- Kay Johnson, Village Tale, 1934. Not often Randolph Scott won a role away from from his, er, friend. As a result, Cary Grant’s chosen co-star, Evelyn Venable, became Helen Broderick and, ultimately, New York’s Kay Johnson. Director John Cromwell did not stay far from his hearth to find her. She was Mrs Cromwell during 1928-1945. Cincinatti’s Venable was the first model for the logo of Columbia Pictures… who now looks so much like Annette Bening.
- Gail Patrick, Mississippi, 1934. Last minute change of Elvira Rumford (Joan Bennett’s sister), supporting the one and only pairing of Bing Crosby and… WC Fields! They worked very well. The film, not so much.
- Virginia Bruce, When Love Is Young, 1936. As the movie was being developed, Universal nominated Venable for leading lady. Director Hal Mohr refused… despite being wed to her! This was, he said, his first film as director for 20 years and he didn’t want to foul up his wife’s career. In all, he directed a mere six films versus 147 as cinematographer, during 1912-1968. Venable made 26 movies, then retired at 34, going back to college to win her Master’s in Greek and Latin, which she gthen taiught at UCLA.
Birth year: 1913Death year: 1993Other name: Casting Calls: 3