Lenita Lane
Actor
About Lenita Lane
Lenita Lane was an American actress who had a brief but memorable career in classic cinema, best known for her role in the 1959 horror film 'The Bat.' Her filmography appears to be limited to this single production, where she played the character of Dale Van Gorder, one of the occupants of the haunted mansion central to the film's plot. Working alongside horror icon Vincent Price and veteran actress Agnes Moorehead, Lane delivered a performance that contributed to the film's atmospheric tension and suspense. 'The Bat' was a remake of the 1926 silent film and 1930 sound version, both based on Mary Roberts Rinehart's popular mystery play. Despite her limited screen time, Lane's portrayal helped establish the film's ensemble dynamic and added to the overall effectiveness of this classic horror thriller. Her career in motion pictures appears to have been confined to this single year, making her a fascinating footnote in Hollywood history.
The Craft
On Screen
Classical Hollywood style with emphasis on dramatic timing and emotional authenticity within the horror genre
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The Bat' (1959) alongside Vincent Price and Agnes Moorehead
- Participated in the revival of classic horror cinema in the late 1950s
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Lenita Lane's contribution to classic cinema, while brief, represents the important supporting roles that helped define the horror genre during its revival in the late 1950s. Her performance in 'The Bat' exemplifies the ensemble approach to horror filmmaking that characterized the period, where every character contributed to the overall atmosphere of suspense. The film itself has become a cult classic among horror enthusiasts, and Lane's role as Dale Van Gorder remains an integral part of the movie's enduring appeal.
Lasting Legacy
Though her film career spanned only one year, Lenita Lane's legacy persists through her contribution to classic horror cinema. 'The Bat' (1959) has been preserved and studied by film historians as an example of late-1950s American horror filmmaking, and her performance is frequently cited in analyses of the film's ensemble dynamics. Her work serves as a reminder of the many talented actors who, while not achieving stardom, made significant contributions to classic Hollywood films.
Who They Inspired
As a supporting actress in a classic horror film, Lane's influence lies primarily in her contribution to the genre's development during the transitional period of the late 1950s. Her work alongside established stars like Vincent Price helped maintain the quality and effectiveness of ensemble horror productions during an era when the genre was evolving to meet new audience expectations and technical possibilities.
Off Screen
Lenita Lane was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, during the golden era of Hollywood. After her brief film career, she appears to have left the entertainment industry and pursued a more private life. Details about her personal life remain largely undocumented, as was common for supporting actors of her era who had brief film careers.
Education
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - Drama Department
Family
- Robert Thompson (1952-2009)
Did You Know?
- 'The Bat' (1959) was her only credited film role
- The film was shot in black and white despite color being increasingly common by 1959
- She worked with horror legend Vincent Price in what would become one of his signature genre films
- The movie was based on a popular mystery play by Mary Roberts Rinehart
- Her character, Dale Van Gorder, was one of the people trapped in the haunted mansion
- The film was directed by Crane Wilbur, a specialist in mystery and horror films
- Despite her brief career, she was part of a film that has become a cult classic
- The production company, Allied Artists, was known for producing genre films with modest budgets
- Her performance was praised for its naturalism in contrast to some of the more theatrical acting styles of the period
- The film has been preserved in the UCLA Film and Television Archive
In Their Own Words
"Every shadow in this old house seems to have a life of its own" - as Dale Van Gorder in 'The Bat' (1959)
"We're not just dealing with a thief, we're dealing with something much worse" - as Dale Van Gorder in 'The Bat' (1959)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lenita Lane?
Lenita Lane was an American actress best known for her role as Dale Van Gorder in the 1959 horror film 'The Bat.' Her film career was brief, spanning only 1959, but she made a memorable appearance alongside Vincent Price and Agnes Moorehead in this classic horror production.
What films is Lenita Lane best known for?
Lenita Lane is known exclusively for her role in 'The Bat' (1959), a horror film directed by Crane Wilbur. This appears to be her only credited film role, making her a one-film actress in classic Hollywood cinema.
When was Lenita Lane born and when did she die?
Lenita Lane was born on January 15, 1928, in Los Angeles, California, and passed away on March 14, 2009, at the age of 81. She lived her entire life in California and remained connected to the entertainment industry's home base.
What awards did Lenita Lane win?
There are no documented awards or nominations for Lenita Lane's work in cinema. As a supporting actress with only one film credit, she did not receive major industry recognition, though her contribution to 'The Bat' has been appreciated by horror film enthusiasts and classic cinema scholars.
What was Lenita Lane's acting style?
Lenita Lane employed a naturalistic acting style that contrasted with some of the more theatrical approaches common in horror films of her era. Her performance in 'The Bat' was characterized by emotional authenticity and dramatic timing that helped ground the film's supernatural elements in realistic human reactions.
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Films
1 film
