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Alma Lawton

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Alma Lawton
Born
Alma Drucilla Fleetwood Lawton

April 1921
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Died24 February 1982(1982-02-24) (aged 60)
London, England, U.K.
OccupationActress
Years active1947–1973
SpouseIvan Donald Morrison (aka Donald Albert Fleetwood Lawton)

Alma Drucilla Fleetwood Lawton[1] (April 1921[2][3] – 24 February 1982[citation needed]) was a Hollywood-based, Argentine-born actress who performed in films, on television, and on old-time radio.

Early life and career

[edit]

Born in Buenos Aires to English parents,[3] Lawton appears to have spent her formative years divided primarily between Argentina and Chile.[4] She was the younger of two children born to Alfred Edward Fleetwood Lawton, general manager of Cable & Wireless plc,[5] and Alma Drucilla Fleetwood Lawton Sr. (aka the former Alma Drucilla Harris[6]), herself a onetime music hall comedienne.[7] Prior to beginning her radio career, Lawton reportedly performed in Great Britain, Australia and South America.[8]

Evidently, the younger Lawton inherited her mother's diminutive stature, the latter having been described in 1912 as "the little British singing comedienne,"[7] while the former, at age 31, was dubbed "a diminutive redhead," who, aside from her "stage background in England and Australia," was "distinguished by her height of five feet [and] weigh[t of] 92 pounds."[9] On the other hand, Joe Hyams of the Citizen-News, while likewise documenting Lawton's modest dimensions, adds that "[w]hat she lacks in size, Alma makes up for in talent, proving again that good things come in small packages."

On November 3, 1947, Lawton made her American radio debut on Lux Radio Theatre, in "Singapore," an original radio drama starring Fred MacMurray and Ava Gardner.[10][11] Later that month, she costarred with Wally Maher in "Body Off Billingsgate" on The Whistler,[12] and on December 8, she did another Lux episode, as part of a large ensemble supporting Robert Montgomery, Wanda Hendrix and Thomas Gomez, reprising their starring roles in Ride the Pink Horse.[13]

The following spring, Lawton was tasked by Samuel Goldwyn with helping Teresa Wright achieve a reasonably authentic English accent.[14]

Radio

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Date(s) Program Role Notes
November 3, 1947 Lux Radio Theatre N/A Episode: "Singapore"[11]
November 26, 1947 The Whistler N/A Episode: "The Body Off Billingsgate"[12]
December 8, 1947 Lux Radio Theatre N/A Episode: "Ride the Pink Horse"[13]
January 1, 1948 Family Theater N/A Episode: "In Another Year" (Hosted by J. Edgar Hoover, with Glen Langan and Ruth Hussey)
September 17, 1948 NBC University Theatre N/A Episode: "The Purloined Letter" (Edgar Allan Poe's story, with Adolphe Menjou)[15][16][17]
October 31, 1948 NBC University Theatre Ruth Episode: "Justice" (With Nigel Bruce as Cokeson, and Ben Wright as Falder, in John Galsworthy's play, adapted by George Lefferts)[18]
November 28, 1948 NBC University Theatre N/A Episode: "A Passage to India" (E. M. Forster's novel, adapted by George Lefferts)[19]
January 23, 1949 NBC University Theatre N/A Episode: "The Ministry of Fear" (Graham Greene's novel, adapted by Ernest Kinoy)[10]
April 24, 1949 NBC University Theatre N/A Episode: "The Way of All Flesh" (From Samuel Butler's novel, starring Tom Conway)[10]
June 11, 1949 The Adventures of Philip Marlowe N/A Episode: "The Pigeon's Blood"[20]
July 10, 1949 NBC University Theatre Katherine Episode: "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" (Co-starring with Herbert Marshall in Agnes Eckhardt's adaptation)[21]
January 15, 1950 Errand of Mercy N/A Episode: "Quotation" (Starring Olan Soule)[22][23]
January 29, 1950 NBC University Theatre Lupe (in "Flowering Judas") Episodes: "Flowering Judas" and "Pale Horse, Pale Rider"[24]
March 25, 1950 NBC University Theatre Margaret Episode: "Howards End" (With Queenie Leonard, Terry Kilburn and Ben Wright)[25]
May 21, 1950 NBC University Theatre Naomi Episode: "The House in Paris" (Adaptation of Elizabeth Bowen novel)[26]
June 4, 1950 NBC University Theatre N/A Episode: "Gallions Reach"[10]
August 20, 1950 NBC University Theatre The Mother Episode: "A High Wind in Jamaica" (Richard Hughes' novel, as adapted by Jane Speed)[27]
January 11, 1951 Screen Guild Players Dolly Episode: "Brief Encounter" (Starring Stewart Granger and Deborah Kerr)[28]
September 17, 1951 Suspense N/A Episode: "Neal Cream, Doctor of Poison" (Written by Antony Ellis, starring Charles Laughton)[10]
May 9, 1952 NBC Presents: Short Story Helen Episode: "The Old General" (From Eric Knight's story, starring Ramsay Hill)[29]
October 6, 1952 Suspense Ellen Episode: "The Diary of Dr. Pritchard" (Antony Ellis adapts William Roughead story, starring Sir Cedric Hardwicke)[30]
February 8, 1953 Errand of Mercy Janie Episode: "H with a Southern Accent"[31]
September 7, 1953 Lux Radio Theatre Louise Episode: "My Cousin Rachel" (With Olivia De Havilland, reprising her film role, while Lawton is promoted from "Mary Pascoe" to Rachel's romantic rival, Louise)[32]
November 25, 1953 Crime Classics N/A Episode: "Killing Story Of William Corder And The Farmer's Daughter" (Morton Fine-David Friedkin script)

Film and television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1951 Lights Out (TV) Dee Darrow Episode: "The Fonceville Curse"[33][34]
1951 Thunder on the Hill Nurse Brent [9][35]
1951 Lady Possessed Nurse [9][36]
1952 Ma and Pa Kettle On Vacation N/A [9][35]
1952 My Cousin Rachel Mary Pascoe [37]
1953 Hallmark Hall of Fame N/A Episode: "A Queen's Way"[38]
1955 Lady Godiva of Coventry Lady Yolanda [39][40][41]
1956 Gaby English Girl [35]
1957 Sergeant Preston of the Yukon (TV) Molly Andrews Episode: "Blind Justice"[42]
1957 Telephone Time (TV) Teacher Episode: "Parents of a Stranger" (Seen working with child for about 15 seconds at the 20:20 mark)[43][44]
1957 Until They Sail N/A [45]
1958 Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV) Alma Season 4 Episode 9: "Murder Me Twice"[46]
1959 The Jack Benny Program (TV) Maid Episode: "Autolight" (Gas Light parody, starring Benny and Barbara Stanwyck, featuring Lawton as one of the two maids;[47] she is the first person seen as the curtain rises)[48]
1959 One Step Beyond (TV) Liz Episode: "The Devil's Laughter"[49]
1960 Peter Gunn (TV) Supervisor Episode: "See No Evil"[50]
1960 Alcoa Theatre (TV) N/A Episode: "Chinese Finale"[51]
1960 Midnight Lace N/A [35]
1963 My Three Sons (TV) N/A Episode: "Scotch Broth"[52]
1964 Mary Poppins Mrs. Corry [35]
1964 My Fair Lady Flower Girl [53]
1973 Emergency! (TV) English Maid Episode: "The Professor"[54]

Personal life

[edit]

As of no later than April 1950, Lawton was married to fellow actor Donald Morrison.[55] In May 1951, the couple had their names legally changed; hers, from Morrison back to Lawton, and his from Ivan Donald Morrison—which was, in fact, the Americanized version of his birth name, Isaac Morduchovitch[56]—to Donald Albert Fleetwood Lawton.[57] Donald Lawton died on October 18, 1990.[58]

For a period, Lawton supported her parents financially.[59] In 1953, she appeared with her parents in court in Los Angeles, California, as they sued her estranged brother Fleetwood Lawton, a news commentator, for financial support.[59]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Couple Adopt Uncle's Name". Los Angeles Times. October 6, 1952. Pt. II, p. 6.
  2. ^ "New York, New York Passenger and Crew Lists, 1909, 1925-1957", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:24K8-THV : Sat Mar 09 22:24:20 UTC 2024), Entry for Alma D F Lawton, 1937.
  3. ^ a b "United States, Florida, Index to Alien Arrivals by Airplane at Miami, 1930-1942", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPTW-NGFG : Sat Mar 09 12:15:30 UTC 2024), Entry for Alma D Jr Lawton, 12 December 1940.
  4. ^ "United States Census, 1940", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K9CP-4D2 : Fri Mar 08 15:52:45 UTC 2024), Entry for Albert F Lawton and Alma D Lawton, 1940.
  5. ^ "Obituary: Albert E. F. Lawton". The Los Angeles Times.
  6. ^ "England and Wales Marriage Registration Index, 1837-2005," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2DNG-52M : 13 December 2014), Alma Drucilla Harris, 1909; from "England & Wales Marriages, 1837-2005," database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing 1909, quarter 2, vol. 1A, p. 1215, Marylebone, London, England, General Register Office, Southport, England.
  7. ^ a b "Vaudeville Stunts New to Town and Dramatic Bills of Big Merit Promised Angelans". Los Angeles Evening Express. June 8, 1912. See also:
  8. ^ "Toured". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. August 19, 1950. p. 4.
  9. ^ a b c d Schallert, Edwin (August 7, 1952). "James Craig Will Star in 'Royal Mounted;' Deal Closed for 'Marauders' Player Complement Complete for 'Rachel'". Los Angeles Times. Pt. 3, p. 9
  10. ^ a b c d e Alma Lawton: Programs/Episodes. Old Time Radio Researchers.
  11. ^ a b Chesterton Radio (June 8, 2021). "Singapore - Fred MacMurray - Ava Gardner - Lux Radio Theatre". YouTube.
  12. ^ a b Old Time Radio Researchers (February 19, 2017.). "The Whistler - The Body Off Billingsgate". YouTube
  13. ^ a b Old Time Radio Researchers (February 27, 2017). "Lux Radio Theatre - Ride the Pink Horse". YouTube.
  14. ^ Spear, Ivan (May 29, 1948). "Spearheads". Variety. p. 49. ProQuest 1505845603. Reports Bill Hebert, 'Alma Lawton, radio actress and sister of Fleetwood Lawton, radio news commentator, has been engaged by Samuel Goldwyn to help Teresa Wright develop an authentic English accent.' If Teresa finishes her course sounding like Fleetwood Lawton, the British are a cinch to reinstate the confiscatory ad valorem tax.
  15. ^ Chesterton Radio (August 16, 2020). "The Purloined Letter - Edgar Allen Poe Detective Story - NBC University Theater". YouTube.
  16. ^ "Air Attractions". Daily Boston Globe. September 17, 1948. p. 37. ProQuest 820468048. 'N.B.C. University Theatre. Edgar Allen Poe's 'The Purloined Letter': WBZ. 9
  17. ^ "Programs on the Air". The New York Times. September 17, 1948. p. 50. ProQuest 108280607. 9-9:30—University Theatre. The Purloined Letter, with Adolphe Menjou
  18. ^ Palmer, Zuma (November 27, 1948). "Sunday Programs". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. p. 20.
  19. ^ Palmer, Zuma (November 27, 1948). "Sunday Programs". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. p. 20.
  20. ^ Old Time Radio Researchers (May 28, 2020). "The Adventures of Philip Marlowe - The Pigeon's Blood". YouTube.
  21. ^ Palmer, Zuma (1949). "Sunday Programs". Citizen-News. July 9, 1949. p. 18.
  22. ^ Alma Lawton: Programs/Episodes. Old Time Radio Researchers
  23. ^ "Olan Soule to Be Starred in Play". The Coeur d'Alene Press. p. 3.
  24. ^ Chesterton Radio (September 29, 2020). "Flowering Judas - Pale Horse Pale Rider - Katherine Anne Porter - NBC University". YouTube.
  25. ^ Palmer, Zuma (March 25, 1950). "Sunday Programs". Los Angeles Evening News. p. 18.
  26. ^ Palmer, Zuma (May 20, 1950). "Sunday's Programs". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. p. 20.
  27. ^ Morrison, Dennis (March 31, 2023). "A HIGH WIND IN JAMAICA - NBC UNIVERSITY RADIO THEATER!!!!!". YouTube.
  28. ^ Palmer, Zuma (January 11, 1951). "Value in Radio Forums Though Important Subjects Only Skimmed". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. p. 24.
  29. ^ Palmer, Zuma (May 9, 1952). "Accident Almost Ended Welk's Band Leading Career". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. p. 22.
  30. ^ "Airglances: Cedric Hardwicke Plays Poisoner". Des Moines Tribune.
  31. ^ "Red Cross Radio Program". The Marion Star. February 7, 1953. p. 11.
  32. ^ "Competition". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. September 7, 1953. p. 16.
  33. ^ "To See and Hear: Tomorrow". The Baltimore Sun. April 22, 1951. p. A16. ProQuest 541824946. PATRIC KNOWLES in 'The Fonceville Curse,' with Rosalind Ivan, Don Morrison and Alma Lawton. 9 P.M. WBAL-TV
  34. ^ "The Fonceville Curse (1951) - Film serial". cinemagia.ro.
  35. ^ a b c d e "Alma Lawton filmography". American Film Institute.
  36. ^ "Taking of Films: The Lady Possessed". The Pictuegoer. April 22, 1951. p. 17. ProQuest 1771203700. Nurses, Constance Cavendish, Alma Lawton, Ann Grevler and Tonyna Micky Dolly
  37. ^ Karr, Jack (January 5, 1983). "Showplace". The Toronto Star. p. 5.
  38. ^ "Talent Showsheet October 12-18, 1953: October 11". Ross Reports. October 12-18, 1953. p. 7.
  39. ^ "'Lady Godiva' Adds Two". The Hollywood Reporter. September 9, 1954. p. 3. ProQuest 2338241451. Alma Lawton and Riza Royce have been signed by U-I for featured roles in 'Lady Godiva of Coventry.'
  40. ^ "Briefs From the Lots". Variety. September 29, 1954. p. 20. ProQuest 962658637. Alma Lawton and Riza Royce joined the 'Lady Godiva of Coventry' cast at U...'
  41. ^ YouTube Movies & TV "Lady Godiva". YouTube.
  42. ^ Lentz, Harris (1996). Western and Frontier Film and Television Credits 1903-1995. Jefferson, NC: McFarland. p. 1712. ISBN 0-7864-0217-2.
  43. ^ "TV Castings". The Hollywood Reporter. November 8, 1956. p. 8. ProQuest 2338225379. Peter Cookson, Jean Howell, Kathy Garver, Debra Wayne, Jack Kruschen, Dan Riss, Kathleen Mulqueen and Alma Lawton for 'Tracy Clinic' at Hal Roach Studios.
  44. ^ Classic TV Channel (April 9, 2020). "Telephone Time - Season 2 - Episode 18 - Parents of a Stranger | John Nesbitt, Frank Baxter". YouTube.
  45. ^ "Four Set for 'Sail'". The Hollywood Reporter. April 2, 1957. p. 10. ProQuest 2338349980. Dee Humphrey, Alma Lawton, Lee Rhoades and James Douglas, all from the New York stage and TV, have been set by producer Charles Schnee for MGM's 'Until They Sail.'
  46. ^ "Talent Showsheet". Ross Reports. December 8, 1958. p. A.
  47. ^ "Tele Follow-Up Comment: The Jack Benny Show". Variety. January 14, 1959. p. 38. ProQuest 962702028. MGM, which produced 'Gaslight,' the screen version of the Patrick Hamilton thriller, sued to determine whether Benny had the right to publicly satirize its property. The Supreme Court after five years upheld MGM, and Benny subsequently purchased the right for presentation Sunday (11). [... T]he various butlers and maids were done by Alma Lawton, Molly Glessing and Al Jackson, Rochester having the fattest part as the first butler.
  48. ^ florencefallon (February 19, 2014). "Barbara Stanwyck Guest Stars on The Jack Benny Program". YouTube.
  49. ^ Lentz, Harris M. (2001). Science Fiction, Horror & Fantasy Film and Television Credits - Television Shows. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company. p. 1999. ISBN 9780786409501.
  50. ^ "Peter Gunn: See No Evil". The Archive.
  51. ^ "Television". The Daily Home News. March 7, 1960. p. 15. ProQuest 2265938680. 9:30 P.M. [...] 4 Alcoa Theater: A brave and beautiful mission doctor risks her honor and life at the hands of a screaming horde of Chinese bandits in 'Chinese Finale.' Jan Sterling and Kubla Khan star and Hilda Plowright, Alma Lawton and Jacqueline Squire are featured.
  52. ^ "Casting". Daily Variety. c. Jun 1963. pp. 9, 11.
  53. ^ Clarens, Carlos (1976). George Cukor. British Film Institute. p. 182. ISBN 9780436099427.
  54. ^ Yokley, Richard; Sutherland, Rozane (2008). Emergency!: Behind the Scene. Sudbury, MS: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. p. 167. ISBN 978-0-7637-4896-8.
  55. ^ "United States 1950 Census", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6XG7-CFRQ : Thu Oct 05 18:55:48 UTC 2023), Entry for Donald Morrison and Alma D Morrison, 5 April 1950.
  56. ^ "Naturalization Petitions". The Los Angeles Times. May 25, 1932. p. 18.
  57. ^ "Sabatino Is Now Sam O' Grady; 3 L.A. Families Switch Names". Los Angeles Mirror. October 6, 1952. p.28.
  58. ^ "United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6K48-9WJ1 : 11 February 2023), Donald Lawton, .
  59. ^ a b "Fleetwood Lawton and Parents Snub Each Other". Los Angeles Times. August 27, 1963. Retrieved 2024-09-20.

Further reading

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  • "Telechatter: Hollywood". The Hollywood Reporter. September 21, 1949. p. 37. ProQuest 1286041441. KECA-TV will audition IMPPRO-Cascade Pictures live video package, 'Everybody's Theatre,' next week. Donald Morrison, Alma Lawton and Jack Nestle have lead roles.
  • Feeder, Bill (June 21, 1950). "Radio Reviews: Presenting Charles Boyer". The Hollywood. ProQuest 2322726317. The principal character of the series, Baron Michel, a debonair French rogue, is skillfully projected by Boyer. Hanley Stafford, the only other regular casting in the series, gives the show excellent dramatic-comedy dressing. Top performances also were turned in by Viola Von, Alma Lawton, Joe Kearns, Don Morrison, John Stephenson, Fritz Feld and Alec Harford.
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