Virginia Field

Virginia Field was a distinguished British-born actress whose career spanned from the 1930s through the early 1990s, leaving an indelible mark on cinema and television during Hollywood's most glamorous era. Born Margaret St. John Field on November 4, 1917, in London, she emerged from aristocratic British stock to become a versatile performer whose elegance and talent made her a sought-after supporting actress in major productions. Her journey from the stages of Vienna to the studios of Hollywood showcases a career marked by sophistication, adaptability, and a keen eye for theatrical excellence.

A Privileged Beginning and Continental Education

Virginia Field's early life positioned her perfectly for a career in the arts. The only child of Sir John Field, a respected judge of the Leicester County Court Circuit, she grew up in an environment that valued intellectual pursuits and cultural refinement. Her mother's distinguished lineage connected her to Confederate General Robert E. Lee, while her aunt was the accomplished British stage actress and director Auriol Lee, who would serve as an early inspiration for Virginia's own theatrical ambitions. Rather than remaining in England, Field received a cosmopolitan education that took her across Europe's cultural capitals. She studied in Paris, Vienna, and the South of France, experiences that cultivated her artistic sensibilities and multilingual capabilities. In Vienna, she had the extraordinary opportunity to study acting under the legendary theatrical director Max Reinhardt, one of the most influential figures in modern theater. This European training provided Field with a sophisticated approach to performance that would distinguish her work throughout her career. Upon returning to Britain as a teenager, Field transitioned from stage work to the cinema. She secured her first film role in The Lady is Willing while still in her teens, an accomplishment that quickly led to a coveted Hollywood contract. This early success represented the beginning of a remarkable journey that would see her work with some of the industry's most prestigious producers and alongside legendary performers.

Hollywood Prominence and Notable Film Roles

Field's Hollywood career commenced with a prestigious assignment when she was cast in David O. Selznick'sLittle Lord Fauntleroy in 1936, establishing her as a talented newcomer worthy of major studio productions. Throughout the late 1930s, she maintained steady employment in 20th Century Fox's Mr. Moto film series, roles that showcased her ability to work comfortably within popular franchise productions. One of her most memorable film performances came in 1940 when she played Kitty, a ballerina, opposite Vivien Leigh in Waterloo Bridge. The film, a poignant wartime romance, allowed Field to demonstrate her versatility in a substantial supporting role. An even more significant opportunity arose in 1941 with Hudson's Bay, where she portrayed the historical figure Nell Gwyn opposite Vincent Price, who played King Charles II. Price's account of their scenes together became somewhat legendary in Hollywood lore. In his autobiography The Book of Joe, Price humorously reflected on the filming, noting the challenge of concentrating on their intimate scenes with the King Charles spaniels present on set, though his humorous commentary focused more on Field's costumery and the film's censors than on her performance itself. Field's filmography from this era demonstrates her consistent presence in quality productions, though often in supporting roles that required a particular elegance and professionalism. Her ability to work seamlessly within ensemble casts made her a reliable presence in Hollywood productions throughout the 1930s and 1940s.

Television Success and Later Career Recognition

As television emerged as a dominant entertainment medium in the 1950s and 1960s, Field successfully transitioned to the new medium. She became particularly active in guest appearances on prestigious television programs, most notably the acclaimed Perry Mason series on CBS, which aired from 1957 to 1966. During this period, Field made six guest appearances on the show, demonstrating the kind of recurring work that characterized many supporting actors' television careers. Her Perry Mason appearances showcased her range as a performer. She played Irene Collaro in the 1958 episode "The Case of the Prodigal Parent." Notably, she was cast as the murderer in two separate episodes: "The Case of the Provocative Protege" in 1960 and "The Case of the Polka Dot Pony" in 1962, suggesting that producers recognized her ability to handle dramatic tension and villainy. In the 1964 episode "The Case of the Simple Simon," she played the role of Ramona Carver, Mason's client and defendant, demonstrating her capacity for more complex dramatic roles. Beyond Perry Mason, Field expanded her television presence through appearances in other series. She guest-starred in an episode of the ABC series The Rebel, which starred Nick Adams, and held the role of Josephine Dunning in the pilot for the comedy Meet the Girls, which aired on CBS in August 1960. Perhaps her most consistent television work came through her regular participation on Pantomime Quiz, a popular game show that allowed her to showcase her wit and theatrical knowledge.

Legacy and Personal Life

Virginia Field's contributions to entertainment were formally recognized when she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1751 Vine Street, Los Angeles, dedicated on February 8, 1960. This honor reflected her significant place in the entertainment industry and her enduring impact on cinema and television. Throughout her personal life, Field was married three times, with two of her spouses being fellow actors. She married Paul Douglas, with whom she had a daughter, Margaret Field Douglas. She also married actor Willard Parker at another point in her life. In 1947, she married Howard Grode, a composer and musician, a union that reflected her continued engagement with the arts beyond her own performance work. Field remained active in the entertainment industry for much of her life, though her later years saw fewer prominent roles as the industry evolved. She passed away on January 2, 1992, succumbing to cancer at the age of 74. Following her wishes, her ashes were scattered at sea, a fitting conclusion for an actress whose life had traversed continents and whose career had spanned nearly six decades of entertainment history.

Works and Appearances

Cinema

• The Primrose Path (1934)
• The Lady Is Willing (1934)
• Little Lord Fauntleroy (1936)
• Sing, Baby, Sing (1936)
• Thank You, Jeeves! (1936)
• Mr. Moto film series (late 1930s)
• Waterloo Bridge (1940)
• Hudson's Bay (1941)

Television

• Perry Mason (CBS, 1957-1966)
• "The Case of the Prodigal Parent" (1958)
• "The Case of the Provocative Protege" (1960)
• "The Case of the Polka Dot Pony" (1962)
• "The Case of the Simple Simon" (1964)