Elaine Hammerstein 1896 – 1948

Biography

Actress.  The daughter of noted theatrical producer Arthur Hammerstein and granddaughter of  Oscar Hammerstein,  she seemed destined for a show business career.  After graduating from Bryn Mawr College in 1913 she appeared in two Broadway shows,  “High Jinks” (1913) and “The Trap” (1915),  before making her screen debut in “The Moonstone” (1915).  Her famous name helped get her top billing but she seldom rose above playing decorative heroines in melodramas for such lower-echelon studios as Columbia,  Lewis J. Selznick,  and FBO.  Hammerstein’s 44 films include “Her Man” (1918),  “The Pleasure Seekers” (1920),  “Rupert of Hentzau” (1923),  “The Foolish Virgin” (1924),  “The Midnight Express” (1924),  and “Parisian Nights” (1925).  In 1926 she retired to marry an insurance executive.  The couple died in an auto accident near La Goria,  Mexico,  while returning from a vacation.  Hammerstein’s first husband was director  Alan Crosland. (bio by: Bobb Edwards)  Family links:  Parents:  Arthur Hammerstein (1873 – 1955)  Spouse:  Alan Crosland (1894 – 1936)* *Calculated relationship