Ann-Rutherford-Obituary

Ann Rutherford

Obituary

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Ann Rutherford, the demure brunette who played the sweetheart in the long-running Andy Hardy series and Scarlett O'Hara's youngest sister in "Gone With the Wind," has died. She was 94.

A close friend, Anne Jeffreys, told the Los Angeles Times that Rutherford died Monday night at her home in Beverly Hills. She had heart problems and was in declining health.

The Andy Hardy series, a hugely popular string of comical, sentimental films, Mickey Rooney as a spirited teen. Rutherford first appeared in the second film of the series, "You're Only Young Once," and went on for 11 more. She played Polly Benedict, the ever-faithful girlfriend Andy always returned to after a more glamorous girl caught his eye. (Among the other girls: Judy Garland and Lana Turner.)

It was said Rutherford won the part of Carreen, the youngest of the three O'Hara sisters in "Gone With the Wind," because Judy Garland was filming "The Wizard of Oz."

Ru therford told the Times in 2010 that MGM head Louis B. Mayer was going to refuse her the role, calling it "a nothing part." But Rutherford, who was a fan of the novel, burst into tears and he relented.

She's the sister who, early in the film, begs to be allowed to go to the ball at Ashley Wilkes' plantation. "Oh, Mother, can't I stay up for the ball tomorrow? ... I'm 13 now," she says in a sweet voice.

In 1989, she was one of 10 surviving "Gone With the Wind" cast members who gathered in Atlanta for the film's 50th anniversary.

"Anyone who had read the book sensed they were into something that would belong to the ages, and everyone was in a frenzy to read the book," she said.

Rutherford concurred with other cast members that no matter what else they had done, "Our obituary will say we were in 'Gone With the Wind' and we'll be proud of it."

Rutherford was born in 1917, according to the voter records reviewed by The Associated Press. Some sources g ive other dates. The daughter of an opera tenor and an actress, she began performing on stage as a child. She largely retired from the screen in 1950.

Rutherford recalled that the night of the "Gone With the Wind" premiere in Atlanta, author Margaret Mitchell invited the cast, including Leigh and co-star Clark Gable, to her home for scrambled eggs. Gable and Mitchell disappeared.

"Clark Gable and Margaret were hiding in the bathroom, Clark on the edge of the tub and Margaret you know where, just talking," she chuckled. "They had to get away from the photographers."

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This report includes biographical material written by former AP writer Polly Anderson.


Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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I've had a crush on Ann Rutherford since I first discovered her as a kid in the 1950s. Back then, the Andy Hardy series was shown on television. The camera loved her; when she was in the scene, everyone else disappeared and all I saw was that beautiful, flirtatious face. But, it was more than her good looks; she had an energy, a spirit - call it an aura - that was unique. Her passing saddens me more tan I can say.

Those who die God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes - Psalm 116:15.

Ann was a charming sweetheart from that wonderful era, an era only to be remembered and relived through old movies. So long Ann, and thanks.

To Gloria and Ann's two grandsons…though you will never know me, please know that I am deeply saddened to learn of your mother's and grandmother's death . I have loved every movie, interview, amateur video, TV clip, newspaper article…just anything I can find about this wonderful lady. My whole life I've heard little stories about our beautiful cousin (related on the Mansfield side of the family) and I always fantasized I would get to meet her one day. I tried literally for years to find a...

You are one of the actresses I looked up to. As a matter of fact, I wanted to be an actress just like you, I'm glad one of us was able to enjoy the pleasures of acting:).Rest in peace beautiful lady,it's time to rest. My sympathy and prayers goes out to the family and friends of Ann Rutherford.

I love all her movies,they represent a time that keeps you coming back for more,her movies beat out movies of today,Thanks for the Memories.K Boyd

My sympathy & prayers goes out to the family & friends of Ann Rutherford.

Please accept our deepest condolences. May the GOD of all comfort, comfort your family in this time of grief. (IS 25:8) ATLANTA. GA.I