Joan Davis
ActingAbout Joan Davis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Joan Davis (June 29, 1907 – May 22, 1961) was an American comedic actress whose career spanned vaudeville, film, radio and television. Remembered best for the 1950s television comedy, I Married Joan, Davis had a successful earlier career as a B-movie actress and a leading star of 1940s radio comedy. Born as Madonna Josephine Davis in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Davis was a performer since childhood. She appeared with her husband Si Wills in vaudeville. Description above from the Wikipedia article Joan Davis, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Joan Davis 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: Comedy
The majority of Joan Davis's filmography leans towards the Comedy 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 14% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Joan Davis remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Free, Blonde and 21, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Joan Davis Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Joan Davis's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Joan Davis.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | The Sound of Laughter | Jennie Kurtz (Hillbilly Singer) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1952 | Harem Girl | Susie Perkins | Flop | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Groom Wore Spurs | Alice Dean | Flop | Similar → |
| 1950 | Let's Join Joanie | Joanie Davis | Flop | Similar → |
| 1950 | Love That Brute | Mamie Sage | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Traveling Saleswoman | Mabel King | Flop | Similar → |
| 1949 | Make Mine Laughs | (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1948 | If You Knew Susie | Susie Parker | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | She Wrote the Book | Jane Featherstone | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | George White's Scandals | Joan Mason | Flop | Similar → |
| 1945 | She Gets Her Man | Jane 'Pilky' Pilkington | Flop | Similar → |
| 1944 | Kansas City Kitty | Polly Jasper | Flop | Similar → |
| 1944 | Show Business | Joan Mason | Flop | Similar → |
| 1944 | Beautiful But Broke | Dottie Duncan | Flop | Similar → |
| 1943 | Around the World | Joan Davis | Flop | Similar → |
| 1943 | Two Señoritas from Chicago | Daisy Baker | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | He's My Guy | Madge Donovan | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Hedda Hopper’s Hollywood No. 6 | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Yokel Boy | Molly Malone | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | Two Latins from Manhattan | Joan Daley | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | Sun Valley Serenade | Miss Carstairs | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Screen Snapshots Series 21 No. 1 | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | Hold That Ghost | Camille Brewster | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | For Beauty's Sake | Dottie Nickerson | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | Manhattan Heartbeat | Edna Higgins | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | Sailor's Lady | Myrtle | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | Free, Blonde and 21 | Nellie | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Day-time Wife | Miss Applegate | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Too Busy to Work | Lolly | Flop | Similar → |
| 1939 | Hollywood Hobbies | Self (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1939 | Tail Spin | Babe Dugan | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Just Around the Corner | Kitty | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Hold That Co-ed | Lizzie Olsen | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | My Lucky Star | Mary Dwight | Flop | Similar → |
| 1938 | Josette | May Morris | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Sally, Irene and Mary | Irene Keene | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Love and Hisses | Joan Dolan | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | Life Begins in College | Inez | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | Thin Ice | Orchestra Leader | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Wake Up and Live | Comic Spanish Dancer | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | You Can't Have Everything | Girl in YWCA (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Sing and Be Happy | Myrtle | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | Angel's Holiday | Strivers | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Great Hospital Mystery | Flossie Duff | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | On the Avenue | Miss Katz | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Time Out for Romance | Midge Dooley | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Holy Terror | Lili | Flop | Similar → |
| 1936 | Bunker Bean | Mabel - Bunker's Secretary (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1935 | Millions in the Air | Singer | Flop | Similar → |
| 1935 | Way Up Thar | Jennie Kurtz | Flop | Similar → |
Joan Davis - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Joan Davis?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Joan Davis is "Free, Blonde and 21" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Joan Davis acted in?
Joan Davis has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Joan Davis?
Other notable films include "If You Knew Susie", "Sun Valley Serenade", and "Hold That Ghost".