MGM films - Tom Whiteley's life in full. Survivor of the Titanic. Actor.on stage and film.

From 1931 to 1933 he plays small parts in MGM films. The contract shown states a salary of $100 a week while shooting Production # 651 (the title The Lady has been crossed out) in the role of Burte. $100 in 1933 is worth about $1600 in the 2007 equivalent Consumer Price Index. If that sounds generous for a small part, remember that actors, when not working, earn nothing.

For the purpose of getting parts in films he has five studio portraits taken.

We have no lists or evidence at home of which films he appeared in, except Merely Mary Ann. Perhaps it was the only talking part. Past research has revealed there may be another four films involving him.

Below is the first side of his contract for Production #651.

The second picture shows a still from Merely Mary Ann.

The third picture shows the reference letter he received from MGM films.

MGM CONTRACT MERELY MARY ANN - the two draymen? Reference Letter