Helen Morgan
ActingAbout Helen Morgan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Helen Morgan (August 2, 1900 – October 9, 1941) was an American singer and actress who worked in films and on the stage. A quintessential torch singer, she made a big splash in the Chicago club scene in the 1920s. She starred as Julie LaVerne in the original Broadway production of Hammerstein and Kern's musical Show Boat in 1927, as well as in the 1932 Broadway revival of the musical, and appeared in two film adaptations, a part-talkie made in 1929 (prologue only) and a full-sound version made in 1936, becoming firmly associated with the role. She suffered from bouts of alcoholism, and despite her notable success in the title role of another Hammerstein and Kern's Broadway musical, Sweet Adeline (1929), her stage career was relatively short. Helen Morgan died of cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 41. She was portrayed by Polly Bergen in the Playhouse 90 drama The Helen Morgan Story and by Ann Blyth in the 1957 biopic based on the television drama. Morgan appeared in at least 15 films including Show Boat 1929, Applause 1929, Marie Galante 1934 and Show Boat 1936.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Helen Morgan reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 15 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Helen Morgan's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 27% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Helen Morgan remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in You Belong to Me, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Helen Morgan Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Helen Morgan's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Helen Morgan.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Musical Comedy Tonight III | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1981 | American Pop | Singer in Raided Nightclub (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Show Boat | Julie LaVerne | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Frankie and Johnnie | Frankie | Flop | Similar → |
| 1935 | Go Into Your Dance | Luana Wells | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Sweet Music | Herself | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | Marie Galante | Miss Tapia | Flop | Similar → |
| 1934 | You Belong to Me | Bonnie Kay | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Hollywood on Parade No. B-1 | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | The Gigolo Racket | Helen Marlowe | Flop | Similar → |
| 1930 | Roadhouse Nights | Lola Fagan | Flop | Similar → |
| 1929 | Glorifying the American Girl | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 1929 | Applause | Kitty Darling | Average | Similar → |
| 1929 | Show Boat | Julie LaVerne [prologue] | Average | Similar → |
| 1923 | Six Cylinder Love | Extra (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
Helen Morgan - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Helen Morgan?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Helen Morgan is "You Belong to Me" with a rating of 7.0/10.
How many movies has Helen Morgan acted in?
Helen Morgan has been featured in at least 15 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Helen Morgan?
Other notable films include "American Pop", "Show Boat", and "Go Into Your Dance".