Biographies of Paramount Players and Directors (1936)

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90. PURNELL FRaTT (Pars mount Player) Purnell Pratt was born in Bethel, Illinois and when he was 10 years old moved t£ California with his parents. Following his high school graduation, he entered the University of Southern California and played on the football team. Later he «t tended the University of Pennsylvania. Possessed *f a good singing vaice, his ambition was to become e grand opera singer. He joined a second rate company and remained with it until it stranded near New Y^rk. Then came his experience in getting into the wrong theatrical office and landing the job that led to a career in drama , musicals and in pictures. He played his first important dramatic role in "Strrngheert", with Robert Edeson. Then he was signed by George M. Cohan and Sam Harris and remained wilh them for 10 years, playing a variety of roles, both in dramas and musicals, many of them being especially written for him. Pratt fought in France during the World War and, when he returned 60 the United States, resumed his career. In 1026 he went to Hollywrod and obtained his first motion picture rol6 in "Alibi". Since that time he has played in more then 30 films, establishing himself as one of the best character men on the screen. Pratt had, until this year, nev^r been under a long term contract to a studio, preferring to free lance, but recently he signed with Parrmount. His hobby is motoring; fond of all outdoor spirts; was, at one time, an expert boxer. Height 5 feet 11 inches; weighs 170 pounds, has grryhair and blue ey63. One of his most outstanding roles was in HThe Trespasser ■ which was Gloria Sv.enson's first talking picture. His mrre recent roles have been in CASINO MURDER CASE, MIGHT AT THE 0PHIU, DANCING FEET, 11,000 A MINUTE.