Died 12 October 1984 | ||
Nellie Bly Baker (September 7, 1893 – October 12, 1984) was an American actress active in the silent film era and early talkies, mostly playing minor roles. Often confused with the journalist Nellie Bly (1864–1922) whose name the actress presumably adopted for publicity purposes. Baker's career as an actress took place from 1921–1934 and she performed in 13 films. She was never the star or main role in any films, playing minor or side supporting characters. Many of these films fell under the same few companies which were Associated First National Pictures, First National Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. Most of the films she performed in were also silent films.
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The Red Kimono
Baker had a minor role in 1925 the silent film "The Red Kimono" produced by Dororthy Davenport and starring Priscilla Bonner under Mrs. Wallace Reid Productions, however the film itself was not minor. Baker played as the neighbor of the main character, Clara. The focus of the silent film was a real story that had taken place around prostitution. It was popular enough that a copy of the film became available in DVD format in the early 2000s. It was also special in that it was one of the few independent films written and produced by women. In 1926, the film was banned in the United Kingdom.
Working With Charlie Chaplin
Around 1926/1927, Baker was noticed by Charlie Chaplin, a very famous slapstick comedian who did many silent films, when he called her up while she was working as a studio phone operator. Baker worked in Charlie's First National Studio as a phone secretary. He needed a women to fill a role in the film Charlie was currently working on "A Woman of Paris" and Baker tried out for it. She gave an incredible performance as a masseuse in this film that received offers from several other studios as well. In total, Baker performed in two of Charlie Chaplin's films, "The Kid" and "A Woman of Paris."
Charlie Chaplin's "The Kid" produced by Associated First National Pictures, was a full-length film and became a huge success in 1921. Baker performed as the slum Nurse in this film. His "A Woman of Paris" was another full length silent film that came out in 1923. Nellie Baker performed in both of these silent films, however her role was small and is not shown in the main cast listings. However, it was good publicity for Baker to work alongside Charlie Chaplin in not one, but a few of his films as well as be a part of one that became a huge hit. "A Woman of Paris" was the film that kick started Baker's career as an actress, as her role as a masseuse impressed other film companies who gave her offers for acting jobs.
Small Film Roles 1924–1926
Baker played the role of Ellen in "The Goldfish" (1924) produced by Associated First National Pictures, a love film based around presenting a goldish to the other if they decide to part ways. It is assumed this was a very minor role since there is no information on what role Ellen played in the film.
Also in the year 1924 came the film "How to Educate a Wife", where Baker played Katinka. The film was a silent movie and is presumed to be a lost film. It was produced by Warner Brothers Pictures, making it a big deal for Baker.
In 1926, Baker performed in the film produced by Academy Photoplays, "The Salvation Hunters", playing the role as The Woman. The film shooting took place in Chinatown and San Fernando Valley. It was a drama film directed by Joseph von Sternberg who was later noticed by Charlie Chaplin for this film and invited to work with him in his film studio. The film is also given the credit of being the first American independent silent film, also becoming a success with very limited funds. The film centered around realism, it was very basic but had a deep message that produced a reaction from the audience.
Also in 1926 Baker played a beautician in "That Model from Paris", a silent film produced by Tiffany Productions Inc.
Starring as a Maid
Baker played the role of a maid in four films, "The Snob" (1924), "Breakfast at Sunrise" (1927), "Love and the Devil" (1929) and "The Bishop Murder Case" (1930). "The Snob", produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, is considered a lost film and did not get much press release or popularity. It was about a married couple who part ways when the husband changes into a human consumed by status and money. Baker's role in this film is again a minor one, as it is not listed under the main cast. In "Breakfast at Sunrise", produced by First National Productions, she plays the maid of Madeline, who was one of the main characters. In "Love and the Devil", produced by First National Productions, she plays a maid who plots with Barotti, a lead character, against the main characters in the film. In 1930 she again played a maid and minor character in "The Bishop Murder Case", a black and white drama and detective film about solving a murder by 'the bishop.' The film was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Corp. There is not much about Baker's role in this film other than she was a maid and the name of her character was Beedle.
The End of Baker's Film Career
In 1929 Baker played a character named Sippie in "The Painted Angel", a film about a nightclub hostess. It was produced by First National Productions; She performed in a handful of films produced by this company.
Baker performed in her last documented film role as a laundress in "Sadie McKee" (1934). While there is a good amount written on the plot of this film, nothing is written about Baker's role as a laundress.
Nellie Bly Baker died in Lone Pine, California on October 12, 1984, aged 91.