Ann Rutherford

'Ann Rutherford' (qv) was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The daughter of a former Metropolitan Opera singer, John Rutherford, and her actress mother, Lillian Mansfield, was destined for show business. Not long after her birth, her family moved to California, where she made her stage debut in 1925. Ann appeared in many plays and on radio for the next nine years before making her first screen appearance in _Waterfront Lady (1935)_ (qv). Ann's talent was readily apparent, and she was signed to three films in 1935: _Waterfront Lady (1935)_ (qv), _Melody Trail (1935)_ (qv), and _The Fighting Marines (1935)_ (qv). By now, she was a leading lady in the fabled Westerns with two legends, 'John Wayne' (qv) and 'Gene Autry' (qv). By the time Ann was 17, she inked a deal with MGM, where she would gain star status for her portrayal of "Polly Benedict" in the popular "Andy Hardy" series with 'Mickey Rooney' (qv). Ann's first role as "Polly" was in 1938, in _You're Only Young Once (1937)_ (qv). Three more Hardy films were produced that same year: _Out West with the Hardys (1938)_ (qv), _Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938)_ (qv), and _Judge Hardy's Children (1938)_ (qv). Ann found time to play in other productions, too. One that is still loved today is the 'Charles Dickens' (qv)' classic _A Christmas Carol (1938)_ (qv), in which she played the sweet role of the Spirit of Christmas Past. In 1939, Ann played the role of "Annie Hawks" in _Of Human Hearts (1938)_ (qv) in addition to three more Andy Hardy films. But that year also saw Ann land a role in the most popular film in film history. She played "Careen O'Hara," Scarlett's little sister, in _Gone with the Wind (1939)_ (qv). Plenty of fans of the Andy Hardy series went to see it just for Ann. The film was unquestionably a super hit. She then resumed making other movies. While working for MGM, Ann, along with the other stars, was under the watchful eye of movie mogul 'Louis B. Mayer' (qv). Mayer was no different from any other film tycoon except for the fact that he ran the classiest studio in Hollywood. The bottom line was profit, and Mayer couldn't really maximize profits unless he kept performers' salaries minimized as much as possible. Most tried to get raises and failed. Even 'Mickey Rooney' (qv) was decidedly underpaid during his glory years at MGM. But not 'Ann Rutherford' (qv). When she asked for a raise, she took out her bankbook and, showing him the amount it contained, told Mayer she had promised her mother a new house. Ann got her raise. In 1942 at the age of 22, Ann appeared in her last Andy Hardy film, _Andy Hardy's Double Life (1942)_ (qv). She then left MGM and freelanced her talent. Ann was still in demand. In 1943, she appeared in _Happy Land (1943)_ (qv), but it was a little later in her career when she appeared in two big hits. In 1947, she played Gertrude Griswold in _The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947)_ (qv) and Donna Elena in _Adventures of Don Juan (1948)_ (qv) in 1948. After that, Ann appeared in several TV programs and didn't return to the silver screen until 1972, in _They Only Kill Their Masters (1972)_ (qv). Her last role came in 1976 in the dismal _Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved Hollywood (1976)_ (qv), whereupon she retired. Ann was approached to play the older Rose in 1998's mega hit _Titanic (1997)_ (qv) but turned it down. She happily enjoyed her retirement being constantly deluged with fan mail and granting several interviews and appearances. She died at her Beverly Hills home on June 11, 2012 with her close friend 'Anne Jeffreys' (qv) by her side. She was 94 years old.::Denny Jackson and K.P. Manning