Joan Marie Lawes
Actor
About Joan Marie Lawes
Joan Marie Lawes was a child actress of the early sound era, best remembered for her appearance in the 1930 John Ford film 'Up the River.' Born into a family of significant social prominence, she was the daughter of Lewis E. Lawes, the famed reformist warden of Sing Sing Prison. Her entry into motion pictures was a notable media event, as she was signed to a contract with Fox Film Corporation at the age of eight, often accompanied to the studio by her father. In 'Up the River,' she played the role of Jean, the warden's daughter, a character that mirrored her real-life upbringing within the walls of the world's most famous penitentiary. Despite the initial fanfare and the historic nature of her debut film—which featured the first screen appearances of both Spencer Tracy and Humphrey Bogart—her career in Hollywood was brief. She eventually stepped away from the cameras to lead a private life, though she remained a figure of interest for film historians due to her unique connection to both penal history and the Golden Age of Hollywood. She lived a long life, passing away in 2019 at the age of 97.
The Craft
On Screen
Naturalistic child acting; she was cast primarily for her authentic connection to the film's prison setting and her youthful innocence.
Milestones
- Signed a contract with Fox Film Corporation in 1930 at age eight
- Made her feature film debut in John Ford's 'Up the River' (1930)
- Appeared in the same film that launched the careers of Spencer Tracy and Humphrey Bogart
- Portrayed a character based on her own real-life experience as a warden's daughter
- Featured in major trade publications like The Film Daily during her studio tenure
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Subject of a featured profile in 'The Film Daily' (1930)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Joan Marie Lawes represented a unique intersection between 1930s social reform and Hollywood entertainment. As the daughter of the nation's most famous warden, her presence in a prison-themed film added a layer of 'authenticity' that studios craved during the early talkie era. Her casting helped humanize the image of prison life, supporting her father's public mission to reform the penal system through media exposure.
Lasting Legacy
Her legacy is primarily tied to the historical significance of 'Up the River.' Because the film is the only time Spencer Tracy and Humphrey Bogart appeared together, and served as their debut, Lawes is permanently etched into film history as a member of that landmark cast. She also serves as a living link to the era of Sing Sing's most famous period of reform.
Who They Inspired
While she did not influence acting techniques, her career path illustrated the 1930s trend of 'celebrity children' being recruited into the studio system based on their family's public stature.
Off Screen
Joan Marie Lawes was the daughter of Lewis E. Lawes and Kathryn Stanley. Her father was the legendary warden of Sing Sing Prison who was known for his humanitarian reforms. She grew up on the grounds of the prison, often interacting with inmates who were considered 'trusties.' Her mother, Kathryn, was also a beloved figure at the prison before her untimely death in 1937. Joan had two older sisters, Kathleen and Crystal.
Education
Educated in New York; she attended local schools near Ossining while her father served as warden.
Family
- Nicholas J. Chacho (married 1946)
Did You Know?
- She grew up inside the warden's residence at Sing Sing Prison.
- Her father, Lewis E. Lawes, was a world-famous advocate for the abolition of capital punishment.
- She was introduced to Spencer Tracy on the Fox lot by her father during production.
- The film 'Up the River' was originally intended to be a serious drama but was changed to a comedy after the success of MGM's 'The Big House'.
- She lived to be 97 years old, outliving almost every other member of the 'Up the River' cast and crew.
- Her father's book '20,000 Years in Sing Sing' was later turned into a famous film starring her co-star Spencer Tracy.
- She was often referred to in the press as the 'Sing Sing Tot' or the 'Warden's Daughter' during her brief Hollywood stint.
In Their Own Words
I remember the inmates were always very kind to me; they were like a hundred uncles. (Reflecting on her childhood at Sing Sing)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Joan Marie Lawes?
Joan Marie Lawes was a child actress known for her role in the 1930 film 'Up the River.' She was the daughter of the famous Sing Sing Prison warden Lewis E. Lawes.
What films is Joan Marie Lawes best known for?
She is best known for 'Up the River' (1930), directed by John Ford. This film is historically significant as the film debut of both Spencer Tracy and Humphrey Bogart.
When was Joan Marie Lawes born and when did she die?
She was born on June 23, 1922, in New York and passed away on July 21, 2019, at the age of 97.
What was her connection to Sing Sing Prison?
Her father was the warden of Sing Sing, and she actually grew up on the prison grounds. This real-life background led to her being cast as the warden's daughter in her only major film.
Did Joan Marie Lawes win any awards?
No, she did not win any major film awards, as her acting career was very brief and occurred when she was a young child.
What was her acting style?
She was known for a natural, unforced screen presence, typical of child actors of the early 1930s who were cast for their charm and authenticity.
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Films
1 film
