Esther Dale
ActingAbout Esther Dale
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Esther Dale (November 10, 1885 – July 23, 1961) was an American actress, best known perhaps for her role as Aunt Genevieve in the 1935 Shirley Temple vehicle, Curly Top. On the stage, Dale starred in Carrie Nation on Broadway in 1933. Her other Broadway credits include Harvest of Years (1947), And Be My Love (1944), and Another Language (1932). Dale's first film was Crime Without Passion (1934) in an uncredited role. She was a familiar face in films of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, frequently playing stern, authoritarian characters such as prison matrons and head nurses, although she was equally adept at playing grande dames and ladies of the aristocracy. Dale played many roles in television over the years. In the 1958-1959 season of The Donna Reed Show, Dale played a job-seeking housekeeper who is frightened from the Stone home by Jeff Stone's pet mouse, and she appeared in the 1957 Maverick episode "According to Hoyle" opposite James Garner.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Esther Dale reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Esther Dale's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 50% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Esther Dale remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Great Impersonation, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Esther Dale Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Esther Dale's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Esther Dale.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | North to Alaska | Woman at Picnic | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | The Sound and the Fury | Mrs. Maud Mansfield | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Ma and Pa Kettle at Waikiki | Birdie Hicks | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Monkey Business | Mrs. Rhinelander | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair | Birdie Hicks | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | On Moonlight Bay | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | No Man of Her Own | Josie | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Holiday Affair | Mrs. Ennis | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Ma and Pa Kettle | Mrs. Birdie Hicks | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | A Song Is Born | Miss Bragg | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | The Unfinished Dance | Olga | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | The Egg and I | Birdie Hicks | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Margie | Grandma McSweeney | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | A Stolen Life | Mrs. Johnson | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | My Reputation | Anna | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Old Acquaintance | Harriet | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | The North Star | Anna Kurin | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | The Amazing Mrs. Holliday | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Maisie Gets Her Man | Mrs. McIntyre (Uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Blondie Goes to College | Mrs. Carrie Dill, the Landlady | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Aloma of the South Seas | Tarusa | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Back Street | Mrs. Smith | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Mr. & Mrs. Smith | Mrs. Krausheimer | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Arise, My Love | Susie | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Blondie Has Servant Trouble | Anna Vaughn | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Cross-Country Romance | Mrs. McGillicuddy | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Mortal Storm | Marta | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Forty Little Mothers | Mrs. Mason the Landlady | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | And One Was Beautiful | Margaret | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Abe Lincoln in Illinois | Lincoln's Cook (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Laddie | Sarah, the Housekeeper | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Swanee River | Temperance Woman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | A Child Is Born | Prison Matron (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Blackmail | Sarah | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Women | Ingrid (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | 6,000 Enemies | Prison Matron | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Broadway Serenade | Mrs. Olsen, the Landlady | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Sergeant Madden | Mrs. McGillivray | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Made for Each Other | Annie (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Great Man Votes | Mrs. Markham | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Condemned Women | Mrs. Clara Glover, Head Matron | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Awful Truth | Mrs. Leeson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Dead End | Mrs. Fenner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Easy Living | Lillian | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Fury | Mrs. Whipple | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Lady of Secrets | Miss Eccles | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Great Impersonation | Mrs. Unthank | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | I Live My Life | Brumbaugh, Mrs. Gage's Housekeeper | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Curly Top | Genevieve Graham | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Private Worlds | Matron | Average | Similar → |
Esther Dale - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Esther Dale?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Esther Dale is "The Great Impersonation" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Esther Dale acted in?
Esther Dale has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Esther Dale?
Other notable films include "Fury", "The Mortal Storm", and "Ma and Pa Kettle at Waikiki".