Written by: Michael Rodriguez

The Original "One-Take Sally": The Fascinating Life of Arline Judge

Arline Judge, nicknamed "One-Take Sally," was an American actress and singer who made a name for herself in the 1930s and 1940s with her impressive film career, memorable television appearances, and a string of seven husbands that kept the tabloids buzzing.

The Early Years: A Stage Presence

Born on February 21, 1912, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Arline Judge was the daughter of newspaperman John Judge and Margaret Ormond Judge. She attended St. Augustine's in Bridgeport and later New Rochelle College, where she discovered her passion for acting.

On the Silver Screen: A Career of Comedy and Dance

Judge's big break came when she met director Wesley Ruggles on a train, and he helped her secure her first film role. She went on to become a popular leading lady, starring in films like When Strangers Meet (1934) and working alongside top-notch directors like George White.

A Life of Love and Marriage (and Divorce)

Judge's personal life was often as dramatic as her on-screen roles. She married seven times, with her husbands including Wesley Ruggles, Dan Topping (president and part-owner of the New York Yankees), and Vincent Morgan Ryan, among others. Her whirlwind romances and subsequent divorces made headlines, earning her a reputation as a true Hollywood socialite.

Television Appearances: A Later Career

In the 1960s, Judge made several television appearances, including a memorable role as Emmalou Schneider in the Perry Mason episode "The Case of the Nautical Knot" (1964).

A Legacy of Love, Laughter, and Drama

Arline Judge's life was a true Hollywood fairy tale, full of romance, drama, and a dash of humor. Though she passed away on February 7, 1974, at the age of 61, her legacy lives on as a testament to the golden age of Hollywood and the power of a true Hollywood starlet.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• Judge's film career spanned over a decade, with her final film appearance in 1944.
• She had two sons, Wesley Ruggles Jr. and Dan Topping Jr., from her first two marriages.
• Judge was interred at Saint Michael's Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

A Lasting Impact on Pop Culture

Arline Judge's life may have been marked by its dramatic twists and turns, but it was also a testament to her enduring spirit and dedication to her craft. Today, she remains a beloved figure of old Hollywood, a true icon of the silver screen.