--- name: "Samuel S. Hinds" canonical: "https://film.one/person/samuel-s-hinds" roles: ["Actor"] born: "3 April 1875" died: "13 October 1948" reviewed_on_fi1m: 6 average_fi1m_score: 75 average_as: "actor" average_over: 5 updated: "2026-09-20T00:23:37.874041+00:00" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Samuel S. Hinds Actor. Born 3 April 1875 in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA. Died 13 October 1948. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 3 April 1875, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA - **Died:** 13 October 1948 - **Active:** 1937–1946 - **Also known as:** Sam Hinds, Samuel Hinds, Samuel Southey Hinds - **Titles on Fi1m:** 6: 5 acting, 1 other - **Frequently works with:** [Lionel Barrymore](https://film.one/person/lionel-barrymore.md) - **Average Fi1m score:** 75, as actor, over 5 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1930s 76 (4), 1940s 74 (2) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 82 to 79 across 3 titles - **Score spread:** 2 at 80+, 2 at 60–79, 1 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 0 of 4 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Drama 4, Romance 3, Comedy 2, Adventure 1, Family 1, Fantasy 1 - **Screen time:** 9 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $19m across 3 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_S._Hinds, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2750248, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0385594/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/17756 ## Streaming the US now - **The Roku Channel:** [*You Can't Take It with You*](https://film.one/film/you-cant-take-it-with-you.md) (70) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Samuel S. Hinds > Samuel S. Hinds spent thirty years as a lawyer and the next sixteen playing the judges, doctors and fathers a lawyer would have known. He was never the point of a film and rarely its problem, and a Hollywood ensemble was steadier for having him in it. In *You Can't Take It with You* (1938) Samuel S. Hinds is down in the cellar making fireworks with an iceman who came to deliver and never left. Upstairs a daughter dances in a tutu, a son-in-law plays the xylophone and a mother types plays because a typewriter once arrived by mistake. Hinds, as Paul Sycamore, is the father of this house and makes no attempt to run it. He is content to be one more thing happening in the background of Joseph Walker's deep frames, and we warmed to him before he had said much of anything, which is roughly the effect he had on films for sixteen years. He came to it late. Hinds practised law for more than three decades, lost his money in the crash of 1929 and turned professional actor in his mid-fifties by way of the Pasadena Community Playhouse, where he had long been an amateur. The film work was steady from *If I Had a Million* (1932) and did not stop until his death in 1948, by which time he had appeared in something over two hundred pictures. Nearly all of them were supporting parts: Mr March in *Little Women* (1933), Judge Slade in *Destry Rides Again* (1939), Charles Pringle in *Scarlet Street* (1945), and, for Frank Capra a second time, Pa Bailey in *It's a Wonderful Life* (1946). The 1940s were mostly spent at Universal, in Abbott and Costello comedies and half a dozen Dr Kildare films opposite Lew Ayres. What he offered was a tall, well-tailored calm. Directors cast him as men people defer to, and he never had to raise his voice to earn the deference; the casting did half the work and his bearing did the rest. He said of the change of trade that he had nothing to lose, for he had lost everything, and there is something of that in the performances, a man with no need to impress anyone standing quietly at the edge of the scene. The limit is the same as the virtue. In *Stage Door* (1937), a film we admire a great deal, he plays Henry Sims and we cannot honestly say we noticed him; La Cava's picture belongs to the women in the boarding house, and Hinds does what the part asks and nothing the part does not. That is the whole career in miniature. He was reliable, he was clear, and he was seldom asked for more, so we cannot say whether more was there. Start with the Capra house, where the noise is the point and he is happily part of it. Then, if you are curious, watch for him in the Universal programme pictures of the following decade, where a man who had spent his working life in front of the bench spent his retirement sitting on it. ## Biography Samuel S. Hinds was an American actor. He appeared in more than 200 films between 1926 and 1948, often in supporting roles as kindly authority figures such as lawyers, doctors, judges and fathers. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Hinds trained as a lawyer, graduating from Phillips Academy, Andover, and Harvard Law School. He practised law for over thirty years before the 1929 financial crisis prompted him to turn to acting. He joined the Pasadena Community Playhouse and began his screen career at the age of 54. Hinds is known for his performances in Frank Capra films including *You Can't Take It with You* (1938) and *It's a Wonderful Life* (1946). He also appeared in *Stage Door* (1937), *Destry Rides Again* (1939), *Scarlet Street* (1945) and several Abbott and Costello comedies. He died in Pasadena, California, on 13 October 1948. *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.* ## On Fi1m (6) ### Performed in (5) — the average rests on these - *It's a Wonderful Life* (1946), Fi1m 91, as Pa Bailey — [page](https://film.one/film/its-a-wonderful-life.md) - *Blossoms in the Dust* (1941), Fi1m 58, as Mr. George Kahley — [page](https://film.one/film/blossoms-in-the-dust.md) - *Test Pilot* (1938), Fi1m 73, as General Ross — [page](https://film.one/film/test-pilot.md) - *You Can't Take It with You* (1938), Fi1m 70, as Paul Sycamore — [page](https://film.one/film/you-cant-take-it-with-you.md) - *Stage Door* (1937), Fi1m 85, as Henry Sims — [page](https://film.one/film/stage-door.md) ### Also credited (1) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited - *Lady for a Day* (1933), Fi1m 78, as Mayor (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/lady-for-a-day.md) ## Complete filmography (201) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Going Hollywood: The '30s* (1984), as (archive footage) - *The Bribe* (1949), as Dr. Warren - *The Boy with Green Hair* (1948), as Dr. R.T. Knudson - *The Return of October* (1948), as Judge Northridge - *Perilous Waters* (1948), as Dana Ferris - *Call Northside 777* (1948), as Judge Charles Moulton (uncredited) - *Time Out of Mind* (1947), as Dr. Weber - *The Egg and I* (1947), as Sheriff Drum - *It's a Wonderful Life* (1946), as Pa Bailey — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/film/its-a-wonderful-life.md) - *White Tie and Tails* (1946), as Mr. Bradford - *Danger Woman* (1946), as Dean Albert Sears - *Inside Job* (1946), as Judge Kincaid - *The Runaround* (1946), as Norman Hampton - *Strange Conquest* (1946), as Dr. Graves - *Blonde Alibi* (1946), as Prof. Slater - *Little Miss Big* (1946), as Wilfred Elliott - *Scarlet Street* (1945), as Charles Pringle - *Week-End at the Waldorf* (1945), as Mr. Jessup - *Men in Her Diary* (1945), as Judge Bergen - *The Strange Affair of Uncle Harry* (1945), as Dr. Adams - *Lady on a Train* (1945), as Mr. Wiggam, Waring Lawyer - *Secret Agent X-9* (1945), as Solo - *Swing Out, Sister* (1945), as Rufus Mariman - *Escape in the Desert* (1945), as Gramp - *I'll Remember April* (1945), as Garrett Garfield - *Frisco Sal* (1945), as Doc - *The Singing Sheriff* (1944), as Seth - *South of Dixie* (1944), as Colonel Andrew J. Morgan - *Jungle Woman* (1944), as Coroner - *Cobra Woman* (1944), as Father Paul - *Follow the Boys* (1944), as Officer (uncredited) - *The Great Alaskan Mystery* (1944), as Herman Brock - *To the People of the United States* (1944), as Harrison - Member of the Local Draft Board (uncredited) - *Ladies Courageous* (1944), as Brig. Gen. Wade - *Chip Off the Old Block* (1944), as Dean Manning - *Phantom Lady* (1944), as Judge (voice) (uncredited) - *Sing a Jingle* (1944), as J.P. Crane - *Son of Dracula* (1943), as Judge Simmons - *Top Man* (1943), as Mr. Fairchild - *Larceny with Music* (1943), as Brewster - *Fired Wife* (1943), as Judge Towne - *We've Never Been Licked* (1943), as Colonel Jason Craig - *Hers to Hold* (1943), as Dr. Crane - *Mister Big* (1943), as Jeremy Taswell - *Good Morning, Judge* (1943), as J.P. Gordon - *Follow the Band* (1943), as Pop Turnbull - *He's My Guy* (1943), as Johnson - *Keep 'Em Slugging* (1943), as Carruthers - *It Ain't Hay* (1943), as Colonel Brainard - *What We Are Fighting For* (1943), as Jim Grover - *Pittsburgh* (1942), as Morgan Prentiss (President, Prentiss Steel) - *Pardon My Sarong* (1942), as Chief Kolua - *Lady in a Jam* (1942), as Doctor Brewster - *The Spoilers* (1942), as Judge Stillman - *Grand Central Murder* (1942), as Roger Furness - *Kid Glove Killer* (1942), as Mayor Daniels - *The Strange Case of Doctor Rx* (1942), as Dudley Crispin - *Frisco Lil* (1942), Actor - *Jail House Blues* (1942), as Mr. Thomas Daniels - *Don Winslow of the Navy* (1942), as The CINCUS [Ch. 1] - *Hellzapoppin'* (1941), as Showboat Captain (uncredited) - *Road Agent* (1941), as Banker Sam Leavitt - *Ride 'Em Cowboy* (1941), as Sam Shaw - *Know For Sure* (1941), as Dr. Perkins - *Mob Town* (1941), as Luther Bryson - *Badlands of Dakota* (1941), as Wilbur Grayson - *Unfinished Business* (1941), as Uncle - *Dr. Kildare's Wedding Day* (1941), as Dr. Stephen Kildare - *Blossoms in the Dust* (1941), as Mr. George Kahley — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/blossoms-in-the-dust.md) - *The Shepherd of the Hills* (1941), as Andy Beeler - *Tight Shoes* (1941), as Horace Grover, 'the Brain' - *Adventure in Washington* (1941), as Se. Henry Owen - *The Lady from Cheyenne* (1941), as Governor Howard - *Man-Made Monster* (1941), as Dr. John Lawrence - *Back Street* (1941), as Felix Darren - *Buck Privates* (1941), as Maj. Gen. Emerson - *Trail of the Vigilantes* (1940), as George Preston - *Seven Sinners* (1940), as Governor - *I'm Nobody's Sweetheart Now* (1940), as George P. Morgan - *Spring Parade* (1940), as Von Zimmel - *Dr. Kildare Goes Home* (1940), as Dr. Stephen Kildare - *The Boys from Syracuse* (1940), as Angeen - *Ski Patrol* (1940), as Captain Per Vallgren - *Dr. Kildare's Strange Case* (1940), as Stephen Kildare - *It's a Date* (1940), as Sidney Simpson - *Zanzibar* (1940), as Dale - *Charlie McCarthy, Detective* (1939), as Court Aldrich - *Destry Rides Again* (1939), as Judge Slade - *The Secret of Dr. Kildare* (1939), as Stephen Kildare - *First Love* (1939), as Mr. Parker - *One Hour to Live* (1939), as Commissioner Cromwell - *Hero for a Day* (1939), as "Dutch" Bronson - *Rio* (1939), as Lamartine - *Hawaiian Nights* (1939), as Lane - *Tropic Fury* (1939), as J.P. Waterford - *The Under-Pup* (1939), as Dr. McKay - *Career* (1939), as Clem Bartholomew - *Ex-Champ* (1939), as Edward P. Nash - *Calling Dr. Kildare* (1939), as Dr. Stephen Kildare - *Within the Law* (1939), as Mr. Gilder - *Pirates of the Skies* (1939), Actor - *Newsboys' Home* (1938), as Howard Price Dutton - *Secrets of a Nurse* (1938), as Judge Corrigan - *Little Tough Guys in Society* (1938), as Judge - *The Storm* (1938), as Capt. Kenny - *Young Dr. Kildare* (1938), as Dr. Stephen Kildare - *Swing That Cheer* (1938), as Coach McGann - *Personal Secretary* (1938), as Alan Lemke - *You Can't Take It with You* (1938), as Paul Sycamore — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/you-cant-take-it-with-you.md) - *The Road to Reno* (1938), as Sylvia's Attorney - *The Rage of Paris* (1938), as Mr. William Duncan Sr. - *Wives Under Suspicion* (1938), as David Marrow - *The Devil's Party* (1938), as Judge Henry Harrison - *Test Pilot* (1938), as General Ross — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/film/test-pilot.md) - *Forbidden Valley* (1938), as Jeff Hazzard - *Double Danger* (1938), as Police Commissioner David Theron - *The Jury's Secret* (1938), as Brandon Williams - *You're a Sweetheart* (1937), as Oh, Oh, Oklahoma Actor (uncredited) - *Prescription for Romance* (1937), as Major Goddard - *Navy Blue and Gold* (1937), as Richard Gates Sr. - *A Girl with Ideas* (1937), as Rodding Carter - *Stage Door* (1937), as Henry Sims — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/film/stage-door.md) - *Double or Nothing* (1937), as Jonathan Clark - *The Road Back* (1937), as Defense Attorney - *Wings Over Honolulu* (1937), as Admiral Furness - *Night Key* (1937), as Steven Ranger - *Top of the Town* (1937), as Henry Borden - *Black Legion* (1937), as Judge - *She's Dangerous* (1937), as Warden - *The Mighty Treve* (1937), as Uncle Joel Fenno - *Love Letters of a Star* (1936), as Artemus Todd - *The Longest Night* (1936), as Hastings - *Sworn Enemy* (1936), as Eli Decker - *His Brother's Wife* (1936), as Doctor Claybourne - *Rhythm on the Range* (1936), as Robert Halloway - *Border Flight* (1936), as Commander Mosely - *Fatal Lady* (1936), as Guili Ruffano - *The Trail of the Lonesome Pine* (1936), as Sheriff - *Woman Trap* (1936), as Senator Andrews - *The Reckless Way* (1936), Actor - *Timothy's Quest* (1936), as Rev. Fellows - *Millions in the Air* (1935), as Colonel Edwards - *In Person* (1935), as Aaron Sylvester - *Rendezvous* (1935), as John Carter · Assistant Secretary of War - *Bad Boy* (1935), as Husband - *Dr. Socrates* (1935), as Dr. McClintick - *Two-Fisted* (1935), as Mr. Pritchard - *The Big Broadcast of 1936* (1935), as Captain - *Annapolis Farewell* (1935), as Dr. Bryant - *She* (1935), as John Vincey - *The Raven* (1935), as Judge Thatcher - *College Scandal* (1935), as Mr. Cummings - *Private Worlds* (1935), as Dr. Arnold - *Strangers All* (1935), as Charles Green - *West Point of the Air* (1935), as Secretary of War - *Living on Velvet* (1935), as Henry L. Parker - *Shadow of Doubt* (1935), as Mr. Granby - *Rumba* (1935), as Henry B. Harrison - *Bordertown* (1935), as Judge at First Trial - *Sequoia* (1935), as Matthew Martin - *Behind the Evidence* (1935), as J.T. Allen - *West of the Pecos* (1934), as Colonel Lambeth - *Mills of the Gods* (1934), as Burroughs - *A Wicked Woman* (1934), as Judge (uncredited) - *A Lost Lady* (1934), as Jim Sloane - *Have a Heart* (1934), as Dr. Spear - *His Greatest Gamble* (1934), as Dr. Owen (uncredited) - *Hat, Coat and Glove* (1934), as John Walters (uncredited) - *The Defense Rests* (1934), as Dean Adams - *Baby Take a Bow* (1934), as Warden (Uncredited) - *Sadie McKee* (1934), as Dr. Branch (uncredited) - *Manhattan Melodrama* (1934), as Warden of Sing Sing (uncredited) - *Sisters Under the Skin* (1934), as Winters - *Men in White* (1934), as Dr. Gordon - *No Greater Glory* (1934), as Gereb's Father - *The Crime Doctor* (1934), as Ballard - *The 9th Guest* (1934), as Dr. Murray Reid - *Let's Fall in Love* (1933), as New York Film Executive - *Straightaway* (1933), Actor - *Convention City* (1933), as McAllister - *The Women in His Life* (1933), as Thomas J. Worthing - *Son of a Sailor* (1933), as Admiral Farnsworth - *The World Changes* (1933), as A Banker (uncredited) - *Little Women* (1933), as Mr. March - *Fog* (1933), as Dickens - *Day of Reckoning* (1933), as O'Farrell - *Hold the Press* (1933), as Taylor - *Berkeley Square* (1933), as The American Ambassador - *Lady for a Day* (1933), as Mayor (uncredited) — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/lady-for-a-day.md) - *Penthouse* (1933), as Stuyvesant (uncredited) - *One Man's Journey* (1933), as Dr. Babcock - *This Day and Age* (1933), as Mayor - *Deluge* (1933), as Chief Forecaster - *Bed of Roses* (1933), as Father Doran - *The Nuisance* (1933), as Mr. Beaumont - *Murders in the Zoo* (1933), as Banquet Guest (Uncredited) - *Gabriel Over the White House* (1933), as Dr. H.L. Eastman - *The Crime of the Century* (1933), as Philip Ames - *The Road Is Open Again* (1933), as Woodrow Wilson - *If I Had a Million* (1932), as Lawyer (uncredited) - *The Amateur Gentleman* (1926), as Charles - Marquis of Jerningham (uncredited) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/samuel-s-hinds