Biografía

One of the few women in Hollywood to act as a producer and director in the 1930s, albeit at smaller studios.

Daughter of Alice Davenport and Harry Davenport. Sister of Ann Davenport (1892-1968) and Kate Davenport (1896-1954); half-sister of Arthur Rankin (1900-47).

Children: Betty and Wallace Reid Jr.

Aunt of Dirk Wayne Summers and Arthur Rankin Jr..

As Mrs. Wallace Reid, Davenport produced The Red Kimona in 1925. The story was based on the true story of Gabrielle Darley, but Davenport did not secure her permission to film the events in her life. When Darley, who had moved on to marry and become an upstanding member of her community, found out that a film of her life had been made without her consent, she sued Davenport and won. The court in Melvin v. Reid, 112 Cal.App. 285, 297 (1931) stated, "any person living a life of rectitude has that right to happiness which includes a freedom from unnecessary attacks on his character, social standing or reputation." The case is still cited today as a "right to be forgotten case.".