Lamour, Dorothy

▪ 1997

      (MARY LETA DOROTHY SLATON), U.S. actress (b. Dec. 10, 1914, New Orleans, La.—d. Sept. 22, 1996, Los Angeles, Calif.), was best remembered by filmgoers as the sarong-clad object of Bob Hope's and Bing Crosby's attention in a series of "Road" pictures. She was a favourite pinup of troops in World War II, frequently visited the Hollywood Canteen to dance and talk with GIs, and was a dedicated promoter of U.S. war bonds. After winning the 1931 Miss New Orleans contest, Lamour began her performing career as a singer in nightclubs and on the radio, first in Chicago and then in New York City. She made her motion picture debut—and her first appearance in a sarong—in The Jungle Princess (1936). The Hurricane (1937) and Her Jungle Love (1938) followed. She then changed pace for the gangster melodrama Johnny Apollo (1940). The first "Road" picture, Road to Singapore (1940), was such a success that four more were made in the 1940s, another in 1953, and the last in 1962. Lamour was also in such films as the wartime musical The Fleet's In (1942), The Greatest Show on Earth (1952), and Donovan's Reef (1963). She had roles in some 60 films in all, made guest appearances in television series, and also toured in stage shows such as Hello, Dolly! and a one-woman show comprising songs, reminiscences, and a question-and-answer session. Lamour's autobiography, My Side of the Road, appeared in 1980.

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