Best Hollywood Tour: Walk of Fame’s Lost Stars

 

Adrienne Ames: A Star of Classic Hollywood Cinema

The Best Hollywood Tour will involve lingering on the Walk of Fame which will lead you to names long forgotten, such as Adrienne Ames.

 

Adrienne Ames, born on August 3, 1907, in Fort Worth, Texas, was an American actress who graced the silver screen during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Though her career spanned a relatively short period, Ames made a lasting impact with her beauty, talent, and versatility. From her early days as a Ziegfeld girl to her roles in feature films, Ames navigated the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood scene while leaving an indelible mark on the history of classic cinema.

Early Life and Career Beginnings:

Adrienne Ruth McClure, later known as Adrienne Ames, grew up in a supportive and artistic environment. Her father was an architect, and her mother was a concert pianist, setting the stage for a childhood enriched with exposure to both the arts and culture. Ames attended the University of Arkansas, where her interest in performing arts flourished. Drawn to the allure of show business, she eventually found her way to New York City, the epicenter of the entertainment industry during the 1920s.

Ames' journey into the world of entertainment commenced with her involvement in the Ziegfeld Follies, the renowned series of Broadway productions known for their extravagant musical revues. Her beauty and charm earned her a coveted spot as a Ziegfeld girl, showcasing her on stage alongside other emerging talents of the era. This early experience not only honed Ames' performance skills but also opened doors to further opportunities in the world of entertainment.

Transition to Hollywood:

The allure of Hollywood beckoned, and Adrienne Ames made her way to the West Coast to pursue a career in the burgeoning film industry. In 1931, she secured her first film role in "Under Eighteen," a Pre-Code drama directed by Archie Mayo. Although her initial foray into Hollywood did not immediately catapult her to stardom, Ames' talent and charisma did not go unnoticed.

Ames continued to build her career with a string of films that showcased her versatility. From comedies to dramas, she proved her ability to navigate various genres. Some notable early films in her career include "Okay, America!" (1932), "The Purchase Price" (1932), and "Frisco Jenny" (1932). Despite her growing filmography, Ames faced the challenges typical of actors in the early 1930s, including the transition from silent films to talkies and the economic hardships brought on by the Great Depression.

 

Peak Years and Leading Roles:

As the mid-1930s unfolded, Adrienne Ames reached a pivotal point in her career. She secured leading roles in a series of films that showcased her talent and solidified her status as a sought-after actress. One such film was "George White's Scandals" (1934), a musical comedy that capitalized on her background as a Ziegfeld girl. The film's success contributed to Ames' growing popularity and opened doors to more significant opportunities.

In 1935, Ames starred opposite Richard Dix in the crime drama "She Married Her Boss," portraying a secretary who falls in love with her employer. The film received positive reviews, and Ames' performance garnered praise for its charm and sophistication. Around the same time, she appeared in "George White's 1935 Scandals," continuing her success in musical comedies.

The following years marked a series of leading roles for Ames, including films like "The Golden Arrow" (1936) and "Over She Goes" (1937). Her on-screen presence and ability to seamlessly transition between genres endeared her to audiences, and she became a recognizable face in Hollywood.

Personal Life and Hollywood Glamour:

Adrienne Ames' off-screen life was as captivating as her on-screen roles. In 1931, she married actor Bruce Cabot, known for his roles in classic films such as "King Kong" (1933). The union, however, was short-lived, and the couple divorced in 1933. Ames' second marriage was to actor Preston Foster in 1937, but this, too, ended in divorce in 1940. Her marriages to fellow actors added an extra layer of intrigue to her public persona, contributing to the Hollywood gossip and glamour of the time.

Ames' personal life and career were also intertwined with the vibrant social scene of Hollywood during the 1930s. She was part of a circle of friends that included other notable actors and celebrities of the era. Ames embodied the classic Hollywood glamour with her sophisticated style and elegance, making her a fixture in the society pages of popular magazines.

Later Career and Legacy:

As the 1940s unfolded, Adrienne Ames' career experienced a shift. While she continued to work in films, including notable appearances in "Moon Over Miami" (1941) and "Lady Gangster" (1942), her prominence gradually waned. The changing landscape of Hollywood, combined with personal and professional challenges, contributed to a decline in her career.

Despite the challenges, Ames remained active in the industry, making occasional appearances in films and on television. Her later career included roles in films such as "The Hidden Eye" (1945) and "Bowery Bombshell" (1946). While these later works did not attain the same level of success as her peak years, Ames' contribution to classic Hollywood cinema remained noteworthy.

Tragically, Adrienne Ames' life was cut short when she passed away on May 31, 1947, at the age of 39. Her untimely death marked the end of a career that had seen highs and lows but had undeniably left an indelible mark on the history of Hollywood.

Despite her relatively short time in the spotlight, Adrienne Ames' legacy endures through her contributions to classic Hollywood cinema. Her performances showcased a range that spanned from musical comedies to crime dramas, demonstrating her versatility as an actress. Ames' beauty, talent, and captivating on-screen presence contributed to the allure of the Hollywood of yesteryear, and her legacy remains an integral part of the rich tapestry of classic cinema.