Woefully misused while in her prime screen years at Paramount during the late '30s and '40s, Patricia Morison, lovely and exotic with Rapunzel-like long, dark hair, nevertheless became a star in her own right -- as a supremely talented diva on the singing stage. Born on March 19, 1915, in New York City, her father, William Morison, was a playwright and occasional actor who billed himself under the name 'Norman Rainey' and enjoyed many showings in the Los Angeles area.
Was the actress with the longest hair in Hollywood (39 inches long). Universal pushed her as a rival to Dorothy Lamour when she changed her hairstyle to a middle parting
Served as Helen Hayes understudy in the 1936 Broadway production of "Victoria Regina". She was never put on during the run, even when Hayes actually became ill. The theatre would simply close the show until the legendary star recovered.
Had a very promising role in the classic Victor Mature /Richard Widmark crime thriller Kiss of Death as Matures Italian wife who is raped and later commits suicide by putting her head in the kitchen gas oven. The censors cut her part out completely because they refused to allow a rape or suicide to be shown. Patricias name still appears on the credits of the film.
When "Song without End" George Cukor thought Morisons voice as George Sand was too feminine, he had it redubbed with another actress.
Paramount promoted her with the line "Lamour plus Lamarr equals LaMorison.".
She has the distinction of being the last villain encountered by Sherlock Holmes in the classic Universal series.
Has a full mezzo-soprano vocal range.
Major supporter of gay rights.
I was fitted for costumes in The Glass Key with Alan Ladd when I was,told by the studio boss, Buddy De Sylva, that Veronica Lake would do,the part. He said I could stick around and play heavies. I said no! I,over-ate my way out of the Paramount contract. .
