Wera Engels was an American actress who is best known for The Ringer, Le parfum de la dame en noir, and Hong Kong Nights. Born on May 12, 1909, in Kiel, Germany, she became a notable leading lady during the 1930s and passed away on November 16, 1988, in Munich, Germany.
Personal and Family Life
Wera Engels was the daughter of an Admiral who served as the Governor of the German-controlled Chinese colony of Tsing-tau. In 1941, she married Lithuanian-born actor Ivan Lebedeff, but their marriage ended with his death in 1953. Engels had a close friendship with silent film star Mary Pickford and later lived with Erna Hoffmann in Munich.
Career
Engels began her career in the 1920s and was seen as a cheaper alternative to famous actresses like Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich. After returning to Germany in 1935, she briefly acted in Hollywood before moving back to Europe, where she continued her career until the decline of the German film industry due to the rise of Nazi propaganda.
Death and Legacy
Wera Engels died on November 16, 1988, in Munich, Germany, leaving behind a legacy as a significant figure in the European film industry of the 1930s. Her contributions to cinema are remembered, especially in the context of the changing film landscape during her career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Le Parfum de la dame en noir | 1931-11-06 | Edith Rance |
| Hong Kong Nights | 1935-12-23 | Trina Vidor |
| Sweepstake Annie | 1935-01-29 | Baroness Yvonne Baritska |
| Fugitive Road | 1934-08-22 | Sonya Valinoff |
| Man spricht über Jacqueline | 1937-04-15 | Jacqueline Topelius |
| The Great Jasper | 1933-03-03 | Norma McGowd |
| Kinder des Glücks | 1931-12-06 | |
| Das Spreewaldmädel | 1928-04-18 | |
| Mädchenhandel – Eine internationale Gefahr | 1927-01-07 | Irene Wendtland |
| Lützows wilde verwegene Jagd | 1927-02-21 | |
| Stjenka Rasin | 1936-05-01 | Prinzessin Dolgoruki |
| The Great Impersonation | 1935-12-08 | Princess Stephanie Elderstrom |
| Der Greifer | 1930-09-10 | Mabel |
| Hast Du geliebt am schönen Rhein? | 1927-11-07 | Ellen Shiffer |
| Befehl zur Ehe | 1928-10-13 | |
| Together We Live | 1935-08-16 | Sonia |
| L’anglais tel qu’on le parle | 1931-06-12 | |
| Mädchenhandel | 1927-01-01 | Irene Wendtland |