Ella Raines
A magnetic film noir star with mesmerizing green eyes who commanded the screen in the 1940s before walking away from Hollywood at her peak.
1920–1988 (age 68)·American actress·Birthday: August 6·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Ella Raines arrived in Hollywood with the force of a sudden storm. Discovered by agent and producer Charles K. Feldman, she was signed to a contract with Howard Hawks, who cast her in her debut, the WWII drama 'Corvette K-225.' Her breakthrough came as the shrewd, determined nightclub singer in the proto-noir 'Phantom Lady' (1944), a performance that showcased her unique blend of cool sophistication and simmering intensity. Throughout the mid-1940s, she became a fixture in suspenseful thrillers like 'The Suspect' and 'The Strange Affair of Uncle Harry,' often portraying intelligent women navigating dangerous worlds. Her career trajectory, however, was shaped by personal choices. After marrying a U.S. Air Force pilot in 1947, her film output slowed as she prioritized family life, making her final major film in 1949. She returned for some television work in the 1950s before retiring completely. Raines left behind a compact but potent filmography that continues to captivate for its sharp intelligence and an enigmatic presence that made her one of noir's most memorable leading ladies.
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.
Ella was born in 1920, 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 Ella Was Born
The biggest hits of 1920
#1 Movie
Way Down East
Ella's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1920Born
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1925Started school
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1933Became a teenager
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1936Could drive
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1938Could vote
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1941Turned 21
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
1950Turned 30
Korean War begins
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,354Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Goodnight Irene" — Gordon Jenkins & The WeaversBest Picture: All About Eve
1960Turned 40
Kennedy-Nixon debates become first televised presidential debates
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,900Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Theme from A Summer Place" — Percy FaithBest Picture: The Apartment
1970Turned 50
First Earth Day; The Beatles break up
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $17,000Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Bridge over Troubled Water" — Simon & GarfunkelBest Picture: Patton
1980Turned 60
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1988Died at 68
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
Key Achievements
- Starred in the classic film noir 'Phantom Lady' (1944), establishing her as a major star of the genre.
- Founded her own production company, Rainbow Productions, in 1946, an uncommon move for an actress at the time.
- Played the lead role in the early television western series 'Janet Dean, Registered Nurse' (1954).
- Was the first actress signed to Howard Hawks's independent production company.
Did You Know?
She was a champion rifle shooter in college at the University of Washington.
During World War II, she served as a lieutenant in the USO and toured with the Hollywood Victory Committee.
She turned down the lead role in 'Mildred Pierce' (1945), which went to Joan Crawford and won her an Oscar.
She was a licensed pilot and owned her own plane.
“I liked playing dames with brains, the ones who moved the story.”
