Originally starring under the name Helen Francell, she chose her official stage name as M'liss McClure in 1948 before featuring in primary roles in films such as the Father's Wild Game series and White Goddess.
[6] Starring in theatre performances at the Pasadena Playhouse for two years, she was noticed in 1948 by film producers and cast in productions including April Showers, For the Love of Mary, and Stage Struck.
[8] In order to get more major roles in films starting in November 1948, McClure hired a publicity agency that promoted the beauty of her eyes and her "almost telescopic vision".
While not obtaining a stage role in White Fury, she was accepted for a place in Telluride's Silver Belle in December of that year.
[10] McClure also made appearances at various company and organization shows as the guest of honor for publicity purposes, such as being crowned "Miss Air Fair" at the California Air Freight Fair in August 1950[11] and "Miss Heavenly Peach" at the "Hunt For Heavenly Peach" contest for Hunt Foods.