Maureen O'Sullivan

Born: 1911-05-17

Maureen Paula O'Sullivan was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, on May 17, 1911. The future mother of Mia Farrow was a schooldays classmate of Vivien Leigh at the Convent of the Sacred Heart at Roehampton in London. Even as a schoolgirl, Maureen desired an acting career; she studied hard and read widely. When the opportunity to be an actress came along, it almost dropped in her lap. The director Frank Borzage was in Dublin filming “Song o’ My Heart” (1930) when Maureen, then 18, met him. Borzage suggested a screen test, which she took. The results were more than favorable, as she won the part of Eileen O’Brien. The part was a substantial one, so much so that Maureen went on to Hollywood to complete the filming. Once in sunny California, Maureen wasted no time landing roles in other films such as “Just Imagine” (1930), “Princess and the Plumber” (1930), and “So This Is London” (1930). Maureen was on a roll that her contemporaries could only have wished for when they were coming up through the ranks. In 1932, Maureen was teamed up with Olympic medal winner Johnny Weissmuller for the first time in “Tarzan the Ape Man” (1932). Five other Tarzan films followed, the last being “Tarzan’s New York Adventure” (1942). The Tarzan epics rank as one of the most memorable series ever made. Most people agree that those movies would not have been successful had it not been for the fine acting talents, not to mention beauty, of Maureen O’Sullivan. But she was more than Jane Parker in the Tarzan films; she had great roles and played beautifully in films such as “The Flame Within” (1935), “David Copperfield” (1935), and “Anna Karenina” (1935). She turned in yet another fine performance in “Pride and Prejudice” (1940). After the 1940s, Maureen made far fewer films, not because she lost popularity but by choice. It isn’t always easy to walk away from a lucrative career, but she did because she wanted to devote more time to her husband, John Farrow, an Australian writer, and their seven children. The couple were married from 1936 until his death in 1963. She did not, however, retire completely; Maureen still found time to make an occasional appearance in films or TV or on the stage. Later movie-goers remember her as Elizabeth Alvorg in the hit film “Peggy Sue Got Married” (1986). Her final silver screen appearance was in “The River Pirates” (1988). Some TV movies followed, but only until 1996. She maintained homes in New Hampshire and Arizona, and it was in Scottsdale that Maureen died on June 23, 1998, of a heart attack. She was 87 years old.


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Pride and Prejudice

as Jane Bennet
Released: 1940-07-26

Mrs. Bennet wishes to wed her five unmarried daughters and is overjoyed when a wealthy bachelor...

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Tarzan and His Mate

as Jane Parker
Released: 1934-04-20

Harry Holt returns to Africa with his friend Martin Arlington to head up a large ivory expedition.

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Peggy Sue Got Married

as Elizabeth Alvorg
Released: 1986-10-10

Peggy Sue faints at a high school reunion. When she wakes up she finds herself in her own past,...

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The Thin Man

as Dorothy Wynant
Released: 1934-05-25

A husband and wife detective team takes on the search for a missing inventor and almost get...

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Hannah and Her Sisters

as Norma
Released: 1986-02-07

Between two Thanksgivings, Hannah's husband falls in love with her sister Lee, while her...

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The Tall T

as Doretta Mims
Released: 1957-04-02

An independent former ranch foreman and an heiress are kidnapped by a trio of ruthless outlaws.

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A Day at the Races

as Judy Standish
Released: 1937-06-11

Doctor Hugo Hackenbush, Tony, and Stuffy try and save Judy's farm by winning a big race with her...

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Tarzan's New York Adventure

as Jane
Released: 1942-05-01

Circus owner Buck Rand kidnaps Boy to perform in his show. He forces a pilot to fly him, Boy and...

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Tarzan Finds a Son!

as Jane Parker
Released: 1939-06-16

A young couple die in a plane crash in the jungle. Their son is found by Tarzan and Jane who...

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Tarzan Escapes

as Jane
Released: 1936-11-06

White hunter Captain Fry tries to take Tarzan back to civilization, caged for public display. He...

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Tarzan the Ape Man

as Jane Parker
Released: 1932-04-02

James Parker and Harry Holt are on an expedition in Africa in search of the elephant burial...

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Tarzan's Secret Treasure

as Jane
Released: 1941-12-01

A scientific expedition happens to discover that gold exists on Tarzan's escarpment. The...

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The Devil-Doll

as Lorraine Lavond
Released: 1936-07-10

Wrongfully convicted of a robbery and murder, Paul Lavond breaks out of prison with a genius...

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A Yank at Oxford

as Molly Beaumont
Released: 1938-02-18

A brash young American aristocrat attending Oxford University gets a chance to prove himself and...

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The Big Clock

as Georgette Stroud
Released: 1948-03-18

Stroud, a crime magazine's crusading editor has to post-pone a vacation with his wife, again,...

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Anna Karenina

as Kitty
Released: 1935-08-30

In 19th century Russia a woman in a respectable marriage to a senior statesman must grapple with...

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David Copperfield

as Dora Spenlow
Released: 1935-01-18

Charles Dickens' timeless tale of an ordinary young man who lives an extraordinary life, filled...

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That's Entertainment, Part II

as (archive footage)
Released: 1976-05-16

Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire present more golden moments from the MGM film library, this time...

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Where Danger Lives

as Julie Dorn
Released: 1950-11-16

A young doctor falls in love with a disturbed young woman and apparently becomes involved in the...

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The Phynx

as Maureen O'Sullivan
Released: 1970-03-06

A rock band is invented by the government as a cover to find hostages in a remote castle in...

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All I Desire

as Sara Harper
Released: 1953-07-03

In 1910, a stage actress re-visits her husband and children she deserted ten years ago.

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Skyscraper Souls

as Lynn Harding
Released: 1932-07-16

After bank president David Dwight makes a vast loan to himself to build a remarkable skyscraper,...

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Skyline

as Katherine Kearny
Released: 1931-10-08

Skyline is a 1931 drama film directed by Sam Taylor and starring silent film veteran Thomas...

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Complicated Women

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 2003-05-06

Looks at the stereotype-breaking films of the period from 1929, when movies entered the sound...

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Let Us Live

as Mary Roberts
Released: 1939-03-29

When a confused eyewitness identifies New York City cabbie Brick Tennant as a killer, he is...

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Stranded

as Grace Clark
Released: 1987-11-20

A young woman and her grandmother living in an isolated farmhouse are kidnapped by aliens.

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Just Imagine

as LN-18
Released: 1930-11-23

New York, 1980: airplanes have replaced cars, numbers have replaced names, pills have replaced...

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A Connecticut Yankee

as Alisande / Woman in Mansion
Released: 1931-04-06

Making a delivery to a mysterious mansion in a rainstorm, radio salesman Hank Martin is knocked...

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Maisie Was a Lady

as Abby Rawlston
Released: 1941-01-10

Showgirl Maisie Ravier finds herself once again out of work. She meets a wealthy playboy who...

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Too Scared to Scream

as Marian Hardwick
Released: 1984-09-28

A killer is brutally attacking several tenants that live in a high rise apartment building in...

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The Flame Within

as Linda Belton
Released: 1935-05-17

Psychiatrist finds herself falling for her patient.

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Hollywood: The Dream Factory

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 1972-01-10

A documentary about the glorious history of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and its decline leading...

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Wild Heritage

as Emma Breslin
Released: 1958-07-23

Travails of a family heading West in a covered wagon.

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Strange Interlude

as Madeline Arnold
Released: 1932-12-30

After Nina Leeds finds out that insanity runs in her husband's family, she has a love child with...

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The Crooked Hearts

as Lillian Stanton
Released: 1972-11-08

A charming but somewhat larcenous widow attempts to snare a rich bachelor through a lonely...

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West Point of the Air

as 'Skip' Carter
Released: 1935-03-23

An army sergeant inspires his son to become an ace flyer.

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The Voice of Bugle Ann

as Camden Terry
Released: 1936-02-15

A Missouri farmer's (Lionel Barrymore) son (Eric Linden) loves the daughter (Maureen O'Sullivan)...

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My Dear Miss Aldrich

as Martha Aldrich
Released: 1937-09-17

A young woman inherits a newspaper whose editor refuses to hire lady reporters.

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The Bishop Misbehaves

as Hester Grantham
Released: 1935-09-13

On a walking tour of English cathedrals, Donald Meadows meets Hester Granthem in church. Hearing...

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Woman Wanted

as Ann
Released: 1935-08-02

Just after a jury finds Ann Grey guilty of murder, the car carrying her to prison crashes into...

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The Romance of Celluloid

as Self
Released: 1937-08-27

Several behind the scenes aspects of the movie-making business, which results in the enjoyment...

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The Big Shot

as Doris Thompson
Released: 1931-12-31

A young man runs into trouble when he buys an auto court, only to find out that its located next...

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Mission Over Korea

as Nancy Slocum
Released: 1953-08-01

A rookie pilot in the Korean War wants to avenge his brother's death.

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Robbers' Roost

as Helen Herrick
Released: 1932-12-30

Running from the law, Jim Hall joins Hays’ gang. Hays is foreman on the Herrick ranch and plans...

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The Barretts of Wimpole Street

as Henrietta Barrett
Released: 1934-09-21

Remarkable poet Elizabeth Barrett is slowly recovering from a crippling illness with the help of...

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Cardinal Richelieu

as Lenore
Released: 1935-04-18

The cunning Cardinal Richelieu must save King Louis XIII from treachery within his inner circle.

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Hart to Hart: Home Is Where the Hart Is

as Eleanor Biddlecomb
Released: 1994-02-18

When a mentor and friend of Jennifer's dies, she and Jonathan return to the sleepy town where...

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The Steel Cage

as Gladys Duffy
Released: 1954-12-01

Drama set in San Quentin prison.

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Hollywood: Style Center of the World

as Self
Released: 1940-05-29

This short promotes the premise that movies often create a demand for the fashions seen in them....

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The Habitation of Dragons

as Helen Taylor
Released: 1992-09-08

Two brothers of totally different natures live in a small town in Texas. Since the death of...

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Hide-Out

as Pauline Miller
Released: 1934-08-24

Wounded criminal Lucky Wilson takes refuge in a small Connecticut farm. He falls in love with...

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In Search of Tarzan with Jonathan Ross

as Herself
Released: 1998-12-22

A look at Tarzan on the big and small screen with interviews with some of those who have played him.

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Tugboat Annie

as Patricia 'Pat' Severn
Released: 1933-08-04

Tugboat, the Narcissus, is owned and captained by Annie Brennan, and among her crew are her...

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Bonzo Goes to College

as Marion Gateson Drew
Released: 1952-09-01

When Bonzo turns out to be the answer to the football teams troubles, the only solution is to...

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Screen Snapshots No. 11

as Herself
Released: 1934-01-01

Long before the release of the cult film Dracula vs. Frankenstein, the original stars of Dracula...

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Mandy's Grandmother

as Grandmother
Released: 1978-01-01

A young tomboy and her prim grandmother quickly forget the disappointment of their first meeting...

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Okay, America!

as Sheila Barton
Released: 1932-09-08

A gossip columnist's rise to fame. Based closely on the real life of Walter Winchell.

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Stage Mother

as Shirley Lorraine
Released: 1933-09-29

Kitty Lorraine has one purpose in life: turning her daughter Shirley into a star. Kitty controls...

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Duffy of San Quentin

as Gladys Duffy
Released: 1954-03-16

San Quentin's new warden crusades for reform and for a framed inmate who loves a nurse.

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The Cohens and Kellys in Trouble

as Molly Kelly
Released: 1933-04-15

Kelly's daughter falls for a revenue agent, and his divorced wife is after alimony.

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Port of Seven Seas

as Madelon
Released: 1938-07-01

In the French port of Marseille, a young woman named Madelon is in love with a young sailor,...

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The Emperor's Candlesticks

as Maria Orlich
Released: 1937-07-02

Spies on opposite sides fall in love in pre-revolutionary Russia.

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Ellis in Freedomland

as The Dishwasher (voice)
Released: 1952-06-15

Westinghouse claims its electric appliances "freed women from the drudgery of housework." The...

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Hold That Kiss

as June Evans
Released: 1938-05-13

Two young people meet at a wedding and begin dating, each thinking the other is extremely...

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Tarzan Revisited

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 2017-04-28

Tarzan: the super hero who never goes out of fashion. The son of British Royalty, he is raised...

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So This Is London

as Elinor Worthing
Released: 1930-05-23

Hiram Draper is an all-American self-made man with a profound distaste for everything British....

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Hollywood - The Second Step

as Herself
Released: 1936-06-02

This short follows the early career of actress Jane Barnes. She starts by doing extra work....

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Morning's at Seven

as Esther "Esty" Crampton
Released: 1982-01-01

In a small Midwestern town in the 1920s, four sisters' lives are turned upside down when one...

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Never Too Late

as Edith Lambert
Released: 1965-11-04

A 60-year-old lumber supply businessman is dismayed to learn his 50-year-old wife is pregnant. A...

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Spring Madness

as Alexandra Benson
Released: 1938-11-11

Harvard senior Sam Thatcher and his best friend and roommate, known as "The Lippencott", plan to...

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The Princess and the Plumber

as Princess Louise
Released: 1930-12-21

A derogated prince hopes to restore his wealth and power by marrying off his daughter to...

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Between Two Women

as Claire Donahue
Released: 1937-07-09

Allen Meighan, an intern, assures himself residency at 'General Hospital', when he saves the...

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Sporting Blood

as Linda Lockwood
Released: 1940-07-11

Myles Vanders feuds with hardnosed stable owner Davis Lockwood. Myles takes revenge by romancing...

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The Blessed Midnight

as Sister Mary Benedict
Released: 1956-12-18

When a boy steals a cake for his beloved aunt on Christmas Eve, his young friend tries to set...

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The Great Houdinis

as Lady Conan Doyle
Released: 1976-10-08

A biography of the renowned escape artist Harry Houdini, examining his fascination with the...

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It's Showtime

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 1976-03-31

A collection of film clips profiling animal actors.

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The Little Lamb: A Christmas Story

as Mother
Released: 1955-01-01

A lamb that had wandered off plays a significant part in the Nativity.

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Fast Companions

as Sally
Released: 1932-06-22

A crooked jockey tries to reform.

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The Edge of Innocence

as Julia Williams
Released: 1957-10-31

An unscrupulous criminal lawyer falls in love with a wealthy widow and becomes involved with her...

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Song o' My Heart

as Eileen
Released: 1930-03-11

Broken hearts in Ireland. Sean is a great tenor, in semi-retirement, living in a village close...

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Payment Deferred

as Winnie Marble
Released: 1932-11-01

Bank clerk William Marble is desperate for money to pay his family's bills. When his wealthy...

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With Murder in Mind

as Aunt Mildred
Released: 1992-05-12

A real estate agent is shot while trying to sell a rural farm and tries to bring the shooter to...

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The Crowd Roars

as Sheila 'Shelia' Carson
Released: 1938-08-06

A young boxer gets caught between a no-good father and a crime boss when he starts dating the...

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The Silver Lining

as Joyce Moore
Released: 1932-04-16

A women in prison tale. One's rich, one's poor. Can they prosper after prison?

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No Resting Place

as Nan Kyle
Released: 1951-01-12

The brilliant British documentary filmmaker Paul Rotha made his feature-film debut with 1950's...

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The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

as Self
First aired: 1962-10-01

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a talk show hosted by Johnny Carson under The Tonight...

TV Show page

Matinee Theater

as uncredited
First aired: 1955-10-31

Matinee Theater is an American anthology series that aired on NBC during the Golden Age of...

TV Show page

Climax!

as Lady Dominey
First aired: 1954-10-07

Climax! is an American anthology series that aired on CBS from 1954 to 1958. The series was...

TV Show page

Climax!

as Miriam
First aired: 1954-10-07

Climax! is an American anthology series that aired on CBS from 1954 to 1958. The series was...

TV Show page

The Mike Douglas Show

as Self
First aired: 1961-12-11

The Mike Douglas Show is an American daytime television talk show hosted by Mike Douglas that...

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Ben Casey

as uncredited
First aired: 1961-10-02

Ben Casey is an American medical drama series which ran on ABC from 1961 to 1966. The show was...

TV Show page

What's My Line?

as Self - Mystery Guest
First aired: 1950-02-02

Four panelists must determine guests' occupations - and, in the case of famous guests, while...

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Cavalcade of America

as Sister Mary Benedict
First aired: 1952-10-01

Cavalcade of America is an anthology drama series that was sponsored by the DuPont Company,...

TV Show page

Leg Work

as Dorothy Richardson
First aired: 1987-10-03

Leg Work is an American detective drama television series created by Frank Abatemarco that...

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Schlitz Playhouse of Stars

as uncredited
First aired: 1951-10-05

Schlitz Playhouse of Stars is an anthology series that was telecast from 1951 until 1959 on CBS....

TV Show page