Margaret Lee
Actor
About Margaret Lee
Margaret Lee was a versatile American stage and screen performer who rose to prominence during the transition from the silent era to early talkies. She first established herself as a talented musical comedy actress on Broadway, appearing in a string of successful productions throughout the late 1920s and early 1930s. Her most significant career breakthrough came when she was cast as Babs Bascomb in the hit 1929 Broadway musical 'Follow Thru,' a role she later reprised for the 1930 Paramount Pictures film adaptation. This film was notable as one of the earliest all-talking features shot entirely in Technicolor, showcasing Lee's ability to adapt her stage presence to the screen. Following her success in 'Follow Thru,' she continued to work with major theatrical figures like Irving Berlin and Moss Hart, securing roles in high-profile revues such as 'Face the Music.' Despite her promising start in Hollywood, Lee remained primarily dedicated to the New York stage, where she was celebrated for her comedic timing and musical talent. Her career serves as a quintessential example of the Broadway-to-Hollywood pipeline that defined the early sound era of American cinema.
The Craft
On Screen
Margaret Lee was known for her vibrant and energetic acting style, typical of the musical comedy stars of the 1920s. She specialized in playing 'ingénue' and 'soubrette' roles, characterized by a mix of youthful charm, comedic wit, and musical versatility. Her transition to early sound films was aided by her clear diction and stage-trained singing voice, which allowed her to handle the technical demands of early microphone recording.
Milestones
- Reprised her Broadway role as Babs Bascomb in the 1930 Technicolor film 'Follow Thru'
- Starring role as Pickles in the Irving Berlin/Moss Hart musical 'Face the Music' (1932)
- Featured performer in the original Broadway production of 'June Moon' (1929)
- Appeared in the 1930 Broadway revue 'Three's a Crowd' alongside Fred Allen and Libby Holman
- Cast as Margarita in the 1934 Broadway production of 'Revenge with Music'
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized as a 'favorable impression' in contemporary trade publications like 'Inside Facts of Stage and Screen' (1930)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Margaret Lee contributed to the cultural shift of the late 1920s when Broadway stars were recruited to bring legitimacy and talent to the fledgling 'talkie' industry. Her participation in 'Follow Thru' (1930) helped demonstrate the commercial viability of the movie musical and the use of early two-strip Technicolor. As a performer who successfully navigated both the stage and the screen during a period of immense technical change, she represented the 'modern' woman of the early 1930s—independent, talented, and versatile.
Lasting Legacy
While her filmography is brief, Margaret Lee's legacy is preserved through her role in 'Follow Thru,' a film that remains a significant artifact of early color cinema history. She is remembered by musical theater historians for her contributions to the original casts of several landmark Broadway shows. Her career illustrates the brief but intense period when Hollywood relied heavily on established New York stage talent to survive the transition to sound.
Who They Inspired
Lee influenced the archetype of the 'musical comedy girl' in early sound films, a role that combined physical comedy with vocal performance. Her work in ensemble revues helped set the standard for the fast-paced, witty performances that would define the Golden Age of the Broadway musical and the subsequent Hollywood musical boom of the 1930s.
Off Screen
Details regarding Margaret Lee's personal life remain scarce, as she was primarily active during an era where studio publicity focused heavily on professional credits. She was part of the vibrant Broadway community in New York during the Prohibition era and worked closely with the songwriting team of DeSylva, Brown, and Henderson.
Education
Trained in musical comedy and stage performance in New York City.
Did You Know?
- She played the role of Babs Bascomb, the fifteen-year-old daughter of Martin Bascomb, in the original Broadway run of 'Follow Thru'.
- Her film 'Follow Thru' was the second all-color, all-talking feature ever produced by Paramount Pictures.
- She appeared in over 400 performances of the stage version of 'Follow Thru' before filming the movie.
- In the musical 'Face the Music', she played a character named 'Pickles', a role that required significant comedic timing.
- She was often associated with the producing duo Schwab and Mandel, who were giants of the Broadway musical scene.
- Contemporary reviews in 1930 described her as a 'girl who created a most favorable impression' on the screen.
In Their Own Words
Context: Reprising her stage role for the screen in 1930. 'It is a thrill to bring Babs to life for the cameras after so many nights on the stage.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Margaret Lee?
Margaret Lee was an American actress and singer active in the late 1920s and early 1930s. She is best known for her work on Broadway and her role in the 1930 Technicolor musical film 'Follow Thru'.
What films is Margaret Lee best known for?
She is primarily known for the 1930 Paramount film 'Follow Thru', where she played Babs Bascomb. This was a significant early sound film and one of the first to be shot entirely in color.
When was Margaret Lee born and when did they die?
Specific birth and death dates for this Margaret Lee are not widely documented in standard cinematic databases, as she is often confused with a later British actress of the same name. She was active in professional theater and film between 1924 and 1935.
What awards did Margaret Lee win?
Margaret Lee did not win any major film awards, as her screen career was very brief during the early years of the Academy Awards. However, she was a highly regarded performer in the New York theater scene.
What was Margaret Lee's acting style?
She was a classic musical comedy performer, known for her 'soubrette' style which combined singing, dancing, and lighthearted comedic acting. Her performances were noted for their energy and stage presence.
Is this the same Margaret Lee who appeared in Italian films?
No, this Margaret Lee is a different person. The Margaret Lee in 'Follow Thru' was an American stage actress of the 1920s/30s, whereas the other Margaret Lee (Margaret Gwendolyn Box) was a British actress famous for 1960s Eurospy and cult films.
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Films
1 film
