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The grandnephew of South African pioneer and former president Paul Krüger, Otto Kruger trained for a musical career from childhood, but after enrolling in Columbia University he switched his career choice to acting. Making his Broadway debut in 1915, at 30, he shortly became a matinée idol of the day, specializing in sophisticated leading roles. He made his film debut in 1915 in The Runaway Wife (1915), but it was in the 1930s that Kruger's polished, urbane characterizations came into full swing. Although he occasionally played a hero, as in Corregidor (1943) he was often cast as the amoral villain or a charming but corrupt businessman (usually a banker), a task at which he excelled. Kruger was one of the industry's busiest character actors until a series of strokes brought about his retirement in the mid-1960s.

Born Olga Vladimirovna Baklanova, one of six children of Vladimir Baklanoff and his wife Alexandra, later billed as the Russian Tigress in her early talking films, was born August 19, 1893. She graduated from the Cherniavsky Institute in Moscow prior to her selection in 1912 at age 19 to apprentice at the Moscow Art Theatre. During her early years at M.A.T. (1914-1918) she appeared in perhaps 18 films bringing her into contact with Tourjansky, Boleslawski and M. Chekov among others. Her last Russian film, Bread (1918) was the first communist agitprop vehicle. From 1917 she appeared in the "classics" on the parent stage and at the M.A.T. First Studio. Her mentor, Nemirovich-Danchenko, showcased her in avant-garde productions of the newly created M.A.T. Musical Studio from 1920-1925. She was honored with the Worthy Artist Of The Republic by the Soviet regime.

Eight months after her M.A.T. New York debut in December 1925, she declined to return with the M.A.T. company to Russia and subsequently defected. She was noticed by the Hollywood studios while performing on stage in Los Angeles in The Miracle in the role of the nun. Her film debut was a bit in The Dove (1927). Her dramatic Portrayals in The Man Who Laughs (1928), Street of Sin (1928), The Docks of New York (1928) and Forgotten Faces (1928) brought her critical acclaim in 1928. Her subsequent vamp/tramp roles in early Paramount and Fox talking films nearly destroyed her promising start. Stagey mannerisms and a heavy accent relegated her to supporting roles. She appeared to advantage in three films at MGM including the infamous Freaks (1932) with an unrestrained and legendary performance.

After appearing in west coast stage productions in 1931-32, she permanently left for the Broadway stage in 1933 following one last film at Paramount. From 1933 to 1943 she starred in various Broadway productions and then toured in road companies of Cat And The Fiddle, Twentieth Century, Grand Hotel and Idiot's Delight. She debuted on the London stage in 1936 in Going Places. One last big role in Claudia (1943) kept her busy for two years (1941-1943). She returned to Hollywood in 1943 to recreate her stage role. Some summer stock and occasional night club appearances followed as she moved into retirement.

During the mid-1960s Olga was interviewed by Richard Lamparski, Kevin Brownlow and John Kobal who all recognized her unique contributions in the performing arts. Her death occurred at Vevey, Switzerland on September 6, 1974 after a period of declining health.

Patricia Cutts was born on 20 July 1926 in London, England, UK. She was an actress, known for The Tingler (1959), The Adventures of P.C. 49: Investigating the Case of the Guardian Angel (1949) and Playhouse 90 (1956). She was married to William Nichols, John A.C. Findlay (agent) and Harold S.N.I. Norway-Baker. She died on 6 September 1974 in London, England, UK.

George Bruce was born on 15 September 1898 in Danville, Pennsylvania, USA. He was a writer and director, known for The Crowd Roars (1938), South of Pago Pago (1940) and The Duke of West Point (1938). He died on 6 September 1974 in Riverside County, California, USA.

Michael Benthall was born on 8 February 1919 in London, England, UK. He was a producer and writer, known for The DuPont Show of the Month (1957), Producers' Showcase (1954) and The World Our Stage (1958). He died on 6 September 1974 in London, England, UK.

Peppino De Luca was born on 5 January 1936 in Rome, Lazio, Italy. He was a composer, known for 21 (2008), Ocean's Twelve (2004) and The Girl with a Pistol (1968). He died on 6 September 1974 in Rome, Lazio, Italy.

Benno Gellenbeck was born on 13 October 1910 in Gladbeck, Germany. He was an actor, known for Bürgerkrieg in Russland (1967), Cliff Dexter (1966) and Am Abend ins Odeon (1960). He died on 6 September 1974 in Hamburg, West Germany.

A.R. Hamm was born on 8 October 1885 in Iowa, USA. He was an assistant director, known for Don't Tell Everything (1921), Beyond the Rocks (1922) and Under the Lash (1921). He died on 6 September 1974 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

William Langdon Pragen was born on 18 July 1895 in Pennsylvania, USA. He was an actor. He died on 6 September 1974 in Ventura, California, USA.

Dail Ambler was born on 11 January 1925. She was a writer, known for Night After Night After Night (1969), Take Me Over (1963) and Delayed Flight (1964). She died on 6 September 1974 in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, UK.

Victor Hammond was born on 14 December 1893 in Naples, Italy. He was a writer, known for Fashion Model (1945), Detective Kitty O'Day (1944) and In Fast Company (1946). He died on 6 September 1974 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

William L. Prager was born on 18 July 1895 in Pennsylvania, USA. William L. was a director and writer, known for A Street of Memory (1937). William L. died on 6 September 1974 in Ventura, California, USA.