eteran Hollywood actress Ann during the audition. She said the Holly- take her from the stage to the silver screen. Blyth, the Oscar-nominated star wood icon’s willingness to do so made “a She made her Broadway debut in 1941 in V best remembered for her unfor- world of difference,” noting that performers Lillian Hellman’s Watch on the Rhine, a perfor- gettable performance in the 1945 classic of Crawford’s stature rarely participat- mance that opened the door to Hollywood and Mildred Pierce, has died at the age of 98. ed in screen tests with younger actors. earned her a contract with Universal …