Muriel Angelus American stage and film actress Date of Birth: 10.03.1909 Country: USA

1. Biography of Muriel Angelus
2. Early Career in Film
3. Rise to Fame in Hollywood
4. Move to America and Later Career
5. Personal Life and Legacy

Biography of Muriel Angelus

Muriel Angelus Finley was born on March 10, 1909, in London. Her family had Scottish roots, but for her American fans, Muriel was a true English rose - a tall, reserved blonde with delicate features. From an early age, Muriel discovered her beautiful soprano voice and began taking vocal lessons. At the age of 12, she performed in public for the first time and soon became a popular performer in music halls.

Early Career in Film

Muriel made her film debut at the end of the silent film era in 1928, starring in 'The Ringer', the first of three film adaptations of Edgar Wallace's play. Her next film, 'Sailor Don't Care', was notable not only because it was released in the same year, but also because she met her first husband, Scottish actor John Stewart, on set. Although her role in the film was cut, Muriel was consoled by her new marriage. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1938 after ten years.

Rise to Fame in Hollywood

Although Muriel showcased her musical talent and beautiful voice in her first sound film, 'Night Birds', in 1930, most of her subsequent films did not utilize her musical abilities. She often played ingenues and "other women" roles, appearing in films such as 'No Exit' and 'Eve's Fall' in 1930, 'Hindle Wakes' in 1931, and several comedies alongside British star Monty Banks, including 'My Wife's Family' in 1932. Additionally, Muriel recorded the London hit song 'Balalaika', which further propelled her career.

Move to America and Later Career

In 1938, Muriel decided to make a drastic change in her life and set out to conquer America. She arrived in New York and soon landed a key role in the Broadway production of 'The Boys From Syracuse' and later signed a contract with Paramount Pictures. By this time, she had divorced her husband and settled in Hollywood. While Muriel did not become a major Hollywood star, she appeared in some of her best films, including 'The Light That Failed' in 1939 and Preston Sturges' Oscar-winning political satire 'The Great McGinty'.

Personal Life and Legacy

In 1943, Muriel once again received a lead role in the Broadway show 'Early To Bed', which had a successful run. During this time, she met conductor Paul Lavalle, whom she married three years later. Muriel eventually retired from her career to focus on her family. She lived in New England, raising her daughter Suzanne. Paul passed away in June 1997, just shy of his 89th birthday. Muriel outlived her husband by seven years and passed away on June 26, 2004, at the age of 95 in a nursing home in Harrisonburg, Virginia.