Carole Landis

Carole Landis was an American actress best known for her roles in One Million B.C., I Wake Up Screaming, and The Powers Girl. Born Frances Lillian Mary Ridste on January 1, 1919, in Fairchild, Wisconsin, she became a notable star in Hollywood during her short career.

Personal and Family Life

Carole Landis grew up in a challenging environment after her father left the family when she was young. She faced difficulties early in life, marrying multiple times, with her first marriage occurring when she was just 15 years old. After several short marriages and career struggles, she eventually found herself in Hollywood pursuing her acting dreams.

Career Struggles

Landis began her career working as a dancer and singer in California before signing a contract with Warner Brothers. Initially, she played many minor roles in films and struggled to land significant parts despite her talent. Though she gained some attention for her part in One Million B.C., her career faced many ups and downs, and she often felt overshadowed by well-established stars of the era.

Death and Legacy

Carole Landis died on July 5, 1948, at the young age of 29 from an overdose of Seconal, marking a tragic end to her life and career. During her time in Hollywood, she appeared in 49 films, but many were not well remembered. Her potential as a star was often overlooked, and her legacy remains a poignant reminder of the pressures faced by actors during that era.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
One Million B.C. 1940-04-05 Loana
I Wake Up Screaming 1941-10-31 Vicky Lynn
A Star Is Born 1937-04-27 Girl in Beret at Santa Anita Bar (uncredited)
Wintertime 1943-09-17 Flossie Fouchere
Behind Green Lights 1946-02-15 Janet Bradley
Orchestra Wives 1942-09-04 Natalie Mercer
Moon Over Miami 1941-07-04 Barbara Latimer, aka Miss Sears
Broadway Melody of 1938 1937-08-20 Chorus Girl (uncredited)
Hollywood Hotel 1938-01-15 Hat Check Girl with Coat (uncredited)
Topper Returns 1941-03-21 Ann Carrington
Noose 1948-09-28 Linda Medbury
Secret Command 1944-07-30 Jill McCann
It Happened in Flatbush 1942-05-28 Kathryn Baker
Four Jills in a Jeep 1944-03-17 Carole Landis
Three Texas Steers 1939-05-12 Nancy Evans
My Gal Sal 1942-04-30 Mae Collins
A Gentleman at Heart 1942-01-16 Helen Mason
Turnabout 1940-05-17 Sally Willows
Gold Diggers in Paris 1938-06-11 Golddigger
Road Show 1941-02-18 Penguin Moore
A Scandal in Paris 1946-07-19 Loretta de Richet
Blondes at Work 1938-02-05 Carol
Varsity Show 1937-09-04 Student (uncredited)
Having Wonderful Crime 1945-04-12 Helene Justus
Brass Monkey 1948-12-01 Kay Sheldon
Mystery Sea Raider 1940-10-26 June McCarthy
Daredevils of the Red Circle 1939-06-10 Blanche Granville
Cowboys from Texas 1939-11-29 June Jones
Dance Hall 1941-07-18 Lili Brown
It Shouldn’t Happen to a Dog 1946-07-01 Julia Andrews
Manila Calling 1942-10-16 Edna Fraser
The Powers Girl 1943-01-15 Kay Evans
When Were You Born 1938-06-18 Ship Passenger (uncredited)
The Patient in Room 18 1938-01-08 Woman on Stairs (uncredited)
The Invisible Menace 1938-01-11 Woman Wanting to Go with Her Johnnie
Boy Meets Girl 1938-08-27 Commissary Cashier
Out of the Blue 1947-04-21 Mae Earthleigh
Girls on Probation 1938-10-22 Extra
Reno 1939-12-01 Mrs. Humphrey
She Loved a Fireman 1937-