thefilmarchive.org DVD: www.amazon.com December 12, 1962 The Clampett clan takes great offense when Sonny Drysdale jilts Elly May, and they start a feud with the Drysdales to avenge their kinfolk's honor. Donna Douglas (born September 26, 1933) is an American actress best known for her role as Elly May Clampett, in the long-running television series The Beverly Hillbillies. Born as Doris Smith in Pride, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, she was the only daughter of Emmett Ratcliff Smith Sr. (1907--1988) and his wife, the former Elma Robinson (1910--2003). Douglas attended St. Gerard High School, and after high school she married, had a son, divorced, and won some beauty contests, all within the span of a few years. She was awarded the titles "Miss Baton Rouge" and, in 1957, was "Miss New Orleans." Douglas moved to New York to pursue a career in entertainment and started out as a model for toothpaste ads. She was featured as the "Letters Girl" on The Perry Como Show in 1957! , and as the "Billboard Girl" on The Steve Allen Show in 1959. These and other TV appearances led New York photographers and newspaper reporters to award her the "Miss By-line" crown, which she wore on The Ed Sullivan Show. Producer Hal Wallis saw the Sullivan episode and cast her in the role of Marjorie Burke in the movie drama Career (1959) starring Anthony Franciosa, Dean Martin and Shirley MacLaine. This was followed by a bit part in the musical comedy Li'l Abner (1959) and the role of a secretary ...
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