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Betty Compson


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.

On the Web


The Internet Movie Database filmography

The Silent Ladies photo gallery

Tribute video on YouTube
(be sure to search for other Betty Compson videos on YouTube)

"The Incomparable Compson" on Silents are Golden

Bio on Golden Silents

Reprint of "What's Hollywood Really Like" from the March 14, 1922 issue of Movie Weekly, on the Hollywood Time Machine

Compson's entry in The Blue Book of the Screen (1923)

Compson's entry in Stars of the Photoplay (1924)

Another Betty Compson picture gallery

Paths to Paradise, featured video of the month on Silents are Golden

Review of The Pony Express on Silents are Golden

The Docks of New York, featured video of the month on Silents are Golden

Review of Paths to Paradise on Silents are Golden



Silent Films Available on Video

Paths to Paradise (1925)
Available from Facets
The Pony Express (1925)
Available from Grapevine Video
The Docks of New York (1928)
Available from Movies Unlimited
Unsung Divas

©2001, by Greta de Groat. All Rights Reserved

Last revised November 27, 2008