Virginia Weidler
Encyclopedia
Virginia Weidler was an American child actress
, popular in Hollywood films during the 1930s and 1940s.
in 1926, Virginia Weidler made her first film appearance in 1933. Over the next few years, she was cast in minor roles for RKO and Paramount Pictures
. Neither studio made more extensive use of her and when Paramount did not extend her contract, she was signed by MGM
in 1938.
Her first film for MGM was with their leading male star Mickey Rooney
in Love Is a Headache (1938). The film was a success and Weidler was now cast in larger roles, most often as precocious tom-boys. She was one of the all-female cast of the 1939
film The Women
, as Norma Shearer's
daughter, a role that was uncharacteristically sentimental for her.
Her next major success was The Philadelphia Story (1940) in which she played Dinah Lord, the witty younger sister of Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn
). As a teenager she was less popular with audiences. After a string of box-office disappointments, her film career ended with the 1943
film Best Foot Forward.
At her retirement at the age of 17, Weidler had appeared in more than forty films, and had acted with some of the biggest stars of the day, including Clark Gable
and Myrna Loy
in Too Hot to Handle
, Bette Davis
in All This and Heaven Too
and Judy Garland
in Babes on Broadway
.
in Los Angeles
at the age of 42.
Child actor
The term child actor or child actress is generally applied to a child acting in motion pictures or television, but also to an adult who began his or her acting career as a child; to avoid confusion, the latter is also called a former child actor...
, popular in Hollywood films during the 1930s and 1940s.
Early life and career
Born in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, CaliforniaEagle Rock, Los Angeles, California
In 1909, Hill Avenue, now Hill Drive, was one of Eagle Rock's most beautiful streets. Other streets were Royal Drive , Acacia Street , Kenilworth Avenue , Highland Avenue , and Fairmont Avenue...
in 1926, Virginia Weidler made her first film appearance in 1933. Over the next few years, she was cast in minor roles for RKO and Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American film production and distribution company, located at 5555 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood. Founded in 1912 and currently owned by media conglomerate Viacom, it is America's oldest existing film studio; it is also the last major film studio still...
. Neither studio made more extensive use of her and when Paramount did not extend her contract, she was signed by MGM
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. is an American media company, involved primarily in the production and distribution of films and television programs. MGM was founded in 1924 when the entertainment entrepreneur Marcus Loew gained control of Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures Corporation and Louis B. Mayer...
in 1938.
Her first film for MGM was with their leading male star Mickey Rooney
Mickey Rooney
Mickey Rooney is an American film actor and entertainer whose film, television, and stage appearances span nearly his entire lifetime. He has won multiple awards, including an Honorary Academy Award, a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award...
in Love Is a Headache (1938). The film was a success and Weidler was now cast in larger roles, most often as precocious tom-boys. She was one of the all-female cast of the 1939
1939 in film
The year 1939 in motion pictures can be justified as being called the most outstanding one ever, when it comes to the high quality and high attendance at the large set of the best films that premiered in the year .- Events :Motion picture historians and film often rate...
film The Women
The Women (1939 film)
The Women is a 1939 American comedy-drama film directed by George Cukor. The film is based on Clare Boothe Luce's play of the same name, and was adapted for the screen by Anita Loos and Jane Murfin, who had to make the film acceptable for the Production Code in order for it to be released.The film...
, as Norma Shearer's
Norma Shearer
Edith Norma Shearer was a Canadian-American actress. Shearer was one of the most popular actresses in North America from the mid-1920s through the 1930s...
daughter, a role that was uncharacteristically sentimental for her.
Her next major success was The Philadelphia Story (1940) in which she played Dinah Lord, the witty younger sister of Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn
Katharine Hepburn
Katharine Houghton Hepburn was an American actress of film, stage, and television. In a career that spanned 62 years as a leading lady, she was best known for playing strong-willed, sophisticated women in both dramas and comedies...
). As a teenager she was less popular with audiences. After a string of box-office disappointments, her film career ended with the 1943
1943 in film
The year 1943 in film involved some significant events.-Events:* January 3 - 1st missing persons telecast * February 20 - American film studio executives agree to allow the Office of War Information to censor films....
film Best Foot Forward.
At her retirement at the age of 17, Weidler had appeared in more than forty films, and had acted with some of the biggest stars of the day, including Clark Gable
Clark Gable
William Clark Gable , known as Clark Gable, was an American film actor most famous for his role as Rhett Butler in the 1939 Civil War epic film Gone with the Wind, in which he starred with Vivien Leigh...
and Myrna Loy
Myrna Loy
Myrna Loy was an American actress. Trained as a dancer, she devoted herself fully to an acting career following a few minor roles in silent films. Originally typecast in exotic roles, often as a vamp or a woman of Asian descent, her career prospects improved following her portrayal of Nora Charles...
in Too Hot to Handle
Too Hot to Handle (1938 film)
Too Hot to Handle is a 1938 film about a newsreel reporter, the aviatrix he is attracted to, and his fierce competitor, played by Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, and Walter Pidgeon respectively...
, Bette Davis
Bette Davis
Ruth Elizabeth "Bette" Davis was an American actress of film, television and theater. Noted for her willingness to play unsympathetic characters, she was highly regarded for her performances in a range of film genres, from contemporary crime melodramas to historical and period films and occasional...
in All This and Heaven Too
All This and Heaven Too
All This, and Heaven Too is a 1940 American drama film made by Warner Bros.-First National Pictures, produced and directed by Anatole Litvak with Hal B. Wallis as executive producer. The screenplay was adapted by Casey Robinson from the novel by Rachel Field...
and Judy Garland
Judy Garland
Judy Garland was an American actress and singer. Through a career that spanned 45 of her 47 years and for her renowned contralto voice, she attained international stardom as an actress in musical and dramatic roles, as a recording artist and on the concert stage...
in Babes on Broadway
Babes on Broadway
Babes on Broadway is a 1941 musical film starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland and directed by Busby Berkeley, with Vincente Minnelli directing Garland's big solo numbers. The film, which features Fay Bainter and Virginia Weidler, was the third in the "Backyard Musical" series about kids who put...
.
Later years and death
On March 27, 1947, Weidler married Lionel Krisel. They had two sons, Ronnie and Gary. Weidler refused to be interviewed for the remainder of her life, living in private. She remained married to Krisel until her death on July 1, 1968 when she suffered a heart attackMyocardial infarction
Myocardial infarction or acute myocardial infarction , commonly known as a heart attack, results from the interruption of blood supply to a part of the heart, causing heart cells to die...
in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
at the age of 42.
Filmography
- SurrenderSurrender (1931 film)Surrender is a 1931 film directed by William K. Howard, written by S.N. Behrman, and starring Warner Baxter, Leila Hyams, Ralph Bellamy, C. Aubrey Smith and Alexander Kirkland...
(uncredited, 1931) - After TonightAfter TonightAfter Tonight is a 1933 World War I drama film starring Constance Bennett as a woman who falls in love with a captain, who is actually her enemy. They begin a romance, but when he finds out she is his enemy, he is forced to arrest her...
(uncredited, 1933) - Long Lost FatherLong Lost FatherLong Lost Father is a 1934 drama film starring John Barrymore, Helen Chandler, Donald Cook, Alan Mowbray, and Doris Lloyd. It was directed by Ernest B. Schoedsack.-Cast:*John Barrymore - Carl Bellairs*Helen Chandler - Lindsey Lane...
(uncredited, 1934) - Stamboul QuestStamboul QuestStamboul Quest is a 1934 spy film set in World War I starring Myrna Loy and George Brent.-Plot:In 1915 Berlin, the German high command is worried about ally Turkey. Recent British attacks on the vital Dardanelles shows signs of inside knowledge. Von Sturm , the head of German intelligence, is...
(uncredited, 1934) - Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage PatchMrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage PatchMrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch is a 1934 comedy-genre film, directed by Norman Taurog, and based on the 1901 novel by Alice Hegan Rice. It also appeared as a radio series between 1936 and 1938. It is one of two movies that feature a rare film performance by famed Broadway stage actress Pauline...
(1934) - Laddie (1935)
- Freckles (1935)
- The Big Broadcast of 1936The Big Broadcast of 1936The Big Broadcast of 1936 is a Paramount Pictures production, directed by Norman Taurog, and is the second in the series of Big Broadcast movies...
(1935) - Peter IbbetsonPeter IbbetsonPeter Ibbetson is an American black-and-white drama film released in 1935 and directed by Henry Hathaway.The picture is based on a novel by George du Maurier, first published in 1891. In 1917, du Maurier's story was adapted into a very successful Broadway play starring John Barrymore, Lionel...
(1935) - Timothy's Quest (1936)
- Trouble for Two (1936)
- Girl of the Ozarks (1936)
- The Big Broadcast of 1937The Big Broadcast of 1937The Big Broadcast of 1937 is a 1936 Paramount Pictures production directed by Mitchell Leisen, and is the third in the series of Big Broadcast movies. The musical comedy stars Jack Benny, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Bob Burns, Martha Raye, Shirley Ross, Ray Milland, Benny Fields, Frank Forest and...
(1936) - Maid of SalemMaid of SalemMaid of Salem is a 1937 film made by Paramount Pictures, directed by Frank Lloyd, and starring Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray.-Plot:It tells the story of a young girl in Salem, Massachusetts, 1692, who has an affair with adventurer...
(1937) - The Outcasts of Poker FlatThe Outcasts of Poker Flat"The Outcasts of Poker Flat" is a short story written by renowned author of the American West Bret Harte. This story is a good example of regionalism and local color during the Gilded Generation. His compelling combination of realism and sentimentality offers readers real and known characters, yet...
(1937) - Souls at SeaSouls at SeaSouls at Sea is a 1937 seafaring film starring Gary Cooper and George Raft. The movie features Frances Dee, Harry Carey, Robert Cummings, George Zucco, Joseph Schildkraut, Paul Fix, and Tully Marshall, and was directed by Henry Hathaway. The title of this film was spoofed in the Laurel and Hardy...
(1937) - Love Is a Headache (1938)
- Scandal Street (1938)
- Men with Wings (1938)
- Mother Carey's Chickens (1938)
- Too Hot to HandleToo Hot to Handle (1938 film)Too Hot to Handle is a 1938 film about a newsreel reporter, the aviatrix he is attracted to, and his fierce competitor, played by Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, and Walter Pidgeon respectively...
(1938) - Out West with the Hardys (1938)
- The Great Man VotesThe Great Man VotesThe Great Man Votes is a 1939 American drama film starring John Barrymore as a widowed professor turned drunkard who has the deciding vote in an election for mayor. It was based on the short story of the same name by Gordon Malherbe Hillman in American Magazine...
(1939) - The Lone Wolf Spy HuntThe Lone Wolf Spy HuntThe Lone Wolf Spy Hunt is a 1939 film starring Warren William, Ida Lupino, Rita Hayworth, and Virginia Weidler. The film was directed by Peter Godfrey....
(1939) - Fixer DuganFixer DuganFixer Dugan is a 1939 drama film starring Lee Tracy as a circus promoter who decides to help out an orphaned girl, played by Virginia Weidler. The film was directed by Lew Landers and is based on the play What's a Fixer For? by H.C...
(1939) - The Rookie CopThe Rookie CopThe Rookie Cop is a 1939 film starring Tim Holt as a rookie cop who wants to prove his friend wasn't involved with a robbery. The film also stars Virginia Weidler, Janet Shaw, Frank M. Thomas, and Muriel Evans. It was directed by David Howard....
(1939) - Outside These WallsOutside These WallsOutside These Walls is a 1939 film starring Michael Whalen, Dolores Costello, Virginia Weidler, Selmer Jackson, and Don Beddoe. The film was directed by Ray McCarey.- Plot :...
(1939) - The WomenThe Women (1939 film)The Women is a 1939 American comedy-drama film directed by George Cukor. The film is based on Clare Boothe Luce's play of the same name, and was adapted for the screen by Anita Loos and Jane Murfin, who had to make the film acceptable for the Production Code in order for it to be released.The film...
(1939) - The Under-PupThe Under-PupThe Under-Pup is the 1939 feature film that introduced soprano singing star Gloria Jean to the screen. The story, adapted by Grover Jones from a magazine story by Australian author I. A. R. Wylie, casts Gloria as a streetwise girl who is sent to a summer camp for wealthy girls...
(1939) - Bad Little AngelBad Little AngelBad Little Angel is a 1939 drama film starring Virginia Weidler as a little orphan who runs away from the orphanage. While spending her days on the streets, she meets a tough boy, who she befriends...
(1939) - Henry Goes ArizonaHenry Goes ArizonaHenry Goes Arizona is a 1939 western film starring Frank Morgan as an actor who inherits his dead brother's ranch. While adjusting to the country there, he is threatened by a gang who is after the ranch. The film was directed by Edwin L...
(1939) - Young Tom EdisonYoung Tom EdisonYoung Tom Edison is a 1940 biographical film about the early life of inventor Thomas Edison, with Mickey Rooney in the title role.-Cast:*Mickey Rooney as Thomas Edison*Fay Bainter as Nancy Edison*George Bancroft as Samuel Edison...
(1940) - All This and Heaven TooAll This and Heaven TooAll This, and Heaven Too is a 1940 American drama film made by Warner Bros.-First National Pictures, produced and directed by Anatole Litvak with Hal B. Wallis as executive producer. The screenplay was adapted by Casey Robinson from the novel by Rachel Field...
(1940) - Gold Rush MaisieGold Rush MaisieGold Rush Maisie is a 1940 drama film starring Ann Sothern as a woman who travels to a ghost town to look for gold. The film was directed by Edwin L. Marin.-Cast:*Ann Sothern - Maisie Ravier*Lee Bowman - Bill Anders*Slim Summerville - Fred Gubbins...
(1940) - The Philadelphia Story (1940)
- Keeping CompanyKeeping CompanyKeeping Company is a 1940 drama film starring Frank Morgan as a real estate broker with three daughters who all have their own problems. The film was followed by This Time for Keeps .-Cast:*Frank Morgan - Harry C. Thomas...
(1940) - Barnacle BillBarnacle Bill (1941 film)Barnacle Bill is a 1941 feature film starring Wallace Beery and Marjorie Main. The screen comedy was directed by Richard Thorpe.-Cast:* Wallace Beery as Bill Johansen* Marjorie Main as Marge Cavendish* Leo Carillo as Pico Rodriguez...
(1941) - I'll Wait for You (1941)
- Babes on BroadwayBabes on BroadwayBabes on Broadway is a 1941 musical film starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland and directed by Busby Berkeley, with Vincente Minnelli directing Garland's big solo numbers. The film, which features Fay Bainter and Virginia Weidler, was the third in the "Backyard Musical" series about kids who put...
(1941) - Born to Sing (1942)
- This Time for Keeps, aka Over the Waves (1942)
- The Affairs of MarthaThe Affairs of MarthaThe Affairs of Martha is a 1942 romantic comedy film directed by Jules Dassin. A young maid, Marsha Hunt, falls in love with Jeff Sommerfield and the two marry on impulse before he leaves for an anthropological trip. Before he leaves, he asks her to get the marriage annulled, but she does not do so...
(1942) - The Youngest Profession (1943)
- Best Foot Forward (1943)