Morris Ankrum (born August 27, 1896 - died September 2, 1964) was a prolific if somewhat dyspeptic radio, television and movie character actor, whose stern visage and sharply defined features helped cast him in supporting roles as stalwart authority figures, including scientists, military men and judges in over seventy films, mostly of the 'B' variety, spanning thirty years. His film credits were largely concentrated in two genres: Westerns, including well-mounted 'A' productions like "Vera Cruz" (1954), appearing opposite Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster, cast as the leader of a band of Mexican rebels ; "Apache" (1954), again starring Burt Lancaster; "Cattle Queen of Montana" (1954), with Ronald Reagan and Barbara Stanwyck; and
Science Fiction, with such memorable titles as "Rocketship X-M" (1951); "Red Planet Mars"(1952), providing support to the film's deity-seeking scientist, Peter Graves in another 'government' role as US Secretary of Defense; "Earth Versus The Flying Saucers" (1956), with Hugh Marlowe and Nancy Gates, this time appearing as the latter co-star's ill-fated Army General/Father; and the cult classic "Invaders From Mars" (1954), once again portaying a US Army general, this time out to save the earth from the titled 'invaders'.
