Arthur Scofield Franz was born in the charming city of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, to his loving parents, Dorothy and Gustav Franz, who were German immigrants seeking a better life in the United States. As a reliable character actor, Franz made a name for himself in the 194s0 and 1950s by appearing in numerous "B" pictures, often portraying friendly small-town businessmen or professionals, as seen in the 1949 film "The Doctor and the Girl". In other films, such as "Invaders from Mars" (1953),he would play the lead's sympathetic friend, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
However, Franz's range extended beyond "B" pictures. He landed good parts in major productions like "Sands of Iwo Jima" (1949) and "Alvarez Kelly" (1966),demonstrating his ability to hold his own alongside more prominent actors. Despite his impressive resume, it is likely that Franz is most remembered for his outstanding performance in Edward Dmytryk's 1952 thriller "The Sniper". In this film, Franz portrayed a mentally unstable ex-soldier, struggling to cope with rejection from a woman he had feelings for. As the story unfolds, the character's instability culminates in a terrifying rampage, as he takes out his old army rifle and begins stalking and killing women in San Francisco.
