The Agonizing Death of Martha Mansfield

On Thanksgiving Day in 1923, 24-year-old actress Martha Mansfield was working on her latest film, a Civil War drama. The media predicted her role as the leading lady would catapult her into the next level of stardom. Tragically, she never got to finish her scenes that day, and within 24 hours Martha was dead.

 

Episode Sources:

“Dangerous Curves Atop Hollywood Heels: The Lives, Careers, and Misfortunes of 14 Hard-Luck Girls of the Silent Screen” by Michael G. Ankerich, (2010) 

“Making Over Martha” by Delight Evans, Photoplay Magazine, 1920

“Martha, the Beautiful” by Lillian May, Motion Picture Magazine (Aug 1920 - Jan 1921) pgs. 56-57, 108

“The Movie Star Named After Mansfield” by Timothy Brian McKee, Richland County History

“‘The Century Girl’ A Huge Success” The New York Times, Nov 7, 1916

"Martha Mansfield Left All to Her Mother In "Partial Return" for Care Given Her” New York Times, p. 1, Sep 26, 1924

“Martha Mansfield, Movie Star, Dies As The Result Of Burns” Meriden Morning Record, Dec. 1, 1923

“Martha Mansfield, Film Star, Dies of Burns Caused by Costume Fired by Smoker's Match” New York Times, Dec. 1 1923

“Golden Images: 41 Essays on Silent Film Stars” by Eve Golden

 

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