Betty Compson was an American actress and film producer born on March 19, 1897 in Beaver, Utah, and died on April 18, 1974 in Hollywood, California. She began her career in the silent film era and appeared in over 180 films between 1913 and 1951. She is best known for her performances in silent films such as “The Docks of New York” (1928) and “The Barker” (1928). Compson also produced several films and was one of the first women to have a successful career as a film producer in Hollywood.
Acting Career
Betty Compson began her acting career in 1913, at the age of 16, with the film “The Pit.” She appeared in a number of silent films during the 1910s and 1920s, and quickly established herself as a leading lady in Hollywood. Compson’s performances in films such as “The Docks of New York” (1928) and “The Barker” (1928) were critically acclaimed and helped to establish her as a prominent actress of the silent film era.
In the early 1930s, Compson transitioned to sound films, and appeared in several movies such as “The Big House” (1930) and “The Secret Six” (1931) which were successful both commercially and critically. She also appeared in several musicals and comedies during this time, including “The Half Naked Truth” (1932) and “King of Burlesque” (1936).
Compson’s acting career began to decline in the 1940s, and she appeared in fewer films during this decade. However, she did have a minor role in the film noir classic “The Big Sleep” (1946) which starred Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Her last film credit was 1951 in “The Great Missouri Raid.”
Production Career
Betty Compson was not only an accomplished actress, but also a successful film producer. She began producing films in the late 1920s and was one of the first women to have a successful career as a producer in Hollywood.
Compson’s first film as a producer was “The Docks of New York” (1928), which she also starred in. The film was a commercial and critical success and helped to establish Compson as a talented producer as well as actress. She went on to produce several more films in the 1920s and 1930s, including “The Barker” (1928) and “The Half Naked Truth” (1932).
During her production career, Compson focused on producing films that highlighted the talents of female performers, and she was known for giving women in the film industry opportunities to showcase their skills. She also produced several films that were directed by women, which was unusual for the time.
Compson’s production career declined in the 1940s, as she focused more on her acting career. However, she did produce a few films during this decade, including “The Great Missouri Raid” (1951) which was her last film as a producer.
Throughout her career as a producer, Compson was known for her ability to identify and develop talented performers, and her dedication to giving women in the film industry opportunities to showcase their skills. Her legacy as a pioneering female producer in Hollywood continues to be remembered today.
Personal Life
Betty Compson had a tumultuous personal life. She was married and divorced three times, and had several relationships throughout her life.
Compson’s first marriage was to film director James Cruze in 1917, but the couple divorced in 1923. She then married film producer Paul Schofield in 1927, but the couple divorced in 1929. Her third and final marriage was to film producer Edward F. Finney in 1932, but the couple divorced in 1935.
Compson had several high-profile relationships throughout her life, including with actor John Gilbert and director King Vidor. She was also known for her close friendships with many of her co-stars and colleagues in the film industry.
Compson also struggled with alcoholism throughout her life, and it is believed that this contributed to the decline of her career in the 1940s. She was also known for her eccentric behavior, and she had a reputation for being difficult to work with.
Compson passed away on April 18, 1974, in Hollywood, California, due to a heart attack. Despite her personal struggles, she is remembered as a talented actress and a pioneering figure in Hollywood.
