Frances Drake, a leading lady of the 1930’s and 40’s who was one of that era’s great brunette beauties of film, has died.
A longtime resident of Beverly Hills, Drake died Monday at Irvine Medical Center, said her husband, David Brown. She was 87.
Known for her striking looks and huge hazel eyes, Drake appeared in more than 20 movies with some of her generations biggest stars, including Joan Crawford, Clark Gable and Cary Grant.
Born in New York and educated in Canada and England, she started out as a nightclub dancer in London, where she made both her stage and screen debuts under her real name, Frances Dean.
She moved to Hollywood in 1934 and appeared in many productions, beginning with “Bolero,” in which she starred opposite George Raft and Carole Lombard. That was followed by “Ladies Should Listen” with Cary Grant and “Les Miserables” with Frederic March and Charles Laughton.
She was best remembered as the terrified heroine in horror and mystery films. In “Mad Love,” released in 1935, she was the love interest of mad scientist Peter Lorre, who cut off her pianist-husband’s hand in a disastrous operation. She also starred in a 1936 production called “The Invisible Ray,” with Boris Karloff and Bela Legosi, in which Drake played scientist Karloff’s long suffering wife.
Her last movies included “I Take This Woman,” a 1940 release with Spencer Tracy and Hedy Lamarr, and “The Affairs of Martha” in 1942.
She said she retired after marrying Cecil John Howard, the son of the 19th earl of Suffolk, because her husband hated the movie business.
Howard died in 1985. Drake married Brown in 1992.
Frances Drake
1912 - 2000
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Dear Francess.
It would have been lovely to have known you,and a true honor.Sadly i never got the chance to.You were beautiful and very talented.Rest in peace dear.
XM
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Photos of Frances Drake
My first message vanished from here – I shall try again.
I’m a big fan of Frances Drake and run a site for all to share photos of her that I have collected – the site is here – http://groups.yahoo.com/group/francesdrake/
Was thrilled to find this ForeverNetwork tribute site – some lovely photos. Thanks to whoever put6 it together.Chris Conway
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directory
Jay, Site looks just right. When willthe Hollywood Directory be offered online?
armour@iopener.net
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Thanks for the Tiger! Lot of love, your Deddil
cecil humphreys
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April 19, 2007
Dear Francess.
It would have been lovely to have known you,and a true honor.Sadly i never got the chance to.You were beautiful and very talented.Rest in peace dear.
XM
January 24, 2003
Photos of Frances Drake
My first message vanished from here – I shall try again.
I’m a big fan of Frances Drake and run a site for all to share photos of her that I have collected – the site is here – http://groups.yahoo.com/group/francesdrake/
Was thrilled to find this ForeverNetwork tribute site – some lovely photos. Thanks to whoever put6 it together.
Chris Conway
February 16, 2000
directory
Jay, Site looks just right. When willthe Hollywood Directory be offered online?
armour@iopener.net
January 31, 2000
Thanks for the Tiger! Lot of love, your Deddil
cecil humphreys