ned Duggan in this Western about a lawman facing challenges in a hostile town.
o Waco – He portrayed Sheriff Billy Kelly in this Western about a gunslinger returning to a town to restore order.
• 1967:
o Fort Utah – Arlen played Sam Tyler in this Western about a former gunslinger defending a fort from attackers.
o Hostile Guns – He starred as Sheriff Travis in this Western involving a lawman transporting prisoners through dangerous territory.
• 1968:
o Buckskin – Arlen appeared as a townsman in this Western about a man defending a town from outlaws.
• 1975:
o The Sky's the Limit – Arlen played Grimes in this adventure film about a crop-dusting pilot facing various challenges.
• 1976:
o Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved Hollywood – He appeared as a silent film star in this comedy that parodies Hollywood's early days.