Betty Compson was always on hand when there was a call for a leading lady of particular skill. Her best remembered parts are of tough-tender heroines, cynical or down on their luck, but with a heart of gold. She was a versatile performer, appearing in many types of roles--she had even started out in Christie comedies. Like Bessie Love, her career received a temporary boost with talkies, but it was short lived, and soon she was down to B films and bits. But Betty, a smart lady, had saved her money, saying nobody was ever going to have to hold a benefit for her. She opened a store on Hollywood Boulevard and began a second career.

©2001, by Greta de Groat. All Rights Reserved

Last revised April 8, 2005