One-Time Queen of Sennett Beauties

Victim of Heart Attack in Modest Home

Originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times, January 24, 1937

Marie Prevost, 38 years of age, once reigning queen of the Sennett bathing beauties, was found dead yesterday in her modest single apartment at 6230 Afton Place, Hollywood. Apparently dead two days, her body was found clothed and face down on a folding bed.

Whining at the bedside was her pet dachshund, Maxie, and teeth marks on the actress' body indicated animal had tugged at his mistress in an attempt to arouse her.

GAS HEATER BURNING

In the tiny kitchen two gas heaters were burning under an open window. Several empty whisky bottles lay in the sink.

Although Detective Lieutenants Stambler and Sanderson declared death undoubtedly was caused by a heart attack, the body was taken to the morgue and an autopsy will be performed,

The apartment was disarranged but there was no indication of violence or foul play, officers reported.

FOUND BY HOUSEBOY

Alarmed over absence of activity about the Prevost suite, Mrs. Henrietta Jenks, manager of the apartment, sent William Bogle, houseboy, to investigate. He opened the apartment with a passkey and found the brown-haired actress dead on the bed. She had drawn a robe over her, apparently as one would do before taking a nap. Her shoes and stockings had been removed.

Police were notified by Harry Jenks, the manager’s husband.

Bogle, who lives at 2124 Hooper Avenue, said he last saw Marie Prevost alive last Wednesday when he cleaned the apartment.

VISIT TO A STORE

On the same day she visited a nearby delicatessen and talked with Bernard Weiss, 18, living at 849 Mansfield Avenue. Bernard said Miss Prevost redeemed a $2.50 check which had been returned by the bank and said she had been in Laguna Beach for two months.

At one time the former star was a dog fancier and her apartment was filled with blue ribbons and pictures of her prize-winning animals.

Attached to the actress’ apartment door was penciled note: "Please do not knock on the door more than once. It makes my dog bark. If I am in I will hear you as I am not deaf.”

Residents of the apartment building believe the note was written to ward off bill collectors, many of whom called during the three months Miss Prevost had made her home there.

At the time of her death the comedienne was attempting a screen come-back and had been fortunate in obtaining bit assignments in several pictures.

PURSE CONTAINS $100

She was heavily in debt, it was reported, but at the time her body was found her purse contained $100 and her rent was in advance.

That she had been befriended by those who worked with her in the Sennett comedies was indicated by a promissory note found on her dressing table showing that Joan Crawford had lent her money to tide her over a difficult period.

[Thanks to Norman for this article.]