In this scene, the object of Jimmy Durante’s affection is Nurse Preen, played by the venerable Mary Wickes. “The Man Who Came to Dinner” was Mary’s “big break” in motion pictures. She had played the same role on Broadway along with Monty Woolley who portrayed the acerbic Sheridan Whiteside. Mary Wickes enjoyed a Hollywood career of over 50 years and is well remembered even today.
Mary was always a supporting actress and appeared with a variety of stars such as Bette Davis in “Now Voyager, “ Lou Costello in “Who Done It?” Doris Day in “On Moonlight Bay,” Rosalind Russell in “The Trouble With Angels,” and Whoopi Goldberg in “Sister Act.” She was one of the "Pick-A-Little, Talk-A-Little" housewives in “Music Man” as well.
Her television work supported notables such as Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Red Skelton, Jimmy Durante, and she made many appearances with Lucille Ball, who was a friend and neighbor of Mary’s.
In this scene, the object of Jimmy Durante’s affection is Nurse Preen, played by the venerable Mary Wickes. “The Man Who Came to Dinner” was Mary’s “big break” in motion pictures. She had played the same role on Broadway along with Monty Woolley who portrayed the acerbic Sheridan Whiteside. Mary Wickes enjoyed a Hollywood career of over 50 years and is well remembered even today.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the background info.
ReplyDeleteI was trying to remember her other films. She's one of those familiar faces.
Mary was always a supporting actress and appeared with a variety of stars such as Bette Davis in “Now Voyager, “ Lou Costello in “Who Done It?” Doris Day in “On Moonlight Bay,” Rosalind Russell in “The Trouble With Angels,” and Whoopi Goldberg in “Sister Act.” She was one of the "Pick-A-Little, Talk-A-Little" housewives in “Music Man” as well.
ReplyDeleteHer television work supported notables such as Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Red Skelton, Jimmy Durante, and she made many appearances with Lucille Ball, who was a friend and neighbor of Mary’s.