Pete Smith
The job that really brought him recognition, however, was his producing, writing and narrating a series of shorts known as "Pete Smith Specialties" for MGM. The one-reelers covered just about every subject imaginable, from the animal world to the latest technology to how to handle annoying patrons in movie theaters, all delivered with Smith's trademark wry, bemused narration. Many of the later shorts were written and directed by actor Dave O'Brien, using the name David Barclay. Sixteen entries in the series were nominated for Oscars, and two of them won. The series came to an end in 1954, though there were enough made to continue releasing into 1955.
Smith's later years were plagued by bad health, and he spent more and more time being hospitalized. In 1979, with his health deteriorating rapidly, he committed suicide by jumping out of the window of his ninth-floor hospital room. He was 86 years old.
Filmography (171 Appearances)
Football Thrills of 1939
Added Attractions: The Hollywood Shorts Story
MGM Parade
The Fall Guy
Animals in Action
Just What I Needed
The Man Around the House
Rough Riding
The Camera Caught It
Film Antics
Out for Fun
Do Someone a Favor!
Fish Tales
Ain't It Aggravatin'
Things We Can Do Without
This Is a Living?
Cash Stashers
Dogs 'n Ducks
The Mosconi Story
Reducing
Musiquiz
Fishing Feats
Bargain Madness
Camera Sleuth
Curious Contests
Wrong Way Butch
A Wife's Life
Did'ja Know?
Crashing the Movies
Pest Control
Sports Oddities
We Can Dream, Can't We?
Water Trix
Those Good Old Days
Super Cue Men
Let's Cogitate
Ice Aces
Just Suppose
You Can't Win
I Love My Mother-In-Law But...
Bowling Tricks
Have You Ever Wondered?
Surfboard Rhythm
Football Thrills No. 10
Neighbor Pests
I Love My Wife BUT!
Now You See It
Diamond Demon
Athletiquiz: What's Your I.Q.? No. 12
I Love My Husband, But!
Sure Cures
Football Thrills No. 9
Treasures from Trash
Equestrian Quiz: What's Your I.Q.? No. 11
Studio Visit
Gettin' Glamour
Fala at Hyde Park
Badminton
Guest Pests
Football Thrills of 1944
Hollywood Scout
The Great Morgan
Safety Sleuth
Football Thrills of 1943
Movie Pests
Sportsman's Memories
Home Maid
Groovie Movie
Water Wisdom
Football Thrills of 1942
Seventh Column
Seeing Hands
Fala: The President's Dog
Hollywood Daredevils
Marines in the Making
The Tree in a Test Tube
Calling All Pa's
Football Thrills of 1941
Victory Quiz
Acro-Batty
What About Daddy?
Aqua Antics
How to Hold Your Husband - BACK
Fancy Answers
Army Champions
Flicker Memories
Football Thrills of 1940
Water Bugs
Cuban Rhythm
Lions on the Loose
Aeronutics
Memory Tricks
Third Dimensional Murder
Penny To the Rescue
Wedding Bills
Quicker'n a Wink
Please Answer (I.Q. #3)
'What's Your 'I.Q.'?': Number Two
Social Sea Lions
Spots Before Your Eyes
The Domineering Male
Stuffie
Maintain the Right
Let's Talk Turkey
Set 'em Up
Take a Cue
Culinary Carving
Poetry of Nature
Radio Hams
Weather Wizards
Marine Circus
Heroes at Leisure
Double Diving
Football Thrills of 1938
Penny's Picnic
Man's Greatest Friend
Hot on Ice
Grid Rules
Football Thrills of 1937
Fisticuffs
Anaesthesia
Penny's Party
Three on a Rope
The New Audioscopiks
Friend Indeed
Candid Cameramaniacs
Romance of Radium
Equestrian Acrobats
Pigskin Champions
The Grand Bounce
Penny Wisdom
Bar-Rac's Night Out
Dexterity
Wanted - A Master
Hurling
Killer Dog
Harnessed Rhythm
The Jonker Diamond
Let's Dance
Audioscopiks
La Fiesta de Santa Barbara
Water Sports
Trained Hoofs
Donkey Baseball
Goofy Movies Number Ten
Goofy Movies Number Nine
Strikes and Spares
Goofy Movies Number Eight
Pro Football
Goofy Movies Number Seven
Goofy Movies Number Six
Goofy Movies Number Five
Goofy Movies Number Four
Manhattan Melodrama
Goofy Movies Number Three
Goofy Movies Number Two
Roping Wild Bears
Goofy Movies Number One
Fine Feathers
Menu
Handlebars
Inflation
Throttle Pushers
Swing High
Microscopic Mysteries
Desert Regatta
Snow Birds
Color Scales
Olympic Events
Wild and Woolly
Trader Hound