Pamela Mason

Pamela Mason

Actor

Active: 1961

About Pamela Mason

Pamela Mason was an American actress who had a brief career in Hollywood during the early 1960s. She is primarily known for her appearance in the 1961 crime thriller 'Five Minutes to Live,' which starred Johnny Cash in one of his early film roles. Her character in the film was part of a tense hostage situation that formed the central plot of this low-budget but memorable exploitation film. Unfortunately, detailed information about her career trajectory, training, or other potential film work remains scarce in historical records. Her appearance in 'Five Minutes to Live' appears to be her only credited film role, suggesting she may have been a brief participant in the Hollywood system rather than a long-term career actress. The film itself has gained cult status over the years, though Mason herself did not appear to pursue a sustained acting career beyond this single performance.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in 'Five Minutes to Live' (1961) alongside Johnny Cash

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Role in 'Five Minutes to Live' (1961)

Must-See Films

  • Five Minutes to Live (1961)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Pamela Mason's cultural impact is primarily tied to her participation in 'Five Minutes to Live,' a film that has since gained cult status among fans of exploitation cinema and Johnny Cash enthusiasts. While her individual contribution to cinema history appears minimal due to her brief career, the film itself represents an interesting example of early 1960s low-budget filmmaking and the crossover appeal of music stars into film during this period. The movie has been preserved and discussed in film circles as a notable example of its genre, though Mason herself did not continue in the industry to build upon this initial appearance.

Lasting Legacy

Pamela Mason's legacy in film history is limited but notable as a participant in a cult classic film. Her appearance in 'Five Minutes to Live' ensures she remains part of the historical record of early 1960s American cinema, particularly in the exploitation film genre. While she did not achieve lasting fame or continue in the entertainment industry, her contribution to this specific film has been preserved through the movie's enduring popularity among cult film enthusiasts and historians of Johnny Cash's career.

Who They Inspired

Due to her brief film career, there is no documented evidence of Pamela Mason influencing other actors or filmmakers. Her single appearance in 'Five Minutes to Live' does not appear to have led to mentorship relationships or significant industry influence beyond her participation in this one production.

Off Screen

Very little information is available about Pamela Mason's personal life, as she appears to have had only a brief appearance in the film industry with no subsequent public profile or detailed biographical records.

Did You Know?

  • 'Five Minutes to Live' was also released under the alternative title 'Door-to-Door Maniac'
  • The film featured music star Johnny Cash in one of his early leading film roles
  • Pamela Mason's character was involved in the film's central hostage scenario
  • The movie has gained cult status despite its low budget and limited initial release
  • The film was directed by Bill Karn, who worked primarily in television
  • Pamela Mason appears to have no other credited film roles beyond this 1961 production
  • The film was later featured on episodes of Mystery Science Theater 3000, increasing its cult following

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Pamela Mason?

Pamela Mason was an American actress who appeared in only one known film, the 1961 crime thriller 'Five Minutes to Live.' Her career appears to have been extremely brief, with this single role representing her entire documented filmography.

What films is Pamela Mason best known for?

Pamela Mason is known exclusively for her role in 'Five Minutes to Live' (1961), a crime film that also starred Johnny Cash and Vic Tayback. This appears to be her only credited film performance.

When was Pamela Mason born and when did she die?

Specific birth and death dates for Pamela Mason are not available in public records, reflecting the limited information about her personal life and brief career in entertainment.

What awards did Pamela Mason win?

There are no records of Pamela Mason receiving any major awards or nominations for her work in film, consistent with her brief appearance in the industry with only one credited role.

What was Pamela Mason's acting style?

Due to the limited documentation of her work and only one known film appearance, there is insufficient information to describe Pamela Mason's specific acting style or technique in detail.

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Films

1 film