Barbara Britton (1919-1980)

biography

Born in Long Beach, California, on September 26, 1919 (some sources suggest December 1920 as her date of birth), pretty Barbara Britton was raised in Long Beach and started college there. By chance she was discovered for films when a talent scout spotted her photo in a newspaper, and soon afterward she signed a contract with Paramount. Her first film for the studio was the Hopalong Cassidy western Secrets of the Wasteland (1941; with William Boyd and Andy Clyde). The studio brought Britton along in several minor roles but soon gave her bigger ones in Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch (1942; with Fay Bainter and Hugh Herbert), So Proudly We Hail! (1943; with Claudette Colbert and Veronica Lake), and Till We Meet Again (1944; with Ray Milland). Britton left Paramount in 1945 and freelanced for the remainder of her film career, often in westerns.

In 1945, Britton married a psychiatrist, with whom she would raise a family of four. Nonetheless, unlike many actress of the period, she continued to work and acted in numerous films in the late 1940s and early 1950s, including the westerns The Virginian (1946; with Joel McCrea and Brian Donlevy), Albuquerque (1948; with Randolph Scott and Lon Chaney Jr.), and Ride the Man Down (1952; with Rod Cameron and Brian Donlevy). She also acted in the early 3-D adventure Bwana Devil (1952; with Robert Stack). Her film career was put on hold when she was cast in the NBC comedy/mystery TV series Mr. & Mrs. North (1952-1954; with Richard Denning), but she returned to films when NBC canceled the series in 1954.

the films of barbara britton

Till We Meet Again (1944)

Captain Kidd (1945)

The Great John L (1945)

The Fabulous Suzanne (1946)

The Return of Monte Cristo (1946)

Gunfighters (1947)

The Raiders (1952)

Mr. & Mrs. North (1952-1954 CBS/NBC TV Series)

Ain't Misbehavin' (1955)

Night Freight (1955)

The Spoilers (1955)

later years

Barbara Britton's final film was the Universal-International western The Spoilers (1955; with Jeff Chandler and Rory Calhoun). In 1955, she relocated with her husband and children to New York. Britton quickly found work in television as a game show assistant on the CBS show The $64,000 Question (1955-1958; with Hal March), and she landed a lucrative deal with Revlon as a spokesperson. Keeping a hand in acting, Britton also appeared on Broadway in several productions from the mid 1950s through the late 1960s. She worked little in the 1970s until she was cast in the ABC daytime drama One Life to Live in 1979. Sadly, around this time Britton was diagnosed with cancer and passed away on January 17, 1980, at the age of 60. Britton was survived by her husband, daughter, and son.

barbara britton films available from movies unlimited

Mr. And Mrs. North, Vol. 1 [DVD] DVD
The Norths solve a jockey's murder at the racetrack, find menace at an aunt's country home, deal with an assassin, and attend a deadly fashion show in four episodes. 111 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Mr. And Mrs. North, Vol. 2 [DVD] DVD
Includes "Flight 217," "Murder for Sale," "Two Faced," and "Breakout." 104 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Mr. And Mrs. North, Vol. 3 [DVD] DVD
The planned murder of a lawyer just before his wedding, a butler with some skeletons in his closet, a murder at a boxer's training camp, and a body in a novelist's estate's pond add up to mystery for the crimesolving couple in four episodes. 106 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Mr. And Mrs. North, Vol. 4 [DVD] DVD
First, Jerry's discovery of priceless letters buried with a Revolutionary War patriot coincides with the hiding of bank heist money, in "Million Dollar Coffin." Then, after enrolling in a school for aspiring fashionistas, Pam stumbles upon a deadly love triangle, in "Model for Murder." Next, the Norths' plans for a peaceful honeymoon at a beautiful inn are thwarted when they find a body, in "Man Who Came to Murder." Lastly, the pair uncovers a "Mask of Hate" when they discover the shocking secrets of their married friends. 106 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Mr. And Mrs. North, Vol. 5 [DVD] DVD
First, a peaceful weekend away for the couple is interrupted when a publisher's wife is poisoned, in "On the Rocks." Next, when a "Pretty Baby" is left on their doorstep, the Norths get involved in a comedy of errors. Then, when Pam borrows a library book that secretly contains a "Formula for Trouble," she and Jerry visit the lab where it originated. Lastly, when they buy a chest that contains a corpse and hidden diamonds, the pair tries to solve the mystery it creates, in "Good Boy." 106 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Mr. And Mrs. North, Vol. 6 [DVD] DVD
First, when a pageant contestant is murdered, Pam becomes involved in a case of mistaken identity, in "Beauty Prize." Next, the Norths stumble upon a gambling operation and a bookie who fakes his own death, in "Dead Man's Tale." Then, when a street gang intimidates local merchants, Jerry comes to the rescue, in "Comic Strip Tease." Lastly, during a school "Reunion," the Norths are taken hostage by Jerry's old roommate. 106 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Mr. And Mrs. North, Vol. 7 [DVD] DVD
Includes "Forgotten Grave," "Loon Lake," "Terror," and "The Nobles." 103 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Mr. And Mrs. North, Vol. 8 [DVD] DVD
Includes "Busy Signal," "Hot Mink," "Surprise," and "Suspected." 102 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Mr. And Mrs. North, Vol. 9 [DVD] DVD
Includes four episodes. 102 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Louisiana Purchase (1941)/Never Say Die [DVD](1939) DVD
Zesty comedy with music features Bob Hope getting involved with corrupt politics, shady ladies and righteous senators in Louisiana. Vera Zorina, Victor Moore and Irene Bordoni also star in this engaging political satire with such Irving Berlin tunes as "It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow." Then, loony millionaire Bob Hope, under the mistaken belief that he only has one month to live, marries tycoon's daughter Martha Raye so that she will inherit his money and be able to wed her true love. What will happen when Hope's diagnosis is corrected? With Andy Devine and Gale Sondergaard. 181 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: French, Spanish; production notes; biographies; theatrical trailer.
Hopalong Cassidy, Vol. 6 [DVD] DVD
When one of Hopalong Cassidy's cowhands falls under the spell of a hypnotist and gets involved with some dubious activities, Hoppy tries to stop him and his new pals, in "Silent Conflict" (1948). William Boyd, Andy Clyde star. Next, "Hoppy Serves a Writ" (1943), that is, if bad guy Robert Mitchum will let him! Hoppy's a sheriff who must figure out a way to lure an outlaw gang out of Oklahoma so they can be brought to justice. Victor Jory, George Reeves also star. It's not one of the "Secrets of the Wasteland" (1941) that Hopalong Cassidy will always fight for what's right, as seen here when he helps Chinese immigrants settle their land and fend up some scurrilous saddlesores. Cassidy is a rancher who whips out his pistols and his fists to deal with some rascally rustlers in "Mystery Man" (1944). And, aren't folks supposed to relax on a vacation? Apparently no one told that to Cassidy because "Hoppy's Holiday" (1947) to Mesa City has him dealing with bank robbers who make their getaway with one of them thar newfangled horseless carriages! 5 1/4 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 5.1.
Reap The Wild Wind [DVD](1942) DVD
Typically lavish Cecil B. DeMille sea epic, set in the 1840s Florida Keys, with John Wayne as a skipper accused of deliberately wrecking his ship. Paulette Goddard is the salvage boat owner who falls for him, and Ray Milland is the lawyer who comes between them. Exciting underwater scenes include a tussle between the Duke and a giant squid; with Raymond Massey, Robert Preston, Susan Hayward. 124 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English, Spanish; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish; theatrical trailer; scene access.
Wake Island [DVD](1942) DVD
One of the first Hollywood films to honestly deal with American front line forces in WWII, this blistering saga recounts the true story of a handful of Marines who fought off an overwhelming Japanese land, air and sea attack for 16 days. Brian Donlevy, Robert Preston, William Bendix star. 88 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French.
Young And Willing [DVD](1943) DVD
A group of aspiring--and starving--young actors and actresses decides to pool their resources and share an apartment. Things begin to look up when a big-time Broadway producer moves into their building. Now, all they have to do is keep their nosy landlady from finding out that guys and gals are living together (shocking!) until their big break comes. William Holden, Susan Hayward, Eddie Bracken, Robert Benchley star in this upbeat comedy.
So Proudly We Hail! [DVD](1943) DVD
A trio of Army nurses (Claudette Colbert, Paulette Goddard, Veronica Lake) is followed from Pearl Harbor to Bataan and the Pacific Front in this unusual, moving WWII flagwaver that mixes action and pathos with comedy and romance. George Reeves, Walter Abel and Sonny Tufts (in his film debut) also star. 126 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH), French; theatrical trailer; more.
Captain Kidd [DVD](1945) DVD
Charles Laughton is superb as one of the most notorious pirates to ever sail the seas, with Randolph Scott as the man charged with bringing him to justice. Barbara Britton, Reginald Owen also star. 83 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital; biographies; filmographies; photo gallery.
They Made Me A Killer [DVD](1946) DVD
A man wrongly accused of murder and robbery must turn to a young girl to help him catch the real crooks and clear his name in this taut suspenser. Robert Lowery, Barbara Britton, Frank Albertson, Lola Lane star. 64 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Loaded Pistols [DVD](1948) DVD
Guns-a'blazin' western actioner finds Gene Autry safeguarding a young cowpoke wrongly accused of murder, while dogging the real killers. Gene also finds time to sing "Loaded Pistols," "Blue Tail Fly," and more. Co-stars Chill Wills, Barbara Britton. 75 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Albuquerque [DVD](1948) DVD
In this sagebrush saga, Randolph Scott plays the nephew of a powerful town boss who is attempting to drive a small stagecoach line out of business, forcing Scott to take sides against his unscrupulous uncle. George Cleveland, Russell Hayden, Lon Chaney, Jr., and Barbara Britton also star. 91 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: French, Spanish.
Mr. Reckless [DVD](1948) DVD
Returning to his hometown after a long absence, oil-well digger William Eythe discovers that his sweetheart has gotten engaged to an older suitor. In an attempt to win back his lost love, he decides to impress her with a series of daredevil oil-field stunts. Romantic drama co-stars Barbara Britton, Walter Catlett. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
The First Films Of Samuel Fuller [DVD] DVD
Sam Fuller's maverick directorial debut "I Shot Jesse James" (1949), full of close-ups and slam-bang stylistic touches, focuses on Bob Ford (John Ireland), who guns down the notorious outlaw for the reward money that will help him marry his childhood sweetheart. Barbara Britton, Reed Hadley also star. Fuller's fascinating historical drama "The Baron of Arizona" (1950), based on a little-known piece of American history, stars Vincent Price as James A. Reavis, who in the mid-1800s forged documents that turned the Arizona Territory over to a woman whom he later married, setting himself up as owner of the state. Ellen Drew, Reed Hadley co-star. Scripted and shot in just three weeks, Fuller's gritty Korean War drama "The Steel Helmet" (1951) stars Gene Evans as the wounded army sergeant who joins a beleaguered platoon holed up in a Buddhist temple. A hard look at the realities of warfare, the film also stars James Edwards as a black medic and Harold Fong as a captured North Korean officer. 4 1/3 hrs. total on three discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Champagne For Caesar [DVD](1950) DVD
Riotously funny fable about a genius, played by Ronald Colman, who goes on a radio quiz program and takes them for everything they've got. Vincent Price is the show's neurotic sponsor, who hires beautiful Celeste Holm to distract Colman. With Art Linkletter, Barbara Britton. 99 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; photo gallery.

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barbara britton photos and posters available

filmography

FILM
The Spoilers (1955) with Anne Baxter, Jeff Chandler, Rory Calhoun, Ray Danton, and Willis Bouchey
Night Freight (1955) with Forrest Tucker and Keith Larsen
Ain't Misbehavin' (1955) with Rory Calhoun, Piper Laurie, Jack Carson, Mamie Van Doren, and Peter Mamakos
Dragonfly Squadron (1954) with John Hodiak, Bruce Bennett, Gerald Mohr, Chuck Connors, John Lupton, and Fess Parker
Bwana Devil (1952) with Robert Stack and Nigel Bruce
The Raiders (1952) with Richard Conte, Viveca Lindfors, Hugh O'Brian, Gregg Palmer, William Reynolds, Morris Ankrum, Dennis Weaver, and Margaret Field
Ride the Man Down (1952) with Brian Donlevy, Rod Cameron, Ella Raines, Forrest Tucker, Chill Wills, J. Carrol Naish, and Jim Davis
The Bandit Queen (1950) with Willard Parker and Philip Reed
Champagne for Caesar (1950) with Ronald Colman, Celeste Holm, Vincent Price, Art Linkletter, and Byron Foulger
I Shot Jesse James (1949) with Preston Foster, John Ireland, Reed Hadley, Tom Tyler, Tommy Noonan, and Byron Foulger
Cover-Up (1949) with Dennis O'Keefe, William Bendix, and Virginia Christine
Loaded Pistols (1948) with Gene Autry and Chill Wills
The Untamed Breed (1948) with Sonny Tufts, George "Gabby" Hayes, and Edgar Buchanan
Mr. Reckless (1948) with Minna Gombell, Lloyd Corrigan, and Nestor Paiva
Albuquerque (1948) with Randolph Scott, George "Gabby" Hayes, and Lon Chaney Jr.
Gunfighters (1947) with Randolph Scott, Bruce Cabot, Steven Geray, Forrest Tucker, and Grant Withers
The Return of Monte Cristo (1946) with Louis Hayward, George Macready, Steven Geray, and Ray Collins
The Fabulous Suzanne (1946) with Rudy Vallee, Otto Kruger, Richard Denning, and Veda Ann Borg
The Virginian (1946) with Joel McCrea, Brian Donlevy, Sonny Tufts, Fay Bainter, Tom Tully, and William Frawley
They Made Me a Killer (1946) with Robert Lowery and Lola Lane
Captain Kidd (1945) with Charles Laughton, Randolph Scott, John Carradine, Gilbert Roland, and Sheldon Leonard
The Great John L. (1945) with Greg McClure, Linda Darnell, Otto Kruger, Wallace Ford, and Rory Calhoun
Till We Meet Again (1944) with Ray Milland, Walter Slezak, and Mona Freeman
The Story of Dr. Wassell (1944) with Gary Cooper, Laraine Day, Signe Hasso, Dennis O'Keefe, and Paul Kelly
So Proudly We Hail! (1943) with Claudette Colbert, Paulette Goddard, Veronica Lake, George Reeves, and Sonny Tufts
Young and Willing (1943) with William Holden, Eddie Bracken, Susan Hayward, and Martha O'Driscoll
Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch (1942) with Fay Bainter, Hugh Herbert, and Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer
Wake Island (1942) with Brian Donlevy, Robert Preston, Macdonald Carey, Albert Dekker, William Bendix, and Phillip Terry
Reap the Wild Wind (1942) with Ray Milland, John Wayne, Paulette Goddard, Raymond Massey, Robert Preston, Susan Hayward, Charles Bickford, Louise Beavers, Martha O'Driscoll, and Hedda Hopper
The Fleet's In (1942) with Dorothy Lamour, William Holden, Eddie Bracken, Betty Hutton, Cass Daley, and Leif Erickson
Secrets of the Wasteland (1941) with William Boyd and Andy Clyde

TELEVISION SERIES
One Life to Live, 1968-present ABC daytime TV series. Britton portrayed Fran Craig Gordon from 1979-1980
The $64,000 Question, 1955-1958 CBS TV series. Britton was an assistant on this popular game show
Mr. & Mrs. North, 1952-1954 CBS (and later NBC) TV series. Britton portrayed Pamela North. Also in the cast was Richard Denning

barbara britton now showing

Watch this episode of Britton's 1950s TV series Mr. and Mrs. North titled House Behind the Wall, which originally aired on January 16, 1953