Gorgeous, versatile Marguerite Whitten (aka Margaret Whitten) was a
wonderful, natural actress of "the golden era" of Hollywood and of
black cinema. She had a sweet, likable presence on screen and her
performances were always enjoyable. Margaret was a fine actress, never
having to overact to express herself. She always became her character,
mind, heart and soul.
She was one of many black actresses who introduced a different image of
black women in movies--sophisticated, intelligent, elegant, graceful
and sweet. She appeared in many "A"-grade black movies, then known as
"race" films. She gave excellent performances in
Spirit of Youth (1938),
Two-Gun Man from Harlem (1938),
_Mystery In Swing (1940)_ and
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), films that were popular with black audiences
because it had black actors and actresses playing characters from all
walks of life. She was always a lovely, appealing leading lady to her
leading men, such as
Joe Louis,
Herb Jeffries,
Monte Hawley and
Mantan Moreland.
In "mainstream" Hollywood movies, Margaret sometimes had to play the
stereotypical roles black performers were usually limited to, but
because of her skill and talent she took your mind off the stereotyped
character and made you see her as the fine actress she was, and even
though the part may have been meant to degrade her or her people, she
changed it to something that didn't. In
Way Down South (1939) Margaret had a small
but significant part. She gave a touching performance as a slave in
love with another slave, with both facing being sold and separated. She
gave a memorable and moving performance; without a spoken word in some
scenes she let her face tell the story and made you feel along with
her.
She was a wonderful singer and dancer, which she got to display in a
few films. The warmth in her voice, gestures and eyes never cease to be
overlooked. Margaret was always magnetic, extremely charming and
charismatic, which always helped her steal scenes. Once you see her
you'll never forget her.
Margaret Whitten is truly one of the unsung black actresses who
contributed to her race and Black and Hollywood cinema, and she
deserves much more recognition than she's gotten. Margaret was always
an actress and never a stereotype.
After Midnight with Boston Blackie(1943)as Songstress
Sleepytime Gal(1942)as Maid
Professor Creeps(1942)as Mrs. Green
Lucky Ghost(1942)
Cadet Girl(1941)as Margaret aka Brenda
Let's Go Collegiate(1941)
That's Black Entertainment(2002)as Sally Thompson (Two Gun Men From Harlem)
Horrible Horror(1986)as Samantha, In clips from 'King of the Zombies'
