Dorothy Patrick was an actress who carved out a successful Hollywood career that spanned several decades. Back in 1939, Dorothy Patrick caught her big break by winning Jesse Lasky’s “Gateway to Hollywood” contest—a pivotal moment that set the stage for what would become a notable journey in film. Her acting career began taking shape with early roles in a number of memorable movies, and it wasn’t long before Dorothy Patrick made her presence known on the silver screen.
In 1947, Dorothy Patrick appeared in “New Orleans,” followed closely by a role in the biographical musical “Till the Clouds Roll By,” starring alongside Robert Walker. That same year, she continued building her reputation with solid performances, and by 1949, she had added “Come to the Stable” and the noir thriller “Follow Me Quietly” to her growing list of credits.
The 1950s saw Dorothy Patrick maintaining a steady pace in the industry. She starred in “711 Ocean Drive” (1950), sharing the screen with Edmond O’Brien, and then appeared in Louis Hayward’s crime drama “House by the River.” Other key films during this period included “Desert Passage” (1952) and the war drama “Retreat, Hell!”—both further showcasing Dorothy Patrick’s range as an actress.
Her passion for film remained strong throughout the decade. In 1953, Dorothy Patrick lent her talents to the comedy “Half a Hero” with Red Skelton, the dramatic “Torch Song,” and later, the 1954 adaptation “Men of the Fighting Lady,” which featured Van Johnson. She also co-starred with Dennis O’Keefe in “Las Vegas Shakedown” (1955), adding another layer to her diverse filmography.
More recently in her career, Dorothy Patrick took on a role in the 1955 crime picture “Violent Saturday,” sharing scenes with Victor Mature—a fitting chapter in a career marked by resilience and versatility. Off-screen, Dorothy Patrick was married to Harold Hammerman, and together they navigated life beyond the spotlight.
Sadly, Dorothy Patrick passed away in May 1987 at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy defined by dedication, talent, and a deep love for the art of cinema. Even now, when you look back at the work of Dorothy Patrick, it’s clear she made a lasting impact during Hollywood’s golden era.
When it comes to Dorothy Patrick’s career highlights, her highest rated film definitely stands out as Till the Clouds Roll By from 1946. This musical classic really showcased what Dorothy Patrick could do, and fans and critics alike have consistently praised her performance over the years. On the other hand, if we look at the lower end of the spectrum, Dorothy Patrick was also part of House by the River, released in 1950, which ended up being her lowest rated movie. While the film had its moments, it just didn’t resonate the same way with audiences. So, when you compare the two, it’s clear that Dorothy Patrick had a range — from standout successes like Till the Clouds Roll By to more forgettable entries such as House by the River. Still, Dorothy Patrick remains a notable figure in mid-century cinema, with her work continuing to be discussed by classic film enthusiasts.