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I Remember Margaret Lindsay

10/29/2014

Born Margaret Kies, September 19, 1910 Died May 9, 1981

Prolific Contract Player

Beautiful, competent, stylish, Margaret Lindsay originally started out as a stage actress and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before moving to England to hone her craft on the London stage. It was her convincing British accent that led to a contract with Universal Studios in 1932. Universal loaned her out to Columbia and Fox until Warner Bros. picked up her option and gave her a real shot.

Between 1932 and 1948, Lindsay would make about 75 pictures, many of them A-pictures in supporting roles (jilted lover, faithful wife, patient girlfriend), very few of them in lead parts, and of those, all but a few in second-string, lower-budget fare.

Born in Dubuque, Iowa, the eldest of six children, Margaret Kies knew early on she wanted to be on stage. When her film opportunities dried up in the late 1940s, Lindsay turned to television and occasional movies

She never quite broke out as a star, but if you're a pre-Code Warner Bros. fan, you can't help but run across this likable, talented performer. Lindsay had a few break-out performances, most notably in The House of the Seven Gables opposite George Sanders and Vincent Price, but generally, she was the capable, dependable ingenue until time and studio imagination limited her opportunities.

There isn't a lot written about Margaret Lindsay, which is a shame. The fact that she managed to convince her parents to send her to acting school when they had many other kids to support; that she was successful enough to get a Hollywood contract before her 22nd birthday; and that she was a comparatively out lesbian for most of her life, makes me think the life of Margaret Lindsay would make truly interesting reading.

Her long-time companion was stage and television performer, Mary McCarty (tough Nurse Willoughby on Trapper John, M.D.), who, though younger by 13 years, predeceased Lindsay by one year.

Margaret Lindsay passed away on May 9, 1981 of emphysema at the age of 70.

I recommend Jezebel for a good representation of the bulk of Lindsay's best work. She is secondary, but memorable, and occasionally gets to give Bette Davis some choice looks.

Favorite Five

Jezebel (1938)
The House of the Seven Gables (1940)
Ellery Queen Mystery Series (1940-1942)
The Spoilers (1942)
Scarlet Street (1945)

This post is my contribution to the CMBA Blogathon: Forgotten Stars. Please take a moment to review all the excellent entries by other members of the Classic Movie Blog Association.

14 Comments

Patricia Nolan-Hall (@CaftanWoman) link

10/29/2014 11:55:18 pm

Thanks for putting the spotlight on Margaret Lindsay. As late as 1960s "Please Don't Eat the Daisies", she still looked marvelous. I like Margaret's initial deviousness in "The Spoilers", her no-nonsense devotion in "G-Men" and her sympathetic wife in "On Trial". Watching those old Warner Brothers movies it seems as if she made a hundred movies with John Litel. Tops on my "want to see" list is the remake of "Three on a Match", "Broadway Musketeers".

Beth (Mildred)

10/30/2014 11:53:22 pm

She pops up in "Baby Face" too, but as soon as you recognize her, she's gone.

FlickChick link

10/30/2014 12:00:44 am

She was always a lovely and sophisticated presence. I remember reading a story about George Raft. He was out to dinner with - I think - Betty Grable and he told pointed out Margaret Lindsay as a woman with class (as opposed, I guess, to poor Betty). Thanks for the tribute.

Beth

10/30/2014 11:54:12 pm

Wow, that was kind of rotten of George Raft.

Silver Screenings link

10/30/2014 06:50:31 am

When I first clicked on your post and saw Margaret's picture I said (out loud), "Oh, THAT lady." She is familiar but I can never remember her name. I didn't realize she had made so many films...she was one busy lady!

10/30/2014 11:55:21 pm

My mom had a term for ubiquitous character players: "Oh Hims" and "Oh Hers." Very useful. They're usually my favorite people!

Cliff Aliperti link

10/30/2014 02:47:58 pm

I've wondered about the British accent since seeing "Cavalcade," so thanks for explaining that! While she doesn't thrill me as a leading lady, I do love her in support at Warner's during the period you mention. Thanks for calling attention to her!

Grand Old Movies link

11/1/2014 06:19:13 am

My own favorite Margaret Lindsay performance is in 'Scarlet Street,' and I think because it's so atypical. I like how she plays it tough, smart, and slangy, taking no nonsense from Dan Duryea (gotta love a dame who can do that). Her career strikes me as a what-if (what if she could have gotten better breaks or roles, or work with more directors like Fritz Lang).

Leah link

11/1/2014 08:40:34 pm

I don't remember her but am intrigued by her story. I admit that I couldn't really pay attention to anyone but Davis in Jezebel. A good reason to watch it again...Leah

Cameron link

11/1/2014 10:56:45 pm

She does sound like a fascinating lady, thanks for spotlighting her for this blogathon! I'll be on the lookout for Lindsay from now on!

Karen link

11/5/2014 09:29:27 am

Good stuff -- and a good pick! I've always like Margaret Lindsay; in fact, I was just watching her the other day, in My Sister's Secret. I liked her a lot in Lady Killer with James Cagney, too. And do you know I have watched Scarlet Street a million times, but never realized that was Margaret Lindsay playing Millie. WOW.

CineMaven link

10/10/2015 06:42:46 am

I'm just running across this ( a year later ) and had to get it down, officially, that I love love love Margaret Lindsay. Yes, I remember her last film ( Society hostess in "Please Don't Eat the Daisies" ) and her bit part asking for Hepburn's autograph in "Christopher Strong" and all she did in-between. But I guess the one that got away, the Moby Dick of a perfromance that I'd love to see, is Margaret Lindsay in "THE HOUSE OF THE SEVEN GABLES."

She had a lovely presence in movies and a great speaking voice. Oh...what might have been. But I understand she traveled a lot, and probably had the life and career she wanted. Thanx for spotlighting her.

Jeanie

10/24/2015 08:48:55 pm

I was a student of Mary McCarty when she taught in NYC during Follies. She was very kind and a good teacher. Her personal life never entered into our world. I wish she had lived longer to see this time when every one can be with who ever they want and the world is becoming more accepting.