Canadian-born actor David Manners never became a major star, despite appearing in the seminal Dracula (1931) and opposite Katharine Hepburn in A Bill of Divorcement (1932). I'd never heard of him until he was featured on Brian's Drive-In Theater, which is really a fathoms-deep archive of all things fascinating and fabulous. Looking at these photos, one can only wonder how he didn't become a matinee idol on the level of Fredric March or, at least, Franchot Tone.
Mr. Manners (1900-1998) continued acting onstage after his film career ended in the mid-1930's, and then turned to other creative pursuits. Although he lived with his friend Bill Mercer for many years, David remained a lifelong bachelor, and left no surviviors upon his passing. A fan and friend runs a lovely website devoted to this elegant, unsung leading man.
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