Frustrated actor came to Denison, IA
Gene Reynolds was contracted to MGM during the late 1930s. He became frustrated and began directing television shows, winning six Emmys.
top of page
Search
Is it my last movie?
Donna Reed once commented that she didn't know if she would ever make another movie after filming It's a Wonderful Life with Frank Capra.
Donna was a writer!
Donna Reed was a lifelong writer of letters both personally and professionally. Many are found in the Donna Reed Heritage Museum/Archive.
Donna the mother
Donna Reed was devoted to her family and left her work at the studio at the end of the day. She was just mom Donna Owen at home.
I need $1 more.
Actor Wallace Beery's contract with MGM stipulated in 1932 that he would be paid $1 more than any other contract player at the studio.
Donna's close friend
Debbie Reynolds met Donna Reed while working with charities. They became close friends, promoting Another Mother For Peace on television.
Donna Reed Scholar Update
Jermaine Spivey, a 1998 Donna Reed Scholarship recipient in dance, brings a world-premiere ballet to Nashville's Ballet Attitude program.
Gomez Addams guests with Donna Reed
John Astin, known for his portrayal of "Gomez Addams" in the hit series The Addams Family, made one appearance on The Donna Reed Show.
Donna the actress
The drama department at Los Angeles City College wasn't impressed with Donna Reed's talent. But winning a beauty contest brought the agents.
Good advice
It is possible to follow your dreams with integrity, courtesy, equity, and humanity. Imagine what can happen if you follow your dreams.
Donna appears on variety show
Donna Reed appears on Cavalcade of Stars with Cecil B. DeMille, Adolph Zukor, Walt Disney, William Holden, Jane Wyman, and Mary Pickford.
A science-fiction star
Richard Denning appears with Donna Reed in the movie Hangman’s Knot (1952). Variety called it a "slam-bang western" with a favorable review.
Her niche as a minor actress
Mary Treen appears in the movie It’s a Wonderful Life as Cousin Tilly. She also guests in three episodes of The Donna Reed Show.
He was a Mouseketeer
Johnny Crawford makes a guest appearance on The Donna Reed Show in “A Very Bright Boy” (Season 4, Episode 15).
What a surprise!
Donna Reed was lured by a ruse to be featured celebrity on Ralph Edward's "This Is Your Life" television program in 1958.
Donna's Academy Award
Donna Reed had to do three film tests for her role in From Here to Eternity, for which she received an Academy Award.
She worked with Donna in film and television
Binnie Barnes appears with Donna Reed in the film, The Man From Down Under (1943) and later did two episodes of The Donna Reed Show.
Sleuthing in the Donna Reed Archives
Judy Miller, a volunteer for The Donna Reed Foundation, writes about her discoveries in the Donna Reed Heritage Archives.
Online visit with Donna's daughter
Join Donna Reed's daughter, Mary Owen, and Donna Reed Foundation board member Kurt Lee as they share memories and photos of Donna's life.
Donna Reed Festival delivers
Nebraska native Jim Fields dreamed about being an independent filmmaker. He got his big break in Denison, Iowa.
bottom of page