Howard Petrie was a talented actor who made a lasting mark in Hollywood with a career that spanned some of the most memorable films of the mid-20th century. Howard Petrie’s journey in acting began with a series of compelling roles that showcased his versatility and dedication to the craft. Early on, he appeared in the dramatic film Walk Softly, Stranger (1950), followed by the action-packed Rocky Mountain (1950), starring Errol Flynn, and the crime thriller No Questions Asked (1951) alongside Barry Sullivan. These early performances helped solidify Howard Petrie’s presence in the industry.
As his career progressed, Howard Petrie continued to take on diverse roles across genres. He appeared in Joel McCrea’s western Cattle Drive (1951), added depth to the historical epic The Golden Horde (1951) with Ann Blyth, and shared the screen with James Stewart in the acclaimed western Bend of the River (1952). That same year, Howard Petrie remained active, contributing to several notable productions such as the adventure film The Wild North with Stewart Granger, the war drama Red Ball Express featuring Jeff Chandler, and the action-filled Pony Soldier starring Tyrone Power. He also had a role in The Veils of Bagdad (1953), further demonstrating his range.
Film remained a central passion for Howard Petrie, and he kept building his impressive filmography. In 1954, he appeared in The Bob Mathias Story, a biopic about the Olympic athlete, and lent his talent to the historical spectacle Sign of the Pagan, once again working with Jeff Chandler. The following year, Howard Petrie was part of the western Rage at Dawn (1955), which starred Randolph Scott, and brought a lighter touch to the Betty Grable comedy How to Be Very, Very Popular (1955). He also appeared in The Maverick Queen (1956), a western featuring Barbara Stanwyck, proving his adaptability across different tones and styles.
In one of his later roles, Howard Petrie acted in the 1957 western The Tin Star, starring Henry Fonda—a fitting addition to a career deeply rooted in the Western genre. Throughout his years in Hollywood, Howard Petrie consistently delivered strong supporting performances, earning respect among peers and audiences alike. Sadly, Howard Petrie passed away in March 1968 at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy defined by dedication, professionalism, and a genuine love for cinema.
When it comes to Howard Petrie’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to A Kiss Before Dying (1956) as his standout performance—definitely the highest rated movie in his career. It’s clear that Howard Petrie brought a certain depth to that role, which really resonated with audiences and reviewers. On the other hand, looking back at his body of work, Sign of the Pagan (1954) tends to come up as the lowest rated film associated with Howard Petrie. While it had its moments, it just didn’t achieve the same level of acclaim. Overall, Howard Petrie’s range is evident when you compare these two titles, showing both the peaks and valleys in his cinematic journey. Howard Petrie truly left a mark, even if not every project reached the same heights.