Joan Blondell: A Blossom of the 1930s Hollywood
An iconic figure in the American film industry, Rose Joan Blondell (August 30, 1906 – December 25, 1979) cherished a lasting career in both film and television that spanned five decades. It was, however, the 1930s that truly solidified her sparkle in the realm of Hollywood. Known for her remarkable blend of wit, charisma, and the ability to seamlessly portray both comic and dramatic characters, Blondell climbed her way to be amongst the most admired faces of Warner Bros and a distinguished pre-Code actor in Hollywood.
The world of theatre was Blondell’s first love. Born into a vaudeville family, she was drawn to the stage at an early age. A significant turning point in her career came in 1930 when she played opposite James Cagney in the Broadway play ‘Penny Arcade.’ Despite its brief run, the show caught the eye of influential entertainer Al Jolson, who secured the film rights to the show, advocating fervently that both Blondell and Cagney be involved in the cinematic adaptation.
The transition from Broadway to the silver screen came with Blondell’s signing with Warner Bros. in 1930, a step that ushered in an era of success. The studio made an attempt to change her name upon contract, but she stood her ground. Proving her value quickly, she emerged as one of the studio’s most utilized and dependable actors, featuring in several films annually.
A sizeable fraction of Blondell’s projects in the pivotal early half of the 1930s was in pre-Code films. These were the products of Hollywood before the enforcement of the Hays Code in 1934; they showed much more boldness and cynicism. Blondell, with her engaging mix of toughness and kindness, coupled with a candid demeanor, synchronised seamlessly with the requirements of these roles.
One on-screen collaboration that fans remembered fondly was that of Blondell and James Cagney. Their charismatic chemistry weaved magic on the screen, leading them to be paired frequently. The viewership savored their joint performances in offerings like ‘The Public Enemy’ (1931), ‘Blonde Crazy’ (1931), and ‘Footlight Parade’ (1933). Another favored partnership was her recurring pairing with Glenda Farrell as a popular pair of gold-diggers, resulting in nine collaborative films.
Blondell played a pivotal role in bringing to life the extravagant musical sequences conceptualized by choreographer Busby Berkeley. Her soulful rendition of the melancholic ‘Remember My Forgotten Man’ in ‘Gold Diggers of 1933’ stands tall amidst her most renowned and appreciated performances.
Contrary to constant typecasting as a sharp, street-savvy character, Blondell demonstrated her versatile acting skills across a diverse range of genres in Hollywood. She made her presence felt in musicals, comedies, and dramas alike. Some of her most accomplished work includes ‘Night Nurse’ (1931), ‘The Greeks Had a Word for Them’ (1932), ‘Three on a Match’ (1932), ‘Footlight Parade’ (1933), and ‘Stand-In’ (1937).
Amidst the turmoil brought about by the Great Depression, Blondell was counted amongst one of the highest-earning individuals in the U.S. Her dependable screen presence combined with dynamic supporting performances contributed immensely to her popularity, often dubbed as a ‘savior of films.’
By the dawn of a new decade, Blondell had appeared in approximately fifty films, amassing a filmography as vast as it was diverse. Although she chose to part ways with Warner Bros. in 1939 to explore a broader range of roles, her stint through the 1930s left an indelible mark on her career. The decade registered Joan Blondell as one of Hollywood’s iconic leading ladies.