Unfairly forgotten

Curious, strange, alluring and notably talented actor.

Spain did some remarkable, powerful, and lovely work in her relatively long career.

I first discovered her in an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents - "The Last Dark Step." She
is SO damn good as a sociopathic TV writer....an offering that is way ahead of its time.
Check her out a year later in another Hitchcock show, "The Cuckoo Clock." Totally different
character (a neurotic painter).

Apparently, Spain was offered a scholarship at age 16, but turned it down to face New York
and become an actor. She was turned down left and right, yet she persevered and broke
her way into New York theatre, and then TV roles.

She nearly became a film name when she co-starred in two major film releases in '58 and '59 - "God's Little Acre" (as 'Darlin Jill') and with Rod Steiger in "Al Capone" (again, two
truly diverse characters).

Unfortunately, Spain got typecast and was often seen in truly grade B (and Z) movies. But
her TV work shines.

Although Spain worked well into the 1970's, her last notable performance is in a 1968
episode of "Gomer Pyle." She is playing a truly cliché role - a stripper with a heart of
gold. But she is so truthful and subtle, that the end result is something fresh and moving.
And she plays off of Jim Nabors so beautifully.

Hey, classic film/TV fans, give her a whirl. Spain was really something special.