100 years of Donna Reed
Donna Reed was born a century ago on Jan. 27, 1921. Join her daughter, Mary Owen, as she shares memories and photos of her mother's career.
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A lucky clerical snafu
It’s A Wonderful Life premiered in New York City on Christmas Day of 1946 but didn't show in U.S. theaters until January 7, 1947.
Donna's new Thunderbird
Having Donna Reed endorse a product was beneficial because research shows consumers believe celebrities and consequently support the brand.
A cup or a bowl with Donna?
Campbell's Soups helped The Donna Reed Show. Although the series ratings were especially tame in the beginning, its sponsor didn't bail.
Donna's bob hairstyle
When the bob hair style was first introduced, beauty parlors refused to cut it because of its contrast with expected long locks.
He proposed daily
Grover W. Asmus, husband of Donna Reed from 1974 until her death in 1986, served in the U.S. Army until 1972, attaining the rank of colonel.
Low budget film follows Oscar
Dana Andrews appeared with Donna Reed in the low budget film Three Hours to Kill (1954) and on Lux Radio Theatre in Deep Waters (1949).
He didn't call ahead
Rhys Williams appears on The Donna Reed Show in The Busy Body (Season 1, Episode 13), playing the part of Donna’s uncle.
Donna didn't get any credit
Donna Reed's third film was Babes On Broadway (1941) starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. She had a minor role and wasn't credited.
It's a Wonderful Life on radio
Screen Guild Theatre broadcast a 60-minute screen adaptation of "It's a Wonderful Life" on Dec. 29, 1947 with Donna Reed and Jimmy Stewart.
A film that didn't make beautiful music
Donna Reed co-starred with Steve Allen in The Benny Goodman Story (1956). Variety had little to say in favor of the film.
She hasn't always been a lady
Donna Reed co-starred with Richard Widmark in the American Western film Backlash (1956).
A radio interview from home
"Paula Stone's Hollywood" radio show aired an interview with Donna Reed from Donna's home on December 26, 1950.
They met in traffic court
Tony Martin guest-stars on The Donna Reed Show in "Tony Martin Visits" (Season 3, Episode 24) when they met in traffic court.
Donna worked with a prolific actor
Barton MacLane, who has over 140 films to his credit, appeared with Donna Reed in Backlash (1956) and Gentle Annie (1944).
One of Donna's B Westerns
They Rode West (1954) is one of three B Westerns Donna Reed made at Columbia after her exceptional performance in From Here to Eternity.
Donna's wartime letters
Martha Teichner reports on how Donna Reed contributed to the war effort during World War II by sharing letters with American troops.
He worked without a dummy
Paul Winchell made two guest appearances on The Donna Reed Show during Season 5 - "The Chinese Horse" (Ep18 and "All Those Dreams" (Ep 31).
Donna didn't make the credits
Donna Reed is one of 28 stars who make a cameo appearance in the film Pepe (1960). She is not listed in the credits.
Donna's Christmas film
It's a Wonderful Life, starring Donna Reed and Jimmy Stewart, premiered in New York City on December 20, 1946.
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