Some B-movies during the 1940s and 1950s like Jungle Siren, Lady from Chungking, Parole, Inc. and The Bob Mathias Story gave him the chance to play substantial supporting roles.

Bryar appeared in three movies directed by Alfred Hitchcock,[2] including Vertigo (1958), where he had an uncredited role as the friendly Police Captain who accompanies James Stewart to the coroner's inquest.

He appeared in Charles Laughton's film classic The Night of the Hunter (1955) as a hangman and family father who feels depressed about his work.

Paul Bryar also appeared in the first season of Barnaby Jones; episode titled, "To Denise, with Love and Murder"(04/22/1973).

He had a recurring role as Sheriff Harve Anders in the short-lived series The Long, Hot Summer between 1965 and 1966.