Joyce Arleen (born Joyce Arleen Novotny; May 20, 1931 – February 17, 2023), also credited as Arleen Joyce and Mary Thomas, was an American actress.
Early life Born in Hackensack, New Jersey on May 20, 1931, Arleen was a native of Garfield. Her parents were Joseph and Mary Novotny. Her sister was Dorothy Joyce, who would appear in The Blue Bird (1940) and Please Don't Eat the Daisies (1960)."'The Blue Bird' enchanting: Direction, writing, acting exceptional". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 55, Iss. 47. Jan 20, 1940: p. 3. "Feature castings". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 156, Iss. 37. Sep 10, 1959. p. 5.
Career In 1939, Arleen signed with Charles R. Rogers for a seven-year option for the Paramount film The Star Maker."More Moppets". Variety. Jan 18, 1939. p. 12. "Pictures: Studio Contracts". Variety. Mar 15, 1939. p. 4. That same year, Arleen, going by the name Mary Thomas, appeared in Our Neighbors – The Carters. A Variety review commented that her performance was "excellent throughout, especially capable in scenes in which she decides to be adopted by the rich city friends","Pictures: Film Reviews - Our Neighbors – The Carters". Variety. Nov 8, 1939. p. 18. and The Hollywood Reporter wrote that she was "superb"."'Our Neighbors The Carters' good homey entertainment: Cast, direction and production tops". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 54, Iss. 30. Oct 31, 1939: p. 3.
Arleen appeared as Mary in the 1940 film The Great McGinty."'McGinty' a socko; Sturges' writing, direction tops: Brian Donlevy and Angelus Excellent". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 58, Iss. 48. Jul 22, 1940). p. 3. "Down Went McGinty". Kinematograph Weekly. London. Vol. 281. Iss. 1736. Jul 25, 1940. p. 15. .
In 1942, Arleen portrayed the young Cassandra Tower in the Warner Bros. film Kings Row. A Variety review noted she gave the best performance of the film's child actors.Hobe. "Film reviews: Kings Row". Variety. Dec 24, 1941. p. 8. Arleen also appeared as the main character during childhood in The Gay Sisters to a positive review by The Hollywood Reporter,'Gay Sisters' powerfully acted and directed drama: well written script soundly produced. The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 68, Iss. 24. Jun 2, 1942. p. 3. and in Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch.Walt. "Film Reviews: Mrs. Wiggs of The Cabbage Patch". Variety. Oct 7, 1942. p. 8.
Personal life and death Arleen married Alvin Baldock and they had one daughter.
On February 17, 2023, Arleen died in Bakersfield, California.
Selected filmography The Star Maker (1939) Our Neighbors – The Carters (1939) The Great McGinty (1940) Kings Row (1942) The Gay Sisters (1942) Wake Island (1942)Collier, Lionel. "Shop For Your Films". Picturegoer. Jan 23, 1943. p. 12. Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch (1942)"Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch". Kinematograph Weekly. London Vol. 307, Iss. 1848. Sep 24, 1942. p. 45.
References
External links