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Ben Lyon
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Ben Lyon (February 6, 1901 – March 22, 1979) was an American film actor and a studio executive at 20th Century-Fox who later acted in British radio, films and TV.
Key Information
Early life and career
[edit]
Lyon was born in Atlanta, Georgia,[1] the son of Alvine W. (Wiseberg) and Ben Lyon, a travelling salesman.[2] His family was Jewish.[3] Lyon entered films in 1918 after a successful appearance on Broadway opposite Jeanne Eagels. He attracted attention in the highly successful film Flaming Youth (1923) and steadily developed into a leading man. He was successfully paired with some of the leading actresses of the silent era, including Pola Negri, Gloria Swanson, Colleen Moore, Barbara La Marr, Viola Dana, Anna Q. Nilsson, Mary Astor and Blanche Sweet. In 1925, a writer for Photoplay wrote of him, "Girls, Ben Lyon looks harmless but we have reliable information that he's irresistible, so watch your step. Besides he's a mighty fine actor and if the ladies must fall in love with him he can't help it."[4]
He had success as an actor in the 1930 film Hell's Angels. The film was a major success and brought Jean Harlow to prominence, but Lyon's performance as a heroic World War I aviator was also highly regarded and was a personal friend of Howard Hughes. For the next decade he was constantly in demand, but his popularity began to wane by the early 1940s. By the mid 1940s he was working for 20th Century-Fox. On July 17, 1946, he met a young aspiring actress named Norma Jeane Dougherty.[5] After his first meeting with her, he stated that she was "Jean Harlow all over again!"[6] He organized a color screen test for the actress, renamed her, and finally signed her as Marilyn Monroe to her first studio contract.[5]
During World War II, when the United States was still neutral, Lyon and his wife, actress Bebe Daniels, settled in London. The couple, along with the comedian Vic Oliver, starred in the radio series Hi, Gang!, which ran from 1940 to 1949. Hi Gang was succeeded in 1950 by Life with the Lyons, which also featured their real-life son Richard and daughter Barbara, and spawned a couple of theatrical films as well as a television series on BBC and independent television from 1954 until 1960. Bebe Daniels had top billing in these series, similar to the concurrent American show starring married couple Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
He was the subject of This Is Your Life in March 1963, when he was surprised by Eamonn Andrews at the BBC Television Theatre.
Military service
[edit]Lyon served as a pilot in the 322nd Pursuit Squadron in the early 1930s. During World War II he served as a lieutenant colonel in the US Army Air Forces Special Services.[7]
Personal life and death
[edit]Lyon married actress Bebe Daniels in June 1930.[8] They had two children, daughter Barbara in 1931 and an adopted son Richard. In an issue of the contemporary magazine Radio Pictorial, Bebe explained how she saw Richard peering through the railings at a London orphanage and instantly thought "A brother for Barbara". Daniels suffered a severe stroke in 1963 and withdrew from public life. She suffered a second stroke in late 1970. She died at the couple's London home in March 1971.[9]
On April 1, 1972, Lyon married the actress Marian Nixon, whom he had known since the 1920s.[10] They remained married until his death.[10] She died five years later, also at age 78.[citation needed]
On March 22, 1979, Lyon and his second wife, Marian Nixon, were vacationing together on the Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise ship near Honolulu, Hawaii, when Lyon suffered a fatal heart attack. He was 78 years old.[6] His body was cremated and is interred in the Chapel Columbarium at Hollywood Forever Cemetery next to his first wife, Bebe Daniels.[11]
For his contribution to the motion picture industry, Ben Lyon has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1724 Vine Street.[12]
Jill Allgood lived with Bebe and Ben Lyon for many years in their large apartment at Dolphin Square, London. Bebe and Ben Lyon were the godparent to Allgood's niece, Suzanne Allgood.[citation needed]
Filmography
[edit]Bibliography
[edit]- Allgood, Jill (1975). Bebe and Ben. Robert Hale & Co. ISBN 0-709-14942-5.
- Daniels, Bebe; Lyons, Ben (1953). Life with the Lyons, the Autobiography of Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon. Odhams Press. ASIN B0000CIGNZ.
References
[edit]- ^ Slide, Anthony (2010). Silent Players: A Biographical and Autobiographical Study of 100 Silent Film Actors and Actresses. University Press of Kentucky. p. 91. ISBN 978-0-813-13745-2.
- ^ "FamilySearch: Sign In". FamilySearch.
- ^ William D. Rubinstein, Michael Jolles, Hilary L. Rubinstein, The Palgrave Dictionary of Anglo-Jewish History, Palgrave Macmillan (2011), p. 626
- ^ "Ben Lyon". Photoplay. New York: Photoplay Publishing Company. January 1925. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
- ^ a b Donnelley, Paul (2003). Fade to Black: A Book of Movie Obituaries. Music Sales Group. p. 487. ISBN 0-711-99512-5.
- ^ a b The New York Times Biographical Service, Volume 10. New York Times & Arno Press. 1979. p. 344.
- ^ "Welcome to the Website of the Davis-Monthan Airfield Register". dmairfield.org.
- ^ Donnelley 2003 p.191
- ^ Golden, Eve (2000). Golden Images: 41 Essays on Silent Film Stars. McFarland. p. 21. ISBN 0-786-48354-7.
- ^ a b "Marian Nixon". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ D'Agostino, Annette M. (2004). The Harold Lloyd Encyclopedia. McFarland. p. 75. ISBN 0-786-41514-2.
- ^ "Hollywood Star Walk". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ben Lyon.
- Ben Lyon at IMDb
- Ben Lyon at the Internet Broadway Database
- Photographs of Ben Lyon and bibliography
- BBC Desert Island Discs
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Ben Lyon
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early Life
Family Background and Childhood
Ben Lyon was born Benjamin Bethel Lyon Jr. on February 6, 1901, in Atlanta, Georgia, to a Jewish family of modest means. His father, Benjamin Bethel Lyon Sr., worked as a traveling salesman after a brief career as a pianist, often requiring frequent trips that shaped the family's mobile lifestyle. His mother, Alvine Valentine Wiseberg, was the daughter of German Jewish immigrants, instilling a sense of cultural heritage in the household.[1][5] Lyon grew up alongside three siblings—Josephine R. Lyon, Edwin Wiseberg Lyon, and Robertine Lyon—in a close-knit environment influenced by their Jewish traditions and the economic demands of their father's profession. The family's travels exposed young Ben to diverse regions of the American South, fostering an early adaptability that marked his formative years. While specific family dynamics remain sparsely documented, the Wiseberg lineage's immigrant roots likely emphasized resilience and community ties within Atlanta's growing Jewish population.[5][6] In Atlanta, Lyon attended local schools during his early childhood, developing an initial aspiration to pursue medicine amid the city's bustling post-Reconstruction atmosphere. The family's relocation to Baltimore, Maryland, around his pre-teen years shifted their life to a more urban setting, where he continued his basic education before further moves.[1]Education and Initial Interests
Born into a Jewish family in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1901, Ben Lyon moved with his parents to Baltimore, Maryland, at a young age, where he spent his formative years.[7][1] Lyon received his secondary education at Baltimore City College, a prestigious public high school, where he distinguished himself as a star athlete in football and baseball.[8][9] His involvement in the performing arts began during this period, with his debut stage appearance in a school play that ignited a strong ambition for acting.[9] This early enthusiasm led him to participate actively in amateur theatrical productions around Baltimore as a teenager, honing his skills and building confidence in performance.[7][10] The family's relocation to New York in his late teens further shaped his interests, providing direct exposure to the professional world of Broadway theater around age 16 or 17 and solidifying his determination to pursue a career on stage.[1][7]Hollywood Career
Entry into Film and Silent Era Roles
In 1918, Lyon made his film debut in the silent drama The Transgressor, directed by Joseph Levering and produced as an educational film addressing social issues like labor unions and morality.[11] The role, though minor, marked his initial foray into Hollywood's burgeoning silent film industry. Lyon's career gained momentum in the early 1920s with a string of supporting and leading roles that capitalized on his boyish charm and athletic build. A breakthrough came in 1923 with Flaming Youth, directed by John Francis Dillon for First National Pictures, where he portrayed a suave young suitor alongside Colleen Moore's iconic flapper character; the film, adapted from Warner Fabian's novel, propelled Lyon to stardom and earned him the moniker "male flapper" for embodying the era's carefree, modern masculinity.[12][13] The picture's success led First National to sign him to a lucrative long-term contract, enabling him to headline vehicles that emphasized romantic intrigue and youthful energy.[13] In 1923, he made his Broadway debut in the comedy Mary the 3rd by Rachel Crothers, playing multiple roles including Lynn.[14] Further highlighting his rising status, Lyon collaborated with international star Pola Negri in the 1924 Paramount drama Lily of the Dust, directed by Dmitri Buchowetzki, playing a dashing military officer opposite Negri's enigmatic lead; the film, based on I.A.R. Wylie's novel, underscored Lyon's ability to convey sophisticated allure and emotional depth in silent storytelling. Other notable silent-era appearances, such as in The Custard Cup (1923) and The White Moth (1924), reinforced his reputation for portraying charismatic, flirtatious protagonists that resonated with audiences during the Jazz Age.Transition to Sound Films and Key Collaborations
As the film industry shifted from silent pictures to talkies in the late 1920s, Ben Lyon adeptly transitioned by leveraging his established screen presence in aviation-themed roles that capitalized on the era's technological advancements in sound recording. His breakthrough in sound came with the epic war drama Hell's Angels (1930), originally conceived as a silent film but extensively reshot and partially dubbed to incorporate dialogue and sound effects after the advent of synchronized sound in 1927.[15] In the film, directed and produced by Howard Hughes, Lyon portrayed Monte Rutledge, a roguish British aviator entangled in World War I aerial combat and a romantic triangle, opposite James Hall as his brother Roy and newcomer Jean Harlow as the seductive Helen.[16] This role marked a career peak for Lyon, showcasing his charismatic everyman appeal amid the production's groundbreaking aerial sequences and Harlow's star-making performance, which helped the film gross over $2.5 million despite its costly $4 million budget. Lyon continued to secure romantic leads in early sound films, often playing affable, street-smart characters that highlighted his boyish charm and verbal dexterity suited to dialogue-heavy scripts. In William A. Wellman's pre-Code drama Night Nurse (1931), produced by Warner Bros., Lyon played Mortie, a bootlegging chauffeur who aids nurse Lora Hart (Barbara Stanwyck) in uncovering a plot against her young patients, blending romance with gritty underworld intrigue. The film exemplified Lyon's versatility in fast-paced, socially provocative stories typical of the early 1930s, co-starring Joan Blondell and featuring a young Clark Gable in a villainous supporting role.[17] Similarly, in James Cruze's romantic drama I Cover the Waterfront (1933), distributed by Columbia Pictures, Lyon starred as reporter Joe Miller, who falls for the daughter (Claudette Colbert) of a suspected immigrant smuggler while investigating waterfront crimes in San Diego. Adapted from Max Miller's novel, the film underscored Lyon's adeptness at portraying morally conflicted heroes in sound-era narratives that intertwined love and ethical dilemmas.[18] Throughout the early 1930s, Lyon's collaborations with major studios like Warner Bros. and Fox solidified his status as a reliable leading man during the sound transition, building on his silent-era foundation in films such as The Quitter (1922). Warner Bros. frequently cast him in their pre-Code output, as seen in Night Nurse and the mystery Girl Missing (1933), where he played Henry Gibson opposite Glenda Farrell in a tale of vanished showgirls. With Fox, Lyon appeared in sound adaptations like Lummox (1930), a drama based on Fannie Hurst's novel, portraying Rollo Farley in a story of class and redemption. These partnerships allowed Lyon to navigate the industry's upheaval, contributing to ensemble-driven pictures that emphasized dialogue and star chemistry over visual spectacle alone.Studio Executive Role
Position at 20th Century Fox
In the mid-1940s, following his military service during World War II, Ben Lyon was appointed as a casting director and executive talent director at 20th Century Fox, initially at the studio's London branch before transferring to the Hollywood headquarters from 1946 to 1948.[10] In this role, Lyon handled talent scouting across Europe and the United States, evaluating aspiring performers through auditions and screen tests to identify potential contract players for the studio's productions.[1] Daily duties included contract negotiations, where Lyon bargained terms such as weekly salaries starting at $125 for new talent, balancing studio budgets with incentives to retain promising actors amid the competitive post-war Hollywood landscape.[1]Talent Discovery and Industry Influence
As talent director at 20th Century Fox following World War II, Ben Lyon played a key role in revitalizing the studio's roster of performers during a period of industry transition. In 1946, Lyon identified promising model Norma Jeane Dougherty during an audition process and arranged for her screen test, impressed by her poise and potential. He subsequently signed her to an initial six-month contract at $125 per week with the studio, marking her entry into professional filmmaking.[1][19][20][21] Lyon's influence extended to suggesting her stage name, Marilyn Monroe, combining "Marilyn" from actress Marilyn Miller—whom he had known personally—with "Monroe" from her mother's maiden name, to create a more memorable and marketable identity. This decision, made during her initial meetings at the studio, helped launch Monroe's career, leading to her breakthrough roles in films like The Asphalt Jungle (1950) and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). His hands-on approach in grooming new talent exemplified the studio system's emphasis on developing stars from raw potential.[7][1][20] Through such discoveries, Lyon contributed to Fox's post-war recovery by bolstering its talent pipeline with fresh faces amid competition from television and independent productions. His efforts helped sustain the studio's output of crowd-pleasing films, ensuring a steady supply of leading ladies and supporting actors that aligned with evolving audience tastes in the late 1940s and early 1950s.[7][20]Military Service
Pre-World War II Aviation Involvement
Ben Lyon's passion for aviation developed during the production of the 1930 film Hell's Angels, where his portrayal of a Royal Flying Corps pilot exposed him to real aerial operations and sparked a lifelong interest in flying.[22] This enthusiasm prompted him to obtain a civilian pilot certification in the United States prior to 1933, followed by a British pilot's license that year, making him the only Hollywood actor at the time to hold dual certifications from both nations. In the early 1930s, Lyon enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps Reserve as a lieutenant in the 322nd Pursuit Squadron, where he completed pilot training and conducted non-combat flights as part of reserve duties.[23] These activities reflected his hobbyist commitment to aviation rather than active military obligation, allowing him to balance his Hollywood career with periodic reserve engagements. Lyon further pursued his interest through personal flights and airfield visits, including a January 23, 1933, landing at Tucson Airfield in an unidentified Stinson aircraft, carrying passenger Ralph Johnson.[24] Such excursions contributed to his participation in informal air shows and aviation events during the interwar period. His involvement in Hell's Angels also connected him with aviation pioneer Howard Hughes, fostering professional relationships within the burgeoning field of aerial innovation.[25]World War II Duties and Honors
In 1942, Ben Lyon was commissioned as a major in the U.S. Army Air Forces and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel in Special Services, where he focused on organizing entertainment programs to boost the morale of American servicemen overseas.[26] Drawing on his pre-war passion for aviation, Lyon leveraged his experience to coordinate shows and broadcasts tailored for troops, ensuring access to familiar performers and content amid the rigors of deployment.[24] His efforts emphasized live performances and radio productions that provided respite and a sense of home for soldiers far from the United States. While based in England since 1936, Lyon served in charge of Special Services for the U.S. Army Air Forces, producing USO-style entertainment specifically for units like the 8th Air Force stationed there.[24] He collaborated with his wife, actress Bebe Daniels, to establish the American Overseas Artists group, which facilitated broadcasts such as the half-hour program The Stars and Stripes, featuring interviews with soldiers, nurses, and medical personnel in Britain.[1] Remaining in London throughout the Blitz, Lyon and Daniels persisted in producing shows like Hi Gang!, even after being bombed out of multiple studios, thereby sustaining morale during intense aerial campaigns.[1] These initiatives reached thousands of airmen and ground crew, offering critical psychological support in the European theater. For his contributions to troop entertainment and morale-boosting activities, Lyon received the Legion of Merit from the U.S. Army Air Forces, recognizing his meritorious service in non-combat leadership roles.[1] Additionally, in 1977, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II, honoring his wartime efforts in fostering Allied solidarity through entertainment provided to British and American forces alike.[24] These honors underscored Lyon's pivotal role in bridging cultural and emotional gaps for servicemen during World War II, culminating in his demobilization in 1945.[26]Later Career in the United Kingdom
Radio and Stage Performances
During and following World War II, Ben Lyon established his career in British radio, leveraging his presence in the United Kingdom during the war to become a staple of BBC programming. In 1940, amid the Blitz, Lyon co-starred with his wife Bebe Daniels and comedian Vic Oliver in the long-running variety series Hi, Gang!, which aired on the BBC from May 26, 1940, until 1949.[27][28] The show featured a mix of comedy sketches, musical numbers, and light-hearted banter, drawing on Lyon's Hollywood charm to entertain audiences enduring wartime hardships; it broadcast weekly, often live from London studios, and maintained popularity through the war years and into the postwar period.[29][30] Lyon and Daniels adapted their American-style humor—characterized by fast-paced wisecracks and showbiz satire—to suit British listeners, incorporating local references while retaining a transatlantic flair that resonated during rationing and reconstruction. Bebe Daniels wrote most of the dialogue and scripts for the series. This blend helped Hi, Gang! foster a sense of escapism and unity, with the couple's decision to remain in London throughout the bombings earning them admiration as committed performers.[3][31] By the late 1940s, the series evolved to include more domestic sketches, paving the way for family-oriented content in subsequent broadcasts, though their adopted son Richard's on-air involvement began prominently in the follow-up series Life with the Lyons starting in 1950.[27] On stage, Lyon appeared in wartime revues at the London Palladium, contributing to morale-boosting productions amid the conflict. In December 1941, he and Daniels joined the cast of the revue Gangway at the Palladium, alongside stars like Tommy Trinder and Anne Ziegler, performing comedic routines and songs in a variety format designed to uplift theatergoers.[32]Television Series and Final Films
In the mid-1950s, Ben Lyon achieved significant success in British television through the sitcom Life with the Lyons, which aired from 1955 to 1960 across five series totaling 41 episodes.[33] The series, a direct adaptation of the family's popular BBC radio program, featured Lyon portraying himself alongside his wife Bebe Daniels and their children, Barbara and Richard Lyon, in a multi-camera, studio-based format depicting lighthearted domestic mishaps and everyday family life.[33] Initially broadcast on BBC One starting June 29, 1955, the show transferred to ITV (specifically Associated-Rediffusion) for its later seasons, becoming one of the earliest family sitcoms in British television history and drawing large audiences for its relatable, semi-autobiographical humor.[34] Lyon also made occasional guest appearances on other British television programs during this period, including variety and talk shows that highlighted his Hollywood background and charm.[35] Complementing his television work were his final feature films, both produced by Hammer Films and extending the Life with the Lyons franchise: Life with the Lyons (1954), a 81-minute comedy about the family settling into a new home amid landlord troubles, and its sequel The Lyons in Paris (also known as The Lyons Abroad, 1955), an 81-minute farce directed by Val Guest where Lyon again played himself on a chaotic anniversary trip to Paris involving romantic mix-ups and family antics.[34][36] Following the conclusion of Life with the Lyons on March 25, 1960, Lyon retired from on-screen acting, though he contributed occasional voice work to radio productions in the ensuing years.[34]Personal Life
Marriages and Children
Ben Lyon married actress Bebe Daniels on June 14, 1930, at the Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles.[37] The couple, who had co-starred in several films, remained together for 41 years until Daniels's death from a cerebral hemorrhage on March 16, 1971.[38] In 1935, amid rising concerns over kidnapping threats targeting Hollywood celebrities following the Lindbergh baby abduction, Lyon and Daniels relocated their family from the United States to London for greater security.[39] The Lyons had two children. Their daughter, Barbara Bebe Lyon, was born on September 9, 1931, in Hollywood, California, and later pursued a career as an actress and singer, notably appearing alongside her parents in the British radio and television series Life with the Lyons (1950–1960); she died on July 10, 1995, in London at age 63.[40] Their son, Richard Lyon (born Bryan Moore on October 8, 1934, in London), was adopted by the couple in 1935 from a British orphanage; he occasionally acted in films such as Anna and the King of Siam (1946) and The Great Lover (1949), and also featured in the family sitcom, dying on October 16, 2013, in Llanelli, Wales, at age 79.[41][42] Following Daniels's death, Lyon returned to the United States and, on April 1, 1972, married actress Marian Nixon in Los Angeles; the two had known each other since the 1920s through their shared film industry circles. Their marriage lasted until Lyon's death, marked by a quiet retirement life, including vacations at sea; the couple was aboard the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 on a cruise near Honolulu, Hawaii, at the time of his passing in 1979.[1]Friendships and Daily Life in Exile
During his years as an American expatriate in the United Kingdom, Ben Lyon formed close friendships with British entertainers, including the comedian Vic Oliver, whose shared experiences in London fostered a lasting personal bond. Lyon also built connections with other American expats in the city, forming a supportive social network amid the challenges of life abroad.[43] Lyon's daily routines from the 1940s through the 1970s centered on his family's residence in Cadogan Gardens, a fashionable area in Chelsea where he and Bebe Daniels raised their children in a stable household. He enjoyed hobbies like golf, often playing at local courses to unwind and maintain an active lifestyle. These activities provided a sense of normalcy and recreation in his adopted home.[43] Wartime and post-war England presented notable challenges for Lyon, including strict rationing of food, clothing, and fuel that affected everyday meals and household management. Cultural adjustments were equally demanding, as he adapted to British social etiquette, weather, and community norms while navigating the uncertainties of air raids and reconstruction. His family support system, anchored by Bebe and their children, helped sustain him through these periods of scarcity and transition.[43]Death and Legacy
Final Years and Passing
Following the death of his wife, Bebe Daniels, on March 16, 1971, from a cerebral hemorrhage at age 70 in London, Ben Lyon retired from his long career in entertainment.[38] Lyon remarried actress Marian Nixon in 1972 and relocated to the United States, where the couple settled in Beverly Hills, California.[1][44] In his later years, Lyon embraced a more nomadic lifestyle, including extended cruises at sea. On March 22, 1979, while aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 during an 80-day world cruise as a special guest of Cunard Lines—approximately 150 miles east of Honolulu, Hawaii—he suffered a fatal heart attack at age 78.[1][4] His remains were cremated, and the ashes interred in the Chapel Columbarium at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, alongside those of Bebe Daniels.[44][10] Lyon was survived by his second wife, Marian Nixon; son Richard Lyon; daughter Barbara Lyon Burkitt; stepson Christopher Seiter; and stepdaughters Jessica Griffin and Selena Seiter.[1]Awards, Recognition, and Cultural Impact
Ben Lyon received the Legion of Merit from the United States Army in 1945 for his exceptionally meritorious conduct during World War II service as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Corps, where he contributed to entertainment and morale efforts for Allied troops in England.[45] In recognition of his contributions to the motion picture industry, Lyon was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1724 Vine Street on February 8, 1960.[46] For his wartime contributions to British morale through radio broadcasts and performances, Lyon was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1977 by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.[1] Lyon's cultural impact endures through his pivotal role in launching Marilyn Monroe's career; as a talent executive at 20th Century Fox in 1946, he signed Norma Jeane Mortenson to her first long-term studio contract, organized her screen test, and suggested her stage name by combining "Marilyn" (after actress Marilyn Miller) with her mother's maiden name, Monroe, propelling her from model to icon.[1] His collaboration with wife Bebe Daniels on the BBC radio series Life with the Lyons (1950–1961), which transitioned to television and film, pioneered the family sitcom format in the United Kingdom by blending scripted comedy with semi-autobiographical elements of their expatriate American life in London, influencing subsequent domestic humor shows like The Grove Family through its lighthearted portrayal of everyday family dynamics and transatlantic cultural fusion.[3]Professional Works
Filmography
Ben Lyon's filmography encompasses over 70 credits across feature films and shorts, beginning in the silent era and continuing into the 1950s, primarily in supporting and leading roles. The following lists his credited appearances chronologically within categorized eras, drawn from film databases; uncredited roles and short subjects are noted separately where applicable.[48]Silent Era (1918–1927)
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1918 | The Transgressor | Unspecified |
| 1919 | Open Your Eyes | Harold Connors |
| 1921 | The Heart of Maryland | Bob Telfair |
| 1923 | Flaming Youth | Monty Standish |
| 1923 | Potash and Perlmutter | Boris Andrieff |
| 1923 | The Custard Cup | Dick Chase |
| 1924 | So Big | Dirk DeJong |
| 1924 | Wine of Youth | Lynn |
| 1924 | Lily of the Dust | Richard von Prell |
| 1924 | Painted People | Don Lane |
| 1924 | The White Moth | Douglas Vantine |
| 1924 | Wages of Virtue | Marvin |
| 1925 | One Way Street | Bobby Austin |
| 1925 | The Necessary Evil | Frank Jerome |
| 1925 | The New Commandment | Billy Morrow |
| 1925 | The Pace That Thrills | Danny Wade |
| 1925 | Winds of Chance | Pierce Phillips |
| 1926 | Bluebeard's Seven Wives | John Hart / Don Juan Hartez |
| 1926 | The Great Deception | Cyril Mansfield |
| 1926 | The Prince of Tempters | Francis |
| 1926 | The Reckless Lady | Ralph Hillier |
| 1926 | The Savage | Danny Terry |
| 1927 | Dance Magic | Leach Norcutt |
| 1927 | For the Love of Mike | Mike |
| 1927 | High Hat | Jerry |
| 1927 | The Perfect Sap | Herbert Alden |
| 1927 | The Tender Hour | Wally McKenzie |
Sound Era (1928–1940)
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1929 | The Air Legion | Dave |
| 1929 | The Flying Marine | Steve Moran |
| 1929 | The Quitter | Neal Abbott |
| 1930 | A Soldier's Plaything | Georgie |
| 1930 | Alias French Gertie | Jimmy |
| 1930 | Hell's Angels | Monte Rutledge |
| 1930 | Lummox | Rollo Farley |
| 1930 | What Men Want | Kendall Phillips |
| 1931 | Aloha | Jimmy Bradford |
| 1931 | Bought | Nick Amory |
| 1931 | Call of the Rockies | Matthew |
| 1931 | Compromised | Sidney Brock |
| 1931 | Her Majesty, Love | Fred von Wellingen |
| 1931 | Indiscreet | Tony Blake |
| 1931 | Misbehaving Ladies | Phil Hunter |
| 1931 | My Past | Robert Byrne |
| 1931 | Night Nurse | Mortie |
| 1931 | The Hot Heiress | Hap Harrigan |
| 1932 | By Whose Hand? | Jimmy Hawley |
| 1932 | Hat Check Girl | Buster Collins |
| 1932 | Lady with a Past | Guy Bryson |
| 1932 | The Big Timer | Cooky Bradford |
| 1932 | The Crooked Circle | Brand Osborne |
| 1932 | Week-Ends Only | Jack Williams |
| 1933 | Girl Missing | Henry Gibson |
| 1933 | I Cover the Waterfront | H. Joseph "Joe" Miller |
| 1933 | The Women in His Life | Roger McKane |
| 1934 | Crimson Romance | Bob Wilson |
| 1934 | Lightning Strikes Twice | Steve Brewster |
| 1935 | Frisco Waterfront | Glen Burton |
| 1935 | Navy Wife | Dr. Pete Milford |
| 1935 | Together We Live | Max Kavanaugh |
| 1936 | Dancing Feet | Peyton Wells |
| 1936 | Down to the Sea | Steve Londos |
| 1938 | Stardust (aka Mad About Money, He Loved an Actress) | Roy Harley |
| 1939 | Confidential Lady | Jim Brent |
| 1939 | I Killed the Count | Bernard Froy |
UK Films (1941–1955)
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1941 | Hi Gang! | Her Other Half |
| 1942 | This Was Paris | Butch |
| 1943 | The Dark Tower | Phil Danton |
| 1954 | Life with the Lyons | Himself |
| 1955 | The Lyons in Paris | Himself |
| 1955 | The Lyons Abroad | Himself |
Short Subjects and Uncredited Appearances
- 1932: The Hollywood Handicap (short) – Unspecified role[49]
- 1954: King & Queen Meet the Stars (short) – Himself