Marguerite Whitten

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.