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Ruth Roman
1922-1999
Updated 2/2/2008 with more films available on DVD.
biography
Born Norma Roman in Lynn, Massachusetts in December 1922, Ruth Roman entered films in the early 1940s. Several years of small and often uncredited roles followed until Roman was cast as the title character Lothel, the Jungle Queen in Universal's adventure serial Jungle Queen (1945). The serial was not a success, and Roman went back to bit parts for a couple of years. Her next important role came in the George Montgomery western Belle Starr's Daughter (1948). Afterward, Roman would appear frequently in westerns and dramas. Upon signing with Warner Bros. in 1948, Roman appeared in several 'A' pictures including the film noir thrillers Beyond the Forest (1949) and Alfred Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train (1951).
Early 1950s Warner Bros. cheesecake photos of Ruth Roman
She left the studio following the birth of her son and eventually signed with Universal-International in 1953. While she made a number of good 'B' films at Universal, these lacked the higher production values of her Warner Bros. movies. By 1957, Roman was cut loose by Universal, as that studio got rid of most of its contract players in the late 1950s.
the films of ruth roman
Barracade (1950)
From the Warner Bros. western Barracade with Robert Douglas
Dallas (1950)
From the Warner Bros. western Dallas with Gary Cooper
Three Secrets (1950)
With Eleanor Parker in the Warner Bros. drama Three Secrets
Mara Maru (1952)
With Errol Flynn in the Warner Bros. adventure Mara Maru
The Far Country (1954)
As Ronda Castle in the Universal-International western The Far Country
Tanganyika (1954)
From the Universal-International adventure flick Tanganyika
Joe MacBeth (1955)
From Columbia's Joe MacBeth, a film that gives the film noir treatment to William Shakespeare's MacBeth. The right photo includes Paul Douglas as the title character
The Bottom of the Bottle (1956)
With Van Johnson in the 20th Century Fox release The Bottom of the Bottle
The Sinner (1957)
From the Italian romance The Sinner. This film was released in the U.S. in 1959 under the title Desert Desperadoes. The right photo includes Akim Tamiroff
Look in Any Window (1961)
Paul Anka portrays Ruth Roman's son in the Allied Artists drama Look in Any Window
Love Has Many Faces (1965)
With Hugh O'Brian in Columbia's scandalous Love Has Many Faces
later years
Starting the in the late 1950s, Ruth Roman's film and TV appearances became sporadic in the 1960s. She made just three films in the 1960s, including Milagro a los cobardes (1962), a Spanish production never released in the U.S. However, she appeared frequently on popular television programs (including Burke's Law, The Outer Limits, and The Name of the Game. Following her third marriage in 1974, Roman's film and television appearances dwindled. Her last film was the low-budget indie Echoes (1983). Sadly, Ruth Roman passed away in 1999 at the age of 76.
Jungle Queen(1943) VHS
Ruth Roman plays the title role of Lothel, mysterious leader of an African tribe whose homeland is caught in the middle of a battle between Nazi spies and Allied agents, in this exciting mix of wartime drama and jungle action. With Edward Norris, Douglass Dumbrille, Tala Birell. 13 chapters.
Harmony Trail [DVD](1944) DVD
When a band of outlaws robs a bank of $30,000, a sheriff enlists the help of some rootin'-tootin' cowpokes to bring them to bay. Posing as workers in a travelling medicine show, the men get to demonstrate their entertaining skills while tracking down the conniving criminals. Exciting oater stars Ken Maynard, Eddie Dean, Max Terhune, Gene Alsace. AKA: "White Stallion." 54 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Champion [DVD](1949) DVD
Powerful drama based on a story by Ring Lardner and set amid the world of pro boxing. In a breakthrough performance, Kirk Douglas plays a young man who reluctantly enters the ring and quickly rises to the top, while using the people who help him and falling under the Mob's influence. With Marilyn Maxwell, Arthur Kennedy. 100 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English mono; production notes; scene access.
Gary Cooper: The Signature Collection [DVD] DVD
Former Confederate officer Gary Cooper poses as a U.S. marshal to bring down some outlaw brothers in the rough-and-tumble Texas town of "Dallas" (1950). Ruth Roman, Steve Cochran co-star. Coop is a disgraced Union officer who joins up with a band of horse rustlers working for the Confederacy, but whose side is he really on, in "Springfield Rifle" (1952). With Phyllis Thaxter, Lon Chaney, Jr. Charlton Heston co-stars with Cooper in "The Wreck of the Mary Deare" (1959), the story of a ship salvager who helps the lone remaining crew member of a grounded boat who is accused of destroying the vessel. This five-disc set also includes "Sergeant York" and "The Fountainhead." 9 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Fort Worth (1951)/Colt .45 (1950)/Tall Man Riding [DVD](1955) DVD
First, in "Fort Worth," Randolph Scott is an ex-gunslinger and newspaperman who is forced to return to his old vocation when a gang of outlaws rides into his Texas town. Features David Brian, Phyllis Thaxter, Helena Carter. Next, "Colt .45" has Scott chasing a desperado who is using weapons to terrorize locals. With Ruth Roman, Zachary Scott, Lloyd Bridges. AKA: "Thundercloud." Finally, Scott is a "Tall Man Riding" for vengeance as he tries to settle the score with a nemesis from his past. Dorothy Malone, Peggie Castle, Robert Barratt co-star. Soundtrack: English.
Strangers On A Train: Dual Version Edition [DVD](1951) DVD
One of Alfred Hitchcock's greatest works, based on Patricia Highsmith's novel. Two men meet by chance on a train and facetiously discuss swapping murder targets in each other's life, but when one man carries out the killing he tries to force the other to fulfill their "bargain." Robert Walker, Farley Granger, Ruth Roman star. Includes both the Hollywood version and the British version; Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish; theatrical trailers; scene access; newsreel footage.
The Far Country [DVD](1955) DVD
Classic western saga stars James Stewart as a cattleman who moves his herd to Alaska, but encounters nothing but trouble. Action and excitement await in this Northern frontier adventure. Walter Brennan, Ruth Roman, Harry Morgan star. 97 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: Spanish, French; theatrical trailer.
Bitter Victory (Amere Victorie) [DVD](1957) DVD
Director Nicholas Ray's acclaimed mix of war drama and character study stars Richard Burton as a WWII British army officer sent to North Africa to help major Curt Jurgens and his men execute a raid on Rommel's Libyan headquarters. Complicating matters is the fact that Burton had an affair with Jurgens' wife. Ruth Roman, Anthony Bushell, Christopher Lee also star. 102 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Look In Any Window [DVD](1961) DVD
Paul Anka (yes, that Paul Anka) stars as a peeping Tom, a man whose psyche has been crippled by growing up in a home with extremely dysfunctional parents. Driven to spying on the private business of others because he has no personal identity he can identify as "normal," Anka desperately searches for a model of everyday existence he can adopt. Ruth Roman, Alex Nicol also star. 84 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
I Spy, Vol. 13: The Medarra Block [DVD] DVD
Includes "Let's Kill Karlovassi" with Ruth Roman, "The Beautiful Children," Michael Rennie in "Laya," and "The Medarra Block." 204 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby mono.
The Killing Kind [DVD](1973) DVD
Underrated horror classic concerns a young sex offender who returns to his mother's boarding house in Hollywood after he is released from prison. As he spends his time peeping on a pretty tenant, he becomes oblivious to the fact that another boarder in the home fancies him. But when his enemies start dying mysteriously, is he to blame for their deaths? John Savage, Ann Sothern, Ruth Roman, and Cindy Williams star. 95 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; interview.
Go Ask Alice [DVD](1973) DVD
Eager for attention, a shy high school girl takes up with drug users and is drawn into a world of narcotics, alcohol and prostitution. Based on the powerful "real-life diary" and shot in a cinema verite style, this acclaimed TV drama stars Jamie Smith-Jackson, Julie Adams, William Shatner, Jennifer Edwards, and Andy Griffith. 73 min. Soundtrack: English.
Day Of The Animals (Widescreen Version) [DVD](1977) DVD
A group of hikers exploring the Sierra Mountains learns that it's not nice to mess with Mother Nature, as ozone depletion turns the area's birds and beasts into savage man-eaters. Christopher George, Linda Day George, Leslie Nielsen, and Richard Jaeckel star. This special video edition also includes an alternate version of the film (under the title "Something Is Out There"). 97 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, Spanish Dolby Digital mono; audio commentary; interviews; photo gallery; theatrical trailer. Two-disc set.
The Sacketts [DVD](1979) DVD
From the pen of legendary Western author Louis L'Amour comes this sprawling saga of three brothers and their adventures in the American frontier after the Civil War. The superlative cast includes Tom Selleck, Sam Elliott, Jeff Osterhage, Glenn Ford, Ben Johnson, and Jack Elam. 193 min. on two discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: Spanish, French; featurette.
Living Nightmare [DVD](1983) DVD
Compelling shockfest concerns a talented artist as he tries to cope with recurring nightmares in which he is a famous Spanish painter involved in a deadly love triangle. In an effort to rid himself of the troubling dreams, he gets advice from his mother and a psychic that reveals a secret from his past--one that could cost him his life. Richard Alfieri, Mike Kellin, Mercedes McCambridge star. AKA: "Echoes." 89 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo.
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filmography
This listing is mostly complete but does not include all television appearances and uncredited film performances:
FILM
Echoes, aka Living Nightmare (1983) with Gale Sondergaard and Mercedes McCambridge
Willow B: Women in Prison (1980) with Carol Lynley and Sally Kirkland
The Sacketts (1979) with Sam Elliot, Gilbert Roland, Tom Selleck, Glenn Ford, and Mercedes McCambridge
Day of the Animals (1977) with Christopher George, Lynda Day George, Leslie Nielsen, Michael Ansara, Paul Mantee, and Andrew Stevens
Impulse (1974) with William Shatner and Harold Sakata
A Knife for the Ladies (1974) with Jack Elam
Punch and Jody (1974) with Glenn Ford and Parley Baer
The Baby (1973) with Anjanette Comer and Marianna Hill
The Killing Kind (1973) with Ann Sothern, Luana Anders, John Savage, and Cindy Williams
Go Ask Alice (1973) with William Shatner, Julie Adams, Robert Carradine, Andy Griffith, and Mackenzie Phillips
Incident in San Francisco (1971) with Leslie Nielsen and Richard Kiley
The Old Man Who Cried Wolf (1970) with Edward G. Robinson, Diane Baker, and Martin Balsam
Love Has Many Faces (1965) with Lana Turner, Hugh O'Brian, Cliff Robertson, Virginia Grey, and Stefanie Powers
Milagro a los cobardes (1962)
Look in Any Window (1961) with Alex Nicol, Paul Anka, Jack Cassidy, and Gigi Perreau
Bitter Victory (1958) with Richard Burton and Christopher Lee
5 Steps to Danger (1957) with Sterling Hayden, Werner Klemperer, and Jeanne Cooper
Jungle Safari (1956)
Rebel in Town (1956) with John Payne, John Smith, and J. Carrol Naish
Great Day in the Morning (1956) with Virginia Mayo, Robert Stack, Raymond Burr, and Alex Nicol
The Bottom of the Bottle (1956) with Van Johnson, Joseph Cotten, Bruce Bennett, and Jim Davis
Joe MacBeth (1955) with Paul Douglas
The Sinner (1955) with Akim Tamiroff
The Far Country (1954) with James Stewart, Corinne Calvet, Walter Brennan, and Steve Brodie
Down Three Dark Streets (1954) with Martha Hyer, Broderick Crawford, and Max Showalter
The Shanghai Story (1954) with Edmond O'Brien and Whit Bissell
Tanganyika (1954) with Van Heflin, Jeff Morrow, and Howard Duff
Blowing Wild (1953) with Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck
Invitation (1952) with Van Johnson, Dorothy McGuire, and Ray Collins
Young Man with Ideas (1952) with Glenn Ford, Denise Darcel, Nina Foch, and Mary Wickes
Mara Maru (1952) with Errol Flynn and Raymond Burr
Lightning Strikes Twice (1951) with Richard Todd, Mercedes McCambridge, and Zachary Scott
Tomorrow Is Another Day (1951) with Steve Cochran and Lurene Tuttle
Strangers on a Train (1951) with Farley Granger, Robert Walker, Kasey Rogers, and Patricia Hitchcock
Dallas (1950) with Gary Cooper, Steve Cochran, Leif Erickson, Raymond Massey, and Barbara Payton
Three Secrets (1950) with Patricia Neal, Eleanor Parker, and Leif Erickson
Colt .45 (1950) with Randolph Scott, Zachary Scott, and Lloyd Bridges
Barricade (1950) with Dane Clark and Raymond Massey
Always Leave Them Laughing (1949) with Virginia Mayo, Milton Berle, Jerome Cowan, and Max Showalter
Beyond the Forest (1949) with Bette Davis, Joseph Cotten, and David Brian
The Window (1949) with Barbara Hale and Bobby Driscoll
Champion (1949) with Kirk Douglas and Marilyn Maxwell
Belle Starr's Daughter (1948) with George Montgomery and Rod Cameron
Good Sam (1948) with Gary Cooper and Ann Sheridan
Jungle Queen (1945) with Edward Norris and Eddie Quillan
Harmony Trail (1944) with Ken Maynard, Max Terhune, and Glenn Strange
Stage Door Canteen (1943) with an all-star cast
TELEVISION SERIES
Knots Landing, 1979-1993 CBS TV series. Roman portrayed Sylvia Lean during the 1986-1987 season
The Long, Hot Summer, 1965-1966 ABC TV series. Roman portrayed Minnie Littlejohn
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This page premiered August 8, 2003.
