
Noel Francis
Noel Francis (1903-1959) was an American actress active primarily during the golden age of pre-Code Hollywood, between the late 1920s and mid-1930s. Recognized for her gritty and cynical style, she often played roles as quick-witted women, disillusioned showgirls, or figures connected to the underworld.
Her significant debut came with *Broadway Babies* (1929), where she shone as one of the era's quintessential "flappers." Among her most memorable performances were those in *Blonde Crazy* (1931), where she appeared alongside Joan Blondell, and the acclaimed *I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang* (1932), in the role of the prostitute Marie. Often portrayed as a strong-willed and shrewd "dame," yet with a subtle touch of vulnerability, Francis specialized in impactful supporting roles. Despite her success, her film career was relatively brief, as she retired from acting in the mid-1930s.