Jean Rogers; Acted in ‘Flash Gordon’ Movie Serial

Jean Rogers, the wholesome beauty who appeared in dozens of low-budget films and serials, particularly as the wide-eyed space heroine enamored of Flash Gordon, died Sunday.

Miss Rogers, who portrayed Dale Arden in the science-fiction adventure epics of the late 1930s, was 74 and died Sunday in Sherman Oaks Community Hospital after surgery.

Born Eleanor Lovegren in Belmont, Mass., she came to Hollywood after winning a high school beauty contest and made her first picture, “Eight Girls in a Boat” in 1934. Two years later she made “Flash Gordon,” appearing opposite Buster Crabbe. She also was featured in two other popular serials of the day, “The Adventures of Frank Merriwell” and “Ace Drummond.”

Her feature film credits included “My Man Godfrey,” “Mysterious Crossing,” “The Man Who Wouldn’t Talk,” “Viva Cisco Kid,” “Charlie Chan in Panama,” “Brigham Young--Frontiersman,” “Design for Scandal,” “Dr. Kildare’s Victory,” “Speed to Spare” and her last, “The Second Woman” in 1951.

Raymond Barry, a longtime friend, said Miss Rogers was retired.