Stars & Players · Biography

Harry Lauter

1914–1990 · Actor

Biography

American character actor specializing in villainous roles. Born in White Plains, New York to Herman E. and Franceska Lauter, he was raised in Denver, Colorado. Although it has been suggested that he appeared briefly in a couple of films during the Thirties, his real movie career began in 1946. He came to be a familiar presence in low-budget films, serials, and television programs in the 1950s, though he only once really came close to stardom, as one of the leads in the television series "Tales of the Texas Rangers (1955)". Most of his career was spent as a serviceable second lead or heavy, though he continued to play bit parts in larger pictures. The son of an artist, he devoted much of his energy late in life to his own painting and running an art gallery. He died in 1990.

Notable Noir Roles

Incident

1948Dir. William Beaudine · Bill Manning

An innocent man -- due to a case of mistaken identity -- is beaten. Once recovered, the stockbroker tries to find the actual intended target -- a gangster-- and warn him.

The Crooked Web

1955Dir. Nathan Juran · Sgt. Mike Jancoweizc

Following WWII, ex-G.I. Stan opened up a drive-in restaurant. His girlfriend, Joanie, is one of the car hops. They want to get married someday, but the less-than-stellar business the restaurant takes …

Death in Small Doses

1957Dir. Joseph M. Newman · Steve Hummel / Mr. Brown

A government agent investigates the use of illegal amphetamines among long-haul truck drivers.

Cry Baby Killer

1958Dir. Justus Addiss · Police Lt. Porter

After committing what he thinks is murder, teenage Jimmy Wallace panics and holds a couple hostage.

Full Noir Filmography

4 films · 1948–1958