Cleo Madison — Blue Book of the Screen (1923) 🇺🇸

One of the particular stars of pioneer film days, who constantly has proven the apostle of realism, is Cleo Madison, born in Bloomington, Ill., but removed early to California.

She had witnessed but three plays in her life when she presented herself at the stage door of a theater in Santa Barbara, Calif., and secured work with the company, then rehearsing for a tour. By the time the company was ready for the road, Miss Madison had advanced so rapidly, that she was given the leading role.

She continued upon the stage several years, playing with such artists as Virginia Harned and James K. Hackett, after a time. She also toured the “big vaudeville circuit” at the head of her own organization.

Miss Madison returned to her home for a vacation and found a growing art, right in her line, just outside the door. Motion pictures had begun to make quite a noise.

She went out on the old Universal lot and broke the ice in a feature called “Trey of Hearts.” It went over, and the newcomer soon found herself more busy than ever before, working in this production and that as a featured actress. So intimate did Miss Madison become with the art of photodrama making that she took up the directorial end, producing her own features. Among earlier efforts were: “Black Orchids,” The Chalice of Sorrow and “Retribution.”

When the field broadened and studios began springing up almost overnight, Miss Madison found herself in demand in many places. She responded as well as time would permit, scoring in such productions as, “The Romance of Tarzan,” “The Girl from Nowhere,” “The Great Radium Mystery,” “The Price of Redemption” and “The Lure of Youth.”

Constant effort in picture making brought on a nervous breakdown, and this favorite was forced to retire to private life for more than a year.

But she has returned to the screen, her health restored and still possessing the talent and personality which made her a distinctive film favorite for so many years. Her latest production was “The Dangerous Age,” in which she played the feminine lead opposite Lewis Stone, a remarkable performance, according to the public verdict.

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Portrait by Evans Studio • Los Angeles

Collection: The Blue Book of the Screen (1923)