My interest in Miss Compton began in the same way many film fans take to obscure actors - by noticing her playing bits in several movies. She usually appeared as the heroine's breezy gal pal or the sexy Southern Belle who pops up with a snappy line or two, then disappears forever. Even in the smallest of parts, you couldn't keep your eyes off her.

The more I learned about the actress, the more fascinated I was. Her career perfectly mirrors the rise and fall of Hollywood's Studio System. She worked at every major studio (and several minor ones) in every movie genre - comedies, dramas, westerns, musicals, film noirs, mysteries, and more. She loved her work, but didn't let it consume her. Happiest of all, she appeared to be just as sweet and down to earth in person as the women she played on screen. But not nearly as dumb.

So, here it is, for all to enjoy - The Joyce Compton Shrine! - Matt Hinrichs, Webmaster