Frank Ellis Movies
Snake-eyed, mustachioed character actor
Frank Ellis seldom rose above the "member of the posse" status in "B" westerns. Once in a while, he was allowed to say things like "Now here's my plan" and "Let's get outta here," but generally he stood by waiting for the Big Boss (usually someone like
Harry Woods or
Wheeler Oakman) to do his thinking for him. Ellis reportedly began making films around 1920; he remained in the business at least until the 1954
Allan Dwan-directed western
Silver Lode.
Frank Ellis has been erroneously credited with several policeman roles in the films of Laurel and Hardy, due to his resemblance to another bit player named
Charles McMurphy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
