Rafaela Ottiano
Biography: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Rafaela Ottiano (4 March 1888 – 18 August 1942) was an Italian-born American stage and film actress. Born in Venice, Italy, she emigrated with her parents to the United States, and was processed at Ellis Island, in 1910. Ottiano established herself as a stage actress in Europe before arriving in Hollywood in 1924 and appearing in American motion pictures. Ottiano's first film was in the John L. McCutcheon-directed drama The Law and the Lady (1924) opposite actors Len Leo, Alice Lake, and Tyrone Power, Sr. Ottiano was part of the original 1928 Broadway cast of the Mae West hit play Diamond Lil and reprised her role as Rita when the play was made into a film as She Done Him Wrong (1933), directed by Lowell Sherman. Throughout the 1930s, Rafaela Ottiano would often specialize in roles as sinister, maleveolent, or spiteful women, such as her role in the Tod Browning-directed horror film The Devil-Doll (1936), opposite Lionel Barrymore and Maureen O'Sullivan. Other notable film roles for Ottiano include Lena in As You Desire Me (1932) with Greta Garbo, Melvyn Douglas, Erich von Stroheim, Owen Moore, and Hedda Hopper; Mrs. Higgins in the Shirley Temple musical-comedy Curly Top (1935); as a matron in the crime-drama Riffraff (1936), starring Jean Harlow and Spencer Tracy; and as Suzette, Greta Garbo's devoted maid, in the Edmund Goulding-directed drama Grand Hotel (1932). When Grand Hotel was turned into a Broadway Musical in 1989, her character was renamed Rafaela Ottiano in honor of the actress. Ottiano's last film was the musical comedy I Married an Angel (1942), starring Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald. During her career in film, she appeared in approximately 45 motion pictures, opposite such actors as Barbara Stanwyck, Conrad Nagel, Peter Lorre, Zasu Pitts, and Katharine Hepburn. Ottiano lived in the Times Square area during the Prohibition Era and never married. She died in 1942 in East Boston, Massachusetts of intestinal cancer at the age of 54. Description above from the Wikipedia article Rafaela Ottiano, licensed under CC-BY-SA,full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: March 02, 1888
Deathday: August 14, 1942
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Known For
Grand Hotel
1932-05-25
Grand Hotel
Overview: Guests at a posh Berlin hotel struggle through worry, scandal, and heartache.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1932-05-25
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One Frightened Night
1935-05-01
One Frightened Night
Overview: Eccentric tycoon Jasper Whyte hosts a dinner at his mansion and announces that he will divide his money and give each guest a million dollars before the stroke of midnight. When his long-lost granddaughter suddenly arrives, Whyte changes his mind and proclaims that she will receive his entire fortune. A second lady appears at the estate, claiming that she is actually Whyte's granddaughter, Doris Waverly, and the first woman is found murdered in her room! With each guest possessing a motive, the mystery of the killer's identity briskly unfolds through a stirring series of surprises.
Genres: Horror Mystery Science Fiction Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1935-05-01
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The Devil-Doll
1936-07-10
The Devil-Doll
Overview: Wrongfully convicted of a robbery and murder, Paul Lavond breaks out of prison with a genius scientist who has devised a way to shrink humans. When the scientist dies during the escape, Lavond heads for his lab, using the shrinking technology to get even with those who framed him and vindicate himself in both the public eye and the eyes of his daughter, Lorraine. When an accident leaves a crazed assistant dead, however, Lavond must again make an escape.
Genres: Horror Science Fiction
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1936-07-10
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Curly Top
1935-07-26
Curly Top
Overview: Wealthy Edward Morgan becomes charmed with a curly-haired orphan and her pretty older sister Mary and arranges to adopt both under the alias of "Mr. Jones". As he spends more time with them, he soon finds himself falling in love with Mary.
Genres: Family Music Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1935-07-26
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The Florentine Dagger
1935-03-30
The Florentine Dagger
Overview: A playwright descended from the Borgia family becomes a murder suspect.
Genres: Mystery Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1935-03-30
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She Done Him Wrong
1933-02-09
She Done Him Wrong
Overview: New York singer and nightclub owner Lady Lou has more men friends than you can imagine. One of them is a vicious criminal who’s escaped and is on the way to see “his” girl, not realising she hasn’t exactly been faithful in his absence. Help is at hand in the form of young Captain Cummings, a local temperance league leader.
Genres: Comedy Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1933-02-09
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Ann Vickers
1933-09-26
Ann Vickers
Overview: After a love affair ending in an abortion, a young prison reformer submerges herself in her work. She then falls for a controversial and married judge and scandal looms again.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1933-09-26
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Remember Last Night?
1935-10-28
Remember Last Night?
Overview: After a night of wild partying at a friend's house, a couple wake up to discover the party's host has been murdered in his bed.
Genres: Comedy Mystery
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1935-10-28
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The Last Gentleman
1934-04-27
The Last Gentleman
Overview: In New England circa 1933, a niece is reported missing and presumed dead and Cabot Barr (George Arliss) summons his relatives to the family estate for a memorial service. Once there, Barr taunts each one, claiming their only interest in him is his money, and sends them away when the report about the niece proves to be false. Only niece Marjorie, who has ridiculed one of his pet eccentricities, seems to be the object of any sentimental affection.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1934-04-27
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Bondage
1933-04-22
Bondage
Overview: Judy Peters is about to be sentenced after she has pled guilty to her third offense of prostitution, when Dr. Nelson interrupts and tells her story to the court. (Mubi.)
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1933-04-22
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Enchanted April
1935-02-01
Enchanted April
Overview: Mrs. Lotty Wilkins is an unhappily wife whom's life husband and romance have departed. In order to possibly salvage some of the missing elements in her life she rents an old Italian mansion and sharing it with three women. Here the four women plan to spend the month of April away from the cares of home, husbands and the everyday monotony.
Genres: Comedy Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1935-02-01
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A Lost Lady
1934-09-29
A Lost Lady
Overview: A bitter woman who thinks she'll never love again marries, only to fall for a brash young man.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1934-09-29
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Paris Honeymoon
1939-01-27
Paris Honeymoon
Overview: A Texas millionaire travels to Europe to meet his girlfriend, a European countess. He stops in a rustic mountain village and meets a beautiful peasant girl. He falls in love with her, then must decide if he wants her or the rich countess.
Genres: Comedy Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1939-01-27
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Topper Returns
1941-03-21
Topper Returns
Overview: Topper is once again tormented by a fun-loving spirit. This time, it's Gail Richards, accidentally murdered while vacationing at the home of her wealthy friend, Ann Carrington, the intended victim. With Topper's help, Gail sets out to find her killer with the expected zany results.
Genres: Comedy Fantasy Mystery
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1941-03-21
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Mandalay
1934-02-10
Mandalay
Overview: Abandoned by her lover, a woman becomes the main "hostess" in a decadent nightclub, but tries to put her past behind her on a steamer to Mandalay.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1934-02-10
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Suez
1938-10-28
Suez
Overview: Ferdinand de Lesseps, disappointed in love, is sent as a junior diplomat to the Isthmus of Suez, and realizes it's just the place for a canal.
Genres: Drama History Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1938-10-28
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We're Only Human
1935-12-27
We're Only Human
Overview: A cop, who plays by his own rules, brings down a notorious gangster.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1935-12-27
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As You Desire Me
1932-05-28
As You Desire Me
Overview: Bar entertainer Zara is a discontented alcoholic who is pursued by many men but lives with novelist Carl Salter. One day, Tony shows up on Salter's estate claiming that Zara is actually Maria, the wife of his close friend Bruno, claiming that her memory was destroyed during World War I. Zara doesn't remember but leaves with Tony to Salter's dismay. Bruno, now an officer in the Italian Army, tries to coax Maria's memory back on his large estate. No one is really sure if Zara is Maria, and when Salter shows up with a mental case from Trieste that he claims is the real Maria, everyone on Bruno's estate is desperately searching for the truth.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1932-05-28
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The Washington Masquerade
1932-07-09
The Washington Masquerade
Overview: An honest, talented and well respected attorney defeats a corrupt incumbent U.S. Senator. After a very good start he has to face the subtle temptations and innocent looking traps of Washington.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1932-07-09
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A Little Bit of Heaven
1940-10-10
A Little Bit of Heaven
Overview: A child from the New York tenements sings on a radio quiz show and is eventually hired to a big-bucks contract, which allows her and her family to move into a posh apartment, with all the usual problems that accompany sudden wealth.
Genres: Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1940-10-10
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I'll Give a Million
1938-07-27
I'll Give a Million
Overview: After saving a tramp from suicide, a millionaire takes his clothing and disappears. Word is out that he will give a million dollars to anyone who is kind to a tramp.
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1938-07-27
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Victory
1940-12-21
Victory
Overview: A hermit's idyllic life on an island is disturbed by the arrival of a bunch of cutthroats.
Genres: Adventure
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1940-12-21
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Vigil in the Night
1940-02-05
Vigil in the Night
Overview: A good nurse ruins her career by covering up for her sister's careless mistake.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1940-02-05
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The Long Voyage Home
1940-11-16
The Long Voyage Home
Overview: The crew of the merchant ship Glencairn hope to survive a transatlantic crossing during World War II. Adapted from four Eugene O'Neill one-act plays.
Genres: Drama War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1940-11-16
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The Lottery Lover
1935-02-05
The Lottery Lover
Overview: A crew of young military-school cadets are enjoying their first weekend in Paris. Frank Harrington, a girl-shy cadet, wins the lottery which "They" have organized, an Frank wins the right to woo the star of the Folies Bergere, Gaby Aimee, with her garter serving as proof of conquest. Meanwhile Frank has found the one girl-of-his-heart, Patty, and this serves to complicate matters.
Genres: Romance Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1935-02-05
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That Girl from Paris
1936-12-31
That Girl from Paris
Overview: Nikki Martin, a beautiful French opera star, stows away on an ocean liner in hopes of escaping her jealous fiancee. Once aboard, she joins an American swing band and falls in love with its leader, who, after hearing her sing, eventually comes to reciprocate her feelings.
Genres: Music Comedy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1936-12-31
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Married?
1926-02-17
Married?
Overview: A couple endure 365 days of marriage in order to inherit money.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1926-02-17
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Maytime
1937-03-26
Maytime
Overview: An aging opera singer looks back on her long life, including her relationships with her vocal teacher and a student.
Genres: Music Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1937-03-26
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Female
1933-11-11
Female
Overview: Alison Drake, the tough-minded executive of an automobile factory, succeeds in the man's world of business until she meets an independent design engineer.
Genres: Romance Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1933-11-11
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Anthony Adverse
1936-08-26
Anthony Adverse
Overview: Based on the novel by Hervey Allen, this expansive drama follows the many adventures of the eponymous hero, Anthony Adverse. Abandoned at a convent by his heartless nobleman father, Don Luis, Anthony is later mentored by his kind grandfather, John Bonnyfeather, and falls for the beautiful Angela Giuseppe. When circumstances separate Anthony and Angela and he embarks on a long journey, he must find his way back to her, no matter what the cost.
Genres: Drama History Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1936-08-26
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Seventh Heaven
1937-03-25
Seventh Heaven
Overview: A Parisian sewer worker longs for a rise in status and a beautiful wife. He rescues a girl from the police, lives with her in a barren flat on the seventh floor, and then marches away to war.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1937-03-25
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Night Court
1932-06-04
Night Court
Overview: A corrupt night court judge tears an innocent young family apart in his efforts to elude a special prosecutor.
Genres: Crime Drama Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1932-06-04
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Great Expectations
1934-10-22
Great Expectations
Overview: A young boy, Pip, encounters an escaped prisoner, Magwitch, and steals food for him. After the convict is captured, Pip meets the reclusive Miss Havisham and her niece, Estella, eventually becoming friends with the girl. Wealth comes to Pip via a mysterious benefactor and he goes off to London for an education. As adults, Pip and Estella become romantic, and Pip learns the identity of his patron.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1934-10-22
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Marie Antoinette
1938-08-26
Marie Antoinette
Overview: The young Austrian princess Marie Antoinette is arranged to marry Louis XVI, future king of France, in a politically advantageous marriage for the rival countries. The opulent Marie indulges in various whims and flirtations. When Louis XV passes and Louis XVI ascends the French throne, his queen's extravagant lifestyle earns the hatred of the French people, who despise her Austrian heritage.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1938-08-26
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Mad Holiday
1936-11-13
Mad Holiday
Overview: A temperamental film star's vacation turns deadly when he uncovers a murder.
Genres: Mystery Comedy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1936-11-13
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The Adventures of Martin Eden
1942-02-26
The Adventures of Martin Eden
Overview: Author writes about his experiences sailing at sea, struggles to get his work published.
Genres: Adventure
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1942-02-26
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Riffraff
1936-01-03
Riffraff
Overview: Fisherman Dutch marries cannery worker Hattie. After he is kicked out of his union and fired from his job he leaves Hattie who steals money for him and goes to jail. He gets a new job, foils a plot to dynamite the ship, and promises to wait for Hattie.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1936-01-03
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The League of Frightened Men
1937-05-25
The League of Frightened Men
Overview: Nero Wolfe agrees to investigate a series of murders that seem to be tied in with a past Harvard hazing prank that went awry.
Genres: Mystery Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1937-05-25
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