M'liss McClure
M'liss McClure | |
---|---|
Born | Helen Francell Coutts 1925 |
Died | 2013 |
Alma mater | University of the Pacific University of California |
Occupation | Actress |
Years active | 1948–1954 |
Notable credit(s) | Father's Wild Game Father Takes the Air White Goddess |
Television | Ramar of the Jungle |
Spouse(s) | Marvin A. Finch (m. 1949) Harry S. Rothschild (m. 1952–1954) Vincent Fotre (m. 1966–1970) |
Helen Francell Coutts (1925–2013),[1] known professionally as M'liss McClure, was an American actress who starred in films and television in the 1940s and 1950s. Originally starring under the name Helen Francell, she chose her official stage name as M'liss McClure in 1948 before featuring in primary roles in films such as the Father's Wild Game series and White Goddess. She appeared as a guest for a number of promotional events and contests for foodstuffs and the US military.[2]
Early life and education
Helen Coutts was born to Francella and Warren L. Coutts
Career
Starring in theatre performances at the Pasadena Playhouse for two years, she was noticed in 1948 by film producers and cast in productions including April Showers, For the Love of Mary, and Stage Struck.[4] She also acted as Deanna Durbin's double during the production of Washington Girl.[7] Originally choosing a shortened stage name of Helen Francell, she later settled on M'liss McClure after suggestions from her friends.[8] In order to get more major roles in films starting in November 1948, McClure hired a publicity agency that promoted the beauty of her eyes and her "almost telescopic vision".[9]
During this same time period, she began acting on stage while applying for film roles. While not obtaining a stage role in White Fury, she was accepted for a place in Telluride's Silver Belle in December of that year.[10]
McClure also made appearances at various company and organization shows as the guest of honor for publicity purposes, such as being crowned "Miss Air Fair" at the California Air Freight Fair in August 1950
Filmography
- April Showers (1948)[4]
- Stage Struck (1948)[4]
- For the Love of Mary (1948)[4]
- Operation Haylift (1950) as Mary[14]
- Father's Wild Game (1950) as Barbara Latham[15]
- Insurance Investigator (1951) as Cigarette girl[16]
- Father Takes the Air (1951) as Barbara Latham[17]
- White Goddess (1953) as Trudy Van Dyne[18]
TV series
- The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok (1 episode - 1951) as Alice Cameron[19]
- Ramar of the Jungle (7 episodes - 1953-1954) as Trudy Van Dyne[20]
Personal life and death
McClure married Marvin A. Finch, a jewelry manufacturer, on March 3, 1949; they had met on a blind date the previous year.
References
- ^ a b "M'liss McClure (Helen F. Coutts)". Glamour Girls of the Silver Screen. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ Newspapers.com.
- ^ Newspapers.com.
- ^ Newspapers.com.
- Newspapers.com.
- ^ Newspapers.com.
- Newspapers.com.
- Newspapers.com.
- Newspapers.com.
- Newspapers.com.
- Newspapers.com.
- Newspapers.com.
- Newspapers.com.
- Blum, Daniel (1969). Daniel Blum's Screen World. Biblo and Tannen. p. 192.
- Newspapers.com.
- Blum, Daniel (1969). Daniel Blum's Screen World. Biblo and Tannen. p. 130.
- Newspapers.com.
- Newspapers.com.
- Newspapers.com.
- Newspapers.com.
- Newspapers.com.
- Newspapers.com.