What's After the Movie
Mae Clarke
Mae Clarke, born Violet Mary Klotz on August 16, 1910, emerged from a Philadelphia childhood where her father worked as a theatre organist and she learned to dance for vaudeville stages. At age twelve she marched in the Miss America Pageant Parade dressed as a lobster, a quirky early public appearance that foreshadowed a career defined by striking visual moments. She moved to New York City as a teenager, sharing a room with future star Barbara Stanwyck, and began working as a nightclub dancer before transitioning to the silver screen in the late 1920s. Clarke’s breakthrough arrived at Universal Studios, where she starred as Elizabeth, the ill‑fated bride in James Whale’s 1931 Frankenstein, a role that cemented her as a memorable early horror heroine. The same year she became immortalized in film lore when James Cagney smashed a half grapefruit into her face in The Public Enemy, a scene that was endlessly parodied and contributed to her lasting pop‑culture notoriety. Throughout the 1930s she headlined a series of pre‑Code dramas such as Waterloo Bridge and Fast Workers, demonstrating versatility that survived a 1933 automobile accident that left her with a broken jaw and facial scarring. As studio budgets shifted, Clarke moved into supporting and uncredited parts in iconic later films like Singin' in the Rain and Thoroughly Modern Millie, and appeared on television series including Perry Mason and Batman before retiring in 1970 to teach drama. Her personal life saw three marriages—to Lew Brice, Stevens Bancroft, and Herbert Langdon—yet she never had children. Mae Clarke spent her final years at the Motion Picture & Television Country House, passing away from cancer on April 29, 1992, and is buried at Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Mae Clarke, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Mae Clarke rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Violet Mary Klotz
Born: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Citizenship: United States
Birthday: August 16, 1910
Occupations: Actress, Singer
Years Active: 1926-1970
Spouses: Lew Brice, Stevens Bancroft, Herbert Langdon
External Links and Streaming Options
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Movies Featuring Mae Clarke
The Front Page
Frankenstein
Flying Tigers
Fast Workers
The Reformer and the Redhead
Because of You
Come Next Spring
Nana
Mohawk
Thoroughly Modern Millie
And Now Tomorrow
Horizons West
Magnificent Obsession
Women’s Prison
King of the Rocket Men
Here Come the Waves
Skirts Ahoy!
The Man with Two Faces
Kitty
The People Against O’Hara
The Catered Affair
James Cagney: Top of the World
Flaming Gold
The Impatient Maiden
Great Guy
The Skipper Surprised His Wife
Callaway Went Thataway
Parole Girl
The Penguin Pool Murder
The Yellow Cab Man
Boy with a Knife
Three Wise Girls
A Big Hand for the Little Lady
Lady Killer
Boo
Wichita
Turn Back the Clock
The Unknown Man
Annie Get Your Gun
Penthouse
Ask Any Girl
Women in War
Inside Straight
Hitch Hike Lady
Mrs. O’Malley and Mr. Malone
Hats Off
Voice in the Mirror
Duchess of Idaho
Waterloo Bridge
The Great Caruso
Hearts in Bondage
Night World
Lost Planet Airmen
The Final Edition
The Fall Guy
This Side of Heaven
I Died a Thousand Times
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Mae Clarke, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1956
Come Next Spring
Myrtle
Mohawk
Minikah
The Catered Affair
Saleswoman (uncredited)
Boy with a Knife
Mable Phillips
1955
Women’s Prison
Matron Saunders
Wichita
Mrs. McCoy
I Died a Thousand Times
Mabel Baughman (uncredited)
1952
Because of You
Miss Peach
Horizons West
Mrs. Jane Tarleton
Skirts Ahoy!
Miss LaValle (uncredited)
1951
The People Against O’Hara
Receptionist (uncredited)
Callaway Went Thataway
Mother On Train (uncredited)
The Unknown Man
Stella's Friend (uncredited)
Inside Straight
Nurse
The Great Caruso
Woman (uncredited)
Lost Planet Airmen
Glenda Thomas
1950
The Reformer and the Redhead
Counter Lady (uncredited)
The Skipper Surprised His Wife
Clubwoman (uncredited)
The Yellow Cab Man
Casualty Company Secretary (uncredited)
Annie Get Your Gun
Mrs. Adams (uncredited)
Mrs. O’Malley and Mr. Malone
Train Passenger (uncredited)
Duchess of Idaho
Betty (uncredited)
1933
Fast Workers
Mary
Parole Girl
Sylvia
Lady Killer
Myra
Turn Back the Clock
Mary Gimlet / Mary Wright
Penthouse
Mimi Montagne
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