Smile when the raindrops fall....

CHARLES MIDDLETON

b. October 3, 1879; d. April 22, 1949
Appeared with Laurel and Hardy in 4 films.

Other notable films: I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932); Duck Soup (1933); Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch (1934); Showboat (1936); The Oklahoma Kid (1939); The Grapes of Wrath (1940); Abe Lincoln in Illinois (1940); The Black Raven (1943); and, especially, as Ming the Merciless in the Flash Gordon serials

Prior to his film debut in 1928, Middleton worked as a circus and vaudeville performer. He is one of the most recognizable character actors of his era, thanks largely to his role as Ming the Merciless in the Flash Gordon serials with Buster Crabbe. He was also one of Hollywood's busiest actors, appearing in over 150 feature films and short subjects. With his resonant, theatrical voice and magnificent sneer, he made for a memorable foil for L&H in Beau Hunks, PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES, The Fixer-Uppers and THE FLYING DEUCES.

Copyright © John Larrabee, 1998. All Rights Reserved.
Property of Laurel and Hardy Central.

CHARLES MIDDLETON'S FILMS WITH LAUREL AND HARDY

SHORTS:

Beau Hunks (Commandant)
The Fixer-Uppers (Artist Pierre Gustave)

FEATURES:

PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES (Welfare officer)
THE FLYING DEUCES (Commandant)