Alan Ladd was an almost unknown Hollywood support actor for many years in films like Once In A Lifetime (Universal, 1933) and Souls At Sea (Paramount 1937).

Born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and standing only 5ft5in tall, boxes were strategically placed around the studio floor to accommodate his lack of height.

Alan owed much of his rise to stardom to his second wife Sue Carol, an agent and ex-actress.

His three films with Veronica Lake made him famous - This Gun For Hire (Paramount, 1942), The Glass Key (Paramount, 1942) and Blue Dahlia (Paramount, 1946).

Of course, he will be remembered for ever more as Shane in the film of the same name, made in 1953.

While talking to gossip columnist Walter Winchell, Alan said: "I have the face of an ageing choirboy and the build of an under-nourished featherweight, if you can figure out my success you're a better man than I am."

He sadly committed suicide with alcohol and sleeping tablets.

Strangely his mother had killed herself in 1937.

Alan Ladd died in 1964, aged 51.

  • Gordon Dean, Lancing