Alma Lawton

Alma Drucilla Fleetwood Lawton"Couple Adopt Uncle's Name". Los Angeles Times. October 6, 1952. Pt. II, p. 6. (April 1921"New York, New York Passenger and Crew Lists, 1909, 1925-1957", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:24K8-THV : Sat Mar 09 22:24:20 UTC 2024), Entry for Alma D F Lawton, 1937."United States, Florida, Index to Alien Arrivals by Airplane at Miami, 1930-1942", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPTW-NGFG : Sat Mar 09 12:15:30 UTC 2024), Entry for Alma D Jr Lawton, 12 December 1940. – 24 February 1982) was a Hollywood-based, Argentine-born actress who performed in films, on television, and on old-time radio.

Early life and career Born in Buenos Aires to English parents, Lawton appears to have spent her formative years divided primarily between Argentina and Chile."United States Census, 1940", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K9CP-4D2 : Fri Mar 08 15:52:45 UTC 2024), Entry for Albert F Lawton and Alma D Lawton, 1940. She was the younger of two children born to Alfred Edward Fleetwood Lawton, general manager of Cable & Wireless plc,"Obituary: Albert E. F. Lawton". The Los Angeles Times. and Alma Drucilla Fleetwood Lawton Sr. (aka the former Alma Drucilla Harris"England and Wales Marriage Registration Index, 1837-2005," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2DNG-52M : 13 December 2014), Alma Drucilla Harris, 1909; from "England & Wales Marriages, 1837-2005," database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing 1909, quarter 2, vol. 1A, p. 1215, Marylebone, London, England, General Register Office, Southport, England.), herself a onetime music hall comedienne."Vaudeville Stunts New to Town and Dramatic Bills of Big Merit Promised Angelans". Los Angeles Evening Express. June 8, 1912. See also: "Amusements: Empress Theater—You Can't Find a Better Vaudeville Bill Anywhere at Any Price". Los Angeles Evening Express. "Empress, Safest Fireproof Theatre in America". Kansas City Star. July 14, 1912. Prior to beginning her radio career, Lawton reportedly performed in Great Britain, Australia and South America."Toured". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. August 19, 1950. p. 4.

Evidently, the younger Lawton inherited her mother's diminutive stature, the latter having been described in 1912 as "the little British singing comedienne," while the former, at age 31, was dubbed "a diminutive redhead," who, aside from her "stage background in England and Australia," was "distinguished by her height of five feet [and] weigh[t of] 92 pounds."Schallert, Edwin (August 7, 1952). "James Craig Will Star in 'Royal Mounted;' Deal Closed for 'Marauders' Player Complement Complete for 'Rachel'". Los Angeles Times. Pt. 3, p. 9 On the other hand, Joe Hyams of the Citizen-News, while likewise documenting Lawton's modest dimensions, adds that "[w]hat she lacks in size, Alma makes up for in talent, proving again that good things come in small packages."

On November 3, 1947, Lawton made her American radio debut on Lux Radio Theatre, in "Singapore," an original radio drama starring Fred MacMurray and Ava Gardner.Alma Lawton: Programs/Episodes. Old Time Radio Researchers.Chesterton Radio (June 8, 2021). "Singapore - Fred MacMurray - Ava Gardner - Lux Radio Theatre". YouTube. Later that month, she costarred with Wally Maher in "Body Off Billingsgate" on The Whistler,Old Time Radio Researchers (February 19, 2017.). "The Whistler - The Body Off Billingsgate". YouTube and on December 8, she did another Lux episode, as part of a large ensemble supporting Robert Montgomery, Wanda Hendrix and Thomas Gomez, reprising their starring roles in Ride the Pink Horse.Old Time Radio Researchers (February 27, 2017). "Lux Radio Theatre - Ride the Pink Horse". YouTube.

The following spring, Lawton was tasked by Samuel Goldwyn with helping Teresa Wright achieve a reasonably authentic English accent.

Radio Date(s) Program Role Notes November 3, 1947 Lux Radio Theatre N/A Episode: "Singapore" November 26, 1947 The Whistler N/A Episode: "The Body Off Billingsgate" December 8, 1947 Lux Radio Theatre N/A Episode: "Ride the Pink Horse" January 1, 1948 Family Theater N/A Episode: "In Another Year" (Hosted by J. Edgar Hoover, with Glen Langan and Ruth Hussey) September 17, 1948 NBC University Theatre N/A Episode: "The Purloined Letter" (Edgar Allan Poe's story, with Adolphe Menjou)Chesterton Radio (August 16, 2020). "The Purloined Letter - Edgar Allen Poe Detective Story - NBC University Theater". YouTube. October 31, 1948 NBC University Theatre Ruth Episode: "Justice" (With Nigel Bruce as Cokeson, and Ben Wright as Falder, in John Galsworthy's play, adapted by George Lefferts)Palmer, Zuma (November 27, 1948). "Sunday Programs". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. p. 20. November 28, 1948 NBC University Theatre N/A Episode: "A Passage to India" (E. M. Forster's novel, adapted by George Lefferts)Palmer, Zuma (November 27, 1948). "Sunday Programs". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. p. 20. January 23, 1949 NBC University Theatre N/A Episode: "The Ministry of Fear" (Graham Greene's novel, adapted by Ernest Kinoy) April 24, 1949 NBC University Theatre N/A Episode: "The Way of All Flesh" (From Samuel Butler's novel, starring Tom Conway) June 11, 1949 The Adventures of Philip Marlowe N/A Episode: "The Pigeon's Blood"Old Time Radio Researchers (May 28, 2020). "The Adventures of Philip Marlowe - The Pigeon's Blood". YouTube. July 10, 1949 NBC University Theatre Katherine Episode: "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" (Co-starring with Herbert Marshall in Agnes Eckhardt's adaptation)Palmer, Zuma (1949). "Sunday Programs". Citizen-News. July 9, 1949. p. 18. January 15, 1950 Errand of Mercy N/A Episode: "Quotation" (Starring Olan Soule)Alma Lawton: Programs/Episodes. Old Time Radio Researchers"Olan Soule to Be Starred in Play". The Coeur d'Alene Press. p. 3. January 29, 1950 NBC University Theatre Lupe (in "Flowering Judas") Episodes: "Flowering Judas" and "Pale Horse, Pale Rider"Chesterton Radio (September 29, 2020). "Flowering Judas - Pale Horse Pale Rider - Katherine Anne Porter - NBC University". YouTube. March 25, 1950 NBC University Theatre Margaret Episode: "Howards End" (With Queenie Leonard, Terry Kilburn and Ben Wright)Palmer, Zuma (March 25, 1950). "Sunday Programs". Los Angeles Evening News. p. 18. May 21, 1950 NBC University Theatre Naomi Episode: "The House in Paris" (Adaptation of Elizabeth Bowen novel)Palmer, Zuma (May 20, 1950). "Sunday's Programs". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. p. 20. June 4, 1950 NBC University Theatre N/A Episode: "Gallions Reach" August 20, 1950 NBC University Theatre The Mother Episode: "A High Wind in Jamaica" (Richard Hughes' novel, as adapted by Jane Speed)Morrison, Dennis (March 31, 2023). "A HIGH WIND IN JAMAICA - NBC UNIVERSITY RADIO THEATER!!!!!". YouTube. January 11, 1951 Screen Guild Players Dolly Episode: "Brief Encounter" (Starring Stewart Granger and Deborah Kerr)Palmer, Zuma (January 11, 1951). "Value in Radio Forums Though Important Subjects Only Skimmed". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. p. 24. September 17, 1951 Suspense N/A Episode: "Neal Cream, Doctor of Poison" (Written by Antony Ellis, starring Charles Laughton) May 9, 1952 NBC Presents: Short Story Helen Episode: "The Old General" (From Eric Knight's story, starring Ramsay Hill)Palmer, Zuma (May 9, 1952). "Accident Almost Ended Welk's Band Leading Career". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. p. 22. October 6, 1952 Suspense Ellen Episode: "The Diary of Dr. Pritchard" (Antony Ellis adapts William Roughead story, starring Sir Cedric Hardwicke)"Airglances: Cedric Hardwicke Plays Poisoner". Des Moines Tribune. February 8, 1953 Errand of Mercy Janie Episode: "H with a Southern Accent""Red Cross Radio Program". The Marion Star. February 7, 1953. p. 11. September 7, 1953 Lux Radio Theatre Louise Episode: "My Cousin Rachel" (With Olivia De Havilland, reprising her film role, while Lawton is promoted from "Mary Pascoe" to Rachel's romantic rival, Louise)"Competition". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. September 7, 1953. p. 16. November 25, 1953 Crime Classics N/A Episode: "Killing Story Of William Corder And The Farmer's Daughter" (Morton Fine-David Friedkin script)

Film and television Year Title Role Notes1951 Lights Out (TV) Dee Darrow Episode: "The Fonceville Curse""The Fonceville Curse (1951) - Film serial". cinemagia.ro.1951 Thunder on the Hill Nurse Brent "Alma Lawton filmography". American Film Institute.1951 Lady Possessed Nurse 1952 Ma and Pa Kettle on Vacation N/A 1952 My Cousin Rachel Mary Pascoe Karr, Jack (January 5, 1983). "Showplace". The Toronto Star. p. 5.1953 Hallmark Hall of Fame N/A Episode: "A Queen's Way""Talent Showsheet October 12-18, 1953: October 11". Ross Reports. October 12–18, 1953. p. 7.1955 Lady Godiva of Coventry Lady Yolanda YouTube Movies & TV "Lady Godiva". YouTube.1956 Gaby English Girl 1957 Sergeant Preston of the Yukon (TV) Molly Andrews Episode: "Blind Justice"Lentz, Harris (1996). Western and Frontier Film and Television Credits 1903-1995. Jefferson, NC: McFarland. p. 1712. .1957 Telephone Time (TV) Teacher Episode: "Parents of a Stranger" (Seen working with child for about 15 seconds at the 20:20 mark)Classic TV Channel (April 9, 2020). "Telephone Time - Season 2 - Episode 18 - Parents of a Stranger | John Nesbitt, Frank Baxter". YouTube.1957 Until They Sail N/A 1958 Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV) Alma Season 4 Episode 9: "Murder Me Twice""Talent Showsheet". Ross Reports. December 8, 1958. p. A.1959 The Jack Benny Program (TV) Maid Episode: "Autolight" (Gas Light parody, starring Benny and Barbara Stanwyck, featuring Lawton as one of the two maids; she is the first person seen as the curtain rises)florencefallon (February 19, 2014). "Barbara Stanwyck Guest Stars on The Jack Benny Program". YouTube.1959 One Step Beyond (TV) Liz Episode: "The Devil's Laughter"Lentz, Harris M. (2001). Science Fiction, Horror & Fantasy Film and Television Credits - Television Shows. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company. p. 1999. .1960 Peter Gunn (TV) Supervisor Episode: "See No Evil""Peter Gunn: See No Evil". The Archive.1960 Alcoa Theatre (TV) N/A Episode: "Chinese Finale"1960 Midnight Lace N/A 1963 My Three Sons (TV) N/A Episode: "Scotch Broth""Casting". Daily Variety. c. Jun 1963. pp. 9, 11.1964 Mary Poppins Mrs. Corry 1964 My Fair Lady Flower Girl Clarens, Carlos (1976). George Cukor. British Film Institute. p. 182. .1973 Emergency! (TV) English Maid Episode: "The Professor"Yokley, Richard; Sutherland, Rozane (2008). Emergency!: Behind the Scene. Sudbury, MS: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. p. 167. .

Personal life As of no later than April 1950, Lawton was married to fellow actor Donald Morrison."United States 1950 Census", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6XG7-CFRQ : Thu Oct 05 18:55:48 UTC 2023), Entry for Donald Morrison and Alma D Morrison, 5 April 1950. In May 1951, the couple had their names legally changed; hers, from Morrison back to Lawton, and his from Ivan Donald Morrison—which was, in fact, the Americanized version of his birth name, Isaac Morduchovitch"Naturalization Petitions". The Los Angeles Times. May 25, 1932. p. 18.—to Donald Albert Fleetwood Lawton."Sabatino Is Now Sam O' Grady; 3 L.A. Families Switch Names". Los Angeles Mirror. October 6, 1952. p.28. Donald Lawton died on October 18, 1990."United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6K48-9WJ1 : 11 February 2023), Donald Lawton, .

For a period, Lawton supported her parents financially. In 1953, she appeared with her parents in court in Los Angeles, California, as they sued her estranged brother Fleetwood Lawton, a news commentator, for financial support.

References

Further reading

External links

Alma Lawton at Old Time Radio Researchers