James Burke

James Burke Profile Photo

Characters played by James Burke

Sgt. Velle — Ellery Queen, Master Detective (1940)

Police officer assisting in the Braun murder investigation

Detective (uncredited) — Six of a Kind (1934)

A detective is among the investigators sent to Nuggetville after Pinky wires his bank for a withdrawal and the bank alerts law enforcement. Detectives arrest Pinky, but the discovery of the stolen money does not prove his guilt; the real culprit is ultimately taken into custody.

Policeman Who Lets Dog Out (uncredited) — The Kennel Murder Case (1933)

Officer performing routine duty involving animal care.

Policeman Callahan (uncredited) — Song of the Thin Man (1947)

Officer assisting with perimeter security and witness interviews.

Pop Saunders — The Cisco Kid and the Lady (1939)

A minor character in the Western adventure; no specific actions are provided.

Detective Kelly — Down to Earth (1947)

Private investigator or law enforcement officer assisting in missing persons cases.

Jeb Bassett — Copper Canyon (1950)

Jeb Bassett is one of the former Confederate soldiers seeking help against Moss Balfour's influence in Coppertown. He joins the proposal to recruit Johnny Carter, but is injured as the community prepares to resist. His condition also worries Martha Bassett because of the danger facing his sons.

Sgt. Velie — Ellery Queen's Penthouse Mystery (1941)

Police sergeant who assists Inspector Queen and Ellery

Sgt. Velie — Ellery Queen and the Murder Ring (1941)

Dedicated police sergeant assisting Inspector Queen with field investigations.

Sgt. Velie — Ellery Queen and the Perfect Crime (1941)

A police sergeant who supports Ellery and Inspector Queen during official investigations.

Ike Matthews — Flight Into Nowhere (1938)

Ike is a fellow pilot assigned to fly over the South American jungle and photograph potential landing fields. Bill, jealous of the publicity Ike's proving flight would bring, steals the aircraft and takes the mission himself. Ike later joins Jim in searching for Bill, though a storm prevents them from spotting the village before they continue to Rio Vista.

Patrolman Mike — The Saint Takes Over (1940)

Beat officer involved in Templar's New York cases.

Career Overview

James Burke has 160 screen credits in a career dating back to 1932. Their work spans 12 cinematic universes — most prominently Ellery Queen Collection with 7 titles. Signature works include Ellery Queen, Master Detective, The Timber Trail, Flight Into Nowhere. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
male
Known Credits
160
Birth Date
1886-09-23
Birth Place
New York City, New York, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 12 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q6130501), public domain (CC0).