Margaret Lindsay: The Prolific Actress of Hollywood's Golden Age
A Standout Career in Film
Margaret Lindsay, born Margaret Kies, was an American film actress who left an indelible mark on Hollywood's Golden Age. With a career spanning over three decades, she was noted for her supporting roles in successful films of the 1930s and 1940s, as well as her leading roles in lower-budgeted B movies.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on September 19, 1910, in Dubuque, Iowa, Lindsay was the eldest of six children to a pharmacist father. After graduating from Visitation Academy in Dubuque in 1930, she moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in acting. It was during this time that she adopted the stage name Margaret Lindsay, complete with a convincing English accent, which often led to her being mistaken as a British actress.
Rise to Fame in the 1930s
Lindsay's big break came when she impressed Universal Studios enough to sign her for their 1932 version of
The Old Dark House. Although she was eventually replaced by
Gloria Stuart in the film, she went on to land minor roles in Pre-Code films such as
Christopher Strong and the groundbreaking
Baby Face, which starred
Barbara Stanwyck. Her role in the Fox Film Corporation's award-winning
Cavalcade further solidified her position in Hollywood.
Notable Film Roles and Collaborations
Lindsay is perhaps best known for her supporting roles in successful films of the 1930s and 1940s, including
Jezebel (1938) and
Scarlet Street (1945). Her collaborations with
Bette Davis are particularly notable, with the two actresses appearing together in four Warner Bros. films. Critics regard her portrayal of
Nathaniel Hawthorne's Hepzibah Pyncheon in the 1940 film
The House of the Seven Gables as Lindsay's standout career role.
Leading Lady of B Movies
In addition to her supporting roles in major films, Lindsay also enjoyed a successful career as a leading lady in lower-budgeted B movies. Her starring roles in the Ellery Queen series at Columbia in the early 1940s are a testament to her versatility as an actress.
Personal Life and Legacy
Lindsay's personal life was marked by a sense of adventure and a strong sense of self. According to Tom Longden of the Des Moines Register, she was a tomboy who loved to climb pear trees and was a "rollerskating fiend." After her father's death in 1930, Lindsay went on to live a fulfilling life, passing away on May 9, 1981.
- Baby Face (1933)
- Jezebel (1938)
- The House of the Seven Gables (1940)
- Scarlet Street (1945)
These films showcase Lindsay's range and talent as an actress, and her contributions to Hollywood's Golden Age continue to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers.
FAQ
What was Margaret Lindsays most famous role?
Margaret Lindsays most famous role was as the female lead in the 1935 film Frisco Kid, opposite James Cagney.
When did Margaret Lindsay start her acting career?
Margaret Lindsay started her acting career in the 1920s, initially on stage and later in film.
What kind of roles did Margaret Lindsay typically play?
Margaret Lindsay typically played strong, independent women, often in dramatic or romantic roles.
What was Margaret Lindsays relationship with Bette Davis?
Margaret Lindsay was a close friend and confidante of Bette Davis, and the two actresses often socialized and supported each others careers.
What was Margaret Lindsays legacy in Hollywood?
Margaret Lindsays legacy in Hollywood is as a talented and versatile actress who was beloved by audiences and respected by her peers.
