Though he played the hero on occasion, for most of his career, he played the main villain or a charming or corrupt businessman. One of his best known roles was in the Douglas Sirk film "Magnificent Obsession" (1954). Kruger played the supporting role of Judge Percy Mettrick, who unsuccessfully urges Will Kane to leave town in "High Noon" (1952). Kruger is also remembered for playing the villain Tobin in Alfred Hitchcock's spy film "Saboteur" (1942) and mob boss Stevens in the film noir "711 Ocean Drive" (1950).