Constance Bennett

Independent, outspoken 'Constance Bennett' (qv), the first of the Bennett sisters to enter films, appeared in New York-produced silents before a chance meeting with 'Samuel Goldwyn' (qv) led to her Hollywood debut in _Cytherea (1924)_ (qv). She abandoned a burgeoning career in silents for marriage to Philip Plant in 1925; after they divorced, she achieved stardom in talkies from 1929. The hit _Common Clay (1930)_ (qv) launched her in a series of loose lady and unwed mother roles, but she really excelled in such sophisticated comedies as _The Affairs of Cellini (1934)_ (qv), _Ladies in Love (1936)_ (qv), _Topper (1937)_ (qv) and _Merrily We Live (1938)_ (qv). Her classy blonde looks, husky voice and unerring fashion sense gave her a distinctive style. In the 1940s she made fewer films, working in radio and theatre; shrewd in business, she invested wisely and started businesses marketing women's wear and cosmetics. Loving conflict, she feuded with the press and enjoyed lawsuits. Her last marriage, to a U.S. Air Force colonel, was happy and gave her a key role coordinating shows flown to Europe for occupying troops (1946-48) and the Berlin Airlift (1948-49), winning her military honors. Still young-looking, she died suddenly at age 60 shortly after completing the last of her 57 films.::Rod Crawford <puffinus@u.washington.edu>