Florence Ravenel

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Florence Ravenel
Born(1896-03-18)March 18, 1896
Michigan, U.S.
DiedDecember 18, 1975(1975-12-18) (aged 79)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Other namesFlorence Ray, Florence Ravanel, Florence Ravenal
EducationHunter College, Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre
OccupationActress
Years active1923–1966

Florence Ravenel (March 18, 1896 – December 18, 1975)[1][2] also known as Florence Ray,[3][4] was an American stage, radio and film actress, perhaps best known for her work on the radio series The Court of Missing Heirs,[5] and on the TV sitcom The Farmer's Daughter.[6]

Early life and career[edit]

Born in Michigan,[2] but raised primarily in Brooklyn, New York,[7] Ravenel attended Hunter College and the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre.[8]

Stage[edit]

Ravenel made her professional dramatic debut—billed as Florence Ravanel—in the fall of 1923 with the William Augustin Players in Gloucester, Massachusetts.[7] Of her performance in Avery Hopwood's Fair and Warmer, Billboard reported, "Florence Ravanel made a hit as Laura Bartlett".[9] Shortly thereafter, Ravenel found more lucrative employment with the Al Luttringer Players. Towards the end of a three-week engagement with that troupe at the Music Hall Theatre in Akron, Ohio (featuring The Cat and the Canary, Getting Gertie's Garter, Guy Bolton's Polly, Preferred, and My Irish Cinderella[10][11][12]), The Beacon Journal singled out Ravenel's contribution, noting that the actress had tackled "hard roles and won praise from her audience."[13]

Between 1925 and 1927, Ravenel appeared in stock company revivals of Lightnin' (portraying Mildred Buckley, "and doing it with a certain charm"),[14] Parlor, Bedroom and Bath as Angelica Irving[15] (a role previously played onscreen by Kathleen Kirkham,[16] and subsequently by Dorothy Christy[17]) and, as Madeleine, in the Goodman-Knoblock adaptation of Robert Keable's Simon Called Peter.[18] Also in 1927, she appeared "to splendid advantage" alongside Jack Davis and William Rath as Keala Leilani in the premiere of Tropical Love, a South Seas-set melodrama staged at the Majestic Theatre in Waukegan, Illinois.[19] At that same venue the following month, Ravenel was the main attraction in Anita Loos' Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, "giv[ing] an absorbing performance of the part—i.e. Lorelei Lee—which was played by June Walker in New York"[20]

As of February 1928, Ravenel appears to have taken up residence in Chicago, Illinois, where her membership in that city's Associate Players was advertised in the Southtown Economist.[21] In March, the company's production of Avery Hopwood's The Alarm Clock featured Ravenel as Mrs. Dunsmore.[22] That summer, Ravenel toured with Jeanne Eagels' company in a vaudeville recreation of scenes from Eagels' recent vehicle, The Cardboard Lover.[23][24] The following year, she gave a well-received performance as Arlette in a revival of Seventh Heaven staged by the Guy and Eloda Beach stock company in La Crosse, Wisconsin.[25]

Radio[edit]

In 1933, Ravenel was promoted from the ranks of KYW staffers to host the station's daily noontime dance program featuring Rex Maupin's orchestra.[26] Beginning in the fall of 1937, Ravenel was heard, alongside Jack Brinkley, Elizabeth Reller, Dorothy Day, Henry Saxe, John Goldsworthy, Bob Middleton, and others in The Court of Missing Heirs.[5][27] She was also featured as Mrs. Sniffer on Arnold Grimm's Daughter.[28] On January 30, 1943, Ravenel was one of the few non-singing performers heard in Chicago Theater of the Air's production of Victor Herbert's Sweethearts.[29] In 1948, Ravenel, Parley Baer, Jerry Farber and announcer Patrick McGeehan were among those featured on the Catholic program, The Hour of St. Francis.[30] Beginning in 1951, she co-starred with Lamont Johnson, Raymond Burr and Ruth Swanson in The Pendleton Story, produced by the Armed Forces Radio Service, described as the service's "first family series for overseas release."[31]

Between 1950 and 1952, Ravenel also appeared in at least two episodes each of Dr. Christian and NBC Theater,[32][33][34][35] most notably in the latter's production of Ibsen's Hedda Gabler, starring Virginia Christine and featuring Ravenel as Aunt Julie.[32]

Film and television[edit]

In the fall of 1951, Ravenel joined 12 fellow former radio actors in the cast of Arch Oboler's The Twonky.[36]

Making a brief return to the stage in 1956, Ravenel appeared with Naomi Stevens and many others in what The Hollywood Reporter's Marvin Smith judged a much-improved revival of Sumner Locke Elliott's unsuccessful Broadway comedy, Buy Me Blue Ribbons, providing an ideal showcase for the show's star, a young Paul Smith.[37]

Filmography[edit]

Film[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
1952 Love Is Better Than Ever Mother uncredited
1953 By the Light of the Silvery Moon Gossip
1953 The Twonky Nurse uncredited
1955 Violent Saturday Miss Shirley uncredited
1955 I'll Cry Tomorrow Stage Mother uncredited
1958 Going Steady Mrs. Potter
1961 All in a Night's Work Matron uncredited
1965 Zebra in the Kitchen Town Gossip uncredited
1966 The Ghost and Mr. Chicken Minor role uncredited

Television[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
1952 Big Town Episode: "Father and Son"
1952 I Married Joan Episode: "Jitterbug"
1953 I Married Joan Mrs. Miller Episode: "Little Girl"
1953 Schlitz Playhouse Eunice (uncredited) Episode: "The Governess"
1955 The Mickey Rooney Show Maggie Episode: "Scoop Mulligan"
1956 The Adventures of Superman Mrs. Cooper - Landlady Episode: "Jimmy the Kid"
1956 Star Stage Episode: "The Man in the Black Robe"
1956 Studio 57 Caroline Episode: "Little Miss Bedford"[38]
1957 Official Detective Mrs. Richards Episode: "Take Him Alive"
1960 The Millionaire Mrs. Tenney (as Florence Ravenal) Episode: "Millionaire Margaret Stoneham"
1961 Day in Court NA Episode: NA[39]
1961 Day in Court NA Episode: NA[40]
1962 The Brighter Day NA Episode: NA[41]
1963 The Farmer's Daughter Cook Episode: "The Speechmaker"
1964 The Farmer's Daughter Cook (as Florence Ravenal) Episode: "Mrs. Golden's Opportunity"
1964 The Farmer's Daughter Millie Episode: "Nobody's Perfect"
1964 The Farmer's Daughter Cook Episode: "Rendezvous for Two"
1964 The Farmer's Daughter Cook (as Florence Ravenal) Episode: "The Waiting Game"
1965 My Three Sons Woman Episode: "Monsters and Junk Like That"

Personal life and death[edit]

On December 18, 1975, Ravenel died at age 79 in Los Angeles of undisclosed causes,[2] predeceased by her mother.[42]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Deaths". Screen Actor. April 1976. p. 35.
  2. ^ a b c Doyle, Billy H. (1999). The Ultimate Directory of Silent and Sound Era Performers: A Necrology of Actors and Actresses. Lanham, MD: The Scarecrow Press. p. 453. ISBN 0-8108-3547-9.
  3. ^ Sies, Leora M.; Sies, Luther F. (2003). The Encyclopedia of Women in Radio, 1920-1960. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company. p. 236. ISBN 0-7864-1476-6.
  4. ^ Green, Nat (August 24, 1935). "Chi Air Notes". The Billboard. p. 9. ProQuest 1032073529. Florence Ravenel, known as Florence Ray on WLS, has given up her job there as continuity writer and announcer on women's programs. . . . Future undecided. . . .
  5. ^ a b Modell, Norman (February 8, 1941). "Radio Talent: Chicago". The Billboard. p. 7.
  6. ^ "Television Highlights". The Edmonton Journal. May 22, 1964. p. 50.
  7. ^ a b "Florence Ravanel: A Youthful Aspirant for a Theatrical Career Who Sensed the Importance of Dramatic Stock Training". The Billboard. December 20, 1924. p. 26.
  8. ^ "Rialto Players to Offer Mystery Play; Florence Ravenel". The Journal Times. September 29, 1928. p. 8.
  9. ^ "DRAMATIC STOCK: WILLIAM AUGUSTIN PLAYERS". The Billboard. November 24, 1923. p. 26. ProQuest 1505519345. Gloucester, Mass., Nov. 8.—The presentation of 'Fair and Warmer' met with the hearty approval of the packed houses that attended it. Last week Mr. Augustin and Ruth Floyd, in the roles of Billy and Bunny, went right to the heart of their audiences. Florence Ravanel made a hit as Laura Bartlett, J. Gordon Kelley was very amusing as Harrigan, the mover, and things were helped along in fine style by Maude Williams, David Walters, Benton C. Ressler and Stanley Peyton.
  10. ^ "New Stock Company Pleases With First Show at Music Hall; Players Have Plenty of Ability and Personality in Season's Initial Offering". The Akron Beacon Journal. September 9, 1924. p. 15.
  11. ^ "Music Hall Crowds Like Mystery Play". The Akron Beacon Journal. September 19, 1924. p. 22.
  12. ^ Sands, W. F. (September 30, 1924). "Large Crowd Pleased by Irish Comedy Drama at Music Hall". The Beacon Journal. p. 15.
  13. ^ "Plays Hard Roles in Plays at Music Hall". The Akron Beacon Journal. September 27, 1924. p. 2.
  14. ^ "Stock Actors Are Pleasing in 'Lightnin'". The Ithaca Journal. November 3, 1925. p. 9.
  15. ^ "Comedy Drives Away Worries at the Lyceum". The Ithaca Journal. November 6, 1925. p. 5.
  16. ^ "'Parlor, Bedroom and Bath' Offers Sheer Nonsense, Sheer Joy and Sheer Pajamas". Tulsa World. August 6, 1920. p. 7.
  17. ^ "Empire". Hawaii Tribune-Herald. January 18, 1932. p. 2.
  18. ^ "Plays in Brooklyn: The Fulton". Brooklyn Times Union. January 11, 1927. p. 14.
  19. ^ "'Tropical Love' Is Well Received Here". Waukegan News-Sun. October 24 , 1927. p. 4.
  20. ^ "Amusements: At The Majestic". November 16, 1927. p. 4.
  21. ^ "Open All Year: National Theatre". The Southtown Economist. February 28, 1928. p. 5.
  22. ^ "News of the Theaters in Southtown: 'The Alarm Clock'". The Southtown Economist. March 27, 1928. p. 8.
  23. ^ "Miss Eagels at Orpheum Today". The San Francisco Examiner. August 11, 1928. p. 13.
  24. ^ "Stock Notes". The Billboard. September 22, 1928. p. 33.
  25. ^ "'Seventh Heaven' Proves Unusually Fine Production". The La Crosse Tribune. January 21, 1929. p. 5.
  26. ^ "Behind the Microphone". Broadcasting. April 1, 1933. p. 2. ProQuest 1505558104. FLORENCE RAVENAL, one of the general staff of KYU, has been drafted to handle the noontime dance programs by Rex Maupin's orchestra over that station.
  27. ^ "Are You a Missing Heir? This Program May Interest You". Chicago Tribune. October 10, 1937 pt. 3, p. 8.
  28. ^ "Questions and Answers". Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star. May 22, 1938. p. 12-D.
  29. ^ "Theater of Air Will Present 'Sweethearts'". Chicago Tribune. January
  30. ^ "Hour of St. Francis: Drama of World's Richest Poor Man on 160 Stations; Third Order Station". The Tidings. December 3, 1948. p. 22.
  31. ^ Palmer, Zuma (April 27, 1951). "Radio-Television: Eisenhower Favored by Correspondent for the Presidency". Hollywood Citizen-News. p. 22.
  32. ^ a b Palmer, Zuma (August 26, 1950). "Radio-Television: Defense Secretary Gives an Accounting". p. 18.
  33. ^ Palmer, Zuma (January 24, 1951). "Radio-Television: Important Client for New TV Firm". Hollywood Citizen-News. p. 26.
  34. ^ Sellers, Barbara (July 11, 1951). "Radio-Television: A Study of TV's Impact on People". Hollywood Citizen-News. p. 22.
  35. ^ Palmer, Zuma (October 8, 1952). "Radio-Television: New NBC Studios Get Good Send-Off". Hollywood Citizen-News. p. 10.
  36. ^ Walters, Tommie (December 14, 1951). "In Tune With the Times". Victoria Daily Times. p. 27.
  37. ^ Fisher, Marvin (February 2, 1956). "Play Review: 'Buy Me Blue Ribbons'". The Hollywood Reporter. ProQuest 2338330469. Producer Murry [sic] Weintraub and his group of professional actors and actresses have taken a Broadway flop, 'Buy Me Blue Ribbons,' by Sumner Locke Elliott and have turned it into an amusing and diverting three acts that should cause much comment. Of course, it is broad, doesn't make much sense, is unreal and is a slight slap at Hollywood, but when you leave you'll know you have been entertained. A big, big reason for sustaining interest in this story of a child star who has grown up to find himself a has-been at the age of 20, lies in the masterful comedy performance of Paul Smith. [...] Other effective roles are by Pat Harding, Parker Garvie, Florence Ravenel and Naomi Stevens.
  38. ^ "Saturday, September 29". The Philadelphia Inquirer. September 23, 1956. p. TV8.
  39. ^ "TV Castings". The Hollywood Reporter. March 17, 1961. p. 22. ProQuest 2338371479. Florence Ravenal, Dodie Drake, 'Day in Court.'
  40. ^ "TV Castings". The Hollywood Reporter. June 16, 1961. p. 11. ProQuest 2338370873. Mary Eastman, Florence Ravenal, 'Day in Court.'
  41. ^ "TV Castings". The Hollywood Reporter. July 17, 1962. p. 10. ProQuest 2339778103. Florence Ravenal, 'Brighter Day.'
  42. ^ Morgan, F. Langdon (September 26, 1936). "Chi Air Notes". The Billboard. p. 10.

External links[edit]

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