Roy Barcroft

The 'brains' and 'action' heavies who had meaty roles and lots of dialog ... and the players who were fathers, ranch owners, lawman, mayors, judges, lawyers, storekeepers, newspaper editors, wardens, etc.

Roy Barcroft

Real name:
Howard Harold Ravenscroft
(not Howard Clifford Ravenscroft)

1902 - 1969

(From Old Corral collection)
Above - a clean shaven Roy Barcroft at Republic Pictures.

Gary L. Currington sent an e-mail in November, 2007 with his remembrance of a chance encounter with Roy Barcroft. Gary writes:

" ... in 1959, when I was a 19 year old college student working as a desk clerk at Old Faithful Campers Cabins in Yellowstone National Park, I registered Roy and his family for a one night stay in an unfurnished cabin - no indoor plumbing, wood stove, and bring your own bed linens for $2.75 a night. When I recognized his name, I asked if he was the Roy Barcroft of B movie western fame, the proverbial bad guy. He seemed surprised that he was recognized. We had a nice but brief conversation ... and like an idiot, I failed to ask for an autograph."

From July 12, 1943 through July 11, 1953, Roy Barcroft was under a term player contract(s) at Republic Pictures and his initial pay was $125.00 per week which escalated to $300.00 weekly at the contract end. While this offered security and an ongoing paycheck, the contract also allowed the studio to utilize the performer in as many roles and films as they could ... and they used him a lot. His work at Republic is spread over the years 1937 - 1957 and totals around 250 films, mostly of the western and serial variety. Les Adams has Barcroft identified in about 300 sound era films, of which 201 are westerns and 35 are chapterplays.

Roy's parents were William and Lillian Ravenscroft and father William was a farmer and later, a medicine salesman. According to Roy's World War II draft registration, he was born September 7, 1902 in Crab Orchard, Nebraska and the family resided in Crab Orchard at the time of the 1900 census. But some bios have him born in Weeping Water, Nebraska. The communities are close - about fifty miles separates Crab Orchard and Weeping Water.

The Ravenscrofts moved around - a lot. In the 1910 census, they're in Auburn, Nemaha County, Nebraska which is about 35 miles from Crab Orchard. In 1916 and 1917, Roy attended school in Gage, Ellis County, Oklahoma. And in 1920, the family is in Seattle, Washington and Roy is a carpenter helper. While in Seattle in 1920, Roy applied for a Seaman's Certificate from the Department of Commerce.

Barcroft biographies have him fibbing about his age and enlisting in the Army during World War I. And he was wounded in France, sent home, and discharged. There was also a second hitch in the Army circa 1923 - 1926 with service in Hawaii and Fort Lewis, Washington. Ancestry.com and Fold3 Military records have some military transport / ship passenger lists and confirm his Army service in 1918 - 1919 ... and he and his unit did sail to France. Roy enlisted again circa 1923 - 1926 and served in Hawaii. Was unable to confirm that he was wounded while stationed in France during World War I. His military background is confusing since Roy self reported that he was NOT a veteran in the 1930 census - guessing that's an error by the census taker.

He married Lela Wade in 1927 in Seattle, Washington and daughter Roberta Jean Ravenscroft was born in Oregon in 1928. In the 1930 census, the family was living in Oak Park, Cook County, Illinois and Roy was an automobile salesman.

With the Depression in full swing, the family moved to sunny and warm California and son Rockne Francis Ravenscroft was born in 1931.

Scuttlebutt is that Roy attended acting school to gain confidence and speaking skills. And he may have been employed as extras in Greta Garbo's MATA HARI (MGM, 1931) and Pola Negri's A WOMAN COMMANDS (RKO, 1932).

There was a divorce and another marriage. Circa 1932, Roy tied the knot with Vera Virginia Doris Thompson and son Michael Roy Ravenscroft was born in 1944.

In 1936, Barcroft was in his mid thirties and began his movie career, freelancing wherever he could find work and a payday. His initial screen appearances were uncredited parts in serials DICK TRACY (Republic, 1937) and SOS COAST GUARD (Republic, 1937). Early billed roles include the Johnny Mack Brown chapterplay FLAMING FRONTIERS (Universal, 1938) and his first western for Republic Pictures, the Three Mesquiteers' HEROES OF THE HILLS (Republic, 1938). There were lots more cowboy adventures for various production companies including Hopalong Cassidy, Renfrew of the Mounted, Monogram's Rough Riders, pre-World War II Tim Holts at RKO, others.

He appeared in eight of the Hopalong Cassidy series and Barcroft is a real nasty in RENEGADE TRAIL (Paramount, 1939). He plays the suit-wearing villain "Stiff-Hat Bailey", and about eleven minutes into this Hoppy adventure, Roy slaps youngster Sonny Bupp and kicks Sonny's dog.

It was with Republic Pictures in the 1940s that Barcroft "hit his stride", portraying the brains / dress heavy or second in command in scores of westerns. While he menaced all of Republic's heroes, he was a frequent antagonist to Allan Lane (in 40 films), Roy Rogers (22 films), Bill Elliott (17 films), Monte Hale (13 films), and Rex Allen (11 films).

He also appeared in many Republic cliffhangers - memorable examples include him as the titled villain in THE PURPLE MONSTER STRIKES (Republic, 1945); as evil "Captain Mephisto" in MANHUNT OF MYSTERY ISLAND (Republic, 1945); and as "Retik" in RADAR MEN FROM THE MOON (Republic, 1952).

He was an imposing figure with a big voice - 6 feet, 2 inches tall and 215 pounds per his World War II draft registration. And when I saw him on a theater screen or TV, I wondered how smaller heroes could best this large sized villain.

As the B western and serial faded away, Roy migrated to television, and in the 1950s and 1960s, he's in many episodes of DEATH VALLEY DAYS, RAWHIDE, HAVE GUN - WILL TRAVEL, 26 MEN, ANNIE OAKLEY, more. In the mid 1950s SPIN AND MARTY western ranch series on TV's Mickey Mouse Club, Roy played "Colonel Jim Logan", the good guy owner of the Triple-R spread. And beginning in 1964, he had a recurring role as "storekeeper Roy" on TV's GUNSMOKE.

He also pops up in some A grade films - an example is Roy wearing a black suit, hat, string tie, and badge as "Marshal Cord Elam" in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical OKLAHOMA (20th Century Fox, 1955) which starred Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones. Found an interesting tradepaper blurb on Roy and OKLAHOMA: the world premier was at the Tivoli theater in New York City in late 1955. Emceeing the opening night gala and ceremonies was Barcroft.

People with whom he worked noted that Roy's real personality was just the opposite of his screen persona - in real life, he was easy going, a prankster, and a genuine nice guy. Heroine Peggy Stewart appeared in over a dozen films with Roy and described him as a "wonderful man". Peers and friends recall him as a talented musician, playing both clarinet and saxophone. His close friends included Kenne Duncan and Bill Elliott. Roy loved riding his motorcycle which he often drove to the Republic Studios lot. And Barcroft always credited baddie Harry Woods as his inspiration.

Film historian, author, and Old Corral contributor Ken Jones interviewed him. Roy's favorite role was playing "Captain Mephisto" in MANHUNT OF MYSTERY ISLAND (Republic, 1945). And he wasn't a great horseman and had to enhance his riding skills in order to survive the dangerous chases.

Some biographies incorrectly report that Roy's real name was Howard Clifford Ravenscroft. Various records show his full name as Howard Harold Ravenscroft / Howard H. Ravenscroft.

Roy passed away November 28, 1969 at the Motion Picture Home and Hospital of kidney cancer and was survived by his second wife Vera, two sons, and a daughter. His remains were given to the UCLA School of Medicine and Anatomy for research.

As to his Barcroft screen name - Ravenscroft was too difficult to spell and remember, especially when dealing with casting calls and casting offices. He kept "croft" and settled on "Bar" for the beginning. His rationale - "Barcroft" would get him near the top of casting lists for extra and character jobs.

Of all the players in westerns and cliffhangers, most fans fondly recall Roy Barcroft and consider him as the "King of the badmen". He was so good that his screen presence was often more dominant - and memorable - than the hero.

Roy Barcroft's's movie work from the mid 1930s through 1970 in westerns, serials, and other films. Does NOT include TV roles. I've used the RELEASE dates (not filming dates) from the Internet Movie Database so the results may be a little skewed. Red indicates the years in which Barcroft was under term player contracts at Republic Pictures. Total film count in this chart = 296.
2	5	8	13	15	14	18	21	19	20	16	17	21	15	17	16	17	9	4	5	2	5	17
1936	1937	1938	1939	1940	1941	1942	1943	1944	1945	1946	1947	1948	1949	1950	1951	1952	1953	1954	1955	1956	1957	1958- 1970

Although some of the data is incomplete or inaccurate, the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) has information on Roy Barcroft: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0054117/

Lengthy article about Roy Barcroft and ties to Crab Orchard and Weeping Water, Nebraska in the March, 2000 issue of the Plattsmouth, Nebraska Journal newspaper. Includes remembrances from family members: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76392639/the-plattsmouth-journal/

There's a lengthy biography and lots of photos of Roy Barcroft in cliffhangers at Daniel Neyer's "The Files of Jerry Blake" serial website: https://filesofjerryblake.com/serial-villains/roy-barcroft/

Images and info about Barcroft and the SPIN AND MARTY TV series on the Mickey Mouse Club TV program: http://www.originalmmc.com/barcroft.html

The Family Search website (free), Ancestry.com (subscription), Fold3 Military records, California Death Index, and Social Security Death Index (SSDI) provide additional information on Roy Barcroft and family. I've highlighted Howard Harold Ravenscroft / Howard H. Ravenscroft names in this color.

1900 census summary and census takers worksheet (prior to Roy's 1902 birth) - renting in Western Precinct, Crab Orchard village, Johnson County, Nebraska are 48 year old William Ravencroft (born Ohio; occupation "Farmer"), his 45 year old wife Lillian (born Illinois), 15 year old son Earl (born Nebraska), 12 year old daughter Lora (born Nebraska), 10 year old daughter Mable (born Nebraska), 7 year old son Daniel R. (born Nebraska), and 4 year old son William (born Nebraska): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3BH-QBS
1910 census summary and census takers worksheet - 57 year old William Ravenscroft (born Illinois; occupation "Salesman - Medicine"), 55 year old wife Lillian (born Illinois), 19 year old daughter Mabel (born Nebraska), 12 year old son Willie (born Nebraska), and 7 year old son Howard (born Nebraska) live in Auburn, Nemaha County, Nebraska: https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/ML4R-N3C
1916 and 1917 school registration / enrollment cards for Howard Ravenscroft (born September 7, 1902; mother is Lillian Ravenscroft). He's attending school in Gage, Ellis County, Oklahoma:
13 years old and the card is dated January 25, 1916: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2JW-NRXH
14 years old and the card is dated January 26, 1917: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2JW-RG9H
1920 census summary and the census takers worksheet - 17 year old Howard Ravenscroft (born Nebraska; occupation "Carpenter Helper - Building"), his 22 year old brother William (born Nebraska) and his 64 year old mother Lillian (born Illinois; widowed) are in-laws living with John H. and DeLora Posey at 147 East 54th Street, Seattle, King County, Washington. (DeLora is probably Roy's sister Lora in the 1900 census above): https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHNK-HR9
Ancestry.com had the July 26, 1920 Application for Seaman's Certificate (from the Department of Commerce) for Howard Harold Ravenscroft. He was born June 2, 1901 in Crab Orcgard [sic], Nebraska and his father was William Ravenscroft (born Illinois). He was living at 147 East 54th Street, Seattle, Washington (same as 1920 census).
April 23, 1927 Pierce County, Washington marriage license of Howard H. Ravenscroft and Lela Wade at Holy Rosary Church, Tacoma, Washington. He was living in King County, Washington and she in Union County, Oregon: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKNB-SW7R
1930 census summary and census takers worksheet - 27 year old Howard H. Ravenscroft (born Nebraska; occupation "Salesman - Automobile"), his 26 year old wife Lela (born Illinois), and 1 9/12 year old daughter Roberta J. (born Oregon about 1928) were renting in Oak Park, Cook County, Illinois. And he was not a military veteran: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XSTG-DP5
California Birth Index for son Rockne Francis Ravenscroft, born May 12, 1931 in Alameda, California, and mother's maiden name of Wade: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VL58-J1T
1940 census summary and census takers worksheet - 37 year old Howard Ravenscroft, 30 year old wife Vera (born Illinois), and 68 year old mother-in-law Tillie Thompson (born Sweden) lived at 6241 Palm Avenue, Bell, Los Angeles County, California. They owned their home; his birth location was Nebraska and he completed eight years of schooling; occupation was "Actor - Motion Picture Studio", and in 1939, he worked 26 weeks and earned $2800.00. Wife Vera was employed as a "Buyer - Gas Stoves", and in 1939, she worked 52 weeks and earned $1800.00 https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K9WH-8T3
Fold3 Military records had the World War II draft registration for 39 year old Howard Harold Ravenscroft. He was born September 7, 1902 in Crab Orchard, Nebraska; occupation was "Self - Free lance actor"; height and weight were 6 feet, 2 inches and 215 pounds. His contact was wife Vera and they lived at 6241 Palm Avenue, Bell, Los Angeles County, California.
Ancestry.com had the 1944 North Hollywood, California City Directory - Howard H. Ravenscroft and wife Vera lived at 4455 Elmer Avenue.
California Birth Index for son Michael Roy Ravenscroft, born March 8, 1944 in Los Angeles, and mother's maiden name was Thompson: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VGKV-L1N
California Death Index has dual records for Roy Barcroft and Howard H. Ravenscroft. California Death Index has him born In Nebraska but has an incorrect birth date of September 9, 1902; his mother's maiden name was Williams; and he passed away on 11/28/1969. You will find a corresponding record in the Social Security Death Index (SSDI), but his birthdate is correctly listed as September 7, 1902:
https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VPKB-SFL
https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VPKT-L58
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JBQP-F3D

Roy's military records from 1918 - 1919 and 1923 - 1926:

August 30, 1918 ship passenger list with Private Howard Ravenscroft, serial 516450, sailing from Newport News, Virginia. His contact is Mrs. Mable Power, Sister, Weeping Water, Nebraska. Does not list destination, but guessing he was sailing to France - see next entry.
May 31, 1919 ship passenger list sailing from Naval Operating Base at St. Nazaire, France includes Private Howard Ravenscroft, serial 516454, Motor Transport Company, MTC 707. Contact is Mrs. G. E. Powell or O. E. Powell, sister, Weeping Waters, Nebraska. Listing includes many members of Motor Transport Company, MTC 707, which indicates the entire unit is returning to the U.S.
November 26, 1923 ship passenger list from San Francisco to Honolulu, Hawaii includes Private Howard H. Ravenscroft, serial R-516454, Engineers, Fourth Hawaiian Provisional Company.
September 1, 1926 transport and ship passenger list from Honolulu to San Francisco with Private Howard H. Ravenscroft, serial R516454, 3rd U. S. Engineers.

Roy's two wives and three children:

Roy's first wife was Lela J. Wade, and they married April 23, 1927 in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. They had a son and daughter, and divorced in the early 1930s.
Daughter Roberta Jean Ravenscroft was born June 23, 1928 in Oregon, and she is in the 1930 census above.
Son Rockne Francis Ravenscroft was born May 12, 1931 in Alameda, California, mother's maiden name of Wade, and there is a record in the California Birth Index above.
Roy's second wife was Vera Virginia Doris Thompson, and she was born 1909 in Chicago, Illinois. They married circa 1932 and had a son.
Son Michael Roy Ravenscroft was born March 8, 1944 in Los Angeles, mother's maiden name of Thompson, and there is a record in the California Birth Index above.

Noted singer and voice actor Thurl Ravenscroft is sometimes mentioned as the brother of Roy Barcroft. Not so! Thurl and Roy were cousins. Thurl did lots of voice work and is best remembered for mouthing Tony the Tiger's "They're grrreat!" in Kellogg's Frosted Flakes commercials. He was born in Nebraska in 1914 to Arthur and Blanche Ravenscroft: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XQ23-237
Thurl's biography is available at the Internet Archive "Wayback Machine": https://web.archive.org/web/20200121060832/http://www.allthingsthurl.com/biography.htm

(Courtesy of Gregory R. Jackson, Jr.)		(Courtesy of Gregory R. Jackson, Jr.)
Above is a very grey and bearded Roy Barcroft, 1960s photo.

(From Old Corral collection)

As noted - from July, 1943 through July, 1953, Roy Barcroft was under a term player contract(s) at Republic Pictures.

During that period, he had several meaty cliffhanger roles - Roy was the titled villain in THE PURPLE MONSTER STRIKES (Republic, 1945); the evil "Captain Mephisto" in MANHUNT OF MYSTERY ISLAND (Republic, 1945); and "Retik" in RADAR MEN FROM THE MOON (Republic, 1952).

Roy's favorite role was playing "Captain Mephisto" in MANHUNT OF MYSTERY ISLAND (Republic, 1945).

(Courtesy of Les Adams)

Above from L-to-R are Jean Carmen, James Newill, Milburn Stone, and Roy Barcroft in a scene from CRASHING THROUGH (Monogram, 1939), one of the 'Renfrew of the Mounted' northwoods adventures. On the stairs - and about to deliver a crushin' blow to Jim Newill's noggin - is Iron Eyes Cody. Jean Carmen's most remembered role was as the rider of the paint horse in the Republic serial, THE PAINTED STALLION (1937), in which she was billed as Julia Thayer. In later life, Milburn Stone became 'Doc' on TV's long running GUNSMOKE.

(Courtesy of Bart Romans)

Above from L-to-R are Roy Barcroft, Ray 'Crash' Corrigan, Le Roy Mason, Max Terhune and Bob Livingston in a still from the Three Mesquiteers' HEROES OF THE HILLS (Republic, 1938). Roy got billing credit in this ... and HEROES was his first western for Republic Pictures.

(Courtesy of Minard Coons)

Above - Hopalong Cassidy has the drop on three nasties. From left to right are John Merton, Roy Barcroft, Bob Kortman and William Boyd in a still from RENEGADE TRAIL (Harry Sherman Prod/Paramount, 1939). This has Roy at his meanest - he kicks a dog and slaps around youngster Sonny Bupp.

(From Old Corral collection)

Above - two of western film's greatest bad guys, Roy Barcroft (left with white hat) and Harry Woods (wearing a suit), listen in as Buck Jones chats with Tim McCoy in WEST OF THE LAW (Monogram, 1942), the last of the eight Rough Riders adventures.

(From Old Corral collection)

Above from L-to-R are Bill Elliott, George 'Slim' Summerville, Roy Barcroft, and Robert Fiske in a scene from Elliott's third (and last) serial, THE VALLEY OF VANISHING MEN (Columbia, 1942). A year or so later, both Elliott and Barcroft would be under contract at Republic Pictures.

(From Old Corral collection)

From L-to-R are Robert 'Bobby' Blake (as 'Little Beaver'), Roy Barcroft, Jack Kirk, Tom London and Bill Elliott in a lobby card from CHEYENNE WILDCAT (Republic, 1944), one of the Red Ryder adventures.

(Courtesy of Boyd Magers)

Above from left to right are Douglas Fowley, Emmett Vogan, Roy Rogers and Roy Barcroft in a 1954 blue duotone re-release lobby card from ALONG THE NAVAJO TRAIL (Republic, 1945). Fowley and Barcroft report to Vogan who is the president of an oil drilling company that needs Dale Evans' ranch for a pipeline.

(From Old Corral collection)

Above is the treacherous trio from the serial DON DAREDEVIL RIDES AGAIN (Republic, 1951). From L-to-R are Lane Bradford (John Merton's son), Roy Barcroft and left handed John (Bob) Cason.