SHE mixed her beauty and personality with brains, and her name means
as much to the public today as in the earlier film period when Norma Talmadge
was the "rage."
Miss Talmadge was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., in 1897, and educated
in Brooklyn schools. She entered pictures at the age of 14 years without
previous experience, and has been upon the screen constantly ever since.
She first worked for Vitagraph, and then joined the Griffith forces at
Fine Arts, Los Angeles, where she began attracting public notice early.
She was starred in "The Crown Prince's Double," and followed with
a series of features. From Triangle, Miss Talmadge went to the original
Selznick company, but later formed her own producing concern, with Joseph
M. Schenck as its head.
Among the productions made for this combine were "De Luxe Annie,"
"The Forbidden City," "The Heart of Wetona," "The
Probation Wife," "The Way of a Woman," "The Isle of
Conquest" and "She Loves and Lies."
Her first starring production with First National was "A Daughter
of Two Worlds." At the expiration of a three-year starring contract
another was signed for the same period.
One of her most successful pictures under their banner was an adaptation
of that emotional Spanish drama, "The Passion Flower," which was
Nance O'Neill's stage vehicle several years ago, and "Smilin' Through,"
another stage success in which Jane Cowl starred.
But Miss Talmadge was not quite satisfied with the semi-costume pictures
she had appeared in. After months spent searching for a suitable story,
Baizac's "Duchess de Langlaise" was decided upon as a fitting
one for the versatile young star, with its background of pomp and magnificence,
its frivolities and heartaches. Therefore, she depicted the complex character
of that notable court beauty and coquette, the "Duchess de Langlaie."
The film was released as "The Eternal Flame." Miss Talmadge recently
completed "Within the Law," which Frank Lloyd directed.
Miss Talmadge is the sister of Constance and Natalie Talmadge of the
screen. Her husband is Joseph Schenck, manager of the Norma Talmadge Film
Corporation. |