Ann Rutherford

Ann Rutherford

Ann Rutherford was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The daughter of a former Metropolitan Opera singer, John Rutherford, and her actress mother, Lillian Mansfield, Ann 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). Ann's talent was readily apparent, and she was signed to three films in 1935: Waterfront Lady (1935), Melody Trail (1935), and The Fighting Marines (1935). By now, she was a leading lady in the fabled Westerns with two legends, John Wayne and Gene Autry. By the time Ann was 17, she inked a deal with MGM, where she would gain the status of superstar for her portrayal of Polly Benedict in the popular Andy Hardy series with Mickey Rooney. Ann's first role as Polly was in 1938, in You're Only Young Once (1937). Three more Hardy films were produced that same year: Out West with the Hardys (1938), Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938), and Judge Hardy's Children (1938). Ann found time to play in other productions, too. One that is still loved today is the Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol (1938), 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) 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). Plenty of fans of the Andy Hardy series went to see it just for Ann. The film was unquestionably a super hit. Ann 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. The bottom line was profit, and Mayer kept performers' salaries minimized as much as possible. Most tried to get raises and failed. Even Mickey Rooney was decidedly underpaid during his glory years at MGM. But not Ann Rutherford. 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). She then left MGM and freelanced her talent. Ann was still in demand. In 1943, she appeared in Happy Land (1943), 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, and Donna Elena in Adventures of Don Juan 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). Her last role came in 1976 in the dismal Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved Hollywood (1976), whereupon she retired. Ann was approached to play the older Rose in 1998's mega hit Titanic (1997) but turned it down. She happily enjoyed her retirement being constantly deluged with fan mail and granting several interviews and appearances. Ann Rutherford died at her Beverly Hills home on June 11, 2012 with her close friend Anne Jeffreys by her side. She was 94 years old.
Known For: Acting
Birthday: 1917-11-02
Place of Birth: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Also Known As: Therese Ann Rutherford

Movies List of Ann Rutherford

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Gone with the Wind

1939 Movie
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Inside Job

1946 Movie
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A Christmas Carol

1938 Movie
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The Madonna's Secret

1946 Movie
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Her Favorite Patient

1945 Movie
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Orchestra Wives

1942 Movie
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Two O'Clock Courage

1945 Movie
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Pride and Prejudice

1940 Movie
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Love Finds Andy Hardy

1938 Movie
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Flag of Mercy

1942 Movie
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Whistling in the Dark

1941 Movie
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Whistling in Dixie

1942 Movie
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Whistling in Brooklyn

1943 Movie
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Badlands Of Dakota

1941 Movie
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This Time for Keeps

1942 Movie
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Judge Hardy and Son

1939 Movie
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The Lawless Nineties

1936 Movie
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Four Girls in White

1939 Movie
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Of Human Hearts

1938 Movie
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The Ghost Comes Home

1940 Movie
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The Lonely Trail

1936 Movie
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The Singing Vagabond

1935 Movie
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Waterfront Lady

1935 Movie
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Public Cowboy No. 1

1937 Movie
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The Fighting Marines

1935 Movie
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Operation Haylift

1950 Movie
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Dramatic School

1938 Movie
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These Glamour Girls

1939 Movie
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Down to the Sea

1936 Movie
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Melody Trail

1935 Movie
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The Harvester

1936 Movie
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Happy Land

1943 Movie
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Washington Melodrama

1941 Movie
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The Devil Is Driving

1937 Movie
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Doughnuts and Society

1936 Movie
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Keeping Company

1940 Movie
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Wyoming

1940 Movie
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The Hardys Ride High

1939 Movie
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Dancing Co-Ed

1939 Movie
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The Oregon Trail

1936 Movie
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Espionage

1937 Movie
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Bermuda Mystery

1944 Movie
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Angel of Mercy

1939 Movie
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Annie Laurie

1936 Movie
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Carnival in Paris

1937 Movie
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Student Tour

1934 Movie
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Show-Business at War

1943 Movie
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Take It or Leave It

1944 Movie
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The Bride Wore Red

1937 Movie