BIOGRAPHY OF STARS

Chronicle (Levin), 21 September 1946, Page 6

BIOGRAPHY OF STARS

TWIST OF FATE MADE MICHAEL DUANE STAR Michael Duane, Columbia contract player, is back in civilian life after his recent discharge from the service. His new assignment is an important role in "The Devil's Mask," second in the "I Love a Mystery" series, with Jim Bannon and Anita Louise in top spots. If there were a poll to tabulate the pros and cons of the nation s youth and designate Mr. Average Young Man, a worthy contender would be Duane, whose background, habits, likes and dislikes are as American as apple pie. A twist of fate, however, changed Michael's life from an everyday routine to Hollywood stardom; in his very first picture, young Duane was assigned the male romantic interest in "City Without Men,' and went on to other pictures, mcluding "Redhead from Manhattan" and "Dangerous Blondes," with Evelyn Keyes.

This Columbia contract plaver was born on April 12, 1914, in the Indiana town of Dunkirk. His father encouraged him to become an actor. Through a friend he had met a theatre manager and talked himself into his first professional role at 14— carrying a spean . Michael set up a scenic designmg business in Manhattan, and the famous Saks of Fifth Avenue was among his clients. -His summers were spent with dramatlc companies, and he made his Broadway debut in "Walk Into My Parlour." He admits it was a flop. Radio engagements featiired him in "Stella Dallas," "John's Other Wife," and "Second Husband." On the stage, Michael played with Elissa Landi. He went on tour with "Night Must Fall," in Which he play the lead, Danny, Back in New York he accepted a Hollywood agent's suggestion. Arriving in Hollywood with his wife, actress Phyllis Ellerman, whom he married in 1935, he was contracted by Columbia for the top male role in "City Without Men," opposite Linor Dagnell. Duane is six feet tall, weighs lo4 pounds, has hazel eyes and brown hair. He sees motion pictures three or four times every week, and likes to read biographies and historical fiction. He is fond of thick steaks and rich desserts, and his own culinary specialty is broiled fish. An excellent painter and somewhat of an authority on Negro music, he also collects ahtiques and is devoted to Bedelia, a Scotch ter- , ixoitf .. - . - (