Hazel Craven
Actor
About Hazel Craven
Hazel Craven was an American actress and dancer who emerged during the transitional period between the silent era and the early sound era of Hollywood. She is perhaps best remembered for her role as 'Blondie' in the 1930 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical drama 'Lord Byron of Broadway,' where she performed alongside Rita Flynn in a notable vaudeville-style sequence. Before her brief foray into feature films, Craven was a seasoned performer on the vaudeville circuit, a background that made her particularly valuable to studios during the early 'talkie' craze for musical revues. Her career was characterized by her participation in large-scale musical productions, including work as a 'Goldwyn Girl' in the 1932 Eddie Cantor vehicle 'The Kid from Spain.' She also appeared as an uncredited dancer in the seminal backstage musical '42nd Street' (1933), contributing to the elaborate choreography that defined the genre's Golden Age. Despite her talent and presence in several high-profile films of the early 1930s, her screen career remained relatively short-lived as the industry shifted away from the initial glut of musical revues. Today, she represents the vital but often overlooked cadre of professional dancers and specialty performers who helped build the foundation of the Hollywood musical.
The Craft
On Screen
Craven's acting style was deeply rooted in the vaudeville tradition, emphasizing physical expressiveness, rhythmic precision, and a bright, 'stage-ready' persona. As a 'Blondie' archetype in early sound films, she utilized a blend of comedic timing and dance skill to capture the high-energy aesthetic of the 1930s musical revue.
Milestones
- Featured role as 'Blondie' in MGM's 'Lord Byron of Broadway' (1930)
- Selected as a 'Goldwyn Girl' for the Samuel Goldwyn production 'The Kid from Spain' (1932)
- Performed in the iconic 'The Doll Dance' musical number in 'Lord Byron of Broadway'
- Contributed as a dancer to the landmark musical '42nd Street' (1933)
- Established a successful pre-film career as a vaudeville actress and specialty dancer
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Featured in the J. Willis Sayre Collection of theatrical photographs (1929)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Hazel Craven was part of the first generation of 'chorus girls' and specialty dancers who transitioned from the live stage to the silver screen during the birth of the movie musical. Her participation in films like '42nd Street' helped establish the visual language of the Hollywood musical, which relied on perfectly synchronized ensembles to create the 'kaleidoscope' effect that captivated Depression-era audiences. As a 'Goldwyn Girl,' she also contributed to the era's standard of glamour and feminine artifice that became a hallmark of studio-era marketing.
Lasting Legacy
While not a household name today, Craven's legacy resides in the enduring popularity of the early 1930s musicals in which she appeared. These films are studied by film historians for their technical innovation in sound recording and choreography. Her image, preserved in archival theatrical photography and early Technicolor sequences, serves as a primary source for understanding the vaudeville-to-film pipeline that defined early Hollywood talent recruitment.
Who They Inspired
She influenced the professionalization of the Hollywood dance corps, moving the role from mere background extra to a specialized, highly skilled performer capable of executing complex musical numbers for the camera.
Off Screen
Hazel Craven was born and raised in New York City, which served as the hub for her early theatrical training. Records indicate she was part of the vibrant community of New York-based performers who migrated to Hollywood when the 'talkies' demanded experienced stage talent. She was known among her peers for her professionalism in the rigorous dance rehearsals required by choreographers like Busby Berkeley.
Education
Trained in classical and theatrical dance in New York City; early professional development occurred on the vaudeville circuit.
Did You Know?
- She performed the 'Doll Dance' in 'Lord Byron of Broadway,' a number that was later reused in MGM shorts.
- She was one of the original 'Goldwyn Girls,' a prestigious group of dancers hand-picked by Samuel Goldwyn.
- Her film 'Lord Byron of Broadway' featured early two-color Technicolor sequences.
- She is archived in the University of Washington's prestigious J. Willis Sayre collection of theatrical stars.
- She appeared in '42nd Street,' which is often cited as the film that saved the movie musical genre.
- Her role in 'Lord Byron of Broadway' was specifically as a vaudeville performer, mirroring her real-life career.
In Their Own Words
Yes, it's a big job with a lot of responsibility attached, but one gets used to it. (Referring to the rigors of theatrical touring and costume management during her vaudeville years).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Hazel Craven?
Hazel Craven was an American film actress and dancer active during the early 1930s. She is best known for her roles in early musical films like 'Lord Byron of Broadway' and as a 'Goldwyn Girl' in 'The Kid from Spain'.
What films is Hazel Craven best known for?
She is most recognized for 'Lord Byron of Broadway' (1930), where she played the character Blondie, and the classic musical '42nd Street' (1933), where she performed as a dancer.
When was Hazel Craven born and when did she die?
Hazel Craven was born on March 10, 1902, in New York City and passed away on April 30, 1953.
What was Hazel Craven's acting and dancing style?
Her style was rooted in vaudeville, characterized by high-energy dance routines and the 'chorus girl' aesthetic of the early sound era. She was a specialist in musical revue-style performances.
What is Hazel Craven's legacy in cinema?
She represents the essential transition of vaudeville talent into Hollywood's early musical era. Her work in landmark films like '42nd Street' helped define the visual and rhythmic standards of the Golden Age musical.
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Films
1 film
