Evalyn Knapp
Actor
About Evalyn Knapp
Evalyn Knapp was a prominent American actress who flourished during the transition from the silent era to the Golden Age of Hollywood. Born Evelyn Pauline Knapp in Kansas City, Missouri, she began her career in vaudeville alongside her brother, the future bandleader Orville Knapp, before moving into film in 1929. She quickly gained momentum at Warner Bros., appearing in significant early talkies such as 'Sinners' Holiday' (1930) and 'Smart Money' (1931), where she had the rare distinction of being the leading lady in the only film to co-star both James Cagney and Edward G. Robinson. Her promising trajectory was famously interrupted by a severe hiking accident in 1931 that left her with fractured vertebrae, though she made a remarkable recovery to continue her career. Throughout the 1930s, she became a staple of B-movies and cliffhanger serials, most notably starring as the titular heroine in the 1933 remake of 'The Perils of Pauline'. Despite her early 'A-list' potential and being named a WAMPAS Baby Star in 1932, she spent much of her later career in Westerns and uncredited roles before retiring from the screen in 1943 to focus on her marriage to Dr. George A. Snyder.
The Craft
On Screen
Knapp was known for her versatility, transitioning from the 'damsel in distress' archetype of the silent era to a more dynamic and vocally nuanced performer in talkies. She possessed a 'sweet but smoldering' screen presence, often described as earthy and dependable, which allowed her to play both innocent heroines and more sophisticated leading ladies in crime dramas and Westerns.
Milestones
- Named a WAMPAS Baby Star in 1932 alongside Ginger Rogers and Gloria Stuart
- Starring role as Pauline in the 1933 serial 'The Perils of Pauline'
- Leading lady in 'Smart Money' (1931), the only film featuring both James Cagney and Edward G. Robinson
- Appeared in 'In Old Santa Fe' (1934), which marked the screen debut of Gene Autry
- Top-billed lead opposite a young John Wayne in 'His Private Secretary' (1933)
- Successfully transitioned from silent shorts to early sound features at Warner Bros.
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- WAMPAS Baby Star (1932)
Special Recognition
- Recognized as one of the 'Stars of Tomorrow' by the Western Association of Motion Picture Advertisers
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Evalyn Knapp represents the archetypal 'hard-working' actress of the 1930s who bridged the gap between major studio prestige and the burgeoning B-movie industry. Her selection as a WAMPAS Baby Star in 1932 placed her among the elite 'up-and-comers' of Hollywood's Golden Age, and her role in 'The Perils of Pauline' helped modernize the adventure serial for the sound era. She is also historically significant for her presence in the early careers of legends like James Cagney, Spencer Tracy, and Gene Autry.
Lasting Legacy
Knapp is remembered by film historians as a 'Queen of the Serials' and a reliable leading lady of the Pre-Code era. While she did not achieve the lasting A-list superstardom of some of her WAMPAS peers like Ginger Rogers, her extensive filmography of over 60 credits serves as a vital record of the 1930s studio system's output, particularly in the Western and adventure genres.
Who They Inspired
Her ability to maintain a career after a potentially paralyzing spinal injury served as an early example of resilience in the Hollywood press, influencing how the industry viewed the longevity of its stars following personal tragedy.
Off Screen
Evalyn was the sister of famous orchestra leader Orville Knapp, whose death in a 1936 plane crash deeply affected her. She was briefly engaged to actor Donald Cook in the early 1930s. In 1934, she married Dr. George A. Snyder, a Hollywood surgeon who reportedly helped treat her after her 1931 hiking accident; the couple remained married until his death in 1977.
Education
Studied drama and vocal techniques for six months in Kansas City before entering stock theater productions.
Family
- Dr. George A. Snyder (1934-1977)
Did You Know?
- She was partially paralyzed as a child due to a severe illness but fully recovered.
- Her first name was changed from 'Evelyn' to 'Evalyn' by Warner Bros. to make it more distinctive.
- She fell from a cliff while hiking in 1931, fracturing two vertebrae and nearly ending her career.
- She appeared in the classic 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' (1939) in an uncredited role as a reporter.
- Her brother Orville Knapp was a famous bandleader who died in a plane crash in 1936.
- She was the leading lady in Gene Autry's very first screen appearance in 'In Old Santa Fe' (1934).
- She had her tonsils removed shortly before Christmas in 1932, which was reported in the Hollywood trades.
- She retired from acting entirely in 1943, with her final role being uncredited in 'Two Weeks to Live'.
In Their Own Words
I've always felt that my marriage was happy and successful because we understand one another; we are in different professions, but both require odd hours and irregular lengths of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Evalyn Knapp?
Evalyn Knapp was a popular American film actress of the 1930s, best known for her roles in B-movies, Westerns, and cliffhanger serials like 'The Perils of Pauline'.
What films is Evalyn Knapp best known for?
She is most famous for 'The Perils of Pauline' (1933), 'Smart Money' (1931) with James Cagney and Edward G. Robinson, and 'His Private Secretary' (1933) opposite John Wayne.
When was Evalyn Knapp born and when did she die?
She was born on June 17, 1906, in Kansas City, Missouri, and passed away on June 12, 1981, in Los Angeles, California.
What awards did Evalyn Knapp win?
Her most notable industry recognition was being selected as a WAMPAS Baby Star in 1932, an honor given to actresses on the verge of stardom.
What was Evalyn Knapp's acting style?
She was a versatile performer who transitioned from silent film physical acting to nuanced vocal performances in talkies, often playing dependable and courageous heroines.
Did Evalyn Knapp have any famous relatives?
Yes, her brother was Orville Knapp, a well-known orchestra leader and musician during the 1930s.
Learn More
Films
2 films
