Balding, worried-looking character actor of the 1930's who had a strong line in lawyers, judges, sheriffs, mayors and storekeepers. He was especially effective at playing choleric or obtuse. Bates had a career in dramatic plays on Broadway spanning the years from 1925 to 1935. He began in films with Essanay in 1917. His performance in The Great Man Votes (1939), as a corrupt, incompetent mayor, was particularly noteworthy. His best role, however -- occurring well towards the end of his life -- was as the bewildered judge in Mon épouse favorite (1940). Bosley Crowther (May 31) considered this a 'masterpiece of comic creation'. That same year, Bates stood out in the otherwise forgettable A l'assaut des cieux (1940). He died soon afterward of a heart attack.Bates was a member of the Lambs Club in New York, America's most venerable theatrical organisation.