Ann Dvorak
A fiery, talented actress of Hollywood's Pre-Code era who fought the studio system for better roles and pay.
1911–1979 (age 68)·American actress·Birthday: August 2·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Ann Dvorak was a Hollywood original who chafed against its machinery. A trained dancer and child performer, she broke out as Paul Muni's sultry, disillusioned sister in the gangster classic 'Scarface' (1932). Her intense, naturalistic performance promised major stardom. However, Dvorak possessed a fierce independence that put her at odds with Warner Bros. She famously sued the studio to break her contract, demanding better parts and higher pay—a nearly unheard-of act for a young actress. This battle, while principled, sidelined her career at its peak. She found rewarding work in British films during WWII and later on television, but never regained her early momentum. Today, she is remembered as a gifted performer and a pioneering figure who challenged Hollywood's factory-like control over its stars.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Ann was born in 1911, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ann Was Born
The biggest hits of 1911
Ann's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1911Born
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire kills 146 in New York
President: William Howard Taft
1916Started school
The Battle of the Somme claims over a million casualties
President: Woodrow Wilson
1924Became a teenager
First Winter Olympics held in Chamonix, France
President: Calvin Coolidge"It Had to Be You" — Isham Jones
1927Could drive
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1929Could vote
Wall Street crashes, triggering the Great Depression
Gas: $0.21/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Singin' in the Rain" — Cliff EdwardsBest Picture: The Broadway Melody
1932Turned 21
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1941Turned 30
Pearl Harbor attack brings the US into WWII
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,060Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Chattanooga Choo Choo" — Glenn MillerBest Picture: How Green Was My Valley
1951Turned 40
First color TV broadcast in the US
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,925Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Too Young" — Nat King ColeBest Picture: An American in Paris
1961Turned 50
Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human in space
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,500Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Tossin' and Turnin'" — Bobby LewisBest Picture: West Side Story
1971Turned 60
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1979Died at 68
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
Key Achievements
- Delivered a breakthrough performance as Cesca Camonte in Howard Hawks' seminal gangster film 'Scarface' (1932).
- Successfully sued Warner Bros. studios in 1933 for releasing her without pay, challenging standard studio contract enforcement.
- Starred in a series of successful British films during World War II, including 'Squadron Leader X' and 'Escape to Danger.'
Did You Know?
She was a childhood friend and dance student of actress Cyd Charisse.
Dvorak was an accomplished pilot and often flew herself to film sets.
She turned down the lead role in 'The Petrified Forest' (1936), which made Bette Davis a major star.
“I walked out on my contract; Hollywood is a factory.”
