Elissa Landi Biography

Fast Facts

• Originally hoped to become a playwright, but instead joined a repertory company in Oxford
• Made her screen acting debut in the film "London" in 1926
• Quote: "(On "Corregidor"): "I had no intention of ever returning to pictures, but this picture intrigued me․ I knew right then and there that I had a job to do, a bit of work that would have its own unique importance in the war effort․""
• Quote: "(On possibly being royal): "I wish the story had never been told․ I reached my present position without the aid of it and I do not think it will help me one whit in the future․ I want to be judged as any other worker - solely on the merit of my job․""
• Also published several novels, including "House for Sale" in 1932
• Moved to New York during her later career and began appearing on Broadway as well as focusing on her novels and plays, effectively retiring from film except for the war film "Corregidor" in 1943
• Best known for her role as Catherine Barkley in 1930's "A Farewell to Arms" and as Selma in "After the Thin Man․"
• Was rumored to be a descendant of Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria