Jane Darwell

Jane Darwell Profile Photo

Characters played by Jane Darwell

Bird Woman — Mary Poppins (1964)

Elderly woman who sells birdseed on the cathedral steps, symbolizing charity.

Mrs. Donahue — All Through the Night (1942)

Mrs. Donahue is Gloves Donahue's mother and the neighbor of the missing baker. Her suspicion that something sinister has happened prompts Gloves to investigate the bakery and discover the body. She later identifies Leda Hamilton as someone who may know more, helping drive the early investigation.

Ma Stone — All That Money Can Buy (1941)

The farmer's devout mother who becomes increasingly alienated as her son's newfound wealth and ruthless business practices corrupt his character.

Mrs. Denham — Curly Top (1935)

Mrs. Denham is the orphanage matron who sympathizes with Elizabeth but must report the girl's forbidden pet incident to Mrs. Higgins. She is also the person Edward Morgan tells about his plan to adopt Elizabeth, placing her close to the central family decision.

Sailor — The White Parade (1934)

Sailor is the head nurse at the hospital where June works. After Zita's suicide attempt raises questions about June's responsibility for the anesthesia keys, Sailor joins Dr. Thorne in advocating for June to remain enrolled. Their support helps persuade the school principal to let June continue and take her final examination.

Tugboat Annie — Captain Tugboat Annie (1945)

Famous tugboat captain hired by Alec Severn to command his fleet. She recruits a seasoned crew, adopts Terry Jordan, and navigates conflicts with her rival Bullwinkle. Despite sabotage and a hostile phase with Terry, she earns the crew's loyalty, survives a major fire, and successfully manages Susan's music career.

Aggie Curtis — The Red Stallion (1947)

Aggie is Joel’s grandmother and the owner of the ranch where they live. Her extensive debts threaten to force a sale of the property, prompting Joel to train Red and race him for money. After Red’s victory saves the ranch, Aggie suggests that Moresby make Joel a co-owner of the horse.

Aunt Mary Perkins — Inside Story (1939)

Farm caretaker posing as Barney's aunt in Inside Story, provides wholesome setting.

Mrs. Harold — Craig's Wife (1936)

Mrs. Harold is the housemaid in Harriet and Walter's home. After deciding to join Miss Austen on her travels, she tells Harriet that she is quitting without notice and leaves. Her departure is one of the household changes that leaves Harriet increasingly isolated.

Matron Jamieson — Girls in Prison (1956)

The outwardly tough matron is in charge of the women's prison where Anne is sent. The plot identifies her as the prison's authority when Anne arrives, but gives no further specific actions or direct relationship with Anne beyond overseeing the institution in which she is confined.

Mariah Clemm — The Loves of Edgar Allan Poe (1942)

Mariah Clemm, called Muddy in the story, takes Poe in at her home in Baltimore along with her daughter Virginia. She provides him with a domestic refuge and stability, and Poe later marries Virginia. Mariah subsequently lives with the couple in New York, where they face poverty and Virginia's illness.

Mrs. Ferris — Keeper of the Bees (1947)

The supervisor of the orphanage and Alice's mother, Mrs. Ferris becomes involved when rumors about Jamie and his estranged wife distress Alice. Little Scout exposes her by releasing a swarm of bees and forcing her to admit that she spread the rumors, making her actions a source of conflict between Jamie and Alice.

Career Overview

Jane Darwell has 172 screen credits in a career dating back to 1914. Their work spans 4 cinematic universes — most prominently The Great Gildersleeve Collection with 2 titles. Signature works include The Grapes of Wrath, Captain Tugboat Annie, The Battle of Midway. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
female
Known Credits
172
Birth Date
1879-10-15
Birth Place
Palmyra, Missouri, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 4 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q230159), public domain (CC0).