Pearl Fay White and Betty Hutton - the "Perils of Pauline"

What do the names Pearl Fay White and Betty Hutton have in common, and what are the Perils of Pauline? These are familiar names especially to persons who reached adulthood in the middle of the Twentieth Century. Pearl White was a silent-screen actress who appeared in the early part of motion picture history. A beautiful and very athletic woman, Pearl lived a short, energetic, but in some ways tragic life, dying of cirrhosis from alcoholism in 1938.

Of Serials and Cliffhangers

She is most famous for action serials-episodes in ongoing dramas involving trains, automobiles, balloons, and every sort of danger conceivable. Just when the hero or the heroine might die, the episode ended. Was escape possible? Especially does the Public associate the name Pearl White with the serial The Perils of Pauline, originally filmed in 1914. Pearl White would go on to do a number of serials, silent serials. Later, serials included sound. As a child, the author remembers the Flash Gordon and other serial dramas. They could be seen at the Neighborhood Theater, along with newsreels and cartoons. Eventually, serials disappeared from the American scene.

Looking Back at Silent Times

Nostalgia never being far behind historical events, movie actress Betty Hutton was to play a fictionalized Pearl White in a very popular color presentation. Full of gumption, music, pathos, and humor, The Perils of Pauline, filmed in 1947, included additional well-known actors, such as John Lund, Billy De Wolfe, William Demarest, and cameo appearances by comedians, Chester Conklin, James Finlayson, and Snub Pollard.

Movie Viewing or Download

The good news is that, even if you know none of these people, you can view the excellent movie free-and even download it, should you choose-right here (The Perils of Pauline). Please note that the beginning few minutes of the film appear slightly choppy. That quickly clears up. This film is not easy to locate for viewing, so if you want to enjoy a little fun with feeling and (gasp!) acting talent, you won't want to miss this charmer. Betty Hutton could make a stone cry, if that was her aim.