Harriet Hammond was an American actress who is best known for her roles in the films “Man and Maid,” “Hearts and Flowers,” and “Yankee Doodle in Berlin.” She was recognized as one of Mack Sennett’s famous Bathing Beauties during the silent film era.
Personal and Family Life
Born on October 20, 1899, in Bay City, Michigan, Harriet came from a family with artistic aspirations. She was married three times; her spouses include John M. Abajian, Marion D. Shuster, and William M. Drake, whom she married in 1949. Although she initially aimed to become a concert pianist, she found success in acting and became a well-known figure in the film industry.
Career
Hammond began her film career in 1918, quickly gaining fame as a talented comedienne in two-reel shorts. She worked with many significant Sennett comedians, establishing herself as a skilled performer in slapstick comedy. After leaving Sennett in 1921, she took on leading roles in various crime films and melodramas, earning a substantial salary for her time. However, an unfortunate accident involving a dynamite explosion significantly impacted her career.
Death and Legacy
Harriet Hammond passed away on September 23, 1991, in Valley Center, California. Despite facing challenges in her career later on, her contributions to early cinema and the spirit of the Bathing Beauties remain a staple of her legacy. Today, she is remembered for her comedic talent and her place in the history of silent films.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Hearts and Flowers | 1919-06-22 | Pea Shooter’s Companion |
| Don’t Weaken! | 1920-09-05 | Reilly’s Daughter |
| Down on the Farm | 1920-04-17 | Herself – in Prologue |
| Bright Eyes | 1921-12-24 | The Marriageable Daughter |
| Leap Year | 1924-01-11 | Loris Keene |
| Yankee Doodle in Berlin | 1919-03-02 | Minor Role |
| Soft Shoes | 1925-01-01 | Mrs. Bradley |
| Up in Alf’s Place | 1919-10-12 | The Dancing Pupil |
| Why Beaches Are Popular | 1919-05-10 | Bathing Girl |
| Man and Maid | 1925-04-20 | Alathea Bulteel |
| The Midshipman | 1925-10-04 | Patricia Lawrence |
| Astray from the Steerage | 1921-04-23 | The Rich Wife |
| The Seventh Bandit | 1926-04-18 | Dr. Shirley Chalmette |
| Driftin’ Thru | 1926-02-21 | The Girl |
| Queen of the Chorus | 1928-03-05 | Mrs. Gordon Trent |
| Live and Let Live | 1921-07-03 | Mary Ryan |
| The Man from Red Gulch | 1925-12-13 | Betsy |
| The Village Chestnut | 1918-01-01 | Student (uncredited) |
| The Golden Gift | 1922-02-06 | Edith Llewelyn |
| Trying to Get Along | 1919-07-05 |