Here is the biography of Madeleine Carroll:
Madeleine Carroll, known as the "iceberg maiden," was a renowned beauty with a confident air and the epitome of poise and breeding. Born to a French mother and an Irish father, she was educated at Birmingham University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts at the age of 20.
After teaching French at a girls' seminary near Brighton, Madeleine pursued a career in theatre, despite her father's disapproval. Her breakthrough came in 1927 with a small part as a French maid in a West End production of "The Lash." Her film debut followed shortly, and she quickly became Britain's top female screen star.
Madeleine learned her trade on the job, with guidance from established actors like Seymour Hicks and Miles Mander. Her beautiful speaking voice allowed her to transition seamlessly to sound pictures. She focused on her exquisite face and regal personality in her early films.
After a year-long absence from acting, Madeleine returned to the screen, signing a lucrative contract with Gaumont-British. Her subsequent films, "Sleeping Car" and "I Was a Spy," were both popular and critical successes, leading to renewed offers from Hollywood.
Madeleine's chance encounter with Alfred Hitchcock led to her starring role in "The 39 Steps," which made her an international star. Hitchcock liked her and attempted to repeat the success with "Secret Agent," although with diminished results.
Madeleine's reputation was cemented, and she became one of the most beautiful women in the world, according to Hollywood publicity. She was given A-grade material, including "The General Died at Dawn" opposite Gary Cooper, and "On the Avenue" opposite Tyrone Power.
After a hit-and-miss period, Madeleine's career began to decline. She devoted more time to charitable work, particularly for children affected by World War II. Her last film of note was "The Fan" in 1949, a dramatization of Oscar Wilde's play.
Madeleine made a solitary attempt at Broadway with "Goodbye, My Fancy" in 1948, but her career had largely run its course. She spent the last 21 years of her life in retirement, first in Paris and then in Spain, and died in Marbella in October 1987.
