Written by: Jack Thompson

Marguerite De La Motte: The Silent Film Era's Darling

Marguerite De La Motte was an American film actress, most notably of the silent film era, known for her captivating performances opposite Douglas Fairbanks in swashbuckling adventure films such as The Mark of Zorro and The Three Musketeers. Her career spanned over two decades, with her most prominent work taking place in the 1920s.

Early Life and Training

Born on June 22, 1902, in Duluth, Minnesota, De La Motte was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph De La Motte. She graduated from the Egan School of drama, music, and dancing in 1917. De La Motte's early training in ballet under the tutelage of Anna Pavlova laid the foundation for her future success in the entertainment industry.

Break into Film and Rise to Fame

De La Motte made her screen debut in 1918 at the age of 16 in the Douglas Fairbanks-directed romantic comedy film Arizona. Her career took off in the 1920s, with Fairbanks casting her in leading roles opposite him in several films, including The Mark of Zorro and The Three Musketeers. This collaboration not only elevated her career but also fostered a close friendship with Fairbanks and his wife, actress Mary Pickford.

Personal Life and Later Years

De La Motte was married twice, first to silent film actor John Bowers in 1924, which ended with Bowers' suicide in 1936. She later married attorney Sidney H. Rivkin, but the marriage ended in divorce after four years. During World War II, De La Motte worked as an inspector in a southern California war plant. Her cousin, Clete Roberts, was an American war correspondent and journalist, who appeared in two episodes of the television series M*A*S*H in the 1970s.

Career Challenges and Legacy

As the silent film era came to an end, De La Motte's career slowed dramatically. She continued to act in bit parts through the sound era, making her final film appearance in Overland Mail in 1942. Despite the decline of her film career, De La Motte's legacy as a silent film actress remains, with her performances still captivating audiences today.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• De La Motte was a 1917 graduate of the Egan School of drama, music, and dancing.
• She was only 16 years old when she made her screen debut in Arizona.
• De La Motte's friendship with Douglas Fairbanks and his wife, Mary Pickford, was a significant contributor to her success in the film industry.