From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Franklin Pangborn (January 23, 1889 – July 20, 1958) was an American comedic character actor famous for playing small but memorable roles with comic flair. He appeared in scores of feature films playing essentially the same character: prissy, polite, elegant, highly energetic, often officious, fastidious, somewhat nervous, prone to becoming flustered but essentially upbeat, and with immediately recognizable high-speed, patter-type speech. He typically played an officious desk clerk in a hotel, a self-important musician, a fastidious headwaiter, an enthusiastic birdwatcher, and the like, and was usually put in a situation of frustration or flustered by the antics of others. Pangborn was an effective foil for many major comedians.
A Fool's Advice
1932
Jimmy's New Yacht
1932
The Flame of New Orleans
1941
Flirtation
1934
Joy of Living
1938
Weekend for Three
1941
Swing Banditry
1936
Christmas in July
1940
On Trial
1928
Exit Smiling
1926
Design for Living
1933
The Horn Blows at Midnight
1945
The Palm Beach Story
1942
Broadway Serenade
1939
Bluebeard's 8th Wife
1938
Reveille with Beverly
1943
Never Give a Sucker an Even Break
1941
Dangerous Number
1937
The Headline Woman
1935
Flying Down to Rio
1933
Stage Door
1937
Hats Off
1936
Swing High, Swing Low
1937
Topper Takes a Trip
1938
Mr. District Attorney in the Carter Case
1941
Cheer Up and Smile
1930
She Couldn't Take It
1935
What's Cookin'?
1942
My Man Godfrey
1936
Dangerous Holiday
1937
Eight Bells
1935
Never a Dull Moment
1943
The Important Witness
1933
Turnabout
1940
Many Happy Returns
1934
All Over Town
1937
Imitation of Life
1934