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Gale Storm
1922-
Updated 7/5/2007 with more films available on DVD.
biography
Born Josephine Cottle in Bloomington, Texas in April 1922, Gale Storm's early life was marred by the death of her father and her family's ensuing financial struggles. As a pretty and enthusiastic drama student in high school, Storm won a "Gateway to Hollywood" contest sponsored by one-time Paramount head Jesse Lasky. She landed a contract with RKO, appearing in dramas for her first two films Tom Brown's School Days (1940; with Freddie Bartholomew) and One Crowded Night (1940) before the studio dropped her option. Storm moved on to Republic and Monogram; Republic cast her in a number of westerns, including Saddlemates (1941; with Robert Livingston and Bob Steele), Red River Valley (1941; with Roy Rogers), and Jesse James at Bay (1941; with Roy Rogers). She then moved on to Monogram, where she was often cast in comedies and musicals such as Smart Alecks (1942; with Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall) and Rhythm Parade (1942; with Robert Lowery). In 1941, Storm wed her fellow "Gateway to Hollywood" winner, Lee Bonnell, who sustained an acting career for a few years before leaving show business for the business world.
LEFT and CENTER: Pretty 1940s poses. RIGHT: Storm in the 1950s
Despite marriage and motherhood (she and Bonnell had four children), Storm kept her career going. In the post-war years, she made a number of films for Monogram's upscale subsidiary, Allied Artists. Some of these include the comedies It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947; with Don DeFore) and The Dude Goes West (1948; with Eddie Albert and Gilbert Roland) and the western Stampede (1949; with Rod Cameron and Johnny Mack Brown). Storm left Monogram in 1949 for the greener pastures at Columbia and Universal-International. She appeared in a few film noir thrillers after leaving Monogram, such as Abandoned (1949; with Dennis O'Keefe and Raymond Burr) and Between Midnight and Dawn (1950; with Mark Stevens and Edmond O'Brien), in addition to more westerns and comedies. In 1952, she left films for television when she was cast in the title role in the CBS series My Little Margie (1952-1955; with Charles Farrell), which began as the summer replacement series for the wildly popular I Love Lucy. Margie moved to NBC in 1953 for the remainder of its run. At the end of the series, Storm launched a pop singing career, signing with Dot Records in 1955 and enjoying a string of hits. The following year, she returned to series television with The Gale Storm Show (1956-1960; with Zasu Pitts).
the films of gale storm
Nearly Eighteen (1943)
From the Monogram comedy Nearly Eighteen
The Dude Goes West (1948)
From the Allied Artists western comedy The Dude Goes West. LEFT: Storm as Liza Crockett. CENTER and RIGHT: With Eddie Albert
The Kid from Texas (1950)
From the Universal-International western The Kid from Texas. LEFT: With Audie Murphy. RIGHT: With Audie Murphy and Albert Dekker
The Underworld Story (1950)
From the film noir release The Underworld Story with Dan Duryea
My Little Margie (1952-1955 CBS/NBC Television Series)
From Storm's hilarious comedy series My Little Margie with Charles Farrell
The Gale Storm Show, aka Oh! Susanna (1956-1960 CBS/ABC Television Series)
TV Guide cover from 1959 featuring Storm and her series
gale storm today
With the end of The Gale Storm Show in 1960, Storm went into semi-retirement, making occasional TV appearances, along with nightclub engagements and stage work. In 1981, she published her autobiography I Ain't Down Yet, in which she candidly discusses her struggle with and victory over alcoholism, along with her career as an actress and singer. For more information on Gale Storm's life and career, visit Gale Storm's Official Site.
My Little Margie Collection 1, Vols. 1-4 [DVD] DVD
Includes "Margie's Phantom Lover," "The Missing Link," "Hillbilly Margie," "Vern's Mother-in-Law," "The Trapped Freddy," "Buried Treasure," "To Health with Yoga," "A Horse for Vern," "Vern's New Girlfriend," "Delinquent Margie," "What's Cooking" and "Meet Mr. Murphy." 320 min. total on two discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; biographies; episode guide; bonus "The Lucy Show" with John Wayne.
My Little Margie Collection 2, Vols. 5-8 [DVD] DVD
Includes "Margie and the Shah," "Papa and Mambo," "The San Francisco Story," "Margie's Millionth Number," "Corpus Delecti," "Margie Babysits," "The Hawaii Story," "Vern's Winter Vacation," "Miss Whoozis," "Star of Khyber," "The Unexpected Guest" and "Honeyboy Honeywell." 320 min. total on two discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; biographies; episode guide.
Prime Time TV From The Early Days: My Little Margie/The Trouble With Father [DVD] DVD
Three episodes from "My Little Margie" with Gale Storm and Charles Farrell are featured: "Vern's Winter Vacation" (1952), "Insurance" (1953) and "The Case of the Helping Hand" (1953). Next up is a trio of episodes of "The Trouble with Father" with Stu Erwin and June Collyer: "Jackie Knows All" (1952) (with James Dean), "Pearl Necklace" (1953) and "The Big Business" (1954). 170 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono.
My Little Margie: Six Grand/Margie And The Matinee Idol [VHS] VHS
Two hilarious misadventures of widower Vern Albright (Charles Farrell) and his trouble-prone daughter, Margie (Gale Storm). First, Margie and neighbor Mrs. Odetts' scheme to get money for a sports car ends with Vern getting a black eye, in "Six Grand." Then, Margie is convinced she's the dream girl" of a handsome Broadway actor, in "Margie and the Matinee Idol." 55 min.
The Gale Storm Show, Vol. 1 [VHS] VHS
Includes "Witch Doctor" and "Capri." 50 min.
The Gale Storm Show, Vol. 2 [VHS] VHS
Includes "Nicked in Naples" and "Passenger Incognito." Includes original commercials. 60 min.
Tom Brown's School Days [DVD](1940) DVD
Classic story of life at a boys boarding school in Victorian England, as seen through the eyes of a new pupil coping with bullies and a sympathetic new headmaster, stars Jimmy Lydon, Freddie Bartholomew, Billy Halop and Cedric Hardwicke. 82 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Tom Brown's School Days [VHS](1940) VHS
Classic story of life at a boys boarding school in Victorian England, as seen through the eyes of a new pupil coping with bullies and a sympathetic new headmaster, stars Jimmy Lydon, Freddie Bartholomew, Billy Halop and Cedric Hardwicke. 81 min.
Uncle Joe [DVD](1941) DVD
A college coed goes to spend summer vacation on her eccentric uncle's farm and joins with some of the local residents in helping to save a neighbor from losing her property in this lively, song-filled comedy. Gale Storm, ZaSu Pitts, Slim Summerville star. 51 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Uncle Joe [VHS](1941) VHS
A college coed goes to spend summer vacation on her eccentric uncle's farm and joins with some of the local residents in helping to save a neighbor from losing her property in this lively, song-filled comedy. Gale Storm, ZaSu Pitts, Slim Summerville star. 55 min.
Jesse James At Bay [DVD](1941) DVD
Roy Rogers in a rare dual role, as the famous outlaw and also as a tin-horn gambler hired to impersonate him. How did Jesse really die? With "Gabby" Hayes and Gale Storm. 60 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; biographies; featurette.
Jesse James At Bay [VHS](1941) VHS
Roy Rogers in a rare dual role, as the famous outlaw and also as a tin-horn gambler hired to impersonate him. How did Jesse really die? With "Gabby" Hayes and Gale Storm. 54 min.
Gambling Daughters [VHS](1941) VHS
When two young, rich women get involved with professional gamblers, they face mystery and danger in this entertaining programmer starring Cecilia Parker, Roger Pryor and Gale Storm. AKA: "Professor's Gamble." 65 min.
Red River Valley [DVD](1941) DVD
In his first film outing with The Sons of the Pioneers, Roy Rogers faces a dastardly crook who swiped $182,000 ranchers have raised to put towards the construction of a new reservoir. George "Gabby" Hayes, Gale Storm and Trevor Bardette also star.53 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Red River Valley [VHS](1941) VHS
In his first film outing with The Sons of the Pioneers, Roy Rogers faces a dastardly crook who swiped $182,000 ranchers have raised to put towards the construction of a new reservoir. George "Gabby" Hayes, Gale Storm and Trevor Bardette also star.53 min.
City Of Missing Girls [DVD](1941) DVD
A string of murders of young women last seen at a shady art school soon has a female reporter at odds with the law as she searches for the killer. But will she write about the criminal...or become his or her latest victim? Suspenser stars Astrid Allwyn, John Archer, H.B. Warner. 74 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono. Plays All Regions.
City Of Missing Girls [VHS](1941) VHS
A string of murders of young women last seen at a shady art school soon has a female reporter at odds with the law as she searches for the killer. But will she write about the criminal...or become his or her latest victim? Suspenser stars Astrid Allwyn, John Archer, H.B. Warner. 74 min.
Let's Go Collegiate [VHS](1941) VHS
Spirited musical-comedy about a college crew team that enlists the help of a truck driver when their best oarsman is drafted. Songs include "Look What You've Done to Me," "Sweet 16" and "Let's Do a Little Dreaming." Stars Frankie Darro, Marcia Mae Jones and Jackie Moran. 62 min.
Smart Alecks [DVD](1941) DVD
Join the East Side Kids (Huntz Hall, Leo Gorcey, Gabriel Dell and co.) in a story concerning the boys' attempt to raise funds to buy baseball uniforms. One of them finds himself in hot water with a gangster, and the rest of the gang comes to his rescue. With Maxie Rosenbloom, Gale Storm. 66 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono; scene access. Plays All Regions.
Smart Alecks [VHS](1941) VHS
Join the East Side Kids (Huntz Hall, Leo Gorcey, Gabriel Dell and co.) in a story concerning the boys' attempt to raise funds to buy baseball uniforms. One of them finds himself in hot water with a gangster, and the rest of the gang comes to his rescue. With Maxie Rosenbloom, Gale Storm. 66 min.
Man From Cheyenne [DVD](1942) DVD
Roy Rogers may have met his match this time, in the form of a wily Eastern girl (Lynn Carver) who's come to Wyoming to get rich quick through cattle rustling. Modern-day oater stars George "Gabby" Hayes and Gale Storm. 60 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Man From Cheyenne [VHS](1942) VHS
Roy Rogers may have met his match this time, in the form of a wily Eastern girl (Lynn Carver) who's come to Wyoming to get rich quick through cattle rustling. Modern-day oater stars George "Gabby" Hayes and Gale Storm. 60 min.
Freckles Comes Home [DVD](1942) DVD
"Freckles" is the name of the college boy who returns home, hoping to make it an important spot on the map. But in order to get his plans going, he must get rid of a gang of robbers out to nab money from his girlfriend's father's bank. Johnny Downs, Mantan Moreland and Gale Storm, in her first role, star. 60 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Freckles Comes Home [VHS](1942) VHS
"Freckles" is the name of the college boy who returns home, hoping to make it an important spot on the map. But in order to get his plans going, he must get rid of a gang of robbers out to nab money from his girlfriend's father's bank. Johnny Downs, Mantan Moreland and Gale Storm, in her first role, star. 63 min.
Lure Of The Islands [VHS](1942) VHS
Federal agents pose as shipwrecked sailors on a jungle island while snooping for evidence to expose a criminal gang. Robert Lowery and Guinn ``Big Boy'' Williams head the action. 61 min.
Crime Smasher [VHS](1943) VHS
A gang war draws the attention of a tough Irish cop and his partner, a police sergeant. Meanwhile, a self-proclaimed amateur sleuth named Cosmo is enlisted to help the authorities and find a kidnapped heiress. Frank Graham, Edgar Kennedy, Gale Storm and Mantan Moreland star; based on the "Cosmo Jones" radio show. AKA: "Cosmo Jones in Crime Smasher." 58 min.
Rhythm Parade [VHS](1943) VHS
Produced by Monogram Pictures, this musical-comedy features Gale Storm as an aspiring singer who is assumed to be the mother of an abandoned baby. Rival Jan Wiley wants to spread the rumor in order to ruin Gale's career. While she tries to straighten things out, The Mills Brothers, The Ted Fio Rito Orchestra and others chip in with some musical numbers. Robert Lowery and Margaret Dumont also star. Songs include "Sweet Sue" and "Tootin' My Own Horn." 65 min.
Swing Parade Of 1946 [DVD](1946) DVD
Lively musical with Gale Storm as a would-be singer and Phil Regan as a nightclub owner at odds with his father. Regan's dad tries to shut the place down by secretly hiring Storm to serve his son legal papers, but when Storm is offered a job and then falls for Regan, the situation gets complicated. With Edward Brophy, Russell Hicks, Louis Jordan, and the Three Stooges (Moe, Larry and Curly). Songs include "Caledonia," "Stormy Weather" and "On the Sunny Side of the Street"; directed by Phil Karlson ("The Phenix City Story"), with some dialogue by Nicholas Ray. 74 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo.
Swing Parade Of 1946 [VHS](1946) VHS
Lively musical with Gale Storm as a would-be singer and Phil Regan as a nightclub owner at odds with his father. Regan's dad tries to shut the place down by secretly hiring Storm to serve his son legal papers, but when Storm is offered a job and then falls for Regan, the situation gets complicated. With Edward Brophy, Russell Hicks, Louis Jordan and the Three Stooges (Moe, Larry and Curly). Songs include "Caledonia," "Stormy Weather" and "On the Sunny Side of the Street"; directed by Phil Karlson ("The Phenix City Story"), with some dialogue by Nicholas Ray. 74 min.
It Happened On 5th Avenue [VHS](1947) VHS
Heartfelt comedy, with an Academy Award-nominated story, stars Victor Moore as a New York City hobo who makes his winter home in a vacant 5th Avenue mansion whose owner, millionaire Charlie Ruggles, has gone south. Moore winds up taking in ex-G.I. Don DeFore and runaway Gale Storm, who, unknown to him, is Ruggles' daughter and plays matchmaker for the pair. With Ann Harding, Alan Hale, Jr.
The Dude Goes West [DVD](1948) DVD
Overlooked western comedy stars Eddie Albert as an East Coast-based gunsmith who decides to move to a pistol-packing Arizona town with hopes of making a fortune there. During his journey--which is packed with plenty of mirthful misadventures--he falls for gold-seeking beauty Gale Storm. Together, the pair teams up to make their dreams come true and fight some varmints. With James Gleason, Gilbert Roland. 86 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
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filmography
FILM
Woman of the North Country (1952) with Rod Cameron, Ruth Hussey, John Agar, J. Carrol Naish, Jim Davis, Jay C. Flippen, and Grant Withers
The Texas Rangers (1951) with George Montgomery, Jerome Courtland, Noah Beery Jr., and Jock Mahoney
Al Jennings of Oklahoma (1951) with Dan Duryea, Dick Foran, and Guinn "Big Boy" Williams
Between Midnight and Dawn (1950) with Mark Stevens and Edmond O'Brien
The Underworld Story (1950) with Dan Duryea, Herbert Marshall, Michael O'Shea, Melville Cooper, and Alan Hale Jr.
The Kid from Texas (1950) with Audie Murphy, Albert Dekker, Will Geer, and William Talman
Curtain Call at Cactus Creek (1950) with Donald O'Connor, Walter Brennan, Vincent Price, Eve Arden, and Chick Chandler
Abandoned (1949) with Dennis O'Keefe, Raymond Burr, Jeff Chandler, Meg Randall, and Jeanette Nolan
Stampede (1949) with Rod Cameron, Johnny Mack Brown, and Donald Curtis
The Dude Goes West (1948) with Eddie Albert, Gilbert Roland, and Tom Tyler
It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947) with Don DeFore, Ann Harding, Charles Ruggles, Grant Mitchell, and Alan Hale Jr.
Swing Parade of 1946 (1946) with Phil Regan and the Three Stooges
Sunbonnet Sue (1945) with Phil Regan, Minna Gombell, Raymond Hatton, and Alan Mowbray
G.I. Honeymoon (1945) with Arline Judge and Jerome Cowan
Forever Yours (1945) with C. Aubrey Smith, Johnny Mack Brown, Conrad Nagel, Mary Boland, and Johnny Downs
Where Are Your Children? (1943) with Jackie Cooper and Patricia Morison
Campus Rhythm (1943) with Johnny Downs and Robert Lowery
Nearly Eighteen (1943) with George O'Hanlon
Revenge of the Zombies (1943) with John Carradine, Robert Lowery, Bob Steele, Mantan Moreland, and Veda Ann Borg
Cosmo Jones, Crime Smasher (1943) with Edgar Kennedy, Richard Cromwell, Herbert Rawlinson, and Mantan Moreland
Rhythm Parade (1942) with Robert Lowery, Margaret Dumont, the Mills Brothers, and Chick Chandler
Foreign Agent (1942) with Herbert Rawlinson
Smart Alecks (1942) with Leo Gorcey, Bobby Jordan, Huntz Hall, Maxie Rosenbloom, Roger Pryor, and Herbert Rawlinson
Lure of the Islands (1942) with Robert Lowery and Guinn "Big Boy" Williams
Man From Cheyenne (1942) with Roy Rogers and George "Gabby" Hayes
Freckles Comes Home (1942) with Johnny Downs and Mantan Moreland
Uncle Joe (1941) with Slim Summerville and Zasu Pitts
Red River Valley (1941) with Roy Rogers and George "Gabby" Hayes
Jesse James at Bay (1941) with Roy Rogers and George "Gabby" Hayes
Let's Go Collegiate (1941) with Frankie Darro, Marcia Mae Jones, Jackie Moran, Keye Luke, Mantan Moreland, and Frank Faylen
Gambling Daughters (1941) with Roger Pryor
Saddlemates (1941) with Robert Livingston, Bob Steele, and Rufe Davis
City of Missing Girls (1941) with H.B. Warner and John Archer
One Crowded Night (1940) with Anne Revere
Tom Brown's School Days (1940) with Cedric Hardwicke, Freddie Bartholomew, Billy Halop, and Polly Moran
TELEVISION
The Gale Storm Show, aka Oh! Susanna, 1956-1960 CBS (and later ABC) TV series. Storm portrayed Susanna Pomeroy. Also in the cast was Zasu Pitts
My Little Margie, 1952-1955 CBS (and later NBC) TV series. Storm portrayed Margie Albright. Also in the cast were Charles Farrell, Willie Best, and Hillary Brooke
gale storm links
Gale Storm's Official Site
Visit Gale Storm's official web site for memorabilia, autographed photos, her signed autobiography, CD's, and more. Also, check the site to see what Ms. Storm is up to these days.
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This page premiered February 10, 2005.
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