Pauline Carton

Pauline Carton was most widely recognized for playing housemaids in movies, but her repertoire also included plays, operettas, and even singing. Born at the turn of the century in France, Carton's fascination with theater began at the age of 20. With little prior experience, she was cast in her first play by up-and-coming playwright Peter Wolff. As the 1920s progressed, she played a number of minor roles in silent films. One of her more interesting acting opportunities came in 1930: Carton acquired a role in avant-garde director Jean Cocteau's surreal film "The Blood of a Poet." Carlton expanded her career by performing in music halls and even releasing an album. Around that same time she recorded a duet with popular singer and actor René Koval titled "In the Mangroves." She also began a friendship with popular playwright and director Sacha Guitry, who helped her get many roles, including in his own films. She starred in the late 1940s alongside the director in his comedic film "Aux Deux Colombes." In 1950, Carton was featured in "Miguette," directed by renowned French filmmaker Henri-Georges Clouzot. Carton continued to act well into her 70s and acquired a small role in the Oscar-winning World War II film "The Longest Day." With over 170 films to her name, she continued starring in television movies until the end of her career.