Marie Dressler was neither beautiful nor young in her sound films, but in a way that's exactly what she was, I'm 37 and I only discovered her about 3 years ago due to my interest in Jean Harlow, when I saw them together in 'Dinner at eight' I made it my mission to get more of her films, thankfully over the last couple of years we've now got more films available on DVD of this wonderful actress, it's such a shame that she did not have long to live with the invention of sound.
I've read that Dressler is from Canada... like Jim Carrey!... Does Canada give us "fun personalities", for some reason?...
Anyway... So interesting that a big-shot studio like MGM recognized her talent, and held on to her, because they KNEW that they had a box office bonanza in this wildly talented woman... It's fascinating that at the time of Garbo, Shearer, Crawford, and other "young" players, that audiences back then (and even TODAY) just loved her... and for good reason!
She was absolutely WONDERFUL!!!! She played comedy, drama, and everything in between. She had so much human expression, such animation, and such warmth under what appeared to be a tough exterior. She did some great work in films, most notably in "Min and Bill", "Emma", and "Dinner at Eight". For those three films alone, she merits respect and reverence.
I was always inpressed by the fact that when they worked together Greta Garbo sent her flowers, that was such an unGarbo like gesture, but that just goes to show, how much Garbo admired her.
By the last years of her life, Dressler had known greats heights and low bottoms. She knew that, despite her popularity, want could be around the next corner, always. It was exactly that authenticity and depth of character -no matter the role- that shone through every Dressler performance. Thus, it should be little surprise that Depression-shocked audiences would embrace her so warmly, as warmly as her unaffected humanity kept her beloved inside the industry as well.
has anyone here read her autobiography " my own story " ? this woman lived an extrordinary life ! i recomend it for everyone on this page, she was truly a class act !
I can remember her in a silent film with Chaplin (I can't remember the title), where she played a country lass that went to town, and got hilariously drunk. I think the keystone cops were in it. She was brilliant. I think she is oneof the all-time great actresses of any era.
My favorite, her face so strong, Bill and Min by far the best. This tribute excellent. The music for it perfect. The older days brought so many good things. I feel like I know her.
I have long thought that Marie Dressler was a class act. She made acting a true art form. When I am asked to name my favorite film or my favorite actor or actress, I seldom name those that are in show business today. I constantly name films and those who acted in them from the 30s and early 40s. What I find to be truly sad, is when I name my favorites and seldom does anyone know what or whom I am talking about. What a lovely tribute to a wonderful lady and the music is moving as well Bravo!
@VAEShore2008 Exactly, you hear all these names today that you may recognize but haven't seen most of the god awful movies they make a buck off of. You just wait and wait for something really good once and awhile they hit . Most new movies are a turn off. There is something about Marie Dressler that you are drawn to.
What a lovely surprise to see these splendid photos of Marie Dressler, what a character, and as said by another contributor what beautiful music and so perfect to accompany them
Hard to believe that in the early 30's she was the top boxoffice draw in America. I've always found that to be amazing, that at one time, an elderly woman was the equivalent of Will Smith or Tom Cruise. Considering everything at the time, a severe depression, it's a bit easier to understand: comedy was king and she was the queen. Even when you watch her movies today, she is incredibly funny. Dinner at Eight and Min and Bill are two of her best. Excellent tribute and wonderful music!
What is the name of that hauntingly beautiful music in this clip?
ireland1953 3 months ago
Marie Dressler was neither beautiful nor young in her sound films, but in a way that's exactly what she was, I'm 37 and I only discovered her about 3 years ago due to my interest in Jean Harlow, when I saw them together in 'Dinner at eight' I made it my mission to get more of her films, thankfully over the last couple of years we've now got more films available on DVD of this wonderful actress, it's such a shame that she did not have long to live with the invention of sound.
Dazman1313 9 months ago
I've read that Dressler is from Canada... like Jim Carrey!... Does Canada give us "fun personalities", for some reason?...
Anyway... So interesting that a big-shot studio like MGM recognized her talent, and held on to her, because they KNEW that they had a box office bonanza in this wildly talented woman... It's fascinating that at the time of Garbo, Shearer, Crawford, and other "young" players, that audiences back then (and even TODAY) just loved her... and for good reason!
ClarasBeau 10 months ago
Wonderful tribute for a wonderful actress.I laugh every time I see her with Harlow in Dinner at eight.
fredstamps 11 months ago
She was absolutely WONDERFUL!!!! She played comedy, drama, and everything in between. She had so much human expression, such animation, and such warmth under what appeared to be a tough exterior. She did some great work in films, most notably in "Min and Bill", "Emma", and "Dinner at Eight". For those three films alone, she merits respect and reverence.
Zva26 1 year ago
Thanks for a wonderful tribuite to Marie. I miss the great character actors - where are the Marie Dressler's and Sidney Greenstreet's of today?
lasinlo 1 year ago
I was always inpressed by the fact that when they worked together Greta Garbo sent her flowers, that was such an unGarbo like gesture, but that just goes to show, how much Garbo admired her.
emmers57 1 year ago
By the last years of her life, Dressler had known greats heights and low bottoms. She knew that, despite her popularity, want could be around the next corner, always. It was exactly that authenticity and depth of character -no matter the role- that shone through every Dressler performance. Thus, it should be little surprise that Depression-shocked audiences would embrace her so warmly, as warmly as her unaffected humanity kept her beloved inside the industry as well.
dvlaries 1 year ago
has anyone here read her autobiography " my own story " ? this woman lived an extrordinary life ! i recomend it for everyone on this page, she was truly a class act !
reddheddjedd77 1 year ago
I adore watching her
contardi 2 years ago
I can remember her in a silent film with Chaplin (I can't remember the title), where she played a country lass that went to town, and got hilariously drunk. I think the keystone cops were in it. She was brilliant. I think she is oneof the all-time great actresses of any era.
nuetronstar 2 years ago
Oh she's so sweet and such a wonderful actress!
4MaryAnna 2 years ago
I loved watching her today on tcm too
4MaryAnna 2 years ago
she w@s @m@sing ;)
luvebug21 2 years ago
My favorite, her face so strong, Bill and Min by far the best. This tribute excellent. The music for it perfect. The older days brought so many good things. I feel like I know her.
MrJeffnow 2 years ago 2
I have long thought that Marie Dressler was a class act. She made acting a true art form. When I am asked to name my favorite film or my favorite actor or actress, I seldom name those that are in show business today. I constantly name films and those who acted in them from the 30s and early 40s. What I find to be truly sad, is when I name my favorites and seldom does anyone know what or whom I am talking about. What a lovely tribute to a wonderful lady and the music is moving as well Bravo!
VAEShore2008 2 years ago 8
@VAEShore2008 Exactly, you hear all these names today that you may recognize but haven't seen most of the god awful movies they make a buck off of. You just wait and wait for something really good once and awhile they hit . Most new movies are a turn off. There is something about Marie Dressler that you are drawn to.
MrJeffnow 1 year ago
What a lovely surprise to see these splendid photos of Marie Dressler, what a character, and as said by another contributor what beautiful music and so perfect to accompany them
indyandnorbert 2 years ago
@indyandnorbert I don't know how true it is, but I was told she was big in "Vaudville"
and the silent movies. They (americans) would not go for her as she was to fat and to old. Well american went for her and loved her!
MrJeffnow 1 year ago
Hard to believe that in the early 30's she was the top boxoffice draw in America. I've always found that to be amazing, that at one time, an elderly woman was the equivalent of Will Smith or Tom Cruise. Considering everything at the time, a severe depression, it's a bit easier to understand: comedy was king and she was the queen. Even when you watch her movies today, she is incredibly funny. Dinner at Eight and Min and Bill are two of her best. Excellent tribute and wonderful music!
Ga11owbraid 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I think Marie Dressler hate this "tribute". She has a soul of comedy. This isn't a comedy. It has a too sad song and rhythm.
lorecaicedo 2 years ago