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Helene Chadwick
Helene Chadwick
Helene Chadwick
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Helene Chadwick (November 25, 1897 – September 4, 1940) was an American actress in silent and in early sound films.

Key Information

Early life and career

[edit]

Chadwick was born in the small town of Chadwicks, New York, which was named for her great-grandfather. Her parents were George W. Chadwick Jr. and Marie Louise Norton Chadwick.[1] Her mother was a singer who performed on the stage and her father was a business man.[citation needed]

She began making films for Pathé Pictures in Manhattan, New York. Her first film was The Challenge (1916), which was produced by Astra Film Corporation and released by Pathé.[2] A director was impressed by Chadwicks's talent as an equestrian, thus she began acting as a western star but this did not continue with the exodus of film production from the east to the west coast. Signed by Samuel Goldwyn, Chadwick went to California in 1913 and entered silent movies in 1916. At the pinnacle of her acting career, she earned a salary estimated to have been $2,000 per week.[3] From 1929 until 1935, she found success as a character actress when sound was being introduced to films.

In the final five years of her life, she was reduced to taking roles as an extra, playing "atmospheric parts".[4] Helene made movies with Warner Brothers, Columbia Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Paramount Pictures, and other studios. Her final film was Mary Burns, Fugitive (1935).[5]

Her most noteworthy performances came in Heartsease (1919), The Long Arm of the Manister (1919), The Cup of Fury (1920), Godless Men (1920), Dangerous Curve Ahead (1921), From The Ground Up (1921), Yellow Men and Gold (1922), Dust Flower (1922), The Sin Flood (1922), The Glorious Fool (1922), and Quicksands (1923).

Personal life and death

[edit]

Helene's great-grandparents were the founders of Chadwicks, New York, a small village in Oneida County, NY. Her great-grandfather built a cotton factory on Sauquoit Creek and was one of the premier manufacturers of textiles in the Mohawk Valley. Her family came from England, in Oldham, Lancashire County. She attended school at a one-room schoolhouse provided by her great-grandfather for the mill workers.[citation needed]

In January 1919, Chadwick became engaged to William A. Wellman, an American pilot with the Lafayette Flying Corps. He had just returned from France and was cited for bravery for his valor in World War I. The couple had met at a party at the house of a friend. Wellman was signed to play a prominent role in an upcoming movie with Douglas Fairbanks Sr. The couple wed in July 1921, but in the summer of 1923, Chadwick sued Wellman for divorce on grounds of desertion and nonsupport. At the time of their separation, Wellman was directing movies for Fox Film.[citation needed]

Chadwick's funeral was conducted by Pierce Brothers Mortuary and attended by stage and screen friends. Cause of death was cirohosis of the liver. Her body was returned to Chadwicks and she was first buried in the Sauquoit Valley Cemetery and the following year her remains were moved to Forest Hill Cemetery, Utica.[6]

Filmography

[edit]
Helene Chadwick and Richard Dix in The Glorious Fool (1922)
Year Title Role Notes
1916 The Challenge Alberta Bradley
1917 The Mystery of the Double Cross Lost film
The Iron Heart Grace Lost film
Blind Man's Luck Helen Lost film
The Last of the Carnabys The Kept Woman Lost film
The Angel Factory Florence Lamont Lost film
Vengeance Is Mine Marion De Long Lost film
1918 Convict 993 Neva Stokes Lost film
For Sale Annie Lost film
The Naulahka Kate Sheriff Lost film
The House of Hate Queenie Kate Lost film
The Yellow Ticket Miss Seaton Lost film
Getaway Kate Kate Sherwood Short
Lost film
Go-Get-Em Garringer Wilma Wharton Lost film
1919 Girls Kate West Lost film
Heartsease Margaret Neville
Caleb Piper's Girl Mary Piper
The Solitary Sin Mary Lost film
A Very Good Man Ruth Douglas Lost film
The Long Arm of Mannister Sylvia De La Mere Lost film
An Adventure in Hearts Countess D'Orano Lost film
1920 The Cup of Fury Marie Louise - 'Mamise' Lost film
Godless Men Ruth Lytton
Scratch My Back Madeline
Cupid the Cowpuncher Macie Sewell Lost film
Cupid Lost film
1921 Dangerous Curve Ahead Phoebe Mabee Lost film
Made in Heaven Claudia Royce Lost film
From the Ground Up Philena Mortimer
The Old Nest Emily at 22
1922 The Sin Flood Poppy Lost film
The Glorious Fool Jane Brown Lost film
Yellow Men and Gold Bessie Lost film
Dust Flower Letty Gravely Lost film
Brothers Under the Skin Millie Craddock Incomplete film
1923 Gimme Fanny Daniels Lost film
Quicksands The Girl Lost film
Reno Mrs. Emily Dysart Tappan
1924 The Masked Dancer Betty Powell Lost film
Why Men Leave Home Irene Emerson
Love of Women Cynthia Redfield Lost film
Her Own Free Will Nan Everard Lost film
The Border Legion Joan Randle Lost film
Trouping with Ellen Ellen Llewellyn Lost film
The Dark Swan Cornelia Quinn Lost film
1925 The Re-Creation of Brian Kent Betty Joe Lost film
The Woman Hater Marie Lamont --the Actress Lost film
The Golden Cocoon Molly Shannon
1926 Pleasures of the Rich Mary Wilson Lost film
Trailer survives Library of Congress
The Still Alarm Lucy Fay Lost film
Hard Boiled Marjorie Gregg Lost film
Wise Guys Prefer Brunettes Helene Short film
Dancing Days Alice Hedman
1927 Stage Kisses Fay Leslie Lost film
Stolen Pleasures Doris Manning Lost film
The Bachelor's Baby Eleanor Carter
The Rose of Kildare Eillen O'Moore Lost film
1928 Say It With Sables Helen Caswell Lost film
Women Who Dare Stella Mowbray
Confessions of a Wife Marion Atwell
Modern Mothers Adele Dayton Lost film
1929 Father and Son Miss White
1930 Men Are Like That Clara Fisher Hyland
1931 Hell Bound Sanford's Sister
Bad Sister Amy, Sam's Wife Uncredited
1932 So Big! Townsperson Uncredited
Night World Night Club Customer Uncredited
1933 Employees' Entrance Attendee at Meeting of Department Heads Uncredited
The Circus Queen Murder Crying Woman Uncredited
Emergency Call Miss McCabe - Averill's Secretary Uncredited
No Marriage Ties Adrienne Deane's Secretary Uncredited
Morning Glory Miss Murray Uncredited
Merrily Yours Mrs. Rogers
1934 Managed Money Mrs. George Rogers Short
Good Dame Mrs. Crosby Uncredited
School for Girls Larson
Ever Since Eve Governess Uncredited
It's a Gift Mrs. Abernathy Uncredited
A Wicked Woman Mother Uncredited
1935 Mississippi Attendee at Opening Uncredited
Call of the Wild Dawson Townswoman Uncredited
Mary Burns, Fugitive Prison Matron Uncredited
School for Girls Larson
Another Face Nurse Daniels Uncredited
Alternative title: It Happened in Hollywood
Frisco Kid Saloon Girl Uncredited
1936 The Perfect Set-Up Mary Short
Uncredited
San Francisco Earthquake Survivor Uncredited
Pennies from Heaven Mrs. Arbuthnot Uncredited
1937 A Star Is Born Woman at preview Uncredited

Sources

[edit]
  • The Los Angeles Times, "Flashes, Picture Star To Wed", January 11, 1919, Page II3.
  • The Los Angeles Times, "She Could Ride", October 15, 1922, Page III30.
  • The Los Angeles Times, "Film Star Seeks Divorce", July 24, 1923, Page II1.
  • The Los Angeles Times, "Former Star of Films Dies", September 6, 1940, Page A1.
  • The Los Angeles Times, "Helene Chadwick Paid Last Honor", September 8, 1940, Page A2.
  • The Oakland Tribune, "Cinema Close-Ups", June 3, 1923, Page 92.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Helene Chadwick

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Helene Chadwick was an American silent film actress known for her leading roles in Hollywood features during the late 1910s and 1920s. She appeared in over 80 films, often cast as the romantic or dramatic heroine in productions from major studios such as Goldwyn. Her career began in short subjects and quickly advanced to starring parts, where she worked alongside prominent actors and directors of the era. Notable films include The Glorious Fool (1922), The Cup of Fury (1920), and The Woman on Trial (1927). Born on November 25, 1897, in Chadwicks, New York, Chadwick entered the film industry in 1916 after being discovered while posing for a painting. She initially worked with Pathé and later signed with Goldwyn before becoming a recognized star in the early 1920s. Her popularity peaked during the silent era, but she struggled to transition to sound films and took on fewer roles in the 1930s, eventually retiring after 1937. Chadwick was married to director William A. Wellman from 1921 to 1923. She faced personal challenges in later years and died on September 4, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 42.

Early Life

Family Background and Childhood

Helene Chadwick was born on November 25, 1897, in Long Island, New York. She grew up in a wealthy family. Her father, George W. Chadwick Jr., was a businessman who owned a silk mill and held interests in the local silk industry, contributing to the family's prosperity. Her mother, Marie Louise Norton Chadwick, was a singer who performed on stage and in opera. The family resided in a privileged environment until her father's death in 1907, when Helene was ten years old.

Discovery and Film Debut

Helene Chadwick was discovered in New York City while posing for a portrait commissioned by a family friend. A producer noticed her and valued her exceptional equestrian expertise, leading to her entry into motion pictures. Her talent as a horsewoman proved key to her initial opportunity in the industry. She made her film debut in the 1916 silent drama The Challenge, produced by Astra Film Corporation and released by Pathé Pictures. The role capitalized on her horsemanship skills, which had impressed a director and secured her the part. This marked her entry into films at age eighteen, with early work centered in Manhattan under Pathé Pictures. Chadwick's initial roles reflected typecasting based on her riding ability, often incorporating elements that highlighted equestrian scenes or western influences. After several pictures with Pathé, she signed with Samuel Goldwyn and relocated to California during the late 1910s to advance her career in the emerging Hollywood studio system.

Silent Film Career

Rise to Prominence

Helene Chadwick relocated to Hollywood after her film debut in New York in 1916, where her skills as an experienced horsewoman had helped secure her first role. She signed with Samuel Goldwyn Pictures around 1919, beginning a productive association with one of the era's major studios and marking her shift toward more prominent opportunities in California productions. This period saw her transition from early roles to leading lady status, as she gained consistent billing in feature films and built a reputation within the industry. By 1920, Chadwick had emerged as a full-fledged star, a position she held through the first half of the 1920s. At the height of her popularity, she commanded a salary of $2,000 per week, reflecting her standing as one of the well-compensated performers of the silent era. Contemporary observers highlighted her striking beauty and composure, with one director praising her as "one of the loveliest things I ever looked at," noting her "marvelous profile, fine little ears, beautiful hair, [and] splendid shoulders," while describing her as a "real nice girl" and a "well poised dramatic actress." Her career sustained strong momentum through 1925, cementing her status as a recognized leading figure in silent films.

Peak Stardom and Key Roles

Helene Chadwick reached the height of her stardom during the early 1920s, establishing herself as a popular leading lady in dramatic silent features across several major studios. She headlined a series of notable productions, beginning with The Long Arm of Mannister (1919) and Heartsease (1919), followed by Godless Men (1920) and The Cup of Fury (1920), where she portrayed central female characters in intense narratives. Her roles continued with Dangerous Curve Ahead (1921), The Glorious Fool (1922), and The Sin Flood (1922), demonstrating her ability to carry emotionally charged stories. Chadwick's performances earned contemporary praise for her striking profile, graceful poise, and emerging acting potential, positioning her as a reliable star in Hollywood's silent era. She worked with prominent companies including Goldwyn and Warner Bros., reflecting her status among the industry's top talent. Additional key credits from this period include Quicksands (1923) and Dancing Days (1926), further solidifying her reputation in varied dramatic roles. At the peak of her fame, Chadwick commanded a high salary and maintained a luxurious Hollywood bungalow lifestyle, markers of her elevated position in the film industry.

Sound Film Career

Transition and Character Work

With the advent of sound films around 1927–1929, Helene Chadwick's status as a prominent leading lady in silent cinema came to an abrupt end, as many silent stars faced challenges adapting to the new technology and shifting industry demands. She successfully transitioned to character actress work starting in 1929, securing supporting roles in sound productions through the mid-1930s despite no longer commanding starring positions. During this period, her appearances often consisted of smaller parts, atmospheric roles, and uncredited work, reflecting a broader shift common among former silent leads. Examples of her contributions include playing Larson in School for Girls (1934) and portraying a prison matron (uncredited) in Mary Burns, Fugitive (1935). She also appeared uncredited as a mother in A Wicked Woman (1934) and in minor capacities in other 1935 releases such as Mississippi. Throughout these years, Chadwick remained optimistic about her prospects, expressing hope that her fortunes would improve in Hollywood.

Later Roles and Decline

Following her earlier transition to character roles in the sound era, Helene Chadwick's screen work further declined in the mid-1930s as she was limited to uncredited bit parts and extra roles. In 1936 she appeared uncredited as Mrs. Arbuthnot in Pennies from Heaven and as an Earthquake Survivor in San Francisco. Her final film appearance came the next year in an uncredited bit part as Woman at Preview in A Star Is Born (1937), directed by her former husband William A. Wellman. No additional film credits followed after 1937, marking the end of her acting career that had spanned more than 20 years in the industry.

Personal Life

Marriage to William Wellman

Helene Chadwick married film director William A. Wellman on July 2, 1921, in Los Angeles. The marriage occurred during the height of Chadwick's silent film career, when she was among the most popular leading actresses of the era. The union proved brief, and Chadwick filed for divorce in July 1923 charging desertion and non-support. The Los Angeles court granted her the divorce decree on September 5, 1923, on grounds of non-support. Wellman subsequently established himself as a major director, most notably with Wings (1927), which received the inaugural Academy Award for Outstanding Picture (now recognized as Best Picture).

Later Years and Challenges

In the years after her 1923 divorce, Helene Chadwick's once-prominent film career diminished markedly through the 1930s, as she shifted from leading roles to bit parts and extra work. This reduction in prominence brought financial hardship; by 1930, she earned only $7.50 per day for small roles, a sharp decline from her earlier peak salary of $2,000 per week. These circumstances reflected broader challenges in maintaining social and professional standing in Hollywood's evolving industry. Chadwick developed a serious drinking problem during this period, which further complicated her personal life and limited her opportunities. She continued to reside in Los Angeles, remaining in the heart of the film community where she had built her earlier success. Despite these setbacks, Chadwick persisted in seeking work and secured a small part in the 1937 drama A Star Is Born, cast by its director, her former husband William Wellman. This opportunity highlighted her ongoing efforts to revive her career amid persistent challenges. Chadwick died on September 4, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 42. Although contemporary newspaper reports attributed her death to injuries from a fall in June 1940, her death certificate listed the cause as cirrhosis of the liver.

Death

Circumstances and Immediate Aftermath

Helene Chadwick died on September 4, 1940, in Los Angeles at the age of 42. Contemporary newspaper reports attributed her death to injuries sustained in an accidental fall at her home, where she tripped over a chair and sustained injuries to her left side and eye. However, her death certificate listed the cause as cirrhosis of the liver. No evidence of foul play was found, and reports emphasized the accidental nature of the fall. In the immediate aftermath, her death received modest press coverage, consistent with her faded prominence in Hollywood by that time.

Legacy

Helene Chadwick is remembered as one of the prominent leading ladies of the silent film era, achieving her greatest success between 1920 and 1925 when she starred in major studio productions and earned a peak salary of $2,000 per week. Contemporary observers praised her striking beauty and acting promise, with one director noting she was "one of the loveliest things I ever looked at" with a "marvelous profile" and describing her as a "well poised dramatic actress who may yet astonish the world with a compelling piece of work." The arrival of sound films in the late 1920s proved a significant barrier for Chadwick, as it did for many silent performers, shifting her from starring roles to character parts and atmospheric extras by the mid-1930s.
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