J.P. McGowan

J.P. McGowan

Deceased · Born: Feb 24, 1880 · Died: Mar 26, 1952

Personal Details

BornFeb 24, 1880 Terowie, South Australia, Australia
Spouse
  • Mrs. Kaye Swart Northrop

    ( Mar 16, 1937 to Mar 26, 1952 )
  • Leona (Lorna) Haviland

    ( Mar 23, 1910 to May 12, 2025 )
  • Helen Holmes

    ( May 12, 2025 to Dec 31, 1969 )

Biography

Born on February 24, 1880, in the small town of Terowie, located in the Australian state of South Australia, J.P. McGowan embarked on a distinguished career as a director and actor, leaving an indelible mark on the film industry.

His impressive body of work includes notable films such as The Lost Express, released in 1917, Hills of Missing Men, which premiered in 1922, and The Hurricane Express, a 1932 production that showcased his mastery of the craft.

Throughout his personal life, McGowan was married three times to remarkable women, including Mrs. Kaye Swart Northrop, Leona (Lorna) Haviland, and the talented actress Helen Holmes.

Tragically, McGowan's life came to a close on March 26, 1952, in Hollywood, California, USA, a city that had become his home and a hub for his creative pursuits.

Career

{"id":68513,"title":"The Lady and the Bandit","year":"1951","character":"Old Man","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-lady-and-the-bandit","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_68513.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_68513.jpg"},"released":1}
1951
{"id":72490,"title":"Code of the Fearless","year":"1939","character":"Undetermined Minor Role","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/code-of-the-fearless","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_72490.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_72490.jpg"},"released":1}
1939
Code of the Fearless
Code of the Fearless as Undetermined Minor Role
{"id":72136,"title":"Stagecoach","year":"1939","character":"Bit Part (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/stagecoach-1939","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/7deolq3rird0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/7deolq3rird0.jpg"},"released":1}
Stagecoach
Stagecoach as Bit Part (uncredited)
{"id":83175,"title":"Kidnapped","year":"1938","character":"Clansman","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/kidnapped-1938","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_83175.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_83175.jpg"},"released":1}
1938
Kidnapped
Kidnapped as Clansman
{"id":72842,"title":"The Great Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok","year":"1938","character":"Scudder","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-great-adventures-of-wild-bill-hickok","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_72842.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_72842.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":72571,"title":"The Buccaneer","year":"1938","character":"Jailer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-buccaneer-1938","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_72571.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_72571.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":119902,"title":"Hit the Saddle","year":"1937","character":"Rance McGowan","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/hit-the-saddle","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_119902.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_119902.jpg"},"released":1}
1937
Hit the Saddle
Hit the Saddle as Rance McGowan
{"id":83240,"title":"Heart of the Rockies","year":"1937","character":"Ed Dawson","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/heart-of-the-rockies","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_83240.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_83240.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":96803,"title":"She Had to Eat","year":"1937","character":"Police Sergeant (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/she-had-to-eat","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_96803.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_96803.jpg"},"released":1}
She Had to Eat
She Had to Eat as Police Sergeant (uncredited)
{"id":73160,"title":"Slave Ship","year":"1937","character":"Helmsman","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/slave-ship","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73160.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73160.jpg"},"released":1}
Slave Ship
Slave Ship as Helmsman
{"id":73030,"title":"Borderland","year":"1937","character":"El Rio Sheriff","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/borderland-1937","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73030.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73030.jpg"},"released":1}
Borderland
Borderland as El Rio Sheriff
{"id":73022,"title":"Jungle Jim","year":"1937","character":"Ship Captain J.S. Robinson","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/jungle-jim-1937","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73022.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73022.jpg"},"released":1}
Jungle Jim
Jungle Jim as Ship Captain J.S. Robinson
{"id":95341,"title":"Ride 'Em Cowboy","year":"1936","character":"Jim Howard","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/ride-em-cowboy","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_95341.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_95341.jpg"},"released":1}
1936
Ride 'Em Cowboy
Ride 'Em Cowboy as Jim Howard
{"id":73513,"title":"Guns and Guitars","year":"1936","character":"Dave Morgan","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/guns-and-guitars","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73513.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73513.jpg"},"released":1}
Guns and Guitars
Guns and Guitars as Dave Morgan
{"id":73590,"title":"The Three Mesquiteers","year":"1936","character":"Brack Canfield","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-three-mesquiteers","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73590.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73590.jpg"},"released":1}
The Three Mesquiteers
The Three Mesquiteers as Brack Canfield
{"id":73674,"title":"Sinner Take All","year":"1936","character":"Police Officer Murphy (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/sinner-take-all","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73674.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73674.jpg"},"released":1}
Sinner Take All
Sinner Take All as Police Officer Murphy (uncredited)
{"id":73394,"title":"Robin Hood of El Dorado","year":"1936","character":"Danglong","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/robin-hood-of-el-dorado","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73394.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73394.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":73387,"title":"The Accusing Finger","year":"1936","character":"Inner Guard","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-accusing-finger","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73387.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73387.jpg"},"released":1}
The Accusing Finger
The Accusing Finger as Inner Guard
{"id":73354,"title":"The Prisoner of Shark Island","year":"1936","character":"Ship's Captain","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-prisoner-of-shark-island","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73354.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73354.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":73805,"title":"Bar 20 Rides Again","year":"1935","character":"Buck Peters","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/bar-20-rides-again","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73805.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73805.jpg"},"released":1}
1935
Bar 20 Rides Again
Bar 20 Rides Again as Buck Peters
{"id":83359,"title":"The Silent Code","year":"1935","character":"Commissioner","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-silent-code","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_83359.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_83359.jpg"},"released":1}
The Silent Code
The Silent Code as Commissioner
{"id":74059,"title":"The Call of the Savage","year":"1935","character":"Freighter Captain","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-call-of-the-savage","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_74059.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_74059.jpg"},"released":1}
The Call of the Savage
The Call of the Savage as Freighter Captain
{"id":73880,"title":"Mississippi","year":"1935","character":"Dealer (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/mississippi","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73880.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73880.jpg"},"released":1}
Mississippi
Mississippi as Dealer (uncredited)
{"id":73760,"title":"Les Mis\u00e9rables","year":"1935","character":"Javert's Plainclothesman","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/les-miserables-1935","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73760.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73760.jpg"},"released":1}
Les Misérables
Les Misérables as Javert's Plainclothesman
{"id":73758,"title":"Diamond Jim","year":"1935","character":"Engineer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/diamond-jim","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73758.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73758.jpg"},"released":1}
Diamond Jim
Diamond Jim as Engineer
{"id":95405,"title":"The Red Rider","year":"1934","character":"Scotty McKee","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-red-rider","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_95405.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_95405.jpg"},"released":1}
1934
The Red Rider
The Red Rider as Scotty McKee
{"id":74724,"title":"Somewhere in Sonora","year":"1933","character":"Monte Black","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/somewhere-in-sonora","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_74724.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_74724.jpg"},"released":1}
1933
Somewhere in Sonora
Somewhere in Sonora as Monte Black
{"id":221690,"title":"Flaming Gold","year":"1932","character":"Mack","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/flaming-gold","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_221690.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_221690.jpg"},"released":1}
1932
{"id":95480,"title":"Quick Trigger Lee","year":"1931","character":"Brings note \/ Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/quick-trigger-lee","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_95480.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_95480.jpg"},"released":1}
1931
Quick Trigger Lee
Quick Trigger Lee as Brings note / Director
{"id":75389,"title":"A Son of the Plains","year":"1931","character":"Dan Farrell","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/a-son-of-the-plains","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_75389.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_75389.jpg"},"released":1}
A Son of the Plains
A Son of the Plains as Dan Farrell
{"id":76036,"title":"The Code of the Scarlet","year":"1928","character":"Blake","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-code-of-the-scarlet","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_76036.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_76036.jpg"},"released":1}
1928
{"id":75995,"title":"Arizona Days","year":"1928","character":"Ed Hicks","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/arizona-days","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_75995.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_75995.jpg"},"released":1}
Arizona Days
Arizona Days as Ed Hicks
{"id":73204,"title":"What Price Vengeance","year":"1937","job":"Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/what-price-vengeance","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73204.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73204.jpg"},"released":1}
1937
{"id":72861,"title":"Where the West Begins","year":"1938","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/where-the-west-begins","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_72861.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_72861.jpg"},"released":1}
1938
{"id":133575,"title":"Roaring Six Guns","year":"1937","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/roaring-six-guns","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_133575.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_133575.jpg"},"released":1}
1937
{"id":95425,"title":"Deadwood Pass","year":"1933","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/deadwood-pass","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_95425.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_95425.jpg"},"released":1}
1933
Deadwood Pass
Deadwood Pass as Director
{"id":74643,"title":"Drum Taps","year":"1933","job":"Director, Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/drum-taps","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_74643.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_74643.jpg"},"released":1}
Drum Taps
Drum Taps as Director, Screenplay
{"id":83391,"title":"War of the Range","year":"1933","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/war-of-the-range","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_83391.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_83391.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":30482,"title":"The Hurricane Express","year":"1932","job":"Director, Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-hurricane-express","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_30482.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_30482.jpg"},"released":1}
1932
The Hurricane Express
The Hurricane Express as Director, Screenplay
{"id":75205,"title":"Tangled Fortunes","year":"1932","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/tangled-fortunes","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_75205.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_75205.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":95480,"title":"Quick Trigger Lee","year":"1931","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/quick-trigger-lee","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_95480.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_95480.jpg"},"released":1}
1931
{"id":75655,"title":"Canyon Hawks","year":"1930","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/canyon-hawks","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_75655.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_75655.jpg"},"released":1}
1930
Canyon Hawks
Canyon Hawks as Director
{"id":130066,"title":"Call of the Desert","year":"1930","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/call-of-the-desert","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_130066.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_130066.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":75995,"title":"Arizona Days","year":"1928","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/arizona-days","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_75995.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_75995.jpg"},"released":1}
1928
Arizona Days
Arizona Days as Director
{"id":76048,"title":"Tarzan and the Golden Lion","year":"1927","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/tarzan-and-the-golden-lion","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_76048.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_76048.jpg"},"released":1}
1927
{"id":76168,"title":"Crossed Signals","year":"1926","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/crossed-signals","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_76168.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_76168.jpg"},"released":1}
1926