Adrienne Ames

Adrienne Ames was born Adrienne Ruth McClure on August 2, 1907, in Fort Worth, Texas. She began her film career in 1927 as a stand-in for Pola Negri, after her sister's belief that she could become a successful actress. Her break, however, came following her marriage to stockbroker Stephen Ames, who was quite involved in New York society. Adrienne was spotted by a talent scout from Paramount and is said to have been signed without a screen test. Her first role for Paramount was a small part in Road To Reno (1931). She moved up the marquee a bit in the Clive Brook, Kay Frances film, 24 Hours (1931), and by 1932 was the second female lead under Carole Lombard, in Sinners in the Sun. Adrienne finally landed the female lead in Guilty as Hell (1932). From Heaven to Hell (1933) found her second to Carole Lombard again. From 1933 to 1935 Adrienne moved between Fox and Paramount. For Fox she starred opposite Joan Blondell and Ginger Rogers in Broadway Bad (1933) and with Rudy Valle and Jimmy Durante in George White's Scandals (1934).

Adrienne made 30 films during the 1930's, but after 1935, the quality roles began to diminish, perhaps because of her off screen behavior as it concerned third and last husband, King Kong hero Bruce Cabot. In 1939 she left Hollywood, and shortly after began a New York City talk and interview radio show on WHN that revolved around society, celebrities and beauty tips.

Sadly, Adrienne died of cancer on May 31, 1947 at age 40. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1612 Vine Street.

Click on the images for a larger view.

Motion Picture magazine, October 1933 - Artist: Marland Stone

Clipping from Motion Picture magazine. They could have picked a better photo.

Frame captures from Guilty as Hell.

Frame captures from The Death Kiss. Of interest is that this film has three of the principal actors from the original Dracula: Bela Lugosi, David Manners, and Edward Van Sloan, better known to his friends and fellow vampire hunters as Van Helsing.

Publicity still with David Manners.

Frame captures from Broadway Bad.

Frame captures from two of her less distinguished roles, Woman Wanted and Panama Patrol.

Publicity still from Panama Patrol.

Publicity still from 1934.

Undated publicity still.

Adrienne was known throughout Hollywood for her fashion sense.

No caption necessary.

Adrienne Ames - What do you think - Allure?