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ANN BLYTH
AND FILM NOIR


Alexis Smith, born on June 8, 1921, in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada, made a notable contribution to the film noir genre during the 1940s and 1950s. Although she was primarily known for her work in musicals and dramas, Smith demonstrated her versatility by taking on intriguing roles in several film noir productions.

One of Smith's notable contributions to film noir came in the 1947 film "The Two Mrs. Carrolls." Directed by Peter Godfrey, the film follows the story of a painter, played by Humphrey Bogart, who becomes entangled in a dangerous relationship with two women, one of them portrayed by Alexis Smith. Her performance as Cecily Latham, a mysterious and alluring woman, added depth and complexity to the film's noir atmosphere.

Smith also appeared in the 1948 film "Whiplash," a crime drama directed by Lewis Seiler. In the film, she played the role of Eve Fallon, the wife of a police lieutenant, portrayed by Dane Clark. "Whiplash" explores the moral dilemmas faced by its characters in a corrupt and unforgiving world. Smith's portrayal of Eve added a touch of sophistication and vulnerability to the film.

While Alexis Smith's film noir roles may not have been as numerous as those of some other actresses in the genre, she demonstrated her ability to bring depth and complexity to her characters. Her performances added an intriguing dimension to the films and contributed to the overall atmosphere of suspense, ambiguity, and moral ambiguity that defines film noir.

Outside of film noir, Smith had a successful career in a wide range of genres, including musicals, dramas, and comedies. She starred in films such as "Night and Day" (1946), "Of Human Bondage" (1946), and "The Young Philadelphians" (1959). Smith's versatility as an actress allowed her to tackle various roles throughout her career.

In addition to her film work, Smith also appeared in television shows and on stage. Her television credits include guest appearances and recurring roles in popular series. On stage, Smith performed in numerous theatrical productions, including both Broadway and regional theater.

Alexis Smith's talent, elegance, and versatility made her a respected and memorable actress in Hollywood. While her contributions to film noir may not have been as extensive as some of her peers, her performances in the genre added a touch of intrigue and sophistication to the films in which she appeared. She remains an enduring figure in the history of cinema, with her body of work reflecting her versatility and skill as an actress.

AVAILABLE FILMS:


CONFLICT (1945)
CONSTANT NYMPH, THE (1943)
DOUGHGIRLS, THE (1944)
HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN (1944)
MONTANA (1950)
OF HUMAN BONDAGE (1946)
SAN ANTONIO (1945)
SINGAPORE WOMAN (1941)
SOUTH OF ST. LOUIS (1948)
SPLIT SECOND (1953)
THANK YOUR LUCKY STARS (1943)
TURNING POINT, THE (1952)
TWO MRS. CARROLS, THE (1947)
WHIPLASH (1948)

VIDEO TRIBUTE


Alexis Smith


Alexis Smith
Alexis Smith, born Gladys Smith, on June 8, 1921, in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada, was a Canadian-American actress who achieved success in both film and theater. Known for her elegance, poise, and versatile performances, Smith enjoyed a career that spanned several decades, making a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Smith began her career on Broadway in the early 1940s, gaining attention for her role in the play "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Her success on stage led to a contract with Warner Bros. Pictures, where she made her film debut in 1941's "Here Comes Mr. Jordan." She quickly established herself as a talented and versatile actress, appearing in a variety of genres, including musicals, comedies, dramas, and film noir.

In the 1940s and 1950s, Smith made notable contributions to the film noir genre. Her roles in films like "The Two Mrs. Carrolls" (1947) and "Whiplash" (1948) showcased her ability to portray complex and alluring characters, adding depth to the noir atmosphere. While she may not have been as closely associated with the genre as some of her contemporaries, her performances in these films demonstrated her versatility and range as an actress.

Outside of film, Smith continued to shine on stage and television. She returned to Broadway throughout her career, starring in productions such as "Follies" and "Platinum." On television, Smith made numerous appearances, including guest roles on popular shows like "The Twilight Zone" and "Dallas."

Over the course of her career, Alexis Smith worked with many renowned directors and actors, including Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, and Bette Davis. Her filmography includes notable films such as "Night and Day" (1946), "Conflict" (1945), and "The Young Philadelphians" (1959).
Off-screen, Smith had a private personal life. She was married to actor Craig Stevens from 1944 until her death in 1993. They were known for their strong and enduring partnership.
​
Alexis Smith's talent, elegance, and versatility made her a respected and admired actress in both film and theater. Her contributions to various genres, including film noir, showcased her ability to bring depth and complexity to her characters. Smith's legacy lives on through her memorable performances and her enduring impact on the entertainment industry.
​

QUOTES:

“When a person is judged, his or her accomplishments should be considered first. The performance of a person’s life must be focused upon. The chronological is of minor consequence. Years are like dollar signs. They indicate a preoccupation with numbers. People are not numbers.” 

“When they tell me one of my old movies is on TV, I don’t look at it.”

"There are so many more interesting things to think about than whether Ida Lupino or Jane Wyman got the roles I should have gotten."

— Alexis Smith

TRIVIA:

In her final years she and husband Craig Stevens lived in the West Hollywood house formerly owned by Loretta Young. The living room still had the big white doors that Young had used for her entrances on her TV series.

A star of Hollywood's Golden Age, neither she nor husband Craig Stevens were ever awarded a "star" on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Signed by Warner Brothers after being seen in a college drama production, she was subsequently billed as "The Dynamite Girl" and "The Flame Girl" in promotional articles.

In her final years she and husband Craig Stevens lived in the West Hollywood house formerly owned by Loretta Young. The living room still had the big white doors that Young had used for her entrances on her TV series.
Explore the simpler time of yesteryear... 
A time when men and women were truly glamorous. A time when you could watch any movie with your children and not have to worry about gratuitous sex or violence – yet enjoy all the lustful inferences and edge-of-your-seat suspense.
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*** new features ***

Film Noir: The Men
Meet the hard-boiled detectives, cynical antiheroes, and ruthless villains
Film Noir: The Women
Meet Hard-Boiled Women, good girls gone bad, and femme fatales
Film Noir: The Directors
Meet the master storytellers who weave their ill-fated tales in an unforgiving dark, shadowy world.

Picture
Meet The Women who pushed the boundaries of moral, social, and artistic conventions... 
Part I
Part II