Helene Chadwick

Helene Chadwick (November 25 1897 – September 4 1940) was an actress in silent motion pictures and in early sound films. She was born in the small town of Chadwick, New York, which was named for her grandfather. Her mother was a singer who performed on the stage and her father was a business man.

She began making films for Pathe Pictures in Manhattan, New York. A particular director was impressed by the young woman'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. Soon Helene was signed by Samuel Goldwyn.

She went to California in 1913 and entered silent movies in 1916. She was a star from 1920 through 1925. At the pinnacle of her acting career Helene earned a salary estimated to have been $2,000 per week. From 1929 until 1935 Miss Chadwick 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". She was always optimistic that her fortunes would turn for the better. Helene made movies with Warner Brothers, Columbia Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Paramount Pictures, and other studios.

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

Married To World War Flying Ace

In January 1919, Helene Chadwick became engaged to Lieutenant 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 movie star and the flyer met at a party at the house of a friend. Mr. Wellman was signed to play a prominent role in an upcoming movie with Douglas Fairbanks Sr..

The wedding was planned for several months later. In the summer of 1923 Helene sued Wellman for divorce on grounds of desertion and nonsupport. The marriage had been a good one for almost a year. The actress desired someone she could lean on. It was reported that her husband felt the need to be dependent rather than supportive also. At the time of their separation William was directing movies for Fox Film. Wellman directed "Wings", the first film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture, as well as many other notable films.

Untimely Death

Helene Chadwick died at St. Vincent's Hospital, Los Angeles, California, aged 42, in 1940. Her death was indirectly the result of an accident she suffered in June 1939. She stumbled over a chair and sustained injuries to her left side and eye. Doctors said her illness was exacerbated by "her highly nervous state." Fact|date=July 2008

Her funeral was conducted by Pierce Brothers Mortuary and attended by stage and screen friends.

References

*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.
*Oakland, California Tribune, "Cinema Close-Ups", June 3, 1923, Page 92.

External links

*imdb|0149484