Ann Todd (American actress)

Ann Todd (born Ann Todd Phillips,[2] later Ann Basart or Ann Phillips Basart; August 26, 1931 – February 7, 2020)[3] was an American child actress. She was credited in four films as Ann E. Todd. As an adult, she became a music reference librarian at University of California, Berkeley.[2]

Ann Todd
Todd in Stronger Than Desire (1939)
Born
Ann Todd Phillips

(1931-08-26)August 26, 1931
DiedFebruary 7, 2020(2020-02-07) (aged 88)[1]
OccupationChild actress
Years active1939–1953
Spouse
Robert Basart
(m. 1951; died 1993)
Children2

Early years

Todd was born in 1931 in Denver, Colorado, to Burrill L. and Alberta C. (née Mayfield) Phillips. She had a younger brother, Stephen (1937–1986). She was a distant relative of Mary Todd Lincoln.[1] Due to the privations of the Great Depression, she was raised by her maternal grandparents,[4] Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ulysses Mayfield,[5][failed verification] her adoptive name was Ann Todd Mayfield.[6] (A Newspaper Enterprise Association story published June 13, 1940, refers to Mrs. A.U. Mayfield as Todd's mother.)[7]

In 1942, Todd was hospitalized in critical condition when blood poisoning developed after she cut her foot playing a game in her backyard.[8]

Film career

Todd made her acting debut in Zaza (1939) directed by George Cukor. In a career spanning over 14 years, she appeared in almost 40 movies alongside such stars as Ingrid Bergman, Shirley Temple, James Stewart, John Garfield, Bette Davis, Barbara Stanwyck and Marlene Dietrich.

Due to the similarities between her name and the established British actress Ann Todd, she added the initial "E." to her name.[9] Todd was a regular in The Stu Erwin Show from 1950 to 1953.[10] She became a teacher and librarian in her later life.[11]

Librarian and academic career

After graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles, she attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she obtained a master's degree in library science in 1958 and a Master of Arts in 1960.[12] She was a reference librarian at U.C. Berkeley from 1960 to 1961 and 1970 to 1990. Among her accomplishments was founding and editing Cum Notis Variorum, the library's newsletter, which gained a substantial reputation.[12] Additionally Basart wrote reviews for the Music Library Association publication Notes as well as serving as its music review editor and book review editor.

She taught at the San Francisco College for Women and at the University of California, Berkeley.[12]

In 1984, Basart established Fallen Leaf Press, publishing reference books in music as well as scores of contemporary American chamber music. Basart closed the business in 2000.

In 1993, she was recognized by the Music Library Association for lifetime achievement.[12]

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
1937RosalieLittle girluncredited, listed in casting sheet as Ann Todd Mayfield
1938Man-ProofLittle girluncredited, listed in casting sheet as Ann Todd Mayfield
Stolen HeavenLittle girluncredited, listed in casting sheet as Ann Todd Mayfield
1939ZazaToto
Calling Dr. KildareJennyuncredited
The Zero HourBeth
Stronger Than DesireSusan Flagg
IntermezzoAnn Marie
Bad Little AngelLibbit Creighton, age 9uncredited
Tower of LondonPrincessuncredited
Destry Rides AgainClaggett girl
1940The Blue BirdLittle Sister
Dr. Ehrlich's Magic BulletMarianneuncredited
Granny Get Your GunCharlotte
Little OrviePatsy Balliser
All This, and Heaven TooBerthe
Brigham YoungMary Kent
Keeping CompanyFirst stoogeuncredited
1941Blood and SandCarmen, as a child
Bad Men of MissouriAmy Younger
Private NurseBarbara Winton
How Green Was My ValleyCeinwen
The Men in Her LifeRose
Remember the DayKate Hill
1942Kings RowRandy Monaghan, as a child
On the Sunny SideBetty
Beyond the Blue HorizonTama, as a childuncredited
That Other WomanYoung girluncredited
Over My Dead BodyTailor's little girl
1943Dixie DuganImogene Dugan
1945Roughly SpeakingLouise Randall, as a child
Pride of the MarinesLoretta Merchant
1946My ReputationGretchen Van Orman
The Jolson StoryAnn Murray, as a childuncredited
MargieJoyce Fontayne
1947Homesteaders of Paradise ValleyMelinda Hill
Dangerous YearsDoris Martincredited as Ann E. Todd
1948Three Daring DaughtersIlka Morgancredited as Ann E. Todd
Arthur Takes OverValarie Jeanne Bradfordcredited as Ann E. Todd
1949Cover UpCathie Weatherbycredited as Ann E. Todd
1950 to 1953The Stu Erwin ShowJoyce Erwin (TV series, supporting role)
1951The Lion HuntersJean Forbes

References

External links