Alice Gentle
Actor
About Alice Gentle
Alice Gentle was a distinguished American operatic mezzo-soprano whose career spanned the heights of the international opera stage and a brief, notable foray into early Hollywood sound films. Born Alice True in Illinois, she began her professional journey in 1908 as a chorus member for Oscar Hammerstein I's Manhattan Opera Company before rising to secondary and eventually leading roles. Her vocal prowess led her to the prestigious La Scala in Milan and a season at the Metropolitan Opera, where she notably created the role of Frugola in the world premiere of Puccini's 'Il Tabarro' in 1918. In the early 1930s, she transitioned to the screen during the industry's shift to 'talkies,' appearing in major musical productions like 'Golden Dawn' and 'Song of the Flame.' Despite her brief filmography, her presence in these early Technicolor operettas showcased the era's attempt to bring high-culture vocal talent to the masses. She spent her later years in California, making her final stage appearance in 1940 before passing away in 1958.
The Craft
On Screen
Gentle's acting style was rooted in the grand, expressive traditions of the operatic stage, characterized by a commanding physical presence and highly emotive facial expressions. In her film roles, she often portrayed maternal or authoritative figures, utilizing her powerful mezzo-soprano voice to anchor the musical sequences. Her performance in 'Golden Dawn' is noted for its dramatic intensity, typical of the transition period between silent film pantomime and the naturalism of later sound cinema.
Milestones
- Professional debut with the Manhattan Opera Company in 1908
- Performed as Federico in 'Mignon' at La Scala, Milan in 1916
- Metropolitan Opera debut as Preziosilla in 'La forza del destino' (1918)
- Created the role of Frugola in the world premiere of Puccini's 'Il Tabarro' (1918)
- Starred in the early Technicolor musical 'Golden Dawn' (1930)
- Appeared in the Academy Award-winning musical 'Flying Down to Rio' (1933)
- Final stage performance as Mrs. Cripps in 'H.M.S. Pinafore' (1940)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Honored for 184 performances in the Broadway run of 'Golden Dawn' (1927-1928)
Special Recognition
- Recognized as a premier mezzo-soprano of the Metropolitan Opera's 1918-1919 season
- Featured in the 'New York Times' obituary as a significant figure of the American opera scene
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Alice Gentle represented the bridge between the elite world of grand opera and the burgeoning medium of sound cinema. By appearing in early 'talkies,' she helped legitimize the musical film genre, proving that high-caliber vocal talent could successfully transition to the silver screen. Her participation in 'Golden Dawn' and 'Song of the Flame' occurred during a pivotal moment when Hollywood was experimenting with Technicolor and operatic narratives to attract sophisticated audiences.
Lasting Legacy
Her legacy is primarily preserved in the annals of opera history, specifically for her contribution to the world premiere of Puccini's 'Il Trittico.' In film history, she is remembered as one of the first operatic stars to be captured in the early two-strip Technicolor process. Though her film career was brief, she remains a significant figure for researchers of early 1930s musical cinema and the evolution of the operetta on screen.
Who They Inspired
She influenced the casting trends of the early 1930s, where studios sought out established stage and opera stars to headline their most ambitious musical projects. Her transition from the Met to Hollywood paved the way for future operatic stars like Grace Moore and Gladys Swarthout to find success in the film industry.
Off Screen
Alice Gentle was born to John and Emma Catherine True. She was married to a man named Proebstel later in life. She was the mother of actor Bruce MacFarlane (born Bruce MacFarlane Gentle), who followed in her footsteps into the performing arts. Throughout her career, she was known for her dedication to the operatic craft, often touring extensively across the United States and Europe.
Education
Trained extensively in vocal performance and opera; began her professional training within the Manhattan Opera Company under the mentorship of Oscar Hammerstein I.
Family
- Mr. Proebstel (dates unknown)
Did You Know?
- She frequently shaved years off her age in official records, sometimes claiming to be born in 1885 or 1888.
- She was the first singer to ever perform the role of Frugola in Puccini's 'Il Tabarro'.
- Her film 'Golden Dawn' is considered one of the most 'hilariously awful' films by TCM due to its bizarre plot and casting choices.
- She performed the song 'Africa Smiles No More' in 'Golden Dawn' while wearing dark makeup to play an African character.
- Her son, Bruce MacFarlane, was a successful character actor who appeared in films like 'The Last Mile' (1932).
- She was a member of the San Carlo Opera Company, which was instrumental in bringing opera to regional American audiences.
In Their Own Words
I don't think any other prima-donna has yet married a man who criticised her, but that was years ago, and I have forgiven him. (Context: Discussing her personal life and the intersection of critics and performers).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Alice Gentle?
Alice Gentle was a prominent American operatic mezzo-soprano and actress who performed at the Metropolitan Opera and La Scala. She is also known for her roles in early 1930s musical films like 'Golden Dawn'.
What films is Alice Gentle best known for?
She is best known for her roles in 'Golden Dawn' (1930), 'Song of the Flame' (1930), and the Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers musical 'Flying Down to Rio' (1933).
When was Alice Gentle born and when did she die?
She was born on June 30, 1877, in Chatsworth, Illinois, and died on February 28, 1958, in Oakland, California.
What was Alice Gentle's most significant operatic achievement?
Her most significant achievement was creating the role of Frugola in the world premiere of Giacomo Puccini's opera 'Il Tabarro' at the Metropolitan Opera in 1918.
Did Alice Gentle have any children in the entertainment industry?
Yes, her son Bruce MacFarlane was a professional actor who appeared in several films and stage productions during the 1930s and 40s.
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Films
1 film
