Patricia Morrow
Encyclopedia
Patricia Morrow is a former actress, best known for her portrayal of waif-like Rita Jacks in the primetime soap opera Peyton Place
from 1965 to 1969.
(1954
), Artists and Models
(1955
), The Bad Seed
(1956
), and The Wrong Man
(1956).
Morrow later got supporting roles in films and started guest starring in several series in the 1960s, including Leave It to Beaver
, My Three Sons
and Perry Mason
. In 1964, she got her first and only lead role in a film, a musical called Surf Party
. She got more recognition when she landed the role of Rita Jacks in the soap opera
Peyton Place
. Despite only being contracted for a few episodes, she played the role for four years, between 1965 and 1969. During the show's run, Morrow became highly popular among the crowd.
Morrow reprised the role from 1972 to 1974 in Return to Peyton Place
. She initially declined the role, saying she could not combine working five days a week on the show with law school. However, she accepted a contract of two working days a week and she motivated her return by saying: "I really can't turn down money. I have to use what earning power I have right now.
Morrow made her final screen appearance in 1985, playing yet again Rita Jacks in the made for television film Peyton Place: The Next Generation
.
, immersed in volunteer work with kids on probation in a ghetto
in Los Angeles. On her motivation, she commented: "Those kids need a model. Somebody to say, 'You can do what you want, be what you want.' Most of them don't think they can do anything. It is only through agencies like the Legal Aid Society
, that youngsters learn of outlets — where to go and how to get there."
During her volunteer work, Morrow became interested in political and legal leverage. She enrolled the Glendale University College of Law
, from which she graduated during her run on Return to Peyton Place. On her political contribution, Morrow commented: "I want to see if the democratic process works. I want to see if it can be done. I think a lot of our difficulties are perpetuated by untrained office holders, and I resent the fact most politicians don't know a darned thing about local problems."
, in 1975. Shortly after their divorce in 1982, Morrow adopted a baby girl she named Marielle Margaret Morrow. Her father was Robert (Bob) Morrow, a Los Angeles attorney and Patricia was raised in the posh, star studded, Toluca Lake area, also now known as Valley Village.
Peyton Place (TV series)
Peyton Place is an American prime-time soap opera which aired on ABC in half-hour episodes from September 15, 1964 to June 2, 1969.Based upon the 1956 novel of the same name by Grace Metalious, the series was preceded by a 1957 film adaptation. A total of 514 episodes were broadcast, in...
from 1965 to 1969.
Acting career
Morrow usually appeared on television and made her debut in 1953, when she got the role of Constance Philbrick in I Led 3 Lives. She also played bit parts in several films, including Ma and Pa Kettle at HomeMa and Pa Kettle at Home
Ma and Pa Kettle at Home is a 1954 American comedy film directed by Charles Lamont and starring Marjorie Main and Percy Kilbride as "Ma and Pa Kettle".-Synopsis:...
(1954
1954 in film
The year 1954 in film involved some significant events and memorable ones.-Events:*May 12 - The Marx Brothers' Zeppo Marx divorces wife Marion Benda...
), Artists and Models
Artists and Models
Artists and Models is a 1955 Paramount musical comedy in VistaVision and marked Martin and Lewis's fourteenth feature together as a team. The film co-stars Dorothy Malone, Eva Gabor, Anita Ekberg, and Shirley MacLaine.-Plot:...
(1955
1955 in film
The year 1955 in film involved some significant events.-Events:* November 3 - The musical Guys and Dolls, starring Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra, debuts.* June 27 - The last ever Republic serial, King of the Carnival, is released....
), The Bad Seed
The Bad Seed (film)
The Bad Seed is a 1956 American horror-thrillerfilm directed by Mervyn LeRoy. It is based upon a play by Maxwell Anderson, which in turn is based upon William March's 1954 novel The Bad Seed. The play was adapted by John Lee Mahin for the screenplay of the film...
(1956
1956 in film
The year 1956 in film involved some significant events.-Events:* October 5 - The Ten Commandments opens in cinemas and becomes one of the most successful and popular movies of all time, currently ranking 5th on the list of all time moneymakers * February 5 - First showing of documentary films by...
), and The Wrong Man
The Wrong Man
The Wrong Man is a 1956 film by Alfred Hitchcock which stars Henry Fonda and Vera Miles. The film is based on a true story of an innocent man charged for a crime he did not commit...
(1956).
Morrow later got supporting roles in films and started guest starring in several series in the 1960s, including Leave It to Beaver
Leave It to Beaver
Leave It to Beaver is an American television situation comedy about an inquisitive but often naïve boy named Theodore "The Beaver" Cleaver and his adventures at home, in school, and around his suburban neighborhood...
, My Three Sons
My Three Sons
My Three Sons is an American situation comedy. The series ran from 1960 to 1965 on ABC, and moved to CBS until its end on August 24, 1972. My Three Sons chronicles the life of a widower and aeronautical engineer named Steven Douglas , raising his three sons.The series was a cornerstone of the CBS...
and Perry Mason
Perry Mason
Perry Mason is a fictional character, a defense attorney who was the main character in works of detective fiction authored by Erle Stanley Gardner. Perry Mason was featured in more than 80 novels and short stories, most of which had a plot involving his client's murder trial...
. In 1964, she got her first and only lead role in a film, a musical called Surf Party
Surf party
Surf Party is a 1964 beach party film directed by Maury Dexter. It is notable for the musical acts showcased onscreen, as well as for being the first direct imitation of AIP’s hit Beach Party, which was released six months earlier. It also notable for being one of the few films in the genre shot...
. She got more recognition when she landed the role of Rita Jacks in the soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
Peyton Place
Peyton Place (TV series)
Peyton Place is an American prime-time soap opera which aired on ABC in half-hour episodes from September 15, 1964 to June 2, 1969.Based upon the 1956 novel of the same name by Grace Metalious, the series was preceded by a 1957 film adaptation. A total of 514 episodes were broadcast, in...
. Despite only being contracted for a few episodes, she played the role for four years, between 1965 and 1969. During the show's run, Morrow became highly popular among the crowd.
Morrow reprised the role from 1972 to 1974 in Return to Peyton Place
Return to Peyton Place (TV series)
Return to Peyton Place is an American daytime soap opera which aired on NBC from April 3, 1972 to January 4, 1974. The series was a spin-off of the primetime drama series Peyton Place rather than an adaptation of the 1959 novel of the same name by Grace Metalious.The storylines from the daytime...
. She initially declined the role, saying she could not combine working five days a week on the show with law school. However, she accepted a contract of two working days a week and she motivated her return by saying: "I really can't turn down money. I have to use what earning power I have right now.
Morrow made her final screen appearance in 1985, playing yet again Rita Jacks in the made for television film Peyton Place: The Next Generation
Peyton Place: The Next Generation
Peyton Place: The Next Generation is a 1985 television film directed by Larry Elikann. The film is based on the TV series Peyton Place, which aired from 1964 to 1969, and the plot is set twenty years after the original sage...
.
Post-acting career
Following the demise of Peyton Place, Morrow, inspired by visits to VietnamVietnam
Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
, immersed in volunteer work with kids on probation in a ghetto
Ghetto
A ghetto is a section of a city predominantly occupied by a group who live there, especially because of social, economic, or legal issues.The term was originally used in Venice to describe the area where Jews were compelled to live. The term now refers to an overcrowded urban area often associated...
in Los Angeles. On her motivation, she commented: "Those kids need a model. Somebody to say, 'You can do what you want, be what you want.' Most of them don't think they can do anything. It is only through agencies like the Legal Aid Society
Legal Aid Society
The Legal Aid Society in New York City is the United States' oldest and largest provider of legal services to the indigent. It operates both traditional civil and criminal law cases.-History:...
, that youngsters learn of outlets — where to go and how to get there."
During her volunteer work, Morrow became interested in political and legal leverage. She enrolled the Glendale University College of Law
Glendale University College of Law
Glendale University College of Law is a private, non-profit law school in Glendale, California.Founded in 1967 as Glendale College of Law, the institution renamed itself Glendale University College of Law in 1975. The University confers an undergraduate degree, that is a Bachelor of Science in Law...
, from which she graduated during her run on Return to Peyton Place. On her political contribution, Morrow commented: "I want to see if the democratic process works. I want to see if it can be done. I think a lot of our difficulties are perpetuated by untrained office holders, and I resent the fact most politicians don't know a darned thing about local problems."
Personal life
During the run of Peyton Place, Morrow had a relationship with her onscreen husband Christopher Connelly. Morrow married Carl Lance Brisson, the son of Rosalind RussellRosalind Russell
Rosalind Russell was an American actress of stage and screen, perhaps best known for her role as a fast-talking newspaper reporter in the Howard Hawks screwball comedy His Girl Friday, as well as the role of Mame Dennis in the film Auntie Mame...
, in 1975. Shortly after their divorce in 1982, Morrow adopted a baby girl she named Marielle Margaret Morrow. Her father was Robert (Bob) Morrow, a Los Angeles attorney and Patricia was raised in the posh, star studded, Toluca Lake area, also now known as Valley Village.
Filmography
| Film | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 1944 | Marriage Is a Private Affair | Baby | uncredited |
| 1954 | Ma and Pa Kettle at Home | Susie Kettle | uncredited |
| 1955 | Artists and Models Artists and Models Artists and Models is a 1955 Paramount musical comedy in VistaVision and marked Martin and Lewis's fourteenth feature together as a team. The film co-stars Dorothy Malone, Eva Gabor, Anita Ekberg, and Shirley MacLaine.-Plot:... |
Zuba Girl | uncredited |
| 1956 | The Kettles in the Ozarks | Sally | uncredited |
| The Bad Seed The Bad Seed (film) The Bad Seed is a 1956 American horror-thrillerfilm directed by Mervyn LeRoy. It is based upon a play by Maxwell Anderson, which in turn is based upon William March's 1954 novel The Bad Seed. The play was adapted by John Lee Mahin for the screenplay of the film... |
Ginny | uncredited | |
| The Wrong Man The Wrong Man The Wrong Man is a 1956 film by Alfred Hitchcock which stars Henry Fonda and Vera Miles. The film is based on a true story of an innocent man charged for a crime he did not commit... |
Young Girl | uncredited | |
| 1957 | The Kettles on Old MacDonald's Farm | Bertha | as Pat Morrow |
| 1964 | Surf Party | Terry Wells | |
| Television | |||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1953–1956 | I Led Three Lives I Led Three Lives I Led Three Lives is an American drama series which was syndicated by Ziv Television Programs from October 1, 1953 to January 1, 1956. The series stars Richard Carlson... |
Constance Philbrick | |
| 1956 | Dr. Christian | - | 1 episode |
| Carolyn | Elizabeth | Failed pilot | |
| 1957 | G.E. True Theater | Nancy | 1 episode |
| Annie Get Your Gun | Jessie Oakley | TV movie | |
| 1963 | Going My Way Going My Way (TV series) Going My Way is an American comedy-drama series starring dancer and actor Gene Kelly. Based on the 1944 film of the same name starring Bing Crosby, the series aired on ABC with new episodes from October 3, 1962 to April 24, 1963. The program was Kelly's first and only attempt at a weekly television... |
Jo Ann Stevens | 1 episode as Pat Morrow |
| Leave It to Beaver Leave It to Beaver Leave It to Beaver is an American television situation comedy about an inquisitive but often naïve boy named Theodore "The Beaver" Cleaver and his adventures at home, in school, and around his suburban neighborhood... |
Girl #1 | 1 episode as Pat Morrow |
|
| 1964 | The Virginian The Virginian (TV series) The Virginian is an American Western television series starring James Drury and Doug McClure, which aired on NBC from 1962 to 1971 for a total of 249 episodes. Filmed in color, The Virginian became television's first 90-minute western series... |
Ellie Marden | 1 episode |
| Mr. Novak Mr. Novak Mr. Novak is an American dramatic series starring James Franciscus in the title role, which aired on NBC for two seasons, from 1963 to 1965.-Overview:... |
- | 1 episode as Pat Morrow |
|
| My Three Sons My Three Sons My Three Sons is an American situation comedy. The series ran from 1960 to 1965 on ABC, and moved to CBS until its end on August 24, 1972. My Three Sons chronicles the life of a widower and aeronautical engineer named Steven Douglas , raising his three sons.The series was a cornerstone of the CBS... |
Nancy | 1 episode | |
| My Three Sons My Three Sons My Three Sons is an American situation comedy. The series ran from 1960 to 1965 on ABC, and moved to CBS until its end on August 24, 1972. My Three Sons chronicles the life of a widower and aeronautical engineer named Steven Douglas , raising his three sons.The series was a cornerstone of the CBS... |
Lissa Stratmeyer | 1 episode | |
| Mr. Novak Mr. Novak Mr. Novak is an American dramatic series starring James Franciscus in the title role, which aired on NBC for two seasons, from 1963 to 1965.-Overview:... |
Jan | 1 episode | |
| Perry Mason Perry Mason (TV series) Perry Mason is an American legal drama produced by Paisano Productions that ran from September 1957 to May 1966 on CBS. The title character, portrayed by Raymond Burr, is a fictional Los Angeles defense attorney who originally appeared in detective fiction by Erle Stanley Gardner... |
Marla Carol | 1 episode | |
| 1965 | Mr. Novak Mr. Novak Mr. Novak is an American dramatic series starring James Franciscus in the title role, which aired on NBC for two seasons, from 1963 to 1965.-Overview:... |
Abigail | 1 episode |
| 1965–1969 | Peyton Place Peyton Place (TV series) Peyton Place is an American prime-time soap opera which aired on ABC in half-hour episodes from September 15, 1964 to June 2, 1969.Based upon the 1956 novel of the same name by Grace Metalious, the series was preceded by a 1957 film adaptation. A total of 514 episodes were broadcast, in... |
Rita Jacks | Primetime soap opera |
| 1970 | The Virginian The Virginian (TV series) The Virginian is an American Western television series starring James Drury and Doug McClure, which aired on NBC from 1962 to 1971 for a total of 249 episodes. Filmed in color, The Virginian became television's first 90-minute western series... |
Ellie Yost | 1 episode |
| Gunsmoke | Stella Felton | 1 episode | |
| 1972–1974 | Return to Peyton Place Return to Peyton Place (TV series) Return to Peyton Place is an American daytime soap opera which aired on NBC from April 3, 1972 to January 4, 1974. The series was a spin-off of the primetime drama series Peyton Place rather than an adaptation of the 1959 novel of the same name by Grace Metalious.The storylines from the daytime... |
Rita Jacks Harrington | Daytime soap opera |
| 1976 | Emergency! Emergency! Emergency! is an American television series that combines the medical drama and action-adventure genres. It was produced by Mark VII Limited and distributed by Universal Studios... |
Gymnastics Coach Jenny Carter | 1 episode |
| 1985 | Peyton Place: The Next Generation Peyton Place: The Next Generation Peyton Place: The Next Generation is a 1985 television film directed by Larry Elikann. The film is based on the TV series Peyton Place, which aired from 1964 to 1969, and the plot is set twenty years after the original sage... |
Rita Harrington | TV movie as Pat Morrow |