Yesterday morning, Anita Page died. She was newly 98 years old and one of the last surviving silent film stars. In fact she was one of about 8 survivors who weren't children actors, and she was arguably the last surviving American adult silent star.
Anita's popularity started with 1928's "Our Dancing Daughters" (co-starring no0b Joan Crawford) a film so popular it spawned 2 sequels: 1929's "Our Modern Maidens", and 1930's "Our Blushing Brides" both of which were also extremely popular. She went on to star with Lon Chaney in "While the city sleeps", followed by her last silent "The Flying Fleet" which starred Ramon Navarro (her favorite leading man). Page's career spanned only 6 silents (4 of which were starring roles) but all were extremely successful. Due to this she should have/kinda did join the class of 'late silents/early transitioners': Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Louise Brooks, and Clara Bow.
Anita's first talkie was the extremely successful "The Broadway Melody" which was the first talkie to win Best Picture. She went on to star in films like "Speedway" (William Haines and the beloved Karl Dane), "Navy Blues" (same), "Free and Easy" (Buster Keaton), "Caught Short" (Marie Dressler), "Little Accidents" (Doug Jr, Zasu Pitts), "War Nurse" (Marie Prevost), "The Easiest Way" (Clark Gable, becoming his first leading lady) amongst others. Seriously the list is LONG and the stars numerous!
Unfortunately contract demands by her idiot agent and unbecoming sexual demands from Mayer and Thalberg ended her career by 1936. She married, had some kids, and lived a life. When her husband died in the early 90s she took to film again, talking at conventions and taking on mainly horror movie roles. Oddly enough she has a movie in post production right now, "Frankenstein Rising".
Anita had ill health these last few years, which stopped her from doing the things she enjoyed like signing autographs or making public appearances. By some reports she was kookier than Norma Desmond but well meaning. Not to mention that whole Mussolini thing...
She died peacefully in her sleep Saturday morning. Click here to read her obituary.
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