FILM ACTRESS DEAD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21333, 7 November 1932, Page 9

FILM ACTRESS DEAD

MISS BELLE BENNETT PORTRAYER OF MOTHER ROLES (Received November 6, 5.5 p.m.) HOLLYWOOD, Nov. 5 The death has occurred of Miss Belle Bennett, aged 41, of film fame. Probably she was one of the best known portrayers of mother roles on the screen. Miss Belle Bennett was the daughter of theatrical parents and had early experience in tent shows run by her father. After some years on the stage she took up a screen career, playing leading roles with the old Triangle Company in 1914 and after. Returning to the stage after the war she remained on it till she reentered the films in "Playing With Souls" and "Potash and Perlmutter." She made her reputation as a player of psychological emotional parts in "Stella Dallas," in which she played tho title role in 1925. Later she appeared in leading roles in "Reckless Lady," "The Fourth Commandment," "The Lily" and "Mother Machree." Twice married, the first time when little more than a child, Miss Bennett had known much tragedy in her own life. Her first child died in babyhood and her second, a military cadet, at the age of 18, a few days before she commenced work in "Stella Dallas." Her second husband was Mr. Fred Windermere, a producer.