Harry Cheshire
Harry V. Cheshire, originally from Emporia, Kansas, was an American character actor who appeared in over 100 films, mostly playing small roles. He was also a stage actor and performed on a St. Louis radio station's musical program. He may be best known for playing Judge Ben Wiley on ''Buffalo Bill, Jr.''
Early career
Cheshire began his show business career in 1908, entertaining the audience between reels of short silent movies at the Old Nickelodeon Theater in Kansas City. He was active in stage work with the Hi Jinks Company and Liberty Players acting troupes during the 1920s and 1930s.
He acquired the nickname Pappy after appearing as Pappy Cheshire with his Hilly Billy Band on the St. Louis radio station KMOX.
Film and television work
Cheshire's first film role was as Pappy Cheshire in the 1940 Republic Pictures' musical Barnyard Follies. He was the minister who marries George Bailey and Mary Hatch in It's a Wonderful Life, and played small-town judges in the westerns Sioux City Sue, The Fabulous Texan and Carbine Williams. He played Doctor Gray in Adventures of Gallant Bess. In 1955, during a two-week break from filming episodes of the television series Buffalo Bill, Jr., Cheshire was able to fit in a supporting role in the film Soldier of Fortune.
In addition to playing judges in films, Cheshire also played characters following the same occupation on two television series. From 1955 - 1956 he was Judge "Fair and Square" Ben Wiley in the syndicated western television series, Buffalo Bill, Jr.. From 1958-1962 he was Judge Traeger in episodes of the Lawman.
He guest starred in other television programs, including The Lone Ranger, Annie Oakley, The Gene Autry Show, The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, I Love Lucy and The Red Skelton Show.
One writer stated that Cheshire had the ability "to appear genial and grumpy at the same time."
Personal life
Harry Cheshire was married to Myrtle Cheshire. They had two children, son Harry Jr. and daughter Leona, and in February 1968 the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Cheshire died in 1968. He is interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles.
Selected filmography
Barnyard Follies - PappyHi, Neighbor - Professor Edgar BoggsSwing Your Partner - Harry 'Pappy' CheshireO, My Darling Clementine - 'Pappy' CheshireSing, Neighbor, Sing - Dean CheshireDrifting Along - Bart Holden Smooth as Silk - WolcottTraffic in Crime - Dan MarloweBig Town - Police Chief Masters If I'm Lucky - Phil Gargan, State Engineer Child of Divorce - JudgeAffairs of Geraldine - Judge FrickeSioux City Sue - Mayor Tussie of Whispering Rock The Best Years of Our Lives - Minister at Wedding Dick Tracy vs. Cueball - Jules Sparkle It's a Wonderful Life - Dr. Campbell The Luckiest Guy in the World - Mr. MossleyThe Pilgrim Lady - Dr. BekinsCode of the West - Judge Culver Shoot to Kill - Mike BlakeLost Honeymoon - Judge Henderson Danger Street - Commissioner The Homestretch - Colonel Albright Sport of Kings - Theodore McKeoghSpringtime in the Sierras - Cap FosterThe Hucksters - Joe Lorrison, Lawyer I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now - Stage Manager Mother Wore Tights - Minister Nightmare Alley - Mr. Prescott The Invisible Wall - Eugene HamiltonThe Fabulous Texan - Judge Gavin Her Husband's Affairs - Mayor Jim Dandy Harker The Flame - The MinisterThe Tender Years - Sheriff Fred AckleySlippy McGee - Dr. MooreHere Comes Trouble - Judge J.J. Bellinger Mr. Reckless - Doctor at Wedding Ruthless - Lawyer Nevin Sixteen Fathoms Deep - Uncle MikeThe Babe Ruth Story - Cap Huston Northwest Stampede - Rodeo Judge Night Wind - Judge Thorgeson For the Love of Mary - Colonel HedleyMoonrise - J.B. SykesIncident - T.A. HartleyRacing Luck - Radcliffe MaloneSmoky Mountain Melody - Doc MoffittAdventures of Gallant Bess - Dr. GrayThe Lucky Stiff - Prison Warden The Clay Pigeon - Doctor Riders of the Whistling Pines - Dr. Daniel ChadwickImpact - Irene's AttorneyMa and Pa Kettle - Fletcher It Happens Every Spring - Team Doctor X-Raying King's Hand Air Hostess - Dr. LeeAnna Lucasta - Minister Sand - Logan Brimstone - Calvin WillisMiss Grant Takes Richmond - Leo Hopkins The Woman on Pier 13 - J. Francis CornwallFighting Man of the Plains - LanyardChicago Deadline - Minister Bride for Sale - Haskins The Lady Takes a Sailor - Judge Vardon Paid in Full - Minister Girls' School - Calhoun RobieA Woman of Distinction - Train Steward Square Dance Katy - KimbroughThe Arizona Cowboy - David CarsonNo Sad Songs for Me - Mel Fenelly Lucky Losers - John W. 'Chick' MartinCounty Fair - AuctioneerSeptember Affair - Jim Lonely Heart Bandits - Sheriff PolkChain Gang - Henry 'Pop' O'DonnellLet's Dance - Man Again... Pioneers - Colonel GarnettThe Flying Missile - First Senator The Company She Keeps - Cliff Martin, Larry's Boss Blue Blood - McArthurThunder in God's Country - Mayor LarkinAs Young as You Feel - Chamber of Commerce President Rhubarb - Mr. Seegle, Board Member Bannerline - Mayor Ducat The Family Secret - Dr. Black, Coroner Here Come the Nelsons - Bronco Riding Event Announcer Phone Call from a Stranger - Dr. Luther Fletcher Just This Once - Prouty, Creditor Flesh and Fury - Dr. Gundling Carbine Williams - Judge Kerr The Sniper - Mayor Paula - Gentleman in Park Washington Story - Minor Role Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair - Pastor Woman of the North Country - Bystander Dreamboat - Macintosh Ride the Man Down - Rancher Cry of the Hunted - Doctor Latin Lovers - Tom Marston, Board Member Devil's Canyon - Happy, the Bartender Jack Slade - Mr. Hill Escape from Fort Bravo - Chaplain Pride of the Blue Grass - HunterDangerous Mission - Mr. ElsterFireman Save My Child - Commissioner SpencerPhffft - Nina's Divorce Lawyer The Seven Little Foys - Stage Doorman at 'Iroquois' The First Traveling Saleslady - Judge BensonThe Boss - Governor Beck The Restless Breed - Mayor JohnsonLoving You - Mayor My Man Godfrey - James ElliottI Married a Woman - Texan at Phone Booth The Big Country - Party Guest Colgate Theatre Don't Give Up the Ship - Judge Whipple, Wedding Guest with Cake in Hat Alfred Hitchcock Presents - Mr. Gorman Heller in Pink Tights - Poker Player From the Terrace - Partner Let's Make Love - Amanda's Father The Errand Boy - Ulysses Paramutual The Patsy - Police Sergeant