Patricia Ellis

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

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TitleRelease DateCharacter
Block-Heads1938-08-19Mrs. ‘Toots’ Gilbert
Back Door to Heaven1939-04-19Carol Evans
Picture Snatcher1933-05-06Patricia Mary ‘Pat’ Nolan
Harold Teen1934-04-07Mimi Snatcher
Elmer, the Great1933-04-29Nellie Poole
Bright Lights1935-07-27Claire Whitmore
Love Begins at Twenty1936-08-22Lois Gillingwater
While the Patient Slept1935-03-09March Federie, Richard’s Granddaughter
The Circus Clown1934-06-30Alice Madison
The Case of the Lucky Legs1935-10-05Margie Florence Clune
The King’s Vacation1933-02-25Millicent
Big Hearted Herbert1934-10-06Alice Kalness
Postal Inspector1936-08-16Connie Larrimore
Rhythm in the Clouds1937-06-21Judy Walker
Here Comes the Groom1934-06-21Patricia Randolph
Boulder Dam1936-03-07Ann Vangarick
Easy to Love1934-01-13Janet
Stranded1935-06-29Velma Tuthill
Down the Stretch1936-09-18Patricia Barrington
The World Changes1933-11-25Natalie Clifton Nordholm
Melody for Two1937-05-01Gale Starr
A Night at the Ritz1935-03-23Marcia
The Payoff1935-01-09Connie Travers
Snowed Under1936-03-29Pat Quinn
Freshman Love1936-01-18Joan Simpkins
The Narrow Corner1933-07-08Louise Frith
Convention City1933-12-14Claire Honeywell
Romance on the Run1938-05-11Dale Harrison
The Lady in the Morgue1938-04-22Mrs. Sam Taylor
The St. Louis Kid1934-11-10Ann Reid
Sing Me a Love Song1936-12-25Jean Martin
Affairs of a Gentleman1934-05-01Jean Sinclair
Hollywood Newsreel1934-03-24Herself
Step Lively, Jeeves!1937-06-30Patricia Westley
Talent Scout1937-07-24Benefit Show Guest (archive footage) (uncredited)
Lawyer Man1932-12-24Law Secretary (uncredited)
Paradise for Two1937-12-22Jeannette DuPont
Venus Makes Trouble1937-05-14Kay Horner
Three on a Match1932-10-29Linda (uncredited)
Screen Snapshots (Series 16, No. 1)1936-09-11Self