S. John Launer

Saul John Launer (November 5, 1919 – November 8, 2006), was an American television and film actor. Launer was born in Cleveland, Ohio, United States.

S. John Launer
Born
Saul John Launer

(1919-11-05)November 5, 1919
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
DiedNovember 8, 2006(2006-11-08) (aged 87)
Burbank, California, U.S.
Other namesJohn Launer
S. Jon Launer
S. J. Louner
Years active1955–1987
Spouse(s)Estelle Launer
Children2

Career

Launer appeared in 89 films and television programs between 1943 and 1977, and most of his films list him as un-credited. His first acting role was in the television series Meet Corliss Archer (1954) and his career ended with the film Billionaire Boys Club (1987).[1]

In 1956, he performed in Calder Willingham's play End as a Man at the Players Ring Gallery in West Hollywood. A review by Jerry Pam in the Valley Times said Launer's performance was "at times, too philosophical" but that he seemed at home with children and that his end speech was "exciting".[2]

Launer's film credits include The Werewolf (1956), I Was a Teenage Werewolf (1957), Jailhouse Rock (1957), The Crowded Sky (1960), Marnie (1964), and Pendulum (1969).

His television credits include Father Knows Best (1956), The Ford Television Theatre (1956–57), The George Sanders Mystery Theater (1957), State Trooper (1958), Dr. Kildare (1963), The Twilight Zone (1959–63), Dragnet (1969-70), Harry O (1973–74). He also acted in the Gunsmoke episode "Robin Hood."

Launer was injured in a stagecoach accident on the set of Laramie in 1960. Launer, who had been riding inside the stagecoach, received lacerations, while another actor, Bert Spencer, was harmed to the point that one of his legs required amputation.[3]

His most famous role was his nine years as a criminal court judge on Perry Mason.[4] He was a no-nonsense judge who would often put District Attorney Hamilton Burger in his place when Burger would object to Perry's line of questioning. Launer's Judge would say, "I disagree Mr. Burger. I want to hear what the witness has to say."

Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
1955Creature with the Atom BrainCapt. Dave Harris
1956Uranium BoomMac
1956The WerewolfDr. Emery Forrest
1957Crime of PassionChief of PoliceUncredited
1957I Was a Teenage WerewolfBill Logan
1957Jailhouse RockJudgeUncredited
1957Zero Hour!Vancouver Switchboard OperatorUncredited
1958Sing Boy SingTailor / ManufacturerUncredited
1960Ice PalaceChairmanUncredited
1960The Crowded SkyPolice OfficerUncredited
1964MarnieSam Ward
1964Apache RiflesGen. Nelson
1966The Venetian AffairMr. PennymanUncredited
1968SpeedwayMayor FiergolUncredited
1969PendulumJudge Kinsella
1976Gable and LombardThe Judge
1981Mommie DearestPepsi Chairman
gollark: I don't even understand half of my stuff in detail - it just mostly works.
gollark: I'd go so far as to say that most programs over a few hundred lines are pretty hard for anyone but the original creator to understand.
gollark: `software they don't fully understand` = most code.
gollark: ```Encouraging players to install software they don’t fully understand is forbidden.```
gollark: <@!152960219390017538> No, that is utterly false.

References
  1. "S. John Launer (Obit)". Variety. 12 September 2006. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  2. Pam, Jerry (1956-03-29). "Gallery Premiere Shows New Stars". Valley Times – via Newspapers.com.
  3. "'Laramie' Stagecoach Overturns". The Daily Texan. Austin, Texas. 1960-11-01 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  4. "In Public Service". Philadelphia Daily News. Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. August 18, 1967. p. 36. Retrieved May 29, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
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