Barbara Lawrence's film career, although brief, was marked by a string of intriguing productions that showcased her versatility as an actress. Prior to her foray into the film industry, she honed her skills as a model, and it was during her studies at UCLA that she began to make a name for herself in Hollywood, co-starring in a half-dozen films for 20th Century Fox.
One of her most notable roles was in the critically acclaimed film "A Letter to Three Wives" (1949),a movie that received widespread critical acclaim. In 1952, she appeared in "Here Come the Nelsons" (1952),a film adaptation of the popular radio program, alongside Rock Hudson.
The following year, Lawrence starred alongside Gig Young in "Arena" (1953),a 3-D feature film from MGM that required special glasses to fully appreciate the action-packed Rodeo sequences. In 1954, she appeared in "Her Twelve Men" (1954),which marked the final film that Greer Garson made at MGM.
Lawrence's next notable role was in "Oklahoma!" (1955),a film adaptation of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, in which she played the role of Gertie Cummings. Filmed in TODD-AO wide-screen, the movie showcased her ability to adapt to different genres and formats.
After making a few more films in 1957, Barbara Lawrence decided to retire from the industry, bringing an end to her dozen-year career that had seen her appear in over twenty films. Despite the brevity of her career, Lawrence left a lasting impression on the film industry, and her contributions to some of the most iconic films of her time continue to be celebrated to this day.
