John Carradine (1906-1988) was an American character actor, recognizable for his tall, gaunt figure, intense eyes, and deep, resonant voice. Extremely prolific, with over 300 films, his career spanned six decades.

He was a favored actor of John Ford, appearing in classics such as *Stagecoach*, in the unforgettable role of Casy in *The Grapes of Wrath*, and *The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance*. He excelled in roles featuring complex or ambiguous characters: decadent aristocrats, mad scientists, prophets, elegant villains, or unsettling figures. His screen presence, often dramatic and theatrical, made him memorable even in countless horror and fantasy B-movies, solidifying his reputation as the "King of the B-movies" in later years.