- Peter Whitney, The Big Heat, 1953. Some actors never know when they are well off. Reason, older brother of TV star Rhodes Reason, had a mainly uncredited bits to his (unknown) name when offered Tierney…
- Robert Burton, The Big Heat, 1953. … or Detective Gus Burke in what became an instance classic from director Fritz Lang.
- Lee Marvin, The Big Heat, 1953. But no, Reason – and his agent – wanted the more memorable role of gangster Vince Stone – flinging scalding hot coffee into the face of his moll, Gloria Grahame… famous film noir cruelty to match James Cagney grapefruiting Mae Marsh in The Public Enemy, 1930. After more bits (some as Bart Roberts), Reason made good as the scientist hero of two sf Bs: This Island Earth, 1954, and The Creature Walks Among Us, 1955.
- Laurence Harvey, The Manchurian Candidate, 1961. Back in 1952, Reason had tested with Frank Sinatra for From Here To Eternity. Sinatra appreciated his help in winning his comeback – and his later work in The Roaring 20s series – and offered him the pivotal role of brainwashed Raymond Shaw. Too late for Reason. Just when The Breakthrough Role was being handed him, he had quit acting for real estate.
Birth year: Death year: Other name: Casting Calls: 4