Post by topbilled on Dec 12, 2023 12:57:19 GMT
Ann Sothern had already made a name for herself in a series of delightful romantic comedies at RKO when she signed with MGM in 1938. She had also been offered a contract at 20th Century Fox, but it’s probably a good thing she chose to go with the Lion, since MGM was known for its musicals, and Ann Sothern was not only a gifted comedienne but a fine vocalist to boot. When Jean Harlow died suddenly, a project intended for Harlow was given to Sothern…the first MAISIE movie. It was such a hit with audiences that a series of sequels were produced during the next eight years. The actress became strongly identified with playing the character, which was then spun off onto a weekly radio series. And that paved the way for two successful TV sitcoms that followed in the 1950s.
Check out:
MAISIE (1939)
PANAMA HATTIE (1942)
THREE HEARTS FOR JULIA (1943)