Joe Downing

Joe Downing (June 26, 1903 – October 16, 1975) was an American stage, TV and B-movie actor who made more than 70 appearances.

Career Downing's early acting experience included work with the Theatre Guild, particularly dancing in The Garrick Gaieties. His Broadway credits include Ramshackle Inn (1944), Cross-town (1937), Dead End (1935), Ceiling Zero (1935), Page Miss Glory (1934), The Drums Begin (1933), Heat Lightning (1933), Shooting Star (1933), and A Farewell to Arms (1930).

Downing's film debut came in Doctor Socrates. Often cast as gangsters, his film credits include A Slight Case of Murder, Danger on the Air, Racket Busters, Each Dawn I Die, and The Big Shot. His television credits include three appearances on Alfred Hitchcock Presents from 1956 to 1958, as well as other anthology series popular during the era.

Filmography

Film

The Case of the Lucky Legs (1935) as George Sanborne Dr. Socrates (1935) as Cinq Laval Borrowing Trouble (1937) as Charlie A Slight Case of Murder (1938) as Innocence Wide Open Faces (1938) as Stretch The Lady in the Morgue (1938) as Steve Collins The Devil's Party (1938) as Frank Diamond Danger on the Air (1938) as Joe Carney Racket Busters (1938) as Joe Pender, Martin's Henchman I Am the Law (1938) as Tom Cronin (uncredited) The Night Hawk (1938) as Lefty Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) as Steve North of Shanghai (1939) as Chandler You Can't Get Away with Murder (1939) as Smitty Torchy Runs for Mayor (1939) as Spuds O'Brien The Forgotten Woman (1939) as Johnny Bradshaw Each Dawn I Die (1939) as Limpy Julien Smashing the Money Ring (1939) as Dice Mathews Beware Spooks! (1939) (uncredited) Missing Evidence (1939) as Marty Peters Another Thin Man (1939) as Hoodlum (uncredited) Invisible Stripes (1939) as Johnny Oh Johnny, How You Can Love (1940) as 'Doc' Kendrick, Bank Robber Castle on the Hudson (1940) as Gangster in Car (uncredited) Sandy Is a Lady (1940) as Nick Case The Secret Seven (1940) as Lou Bodie The San Francisco Docks (1940) as Cassidy Tall, Dark and Handsome (1941) as Cigar Store Killer (uncredited) Double Date (1941) as Burglar Strange Alibi (1941) as Benny McKaye Belle Starr (1941) as Jim Cole Unholy Partners (1941) as Jerry, Henchman Johnny Eager (1941) as Ryan Sealed Lips (1942) as Trigger Dolan (uncredited) Larceny, Inc. (1942) as Smitty My Gal Sal (1942) as Slip (uncredited) The Big Shot (1942) as Frenchy (credited as Joseph Downing) You Can't Escape Forever (1942) as Varney (uncredited) Lucky Jordan (1942) as Harrison (uncredited) Las Vegas Shakedown (1955) as Henchman Matty Fighting Trouble (1956) as Handsome Hal Lomax Slaughter on Tenth Avenue (1957) as Eddie 'Cockeye' Cook

Television

+ Year Title Role Notes 1956 Alfred Hitchcock Presents Lieutenant Al Hawkshaw Episode: "The Big Switch" (as Joseph Downing) 1956 Alfred Hitchcock Presents Floyd Unser Episode: "Place of Shadows" (as Joseph Downing) 1958 Alfred Hitchcock Presents Detective Kramer Episode: "Bull in a China Shop"