I had to look her up because at first glance I thought it was Rita Hayworth from her brief foray into blonde territory (the Lady from Shanghai) but it's Margaret Hayes aka Dana Dale who after retiring from acting went on to become the assistant fashion editor for Look Magazine.
Anyway, and I love the rabbit holes Mike's photos send me down, this is certainly not the only photograph I found of her that had a very strong 'Rita-esque' quality to it.
It's always fascinating to me when just lighting, angle, setting, etc. transforms someone's look so much.
I don't post very much and said nothing during the last party, but it was asked why we keep coming back here. This is one of my reasons. And a wonderful oft-repeated habit. Mike, you send me down marvelous rabbit-holes with your cover photos. People I barely remember, if at all. So it's not just Gene who's memory is being kept alive here.
I know you must put a lot of effort into finding these, especially the ones that are not the same old 'top stars'. I see it and truly appreciate it. Quite often it's the brightest spot of my day. Thank you
Great post ... I would love to know how you 'rabbit hole' to identify less known actors. TIA
Wikipeadia once I know a name. Read about the person and then look at/for more images of them. Follow the sites they are posted from, one thing leads to another rabbit hole and another and another.
I often have to use modifiers when I search. Like this lady. Margaret Hayes is a fairly common name although I found her name quickly. Then re-searched with actress (behind the name). Once I get some info it gets easier. Even her Dana Dale name got not much but put in Dana Dale model and bunches did.
I really do love learning about these entertainers that are mostly forgotten.
I have no knowledge about your computer skills, so forgive me if you already know how, but an image search is easy. Right-click on the image to bring up a menu, then click on 'search for this image using google lens'.
on August 8, 2026, 1:19 pm