Rochelle Hudson

<p> Rochelle Hudson's career as an actress was planned from the start (born in 1916) by her ambitious stage mother. Given rigorous dance and musical training as a child Hudson won her first film contract at the age of 14. A WAMPAS Baby Star in 1931 she co-starred with actors such as W.C. Fields Henry Fonda Claudette Colbert Will Rogers and Fredric March in classic films like <I>Imitation of Life</I> (1934) and <I>Les Miserables</I> (1935). But within a few years she was stuck in B movies and frustrated. Stepping away from Hollywood Hudson worked as a realtor and a rancher and even did wartime espionage work for the Navy. She continued acting occasionally in <I>Rebel Without a Cause</I> (1955) the TV sitcom <I>That's My Boy</I> (1954-55) and the campy horror film <I>Strait-Jacket</I> (1964). A timeless beauty she was married (and divorced) four times before her untimely death in 1972 at age 55. Drawing on personal papers interviews with family and friends and genealogical research this first account of Rochelle Hudson's life and work depicts a talented and outspoken woman who built a successful career on her own terms. The annotated filmography provides synopses critical commentary and reviews for nearly 60 feature films.</p>