Michael Hodgson: Patricia Roc - The goddess of the Odeons

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Women loved her, men adored her, and for ten consecutive years from 1943 onwards, she was one of Britain's top box-office stars, packing cinemas worldwide in classic films such as Millions Like Us, Love Story, The Wicked Lady, The Brothers and Canyon Passage. In her hey-day, she was without doubt a phenomenon - actually rather modern in her style and ahead of her time - who, through her unpretentiousness and sincere approach, had the exceptional talent of making her audience believe in her whilst she was on the screen. Yet behind this ethereal screen image smouldered a passionate femme fatale. Men who came into contact with her couldn't help but fall in love with her, including America's future President, Ronald Reagan whom she helped get over a difficult period in his life. "I was seriously concerned that he might do something to himself if I didn't make him feel that somebody wanted him" explained Patricia Roc. Here, at last, is the complete and remarkable story of Patricia Roc's life.