Patricia Royale

Actor

Active: 1936

About Patricia Royale

Patricia Royale was an American actress who appeared briefly during the early sound era of Hollywood. Her only known film credit is in the 1936 exploitation film 'Tell Your Children,' which was later retitled and gained cult status as 'Reefer Madness.' Like many actors in low-budget productions of this era, she was likely a contract player or bit actress who did not achieve lasting fame. Her career appears to have been extremely brief, spanning only the single year of 1936. The limited nature of her filmography suggests she may have been an aspiring actress who did not secure further opportunities in the competitive Hollywood studio system. Her contribution to cinema history, while minor, is preserved through her appearance in what would become one of the most infamous exploitation films ever made.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in 'Tell Your Children' (1936), later retitled 'Reefer Madness'

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Minor role in 'Tell Your Children' (1936)

Must-See Films

  • Tell Your Children (1936)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Patricia Royale's cultural impact is primarily through her participation in 'Tell Your Children' (1936), a film that would later be rediscovered and celebrated as 'Reefer Madness.' While her role was minor, she became part of cinema history through association with this infamous exploitation film that gained cult status decades after its release. The film itself has been referenced, parodied, and celebrated in popular culture, making all its contributors, however minor, part of this unique cinematic legacy.

Lasting Legacy

Patricia Royale's legacy is that of a typical Hollywood bit player from the 1930s - an actress who appeared in one film that would unexpectedly achieve cultural significance decades later. Her story represents the thousands of aspiring actors who passed through Hollywood during the Golden Age but left only minimal traces in the historical record. Through 'Reefer Madness,' she remains a small but permanent part of American film history.

Who They Inspired

As a minor actress with only one known film credit, Patricia Royale had no documented influence on other actors or filmmakers. Her influence exists only through her participation in a film that would later become a cultural touchstone for exploitation cinema and drug education films.

Off Screen

Very little information is available about Patricia Royale's personal life, which is typical for minor bit actors from the 1930s who appeared in only one or two films and did not achieve star status.

Did You Know?

  • Her only known film appearance was in 'Tell Your Children' (1936)
  • The film she appeared in was later retitled 'Reefer Madness' and became a cult classic
  • Like many exploitation film actors, she was likely paid very little for her performance
  • Her role was uncredited in some releases of the film
  • She represents the typical Hollywood hopeful who appeared briefly in the 1930s without achieving stardom
  • No other biographical information about her has survived in film archives
  • She was part of the early sound era transition in Hollywood
  • The film she appeared in was initially presented as an educational film about marijuana dangers

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Patricia Royale?

Patricia Royale was an American actress who appeared briefly in 1936, known only for her role in the exploitation film 'Tell Your Children,' which later became famous as 'Reefer Madness.' She had no other known film credits and represents a typical bit player from Hollywood's Golden Age.

What film is Patricia Royale best known for?

Patricia Royale is known exclusively for her appearance in 'Tell Your Children' (1936), an exploitation film that was later retitled 'Reefer Madness' and gained cult status decades after its initial release.

When was Patricia Royale active in film?

Patricia Royale's film career appears to have been limited to the single year of 1936, with no other known film appearances before or after this date.

What was Patricia Royale's role in 'Reefer Madness'?

Patricia Royale played a minor role in the film, though specific details about her character are not well-documented. Like many actors in exploitation films, she was likely a bit player with limited screen time.

Why is there so little information about Patricia Royale?

The lack of information about Patricia Royale is typical for minor actors from the 1930s who appeared in only one or two films. Bit players and contract actors from this era often left minimal traces in historical records unless they achieved star status.

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Films

1 film