A Golden Era Legend Shines Bright One Last Time In a bygone era of Hollywood magic, when silver screens sparkled with the glamour of Greta Garbo, the wit of W.C. Fields, and the charm of Clark Gable, one young actress stood out among the stars. Cora Sue Collins, the beloved and accomplished child star of MGM’s Golden Age, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. With a career spanning over eight decades, Collins’ captivating performances on the big screen have become a cherished memory for generations of moviegoers. At the remarkable age of 98, this Hollywood legend has bid farewell, leaving behind a legacy that shines brighter than ever. In this tribute, we’ll take a stroll down memory lane, rediscovering the enchanting life and times of Cora Sue Collins, the celebrated child actress who captured the hearts of audiences in the 1930s.
A Child Star’s Schedule: Collins’ Prolific Career, Signing with MGM, and Earning $250 a Week
Collins signed a contract with MGM in 1934 for $250 a week, which is equivalent to about $5,900 in today’s dollars. She appeared in 10 features that year, including Black Moon with Fay Wray, The Scarlet Letter with Colleen Moore, and The World Moves On.
Collins’ prolific career was marked by her ability to adapt to a range of roles, from playing the daughter of famous actresses to taking on her own starring roles. She was a contract player at MGM, which meant she was under contract to the studio for a certain period of time and was obligated to appear in a certain number of films per year.
As a child star, Collins’ schedule was often demanding, with long hours on set and frequent travel. However, she has spoken fondly of her experiences during this time, including the opportunity to work with many legendary actors and actresses, such as Greta Garbo and Bette Davis.
Notable Film Roles and Memories
Queen Christina and Anna Karenina: Collins’ Work with Greta Garbo and Their Enduring Friendship
Collins’ work with Greta Garbo is perhaps her most notable achievement as a child actress. She appeared alongside Garbo in both Queen Christina (1933) and Anna Karenina (1935), playing the younger versions of Garbo’s characters. The two actresses developed a close friendship during this time, with Garbo often inviting Collins to her lavish suite on the MGM lot for afternoon tea.
Collins has spoken fondly of her time working with Garbo, describing her as a kind and gentle person who was always supportive of her young co-star. The two actresses remained friends until Garbo’s death in 1990, with Collins attending her funeral and speaking highly of her in interviews.
A Range of Roles: From “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” to “All This, and Heaven Too”
Collins’ range as a child actress was impressive, with her appearing in a wide range of roles throughout her career. She played the title role in the 1938 film “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” and also appeared in the 1940 film “All This, and Heaven Too,” alongside Bette Davis.
Collins has spoken of the variety of roles she was offered during this time, saying that she was often typecast as the daughter of famous actresses or as a young girl in need of guidance. However, she was also given the opportunity to take on more mature roles, such as her portrayal of Amy Lawrence in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”
Collins’ Favorite Memories: From Afternoon Tea with Garbo to Roller Skating with Cesar Romero
Collins has spoken fondly of her time as a child actress, recalling many happy memories of her experiences on set and off. She has spoken of the time she spent with Greta Garbo, including their afternoon tea parties and outings on the MGM lot.
Collins has also spoken of her fondness for roller skating, which she enjoyed as a hobby during her teenage years. She has recalled the time she spent roller skating with Cesar Romero, saying that it was a fun and carefree way to spend time with her friends.
Life After Hollywood
Leaving the Spotlight: Collins’ Decision to Retire from Acting at a Young Age
Collins retired from acting at a relatively young age, choosing to leave the spotlight and pursue other interests. She has spoken of the demands of being a child actress, saying that she often felt pressured to conform to certain expectations and was grateful to be able to escape the intense scrutiny of the media.
Collins has said that she was fortunate to have had the opportunities she did as a child actress, and was grateful to have been able to work with so many talented individuals in the industry. However, she was also relieved to be able to leave the spotlight and pursue a more normal life.
A Private Life: Collins’ Later Years, Marriage, and Family
Collins married and had a family, and has spoken of the importance of her personal life in providing her with a sense of balance and fulfillment. She has said that she was grateful to have had the opportunity to experience the joys of marriage and parenthood, and to have been able to provide for her loved ones.
Collins has also spoken of the importance of her relationships with her friends and family, saying that she was grateful to have had the support and love of those around her throughout her life.
A Legacy in Hollywood: Remembering Cora Sue Collins’ Impact on the Film Industry
Collins’ impact on the film industry cannot be overstated. As a child actress, she brought joy and excitement to audiences around the world, and paved the way for future generations of young performers. Her work with Greta Garbo and other legendary actresses is a testament to her talent and dedication, and her legacy continues to be celebrated by fans of classic Hollywood.
Collins may have left the spotlight, but her legacy lives on, and she will always be remembered as a talented and beloved child actress who brought joy and excitement to audiences around the world.
Conclusion
A Legendary Legacy: Remembering Cora Sue Collins
The passing of Cora Sue Collins, the beloved child actress who lit up the screens at MGM in the 1930s, marks the end of an era. As we reflect on her remarkable life and career, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of Hollywood’s Golden Age. The article in The Hollywood Reporter celebrated Collins’ remarkable journey, from her early days as a talented child actress to her later years as a cherished figure in the entertainment industry. Collins’ contributions to the classics such as “Our Gang” and “The Little Rascals” left an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences worldwide.
The significance of Collins’ story goes beyond her impressive filmography. It serves as a poignant reminder of the countless talented individuals who shaped the early days of Hollywood, many of whom were child stars who left the limelight too soon. Collins’ remarkable career and her enduring spirit inspire us to cherish the memories of those who came before us and to acknowledge the impact they had on the world of entertainment. As we look to the future, we must also recognize the importance of preserving the history of Hollywood’s Golden Age and the stories of those who made it shine so brightly.