 (January 3, 1897 – September 22,
1961)
Davies was born Marion Cecilia Douras in Brooklyn, New York, the
youngest of five children born to Bernard J. Douras.
Davies is best remembered for her relationship with newspaper tycoon
William Randolph Hearst. After making her screen debut in late 1916
in a fashion newsreel, modeling gowns by Lucile (Lucy, Lady
Duff-Gordon), she appeared in her first feature film in 1917's
Runaway Romany. It was a film written by herself and directed by her
brother-in-law, the prominent Broadway producer George W. Lederer.
The following year she starred in three films, The Burden of Proof,
Beatrice Fairfax, and Cecilia of the Pink Roses. Playing mainly
light comedic roles, she quickly became a major movie personality,
making a small fortune which enabled her to provide financial
assistance for her family and friends.
Cecilia of the Pink Roses in 1918 was her first film backed by
Hearst. She was on her way to being the most famously advertised
actress in the world. During the next 10 years she appeared in 29
films, an average of almost three films a year. |
