Iris Meredith

Attractive blond leading lady of second features in the 1930's and 40's, who had enough charm and charisma to have merited a better career. Her exploits as a western heroine paled in comparison to her real life battles, which began when she lost both her parents while in her early teens. Forced to support her three siblings, she worked (after school) as a cashier at Loew's Theatre in Los Angeles in the afternoons and evenings for $16.50 per week. By chance, she was noticed by an associate of Samuel Goldwyn who finagled a screen test for her. After a successful audition, she became a Goldwyn Girl for $125 per week. In 1935, she joined Fox as a contract player, though her roles remained little more than bit parts and walk-ons. One who did eventually recognise her potential was Columbia boss Harry Cohn, who signed Iris under contract a year later. At Columbia, she was immediately promoted to leading lady, albeit in stereotypical sagebrush sagas and mystery potboilers. Her most frequent co