Gloria Holden (September 5, 1908 in London, England - March 22, 1991 in Redlands, California) was a film actress of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s
Hollywood leading lady in B-movies, and supporting actress in big budget films. Although remembered for her portrayal of Mme. Zola in Life of Emile Zola, The (1937), she is most memorable for her chilling yet beauteous performance as Dracula's Daughter (1936). There, a young Nan Grey becomes victim of a vampiress' bite. But as interpreted by Holden in the title role, the vampiress neither attacks Grey outright, nor does she entirely mesmerize the young woman into submission. Rather, the victim is lovingly *seduced* into baring her ivory-skinned neck and shoulder for the blood-letting kiss. In witnessing the title character's predation not only against Grey but against female quarry exclusively, the viewing audience may well be transported vicariously unto the Isle of Lesbos.
