Marie Devereux

Last Updated - 10/25/10

Born: 1938 in Edmonton, London, England

Hammer film(s): I Only Asked ; The Strangers of Bombay ; The Brides of Dracula (1960) ; A Weekend With Lulu ; The Pirates of Blood River

Other notable roles: None

Born Patrica Sutcliffe, she was a prime example of how sometimes stunning looks can be nothing but a road block to a promising career.  Modeling at the age of 15 and taking her top off for some "saucy" magazine called Spick and Span at the age of 16 (yes that's not a typo), Patrica soon became a desirable asset as a model.  Eventually she was introduced to famed photographer George Harrison Marks by soon-to-be star actor Michael Caine.  Marks gave her the name Marie Devereux, she became one of his favorite nude models and quickly earned the nickname "Countess of Cleavage".  But Devereux pined for more in her career and wanted to become an actress although she'd quickly find out sometimes the movie business couldn't look past good looks.

Devereux's movie career was possibly more disappointing than some of Hammer's other beauties whose career was simply one starring role in a Hammer production.  While cast in five Hammer films Devereux was essentially part of the films decorative backdrop, hired for her stunningly beauty and large bust.  In most of her roles her part wasn't even credited, and her biggest claim to fame was that she doubled for Elizabeth Taylor in 1963's Cleopatra.  Aside from that Devereux's Hammer stint is usually remembered solely for the photos Hammer took for her for publicity and not the extremely minor roles she actually played in the films.

Hotness Rating: 9/10 
From the one Hammer film I've seen with her in and the handful of pictures I've been able to come across it's clear why she was a successful model.

Acting Rating: N/A

It simply wouldn't be fair to rate her ability because I don't believe she ever got the opportunity to act, at least not from what I've read and the one film I've seen.  When you're background eye candy there's not much talent needed.

Average Hammer Film Rating: 7/10 

The Brides of Dracula is a decent Hammer vampire film that would have really been something special if Dracula had actually been in it.  But it manages to succeed on the performance of Peter Cushing and a well executed production.  Devereux's main highlight in the film is when her character (whose a recently turned vampire) is coaxed out of her shallow grave.  Supposedly she had to spend three hours in very tight coffin for the scene.

Overall Rating

5.3