full name: Marianne Edwards
married name: Marianne Holden
married name: Marianne Cramer
married name: Marianne Giglio
married name: Marianne Provencio
born Dec. 9, 1930, in Los Angeles, CA
died Nov. 8, 2013, in CA
1933
On November 7th of this year, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PA) reported the following: "Marianne Edwards, 2½ years old, who has already appeared in 14
productions, has been assigned another role in Fox's 'Sleepers East.' "
- Deluge (small part: Marianne Webster)
- Aug. 18, 1933 - KBS/RKO - 8 reels - feature
- ©Sep. 15, 1933. Starring Peggy Shannon, Lois Wilson, and Sidney Blackmer.
1934
- On February 23rd of this year, Marianne did her first day of work with the Our Gang unit.
- On June 30th, the Hollywood Citizen-News revealed that Marianne had been a student of dance instructor June DeLyon.
- Orient Express (role: baby)
- prem. Feb. 3, 1934 - Fox - 73 min. - feature
- ©Jan. 12, 1934. Released Feb. 28, 1934. Starring Heather Angel and Norman Foster.
- 127. For Pete's Sake! (small part: Marianne)
- Apr. 14, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-20 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Feb. 23 to Mar. 3, 1934. ©Apr. 4, 1934.
- Stand Up And Cheer! (bit part: Marianne)
- prem. Apr. 19, 1934 - Fox - 9 reels - Warner Baxter feature
- ©Mar. 23, 1934. Released May 4, 1934. Also featuring Shirley Temple. Working title: Fox Movietone Follies Of 1934.
- Sleepers East (role: baby)
- Apr. 24, 1934 - Fox - 64 min. - Wynne Gibson feature
- Filmed around Nov. 1933. ©Jan. 16, 1934. Also starring Preston Foster, Mona Barrie and Harvey Stephens.
- Babes In Toyland (extra: schoolgirl)
- Nov. 30, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 9 reels - prod. F-5 - Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy feature
- Also listed for Dec. 14, 1934. Filmed Aug. 6 to 16, and Sep. 24 to Oct. 17, 1934. ©Nov. 28, 1934. US reissue title: March Of The Wooden Soldiers.
1935
- On April 5th of this year, Marianne was signed to a long-term contract, which retroactively took effect on April 4th. Her salary was $50 a week.
- Sam W. B. Cohn of Hal Roach Studios prepared a press release giving biographical information on Marianne: "Marianne Edwards, four and a half years of age, with large blue eyes,
dimples and blonde curls, became the little leading lady of Hal Roach's 'Our Gang' on April 5th, 1935. Previously she had appeared as a freelance player in three of these world
famous comedies - 'Shrimps for a Day,' 'Beginner's Luck' and 'Teacher's Beau.' She also had a small part in the Laurel and Hardy feature production,
'Babes in Toyland.' It was because of her excellent performance in all of these pictures that Mr. Roach tendered the youngster a long term contract.
"Marianne is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Edwards of Los Angeles. She has two brothers of whom she is very fond, Robert Lee, age 7, and Donald T., age 13. Marianne's parents had
no idea of putting her in pictures until about two years ago a director with a large major studio spied the youngster at play in front of her house. She was just the type of baby he was seeking
for a feature production he was about to make. Reluctantly, Mr. and Mrs. Edwards permitted Marianne to appear in the picture in which she registered quite a hit. Since that time she has had
parts in three other major features - 'Air Fury,' 'Sleepers East' and 'Orient Express.'
"Marianne is an accomplished singer and dancer for one of her tender years. Also, she is somewhat of a comedienne. She is fond of ice cream and candy just like other kids, but would
sacrifice these goodies anytime for a bottle of rich milk, her favorite 'dish.' "
- On April 6th, the Hollywood Citizen-News revealed that Marianne had been a student of acting instructor Ethel Gray.
- On April 19th, Movienews of Chicago, IL, reported the following: "Hal Roach's search for a new little leading lady for his popular 'Our Gang' comedies ended when
he gave four-year-old Marianne Edwards of Los Angeles, a five-year contract. The youngster was awarded the long term agreement as a result of her excellent performance in a recent
'Gang' production, 'Beginner's Luck,' in which she appeared opposite little 'Spanky' McFarland, 'hero' of the juvenile group. Marianne is a talented singer
and tap dancer as well as somewhat of a comedienne."
- On April 26th, the United Press reported the following: "Four-year-old Marianne Edwards today announced herself as a serious threat for Shirley Temple's honors as
a child movie star. Miss Edwards obtained judicial approval of a five-year contract with Hal Roach studios calling for a salary ot $50 a week, with increases up to $275 weekly during
the fifth year. The youngster has appeared in 35 pictures already, but never before was signed under a long term contract."
- On April 27th, the Hollywood Citizen-News revealed that Marianne was a student of the Professional Arts Studios.
- On August 24th, Marianne's contract was terminated.
- In spite of Marianne's absence from "Our Gang Follies Of 1936," some of the newspaper ads included her name along with those of the other main kids.
- On December 14th, Marianne, back to being a day player, did her last day of work with the Our Gang series.
- On December 28th, the Professional Arts Studios of Hollywood presented a live added attraction at the Marcel Theater called The Melting Pot Revusical. Among the many child performers
was Marianne Edwards.
- 133. Shrimps For A Day (supporting role)
- ©Feb. 20, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-26 - Our Gang series
- Also listed for Dec. 8, 1934. Filmed Dec. 15 to 22, 1934.
- 135. Beginner's Luck (supporting role: Miss Daisy Dimple)
- ©Apr. 8, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-28 - Our Gang series
- Also listed for Feb. 23, 1935. Filmed Feb. 20 to 28, 1935.
- 136. Teacher's Beau (extra)
- Apr. 27, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-29 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Mar. 13 to 20, 1935. ©May 1, 1935.
- Air Hawks (role: Dorothy Dunlap)
- May 7, 1935 - Columbia - 7 reels - feature
- Starring Ralph Bellamy, Wiley Post and Tala Birell. ©May 8, 1935. Working title: Air Fury.
- 137. Sprucin' Up (supporting role: Miss Jones)
- June 1, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-30 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Apr. 2 to 9, and May 7, 1935. ©June 12, 1935. Working title: Good Night Ladies!
1936
- 143. The Pinch Singer (extra)
- Jan. 4, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-35 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Dec. 11 to 21, 1935. ©Feb. 6, 1936. Working title: King's Gong.
- 138. The Lucky Corner (small part)
- Mar. 14, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-31 - Our Gang series
- Filmed May 13 to 20, 1935. ©Feb. 19, 1936.
1937
- Jungle Jim chapter 1: Into The Lion's Den (small part: Young Joan)
- Jan. 18, 1937 - Universal - 2 reels - Jungle Jim serial
- Starring Grant Withers. ©Dec. 29, 1936.
- Captains Courageous (role: girl at memorial service)
- prem. May 11, 1937 - MGM 12 reels - feature
- Starring Freddie Bartholomew, Spencer Tracy, Lionel Barrymore and Melvyn Douglas. ©Apr. 21, 1937. Released June 25, 1937.
- Love Is On The Air (role: Barbara)
- Oct. 2, 1937 - Warner Bros. - 6 reels - Ronald Reagan & June Travis feature
- ©Sep. 2, 1937. Along with Sonny Bupp, Marianne sings "London Bridge Is Falling Down." UK title: The Radio Murder Mystery.
- Stand-In (role: Elvira)
- Oct. 29, 1937 - Wanger/UA - 10 reels - Leslie Howard & Joan Blondell feature
- ©Nov. 16, 1937. Also starring Humphrey Bogart.
- Hollywood Hotel (role: little girl)
- prem. Dec. 20, 1937 - First National/Warner Bros. - 12 reels - feature
- Starring Dick Powell, Rosemary Lane, Hugh Herbert, Ted Healy, Benny Goodman and Louella Parsons. ©Dec. 27, 1937. Released Jan. 15, 1938.
1938
- It appears that Marianne left show business by the end of this year.
- Little Miss Thoroughbred (role: Elsie)
- June 4, 1938 - Warner Bros. - 8 reels - feature
- Starring John Litel, Ann Sheridan, Frank McHugh, and Janet Chapman. ©Apr. 14, 1938. Working title: Little Lady Luck.
- City Streets (extra: girl at orphanage)
- prem. June 1938 - Columbia - 7 reels - Edith Fellows & Leo Carrillo feature
- Filmed during the late spring of 1938. ©June 27, 1938. Earliest verified screening: June 20, 1938. Released July 1, 1938. Working title: City Shadows.
1948
- On January 9th of this year, Marianne married Conrad Robert Holden.
1953
- On June 28th of this year, Marianne married Ralph Nelson Cramer in Studio City, CA.
1970
- On April 9th of this year, Marianne married Salvatore K. Giglio, in Los Angeles.
1978
- Rascal Dazzle (archival)
- 1978 - King World/Picture Scores - 93 min. - documentary feature
- ©1978. Seems to have debuted on TV, followed by a theatrical release in late 1979. Includes footage from "Shrimps For A Day," "Beginner's Luck,"
"Sprucin' Up" and "The Lucky Corner."
1979
- On October 20th of this year, Marianne married Michael Ralph Provencio, in Las Vegas. She was living in Granada Hills, CA, around this time.
1984
- Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (interview appearance/archival)
- May 8, 1984 - Lang/Camellia City Telecasters - 93 mins. - TV documentary
- Includes footage from "For Pete's Sake!" and "Sprucin' Up."
1994
- The Our Gang Story (archival)
- 1994 - Film Shows/GoodTimes - 120 min. - video documentary
- Includes footage from "Shrimps For A Day."
Marianne Edwards' payroll history
The following is a list of Marianne's history at the Roach studio, with the amounts she was making from week to week. The dates given are Saturdays, the last day of each week at the
studio. The only exceptions would be Saturdays that were also holidays, in which case the Friday date is used for those weeks.
- Feb. 24, 1934 - 30.00 charged to prod. G20 (For Pete's Sake!)
Starting as a day player, Marianne made $15.00 per day on Feb. 23rd and 24th.
After this, it would be over five months before Marianne returned to the studio.
- Aug. 4, 1934 - charged to prod. F5 (Babes In Toyland)
Still a day player, Marianne worked on Aug. 3rd.
- Aug. 11, 1934 - charged to prod. F5
Marianne worked on Aug. 6th, 7th, 8th and 11th.
After this, it would be about half a month before Marianne returned to the studio.
- Sep. 1, 1934 - charged to prod. F5
Still a day player, Marianne worked on Aug. 27th.
After this, it would be over a month and a half before Marianne returned to the studio.
- Oct. 20, 1934 - charged to prod. F5
Marianne worked on Oct. 17th.
After this, it would be almost two weeks before Marianne returned to the studio.
- Nov. 3, 1934 - charged to prod. F5
Marianne worked on Oct. 30th.
After this, it would be over two weeks before Marianne returned to the studio.
- Dec. 15, 1934 - 7.50 charged to prod. G26 (Shrimps For A Day)
Marianne was given a $7.50 check on Dec. 15th.
- Dec. 22, 1934 - 30.00 charged to prod. G26
Marianne was given $7.50 checks on Dec. 17th, 18th, 20th and 21st.
After this, it would be two months before Marianne returned to the studio.
- Feb. 23, 1935 - 30.00 charged to prod. G28 (Beginner's Luck)
Still a day player, Marianne was given $10 checks on Feb. 21st, 22nd and 23rd.
- Mar. 2, 1935 - 20.00 charged to prod. G28
Marianne was given $10 checks on Feb. 25th and 26th.
After this, it would be over two weeks before Marianne returned to the studio.
- Mar. 16, 1935 - 30.00 charged to prod. G29 (Teacher's Beau)
Marianne was given $7.50 checks on Mar. 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th.
- Mar. 23, 1935 - 22.50 charged to prod. G29
Marianne was given $7.50 checks on Mar. 18th, 19th and 20th.
After this, it would be over two weeks before Marianne returned to the studio.
- Apr. 6, 1935 - 25.00 charged to prod. G30 (Sprucin' Up)
Marianne's longterm contract took effect on Apr. 4th, resulting in half a week's pay.
- Apr. 13, 1935 - 30.00 charged to prod. G30
The payroll ledger indicates that $5 of this amount is suspension pay, while the remaining $25 is full pay, since shooting only took place for half the week.
- Apr. 20, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G30
- Apr. 27, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G30
- May 4, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G31 (The Lucky Corner)
- May 11, 1935 - 50.00 charged to prod. G30
- May 18, 1935 - 50.00 charged to prod. G31
- May 25, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G31
- June 1, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G32 (Little Papa)
Since Marianne didn't appear in this film, she spent the whole time making suspension pay.
- June 8, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G32
- June 15, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G32
- June 22, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G32
- June 29, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G32
- July 6, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G33 (Little Sinner)
- July 13, 1935 - 50.00 charged to prod. G33
- July 20, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G33
The rest of the main kids made full pay for both of the above two weeks, while Marianne was reduced to suspension pay for the second week, no doubt due to the illness that kept her out of
the film.
- July 27, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G33
- Aug. 3, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G33
- Aug. 10, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G33
- Aug. 17, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G34 (Our Gang Follies Of 1936)
- Aug. 24, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G34
Filming hadn't started yet for G34 during the above two weeks. Marianne didn't appear in the film, since her contract was terminated at the end of this week.
After this, it would be over three and a half months before Marianne returned to the studio.
- Dec. 14, 1935 - 22.50 charged to prod. G36 (The Pinch Singer)
Back to being a day player, Marianne was given $7.50 checks on Dec. 12th, 13th and 14th.
See anything that needs changing? Contact me at BtheW@aol.com.