Dudley Manlove

In the golden age of radio, few personalities captured the essence of broadcasting quite like Dudley Devere Manlove. A versatile performer whose career spanned radio, film, and television, Manlove became a distinctive voice that resonated through the airwaves of mid-20th-century California. From child performer to radio announcer, his journey epitomized the dynamic world of entertainment during a transformative era in American media.

Early Beginnings in Performance

Dudley Manlove's artistic journey began remarkably early. In 1921, at just six years old, he was already a seasoned stage performer and had secured a contract with the Stewart Motion Picture Company. This precocious start was supported by local performance groups, including a juvenile performers' program that recognized his budding talent. The young Manlove showed an innate ability to captivate audiences, a skill that would define his entire career.

The Radio Years

Radio became Manlove's primary medium, where his voice truly shone. Working at radio stations in Oakland and San Francisco, he became a familiar presence to listeners across California. He was a key member of the Eight o'Clock Players and Faucit Theater of the Air, demonstrating his versatility as a performer. His most notable radio role was as an announcer for Candy Matson, a popular radio show that showcased his announcing prowess. Manlove's voice was more than just a tool—it was his trademark. Broadcasters and critics recognized his unique vocal qualities, which made him stand out in the competitive world of radio announcing. His morning program, The Musical Clock, on San Francisco radio further cemented his reputation as a charismatic broadcaster.

Transition to Screen and Stage

While radio remained his primary domain, Manlove successfully branched into other media. He appeared in several television shows, including Dragnet, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and State Trooper. However, his most memorable film role came in Ed Wood's cult classic Plan 9 from Outer Space, where he played the alien Eros. Critics like Josiah Teal described his performance as "over the top," which has since become part of the film's legendary status.

Personal Life and Legacy

Manlove's personal life was as dynamic as his professional career. He was married twice—first to Ora from 1940 to 1945, and then to singer Patricia Prichard from 1947 to 1954. Despite the challenges of the entertainment industry, he maintained a consistent presence in various media formats. Tragically, Manlove passed away on April 17, 1996, in San Bernardino, California, at the age of 81. The cause was cirrhosis of the liver. While he might not have been a household name, his contributions to radio, television, and film represent a fascinating slice of mid-20th-century entertainment history.

Works and Appearances

Radio

• Candy Matson (1949) - Announcer
• The Musical Clock - Morning Program Host
• Eight o'Clock Players - Performer
• Faucit Theater of the Air - Performer

Television

• Dragnet (1957-1959) - 2 episodes
• State Trooper (1957) - Prosecuting Attorney
• Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1958, 1960) - Multiple episodes

Film

• Plan 9 from Outer Space (1957) - Eros
• Final Curtain (1957) - Narrator
• Ten North Frederick (1958) - Ted Wallace (Uncredited)
• The Creation of the Humanoids (1962) - Lagan

Dudley Manlove's career exemplifies the versatility and dynamism of mid-20th-century performers, bridging the worlds of radio, television, and film with remarkable ease and distinctive style.