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Born Helene Lilian Muriel Pape in England, Lilian Harvey and her parents moved to Berlin when she was eight years old. She spent the bulk of WW I in Switzerland and following the war returned to Germany to study ballet. Harvey made her film debut in 1925. She found the greatest success in screen operettas and in this genre was one of the most popular actresses in Europe. She was often cast opposite Willy Fritsch and they remained popular through the early '30s. Film highlights include such musicals as Die Drei von der Tankstelle and the Congress Dances. Harvey moved to Hollywood in 1933, and though she starred in a few films, was unable to make it. During WW II, Harvey began working as a nurse in Los Angeles; following the war she retired to the French Riviera until the 1960s when she appeared on the German Stage.