Patricia Ellis was an American actress who is best known for her roles in “Elmer, the Great,” “Back Door to Heaven,” and “Boulder Dam.” She began her film career in the early 1930s and became known as “the Queen of B pictures at Warner Brothers.”
Personal and Family Life
Patricia Ellis was born on May 20, 1918, in Birmingham, Michigan. She married George Thomas O’Maley Jr. on July 12, 1941, and they had one child together. After leaving Hollywood, she returned briefly to the stage before settling into family life.
Career Highlights
Ellis had a prolific film career, appearing in several comedies and dramas in the 1930s. She showcased her talents alongside notable actors like James Cagney and Joe E. Brown. Despite her success, many of her roles were minor and limited to second features, which affected her long-term career opportunities.
Death and Legacy
Patricia Ellis passed away on March 26, 1970, in Kansas City, Missouri, after a battle with cancer. Her contributions to the film industry remain noted, especially during the era of B movies, where she earned a loyal fan base. Her unique portrayals and charming screen presence have left a lasting impression in classic cinema.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Block-Heads | 1938-08-19 | Mrs. ‘Toots’ Gilbert |
| Back Door to Heaven | 1939-04-19 | Carol Evans |
| Picture Snatcher | 1933-05-06 | Patricia Mary ‘Pat’ Nolan |
| Harold Teen | 1934-04-07 | Mimi Snatcher |
| Elmer, the Great | 1933-04-29 | Nellie Poole |
| Bright Lights | 1935-07-27 | Claire Whitmore |
| Love Begins at Twenty | 1936-08-22 | Lois Gillingwater |
| While the Patient Slept | 1935-03-09 | March Federie, Richard’s Granddaughter |
| The Circus Clown | 1934-06-30 | Alice Madison |
| The Case of the Lucky Legs | 1935-10-05 | Margie Florence Clune |
| The King’s Vacation | 1933-02-25 | Millicent |
| Big Hearted Herbert | 1934-10-06 | Alice Kalness |
| Postal Inspector | 1936-08-16 | Connie Larrimore |
| Rhythm in the Clouds | 1937-06-21 | Judy Walker |
| Here Comes the Groom | 1934-06-21 | Patricia Randolph |
| Boulder Dam | 1936-03-07 | Ann Vangarick |
| Easy to Love | 1934-01-13 | Janet |
| Stranded | 1935-06-29 | Velma Tuthill |
| Down the Stretch | 1936-09-18 | Patricia Barrington |
| The World Changes | 1933-11-25 | Natalie Clifton Nordholm |
| Melody for Two | 1937-05-01 | Gale Starr |
| A Night at the Ritz | 1935-03-23 | Marcia |
| The Payoff | 1935-01-09 | Connie Travers |
| Snowed Under | 1936-03-29 | Pat Quinn |
| Freshman Love | 1936-01-18 | Joan Simpkins |
| The Narrow Corner | 1933-07-08 | Louise Frith |
| Convention City | 1933-12-14 | Claire Honeywell |
| Romance on the Run | 1938-05-11 | Dale Harrison |
| The Lady in the Morgue | 1938-04-22 | Mrs. Sam Taylor |
| The St. Louis Kid | 1934-11-10 | Ann Reid |
| Sing Me a Love Song | 1936-12-25 | Jean Martin |
| Affairs of a Gentleman | 1934-05-01 | Jean Sinclair |
| Hollywood Newsreel | 1934-03-24 | Herself |
| Step Lively, Jeeves! | 1937-06-30 | Patricia Westley |
| Talent Scout | 1937-07-24 | Benefit Show Guest (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Lawyer Man | 1932-12-24 | Law Secretary (uncredited) |
| Paradise for Two | 1937-12-22 | Jeannette DuPont |
| Venus Makes Trouble | 1937-05-14 | Kay Horner |
| Three on a Match | 1932-10-29 | Linda (uncredited) |
| Screen Snapshots (Series 16, No. 1) | 1936-09-11 | Self |
