h3 { margin-top: 18pt; /* Adds 18 points of space above H3 headings */ }
26 July 2025

Dorothy Lamour: The Sarong-Clad Star of Old-Time Radio

Enjoys some shows

New Year's Eve (Sealtest Variety Theater) - 29th December 1948

Sidney Greenstreet (Sealtest Variety Theater) - 4th May 1949

Dorothy Lamour (Guest Star) - 14th August 1948

In the golden age of Hollywood, few stars shone as brightly as Dorothy Lamour. With her exotic beauty, captivating voice, and undeniable charisma, Lamour became a household name, captivating audiences across multiple mediums. While she is best remembered for her iconic "sarong" roles in the popular "Road" comedy films alongside Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, Lamour's talents extended far beyond the silver screen.

Lamour's journey to stardom began on the stages of New Orleans, where she honed her skills as a singer and performer. Her big break came when she was discovered by a local orchestra leader, leading to a successful radio career that would eventually propel her to the heights of Hollywood. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Lamour's versatility and star power made her a fixture on the airwaves, captivating listeners with her memorable characters and musical performances.

This article will explore the remarkable life and career of Dorothy Lamour, delving into her early beginnings, her rise to fame in radio and film, and her lasting impact on the entertainment industry.


From New Orleans to the Big Screen

Born Mary Leta Dorothy Slaton on December 10, 1914, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Lamour's early life was marked by hardship and resilience. Raised in poverty by her single mother, Lamour often relied on the kindness of her community to get by. One of her most cherished childhood memories was when the owner of a local grocery store gifted her a football, after she had hoped to find a doll in stock. This act of generosity would leave a lasting impression on the young Lamour, shaping her outlook on life and her appreciation for the support of others.

Lamour's path to stardom began when she started entering local beauty pageants, eventually being crowned Miss New Orleans in 1931. This victory led her to compete in the Pageant of Pulchritude in Galveston, Texas, where she caught the eye of a local stock theatre company. Lamour used the prize money from her pageant wins to support herself and her mother as they moved to Chicago, where she found work as an elevator operator at a department store.

It was in Chicago that Lamour's big break came. While performing at a local talent show, she was discovered by orchestra leader Herbie Kay, who hired her as a singer for his band. Lamour's work with Kay's orchestra eventually led her to radio, where she landed her own 15-minute weekly musical program on WGN in 1935. Her captivating vocals and stage presence soon caught the attention of Hollywood, and in 1936, Lamour made the move to Los Angeles, signing a contract with Paramount Pictures.


Sarongs and Stardom: Lamour's Rise to Fame

Lamour's first film for Paramount, The Jungle Princess (1936), marked the beginning of her iconic "sarong" persona. In the film, she played the role of "Ulah," a jungle native who wore a revealing sarong costume throughout the movie. The film was a massive hit, and Lamour's exotic beauty and alluring screen presence made her an instant star.

Lamour's success in The Jungle Princess led to a string of similar "sarong" roles, cementing her image as the "Sarong Queen" of Hollywood. She appeared in a series of popular films, including Swing High, Swing Low (1937), The Hurricane (1937), and Typhoon (1940), all of which featured her in her signature sarong attire.

However, Lamour's talents extended far beyond her iconic costume. She proved her versatility as an actress, taking on a variety of roles that showcased her dramatic range, from the Mexican-American Lolita Sierra in A Medal for Benny (1945) to the Chinese-American Manuela in Tropic Holiday (1938). Lamour's ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic parts, often within the same film, earned her the respect of both audiences and critics.

Lamour's rise to stardom was further cemented by her collaborations with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope in the popular "Road" comedy film series. Beginning with Road to Singapore (1940), Lamour appeared in a total of six "Road" films, playing the female lead opposite the two legendary comedians. Her chemistry with Crosby and Hope, as well as her willingness to poke fun at her own "sarong" image, made her an integral part of the series' enduring success.


The Voice of Radio: Lamour's Captivating 

Performances

While Lamour's film career was reaching new heights, she was also making a name for herself on the radio. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Lamour was a regular presence on the airwaves, showcasing her versatility as a performer and her captivating vocal abilities.

One of Lamour's earliest radio roles was on the popular Damon Runyon Theater in 1955, where she played the character of Sally Bracken. This marked her television debut, but Lamour had already established herself as a radio star long before this.

In 1935, Lamour landed her own 15-minute weekly musical program on WGN in Chicago, where she had first been discovered by Herbie Kay. This early success led to Lamour becoming a regular on other popular radio shows, including The Kraft Music Hall and The Chase and Sanborn Hour, where she sang alongside the likes of Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy.

Lamour's radio work also included dramatic roles, such as her appearance in the 1944 episode of CBS Radio's Suspense titled "For This We Live." In this episode, Lamour played a woman caught in the crosshairs of a dangerous criminal plot, showcasing her ability to captivate listeners with her versatile acting skills.

Throughout her radio career, Lamour's distinctive voice and charismatic presence made her a beloved figure among listeners. Her musical performances, which often featured her signature songs like "The Moon of Manakoora" and "I Remember You," were particularly well-received, cementing her status as a multi-talented entertainer.


Diversifying Her Talents: Lamour's Transition to

Other Media

While Lamour's film and radio work brought her immense fame and success, she was not content to rest on her laurels. Throughout her career, she continually sought out new challenges and opportunities to showcase her talents.

In the 1950s, as her film career began to wane, Lamour turned her attention to the stage. She made her Broadway debut in 1958 with the musical Oh, Captain!, and later returned to the stage in the 1995 revue Swinging on a Star, which celebrated the music of Johnny Mercer, the composer of many of Lamour's hit songs.

Lamour also ventured into the world of television, making guest appearances on shows like I Spy, The Name of the Game, and Murder, She Wrote. Her versatility and enduring popularity made her a sought-after guest star, and she continued to captivate audiences with her charm and talent.

In addition to her work in film, radio, and television, Lamour also found success as an author. In 1980, she published her autobiography, My Side of the Road, which offered a candid and insightful look into her life and career.

Throughout her diverse career, Lamour remained a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry. Her willingness to take on new challenges and her ability to adapt to changing times and trends ensured that she remained a relevant and influential presence in the lives of her fans.


Legacy and Lasting Impact

Dorothy Lamour's impact on the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. As a versatile performer who excelled in film, radio, and stage, she left an indelible mark on the golden age of Hollywood and the golden age of radio.

Lamour's iconic "sarong" persona, which she embraced with both humor and grace, became a cultural touchstone, influencing fashion and popular culture for generations. Her collaborations with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope in the "Road" comedy films cemented her status as a beloved and irreplaceable part of those beloved classics.

Beyond her on-screen and on-air work, Lamour was also known for her tireless efforts to support the troops during World War II. She was a frequent performer at USO shows and a dedicated seller of war bonds, earning her the nickname "The Bond Bombshell." Lamour's commitment to serving her country and her fellow citizens was a testament to her character and her deep sense of civic duty.

Lamour's legacy as a trailblazing entertainer and a dedicated public servant has endured long after her passing in 1996. She is remembered not only for her captivating performances but also for her unwavering professionalism, her kindness, and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.

Today, Lamour's name and image continue to be celebrated and revered, with her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and her induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame serving as lasting tributes to her remarkable career. As a true icon of the golden age of entertainment, Dorothy Lamour's impact on the industry and on the hearts of her fans will continue to be felt for generations to come.


Works and Appearances

Radio

  • Damon Runyon Theater (1955) - Played the character of Sally Bracken
  • The Kraft Music Hall - Frequent guest performer
  • The Chase and Sanborn Hour - Sang alongside Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy
  • Suspense (1944) - Starred in the episode "For This We Live"
  • WGN (1935) - Hosted her own 15-minute weekly musical program


Film

  • The Jungle Princess (1936) - Played the role of "Ulah"
  • Swing High, Swing Low (1937) - Played the role of Anita Alvarez
  • The Hurricane (1937) - Played the role of Marama
  • Typhoon (1940) - Played the role of Dea
  • Road to Singapore (1940) - Played the role of Mima
  • Road to Zanzibar (1941) - Played the role of Donna Latour
  • Road to Morocco (1942) - Played the role of Princess Shalmar
  • Road to Utopia (1945) - Played the role of Sal Van Hoyden
  • Road to Bali (1952) - Played the role of Princess Lala


Television

  • I Spy (1967) - Played the character of Halima
  • The Name of the Game (1969) - Played the character of Stella Fisher
  • Love, American Style (1970) - Played the role of Holly's Mother
  • Marcus Welby, M.D. (1971) - Played the character of Mary DeSocio
  • The Love Boat (1980) - Played the character of Lil Braddock
  • Hart to Hart (1984) - Played the character of Katherine Prince
  • Remington Steele (1984) - Appeared as herself
  • Crazy like a Fox (1986) - Played the character of Rosie
  • Murder, She Wrote (1987) - Played the character of Mrs. Ellis


Theater

  • Oh, Captain! (1958) - Broadway debut
  • Swinging on a Star (1995) - Appeared in the revue celebrating the music of Johnny Mercer


Publications

  • My Side of the Road (1980) - Autobiography

© 2025 rusc.com