Lona Andre

Lona Andre was born Launa Anderson in Nashville, Tennessee on March 2, 1915. Hollywood initially saw promise in Lona and she was named as one of the WAMPAS Baby Stars of 1932. She was signed to a movie contract by Paramount Pictures and was promoted in 1933's International House, but actually had only a small role as the featured performer in an extravagant nightclub revue. When Paramount did not renew her option, Lona found herself working for a number of studios, mostly smaller "B" houses.

The 40 films she appeared in during the 30's included College Humor (1933), with a cast starring Bing Crosby and Burns and Allen, Take A Chance (1933), starring James Dunn, whom it seems Lona left standing at the altar, School For Girls (1934), two uncredited roles in both Murder at the Vanities (1934) and The Merry Widow (1934), and in Our Relations (1936), starring Laurel and Hardy. It is also noted that Lona was a runner-up in Paramount's Panther Woman contest to land the coveted role opposite Charles Laughton in Island of Lost Souls (1933).

In her personal life, aside from the James Dunn incident, Lona eloped to marry MGM actor Ed Norris in 1935 , but filed for an annulment just four days later. An avid golfer, in 1938 she set a world's golfing record for women by shooting 156 holes of golf in 11 hours and 56 minutes on the Lake Norconian, California course.

Loan's acting career was virtually over by the 40's. From then on she was seen in only small or uncredited roles in seven films. After her screen career and one more marriage that ended in divorce, she successfully ran her own North Hollywood real estate business.

Lona died September 18, 1992.

Click on the Images for a larger view.

Motion Picture magazine, October 1933

Motion Picture magazine, October 1933

Photoplay, February 1934

Picture Play, March 1934 Artist: Victor Tchetchet.

International House (1933) opening credits frame grab.

Publicity still for International House.

Publicity still for Our Relations (1936)

Lona always looks good, even in films long forgotten.
PS - it's probably good, bad, or just plain weird that I have all these films.

Lona Andre - What do you think - Allure?