Mary Wickes

Emma Allen was the receptionist, housekeeper, and busy-body resident of The Columbia Inn, the one who reminded General Waverly that during the war, "It took 15,000 men to take my place." She was played by Mary Wickes, an instantly recognizable supporting actress whose comic roles typically included wisecrack remarks that allowed her to steal the scene. Her quips were often the most memorable lines of the movies she was in. She had a strong presence that was aided by her height; at 5’10”, she was taller than many leading men in films.

Mary was born June 13, 1910, in St. Louis, MO. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 1930 with a double major in English literature and political science. She intended to study law, but a favorite teacher steered her toward acting. She appeared on Broadway beginning in 1934. Her film break-out year was 1942, with roles in The Man Who Came To Dinner and Now, Voyager. She was still making a splash in 1992 and 1993 in Sister Act and Sister Act 2. In between, she made about 50 movies, including 1954’s White Christmas, where she kissed both Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby! She also guest-starred in many TV shows from the 1950s into the 1990s.