Ida Lupino
The beautiful and talented Ida Lupino isn’t as well-known as many other actresses today and it is a huge source of consternation to those of us who are her fans. She was such a talented actress, writer, and director and starred in some outstanding movies (The Sea Wolf is just one of many).
The fact that her name isn’t better known (outside of old Hollywood fans) is very frustrating. I wish more people knew this powerful actress and bold director. Usually, with most stars who aren’t easily recognized by today’s general public, I can offer up a reason or two. Maybe their films weren’t very good… or perhaps they didn’t star alongside superstars very often. These reasons aren’t relevant for Ida, however. She frequently had co-stars who are still well-known today and, as I said, she was in some brilliant films.
The reason I feel her’s isn’t a recognizable name today… for the general public, that is… is, itself, incredibly frustrating. Her films aren’t frequently shown on television. While there are channels that play old movies, it is generally the more celebrated and “famous” movies that are shown the most often (Casablanca, Singin’ in the Rain, etc). These popular movies almost always occupy the prime time slot. Understandable? Of course.
And, yet… how wonderful would it be to have at least one night a week set aside for the lesser-known films? Right smack in the prime time spot!
Okay. Rant over. I just really really really really wish more people knew Ida Lupino.