Saul John Launer[citation needed] (November 5, 1919 – November 8, 2006), was an American television and film actor. Launer was born in Cleveland, Ohio, United States.

S. John Launer
Born
Saul John Launer

(1919-11-05)November 5, 1919
DiedNovember 8, 2006(2006-11-08) (aged 87)
Years active1955–1987
SpouseEstelle Launer
Children2, including Dale Launer

Career

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Launer appeared in 89 films and television programs between 1943 and 1977. In most of his films, he is uncredited. His first acting role was in the television series Meet Corliss Archer (1954) and his career ended with the film Billionaire Boys Club (1987).[1]

In 1956, he performed in Calder Willingham's play End as a Man at the Players Ring Gallery in West Hollywood. A review by Jerry Pam in the Valley Times said Launer's performance was "at times, too philosophical" but that he seemed at home with children and that his end speech was "exciting".[2]

Launer's film credits include The Werewolf (1956), I Was a Teenage Werewolf (1957), Jailhouse Rock (1957), The Crowded Sky (1960), Marnie (1964), and Pendulum (1969).

His television credits include Father Knows Best (1956), The Ford Television Theatre (1956–57), The George Sanders Mystery Theater (1957), State Trooper (1958), Dr. Kildare (1963), The Twilight Zone (1959–63), Dragnet (1969–70), Harry O (1973–74). He also acted in the Gunsmoke episode "Robin Hood."

Launer was injured in a stagecoach accident on the set of Laramie in 1960. Launer, who had been riding inside the stagecoach, received lacerations, while another actor, Bert Spencer, was harmed to the point that one of his legs required amputation.[3]

His most famous role was his nine years as a criminal court judge on Perry Mason.[4]

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
1955 Creature with the Atom Brain Captain Dave Harris
1956 Uranium Boom Mac
1956 The Werewolf Dr. Emery Forrest
1957 Crime of Passion Chief of Police Uncredited
1957 I Was a Teenage Werewolf Bill Logan
1957 Jailhouse Rock Judge Uncredited
1957 Zero Hour! Vancouver Switchboard Operator Uncredited
1958 Sing Boy Sing Tailor / Manufacturer Uncredited
1960 Ice Palace Chairman Uncredited
1960 The Crowded Sky Police Officer Uncredited
1963 The Alfred Hitchcock Hour Edwin C. 'Ed' Rutherford, Defense Attorney Season 2 Episode 7: "Starring the Defense"
1964 Marnie Sam Ward
1964 Apache Rifles General Nelson
1966 The Venetian Affair Mr. Pennyman Uncredited
1968 Speedway Mayor Fiergol Uncredited
1969 Pendulum Judge Kinsella
1976 Gable and Lombard The Judge
1978 A Question of Love The Judge TV movie
1981 Mommie Dearest Pepsi Chairman

References

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  1. ^ "S. John Launer (Obit)". Variety. 12 September 2006. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  2. ^ Pam, Jerry (1956-03-29). "Gallery Premiere Shows New Stars". Valley Times – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "'Laramie' Stagecoach Overturns". The Daily Texan. Austin, Texas. 1960-11-01 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  4. ^ "In Public Service". Philadelphia Daily News. Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. August 18, 1967. p. 36. Retrieved May 29, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.  
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