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==Move to Hollywood==
==Move to Hollywood==
In April 1936, she sailed for the United States and Hollywood.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article246726035 |title=JOCELYN HOWARTH GOING TO HOLLYWOOD |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |volume=6, |issue=24 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=14 March 1936 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref>
In April 1936, she sailed for the United States and Hollywood.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article246726035 |title=JOCELYN HOWARTH GOING TO HOLLYWOOD |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |volume=6, |issue=24 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=14 March 1936 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> A report in the ''Los Angeles Times'' said she was going to England, but she decided to stay in the US.<ref>FLOOD WORK TAKES 11,686 FROM DOLE: Los Angeles Times 19 Apr 1936: A1. </ref> (She later said she was stranded in the country due to a maritime strike.<ref>Around and About in Hollywood
Read, Kendall. Los Angeles Times 22 Jan 1937: A18. </ref>)

In August 1936 she reportedly put her head in the oven and tried to kill herself because she was "despondent about getting work".<ref>Hearty Welcome Awaits Veterans Saturday
Los Angeles Times 5 Aug 1936: A2</ref> It was later explained this was just an accident.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article55930929 |title=Australian girl's |newspaper=[[The Mail (Adelaide)]] |volume=26, |issue=1,316 |location=South Australia |date=14 August 1937 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=1 (Talkie News) |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref>
===RKO===
===RKO===
After six months of unsuccessful effort, including a near-fatal incident with a gas stove in her flat,<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page4628379 ''The Mail'', 14 August 1937]</ref> she signed a year long contract with [[RKO Pictures]] in October 1936.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17284306 |title=JOCELYN HOWARTH. |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,836 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=31 October 1936 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> She took the name "Constance Worth". The change of name was related to her first role with established Hollywood actor [[Vinton Hayworth]].
In October 1936 she signed a year long contract with [[RKO Pictures]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17284306 |title=JOCELYN HOWARTH. |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,836 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=31 October 1936 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> Worth tested for a film by [[Edward Small]], ''Clementina''. It was not made. However she was top billed in her first film for RKO: ''[[China Passage]]'' (1937), originally called ''Miss Customs Agentd''. Because she appeared opposite established Hollywood actor [[Vinton Hayworth]], RKO decided to give her a new name "Constance Worth". <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article55934011 |title=Constance Worth Tells Of Hollywood Private Life Hollywood Private Life |newspaper=[[The Mail (Adelaide)]] |volume=26, |issue=1,305 |location=South Australia |date=29 May 1937 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=2 (Talkie News) |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref>


In December 1936 RKO announced she would co star with [[Robert Donat]] in ''Son of Monte Cristo''.<ref>SCREEN NOTES
Worth tested for a film by [[Edward Small]], ''Clementina''. It was not made but she was top billed in her first film for RKO: ''[[China Passage]]'' (1937).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article55934011 |title=Constance Worth Tells Of Hollywood Private Life Hollywood Private Life |newspaper=[[The Mail (Adelaide)]] |volume=26, |issue=1,305 |location=South Australia |date=29 May 1937 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=2 (Talkie News) |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> She followed it with ''[[Windjammer (1937 film)|Windjammer]]'' (1937) which she made with [[George O'Brien (actor)|George O'Brien]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205927702 |title=CONSTANCE WORTH. |newspaper=[[The Age]] |issue=25902 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=25 April 1938 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=14 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> After ''Windjammer'', RKO offered her no more films.
Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES.16 Dec 1936: 35. </ref> In February 1937 RKO announced her for ''Borrowed Time''.<ref>SCHILDKRAUT AND CARNOVSKY VIE FOR CAPT. DREYFUS ROLE IN "ZOLA": Deal Arranged for More "Hopalongs"
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]10 Feb 1937: 10. </ref> Instead she was in ''[[Windjammer (1937 film)|Windjammer]]'' (1937) which she made with [[George O'Brien (actor)|George O'Brien]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205927702 |title=CONSTANCE WORTH. |newspaper=[[The Age]] |issue=25902 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=25 April 1938 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=14 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> She broke her hip during filming.<ref>Boy, 12, Trainer of Elephants: Lad Amazes Playmates by Making Pachyderm Perform at Zoopark
Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]27 May 1937: A1. </ref> After ''Windjammer'', RKO offered her no more films.


Her next role was in [[Willis Kent]]'s 1938 [[exploitation film|exploitation]] quickie, ''[[Wages of Sin (1938 film)|The Wages of Sin]]'' (1938), playing a young woman lured into [[prostitution]].
Her next role was in [[Willis Kent]]'s 1938 [[exploitation film|exploitation]] quickie, ''[[Wages of Sin (1938 film)|The Wages of Sin]]'' (1938), playing a young woman lured into [[prostitution]].


Worth had a support role in ''[[Mystery of the White Room]]'' (1939) at Universal.
Worth had a support role in ''[[Mystery of the White Room]]'' (1939) at Universal. <ref>Three Screen Themes Prepared for Colbert Los Angeles Times 27 Jan 1939: 26. </ref>


In June 1939 she returned to Australia for a three month visit.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article114151418 |title=MISS JOCELYN HOWARTH RETURNS. |newspaper=[[Queensland Times]] |volume=LXXIX, |issue=16,404 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=21 June 1939 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=3 (DAILY.) |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref><ref>[http://acms.sl.nsw.gov.au/item/itemDetailPaged.aspx?itemID=24593 Joy Howarth arriving home on the SS ''Monterey'', July, 1939. State Library of New South Wales image]</ref>
In June 1939 she returned to Australia for a three month visit.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article114151418 |title=MISS JOCELYN HOWARTH RETURNS. |newspaper=[[Queensland Times]] |volume=LXXIX, |issue=16,404 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=21 June 1939 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=3 (DAILY.) |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref><ref>[http://acms.sl.nsw.gov.au/item/itemDetailPaged.aspx?itemID=24593 Joy Howarth arriving home on the SS ''Monterey'', July, 1939. State Library of New South Wales image]</ref> She returned in late October. He name was linked romantically to [[Ivan Goff]] around this time.<ref>SHIPPING NEWS LOS ANGELES HARBOR ACTIVITIES Los Angeles Times 29 Oct 1939: 12. </ref>

In March 1940 an ankle injury reportedly took her out of a role in ''[[The Night of January 16th]]'' at Paramount, though she got some radio work with [[Cary Grant]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247492743 |title=Stage Offer For Cecil Kellaway |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |volume=IV, |issue=314 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=22 March 1940 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=7 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref>
===Columbia===
===Columbia===
In August 1940 she signed a contract with Columbia.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130484712 |title=JOCELYN HOWARTH. |newspaper=[[The Port Macquarie News And Hastings River Advocate]] |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=17 August 1940 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> She had a support part in ''[[Angels Over Broadway]]'' 1940) and ''[[Meet Boston Blackie]]'' (1940). At [[Producers Releasing Corporation|PRC]] she had a support role in ''[[Criminals Within]]'' (1941), directed by [[Joseph H. Lewis]], then she appeared in an uncredited minor role in Alfred Hitchcock's ''[[Suspicion (1941 film)|Suspicion]]'' (1941).
In August 1940 she signed a contract with Columbia.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130484712 |title=JOCELYN HOWARTH. |newspaper=[[The Port Macquarie News And Hastings River Advocate]] |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=17 August 1940 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> She had a support part in ''[[Angels Over Broadway]]'' 1940) with [[Rita Hayworth]]; Worth wanted to resume her name "Joy Howarth" but it was felt this was too close to Hayworth so she kept her new stage name.<ref>Bette Davis Receives 840 Marriage Proposals This Year The Washington Post 11 Aug 1940: 51. </ref> Columbia put her in ''[[Meet Boston Blackie]]'' (1940).<ref>Looking at Hollywood
Chapman, John. Chicago Daily Tribune 12 Dec 1940: 26. </ref><ref>Ida Lupino Wins Lead in 'Valley' at 20th: Rogers Goes Dramatic Fred, Madeleine Team Film Chest Overflows Constance Worth Cast Cooper Deal Definite
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 4 Dec 1940: A12. </ref>

At [[Producers Releasing Corporation|PRC]] she had a support role in ''[[Criminals Within]]'' (1941), directed by [[Joseph H. Lewis]], then she appeared in an uncredited minor role in Alfred Hitchcock's ''[[Suspicion (1941 film)|Suspicion]]'' (1941).<ref>Lana Turner Heroine in 'Jekyll and Hyde' Los Angeles Times 5 Feb 1941: A10. </ref>


In November 1940 she reportedly signed a three picture deal with Paramount but appears not to have made movies for them.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231161647 |title=HOLLYWOOD NEWS REEL |newspaper=[[The Sun]] |issue=1965 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=24 November 1940 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=19 (NEWS SECTION) |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> She lost a part in ''[[They Dare Not Love]]'' because Brent was cast.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17735062 |title=IT HAPPENS IN HOLLYWOOD |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=32,199 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=11 March 1941 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=5 (Women's Supplement) |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref>
In November 1940 she reportedly signed a three picture deal with Paramount but appears not to have made movies for them.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231161647 |title=HOLLYWOOD NEWS REEL |newspaper=[[The Sun]] |issue=1965 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=24 November 1940 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=19 (NEWS SECTION) |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> She lost a part in ''[[They Dare Not Love]]'' because Brent was cast.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17735062 |title=IT HAPPENS IN HOLLYWOOD |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=32,199 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=11 March 1941 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=5 (Women's Supplement) |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref>


Worth was fourth billed in the gangster B film ''[[Borrowed Hero]]'' (1941) at Monogram and a spy story at PRC, ''[[The Dawn Express]]'' (1942). Back at Columbia she was third billed in ''[[Boston Blackie Goes Hollywood]]'' (1942) then at Universal she was uncredited in ''[[When Johnny Comes Marching Home (film)|When Johnny Comes Marching Home]]'' (1942).
Worth was fourth billed in the gangster B film ''[[Borrowed Hero]]'' (1941) at Monogram and a spy story at PRC, ''[[The Dawn Express]]'' (1942).<ref>SCREEN NEWS HERE AD IN HOLLYWOOD New York Times 17 Oct 1941: 28. </ref> Back at Columbia she was third billed in ''[[Boston Blackie Goes Hollywood]]'' (1942)<ref>SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD New York Times 19 June 1942: 19. </ref> then at Universal she was uncredited in ''[[When Johnny Comes Marching Home (film)|When Johnny Comes Marching Home]]'' (1942). In January 1942 she was linked to ''Clementina'' again.<ref>Hedda Hopper's HOLLYWOOD
Los Angeles Times 16 Jan 1942: 13. </ref>


She went to work as a waitress at a drive in restaurant. This led to an item in a gossip column and drew the attention of Harry Cohn. In December 1942 she reportedly signed a five year contract with Columbia.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article78304332 |title=Jocelyn Howarth's Success |newspaper=[[The Daily News]] |volume=LX, |issue=21,126 |location=Western Australia |date=18 December 1942 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=8 (HOME EDITION) |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> "It was not a star's contract by any means," she said later, "but I grabbed it very gratefully. I stayed at Columbia for about two years, but never did anything but small roles and a few leads in B pictures.
She went to work as a waitress at a drive in restaurant. This led to an item in a gossip column and drew the attention of Harry Cohn. In December 1942 she reportedly signed a five year contract with Columbia.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article78304332 |title=Jocelyn Howarth's Success |newspaper=[[The Daily News]] |volume=LX, |issue=21,126 |location=Western Australia |date=18 December 1942 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=8 (HOME EDITION) |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> "It was not a star's contract by any means," she said later, "but I grabbed it very gratefully. I stayed at Columbia for about two years, but never did anything but small roles and a few leads in B pictures.
In fact I became known as 'Queen of the B's' at Columbia."<ref name="girl"/>
In fact I became known as 'Queen of the B's' at Columbia."<ref name="girl"/>


Worth had a minor role in Columbia's ''[[City Without Men]]'' (1943) but she was third billed in Republic's serial ''[[G-Men vs. The Black Dragon]]'' (1943). At Columbia she supported in ''[[Let's Have Fun (film)|Let's Have Fun]]'' (1943) and ''[[She Has What It Takes]]'' (1943), then was uncredited in ''[[Crime Doctor (film)|Crime Doctor]]'' (1943), ''[[Appointment in Berlin]]'' (1943), ''[[Dangerous Blondes]]'' (1943), ''[[My Kingdom for a Cook]]'' (1943). She was at least billed in ''[[The Crime Doctor's Strangest Case]]'' (1943) and had a decent role in ''[[Klondike Kate (film)|Klondike Kate]]'' (1943) directed by [[William Castle]]. She was third billed in ''[[Who's Hugh?]]'' (1943).
Worth had a minor role in Columbia's ''[[City Without Men]]'' (1943) but she was third billed in Republic's serial ''[[G-Men vs. The Black Dragon]]'' (1943).<ref>DRAMA: Douglas, Dunne Will Scintillate in 'Gaslight'
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 22 Sep 1942: 15. </ref> At Columbia she supported in ''[[Let's Have Fun (film)|Let's Have Fun]]'' (1943) and ''[[She Has What It Takes]]'' (1943), then was uncredited in ''[[Crime Doctor (film)|Crime Doctor]]'' (1943), ''[[Appointment in Berlin]]'' (1943), ''[[Dangerous Blondes]]'' (1943), ''[[My Kingdom for a Cook]]'' (1943). She was at least billed in ''[[The Crime Doctor's Strangest Case]]'' (1943) and had a decent role in ''[[Klondike Kate (film)|Klondike Kate]]'' (1943) directed by [[William Castle]]. She was third billed in ''[[Who's Hugh?]]'' (1943).<ref>DRAMA: Gregory Ratoff Will Guide Porter Musical
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 21 Aug 1942: A15. </ref>


Worth was uncredited in ''[[Cover Girl (film)|Cover Girl]]'' (1944), ''[[Jam Session (1944 film)|Jam Session]]'' (1944).
Worth was uncredited in ''[[Cover Girl (film)|Cover Girl]]'' (1944), ''[[Jam Session (1944 film)|Jam Session]]'' (1944).


At Paramount she was uncredited in ''[[Frenchman's Creek (film)|Frenchman's Creek]]'' (1944). At Columbia she was [[Charles Starrett]]'s leading lady in the Westerns ''[[Cyclone Prairie Rangers]]'' (1944) and ''[[Sagebrush Heroes]]'' (1945).
At Paramount she was uncredited in ''[[Frenchman's Creek (film)|Frenchman's Creek]]'' (1944). At Columbia she was [[Charles Starrett]]'s leading lady in the Westerns ''[[Cyclone Prairie Rangers]]'' (1944) and ''[[Sagebrush Heroes]]'' (1945). <ref>SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD New York Times 6 Dec 1943: 21.</ref>
===Last Roles===
===Last Roles===
For [[Sigmund Neufeld]] at PRC she played a support part in ''[[The Kid Sister]]'' (1945) and was unbilled in ''[[Dillinger (1945 film)|Dillinger]]'' (1945) at Monogram.<ref>NEWS OF THE SCREEN: New York Times 17 Oct 1944: 19. </ref>
⚫
For [[Sigmund Neufeld]] at PRC she played a support part in ''[[The Kid Sister]]'' (1945) and was unbilled in ''[[Dillinger (1945 film)|Dillinger]]'' (1945) at Monogram. Worth had a support part in PRC's ''[[Why Girls Leave Home (1945 film)|Why Girls Leave Home]]'' (1945) and Monogram's ''[[Sensation Hunters (1945 film)|Sensation Hunters]]'' (1945), and a minor role in RKO's ''[[Deadline at Dawn]]'' (1946). In August 1945 she said "I have no desire to play romantic leads any more, though I do think I still look good enough for such roles. I'm now concentrating on character parts, similar to those that have made Claire Trevor famous. I think I can do them, and I feel they'll offer me a longer screen life than romantic leads. At least the competition won't be so stiff."<ref name="girl">{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article141805427 |title=THE GIRL WHO CAME BACK |newspaper=[[The Australasian]] |volume=CLIX, |issue=5,043 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=25 August 1945 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref>


⚫
Worth had a support part in PRC's ''[[Why Girls Leave Home (1945 film)|Why Girls Leave Home]]'' (1945) and Monogram's ''[[Sensation Hunters (1945 film)|Sensation Hunters]]'' (1945), and a minor role in RKO's ''[[Deadline at Dawn]]'' (1946). In August 1945 she said "I have no desire to play romantic leads any more, though I do think I still look good enough for such roles. I'm now concentrating on character parts, similar to those that have made Claire Trevor famous. I think I can do them, and I feel they'll offer me a longer screen life than romantic leads. At least the competition won't be so stiff."<ref name="girl">{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article141805427 |title=THE GIRL WHO CAME BACK |newspaper=[[The Australasian]] |volume=CLIX, |issue=5,043 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=25 August 1945 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref>
⚫
She was uncredited in ''[[The Set-Up (1949 film)|The Set-Up]]'' (1949). Her last film was a minor role in the [[Johnny Mack Brown]] Monogram Western ''[[Western Renegades]]'' (1949).

⚫
She was uncredited in ''[[The Set-Up (1949 film)|The Set-Up]]'' (1949). Her last film was a minor role in the [[Johnny Mack Brown]] Monogram Western ''[[Western Renegades]]'' (1949). <ref>WESTERN RENEGADES
Picture Show; London Vol. 58, Iss. 1514, (Apr 5, 1952): 10. </ref>


Throughout her career and as late as 1961, publicity in Australia repeatedly suggested she was on the verge of signing a major studio contract again. This did not happen.<ref>See for example; ''Australian Women's Weekly'', 11 December 1937, p.26; 13 December 1942, p. 11; ''Sydney Morning Herald'' 8 October 1952, p. 5; ''Sydney Morning Herald'', 5 November 1961, p. 27</ref>
Throughout her career and as late as 1961, publicity in Australia repeatedly suggested she was on the verge of signing a major studio contract again. This did not happen.<ref>See for example; ''Australian Women's Weekly'', 11 December 1937, p.26; 13 December 1942, p. 11; ''Sydney Morning Herald'' 8 October 1952, p. 5; ''Sydney Morning Herald'', 5 November 1961, p. 27</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
In May 1937, she married Irish actor [[George Brent]] in Mexico after a courtship of six weeks. After only a few weeks, they separated, and a divorce was granted the same year.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131562118 |title=Constance Worth Granted Divorce |newspaper=[[News]] |volume=XXIX, |issue=4,486 |location=South Australia |date=8 December 1937 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref>
On 10 May 1937, she married Irish actor [[George Brent]] in Mexico after a courtship of six weeks. After only a few weeks, they separated, and a divorce was granted the same year.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131562118 |title=Constance Worth Granted Divorce |newspaper=[[News]] |volume=XXIX, |issue=4,486 |location=South Australia |date=8 December 1937 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> Brent sought an annulment claiming that the marriage in Mexico was not legal. The case went to trial in August 1937 and was highly publicised - Worth broke down in tears during proceedings.<ref>Brent Case in New Turn: More Testimony to Be Heard as Result of Surprise Move
Los Angeles Times 21 Aug 1937: A8. </ref> The court ruled the marriage was legal in September. She sued for divorce in November and itwas granted in December.<ref>ACTRESS IN DIVORCE COURT: MARRIAGE PRESSURE TOLD IN BRENT'S ANNULMENT SUIT
Los Angeles Times 14 Aug 1937: 3. </ref><ref>GEORGE BRENT'S. ANNULMENT PLEA DENIED BY COURT
Los Angeles Times 14 Sep 1937: A1.</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52244989 |title=TOY HOWARTH'S Own Full STORY |newspaper=[[The Australian Women's Weekly]] |volume=5, |issue=19 |location=Australia, Australia |date=16 October 1937 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref><ref>WIFE SUES GEORGE BRENT: Constance Worth, Who Fought Annulment, Now Asks Divorce
New York Times ]24 Nov 1937: 19.</ref>


The marriage and drama of the divorce attracted enormous newspaper publicity in Australia. Denis O’Brien comments that even in 1939 "the [[The Australian Women's Weekly|''Weekly'']] was still dredging the Howarth saga" in its report on her latest film ''Mystery of the White Room'' (1939).<ref>Denis O’Brien (1982) ''The Weekly''. p. 69. Penguin Books Australia. {{ISBN|0-14-006566-0}}</ref> "I didn't get a penny," she declared in 1945, "though I could have demanded $120,000 as my share of George's community property. But I was too proud then to accept money from a man who didn't want me. I'd not be so proud now."<ref name="girl"/>
The marriage and drama of the divorce attracted enormous newspaper publicity in Australia. Denis O’Brien comments that even in 1939 "the [[The Australian Women's Weekly|''Weekly'']] was still dredging the Howarth saga" in its report on her latest film ''Mystery of the White Room'' (1939).<ref>Denis O’Brien (1982) ''The Weekly''. p. 69. Penguin Books Australia. {{ISBN|0-14-006566-0}}</ref> "I didn't get a penny," she declared in 1945, "though I could have demanded $120,000 as my share of George's community property. But I was too proud then to accept money from a man who didn't want me. I'd not be so proud now."<ref name="girl"/>
Line 92: Line 115:
In January 1946, she was again in newspapers, cited in divorce proceedings by the wife of Hollywood scriptwriter [[William A. Pierce]]. Both denied any impropriety, but within a year of his divorce, they married.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article78826965 |title=CONSTANCE WORTH CITED IN DIVORCE |newspaper=[[The Daily News]] |volume=LXIV, |issue=22,078 |location=Western Australia |date=11 January 1946 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=18 (HOME EDITION) |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref>
In January 1946, she was again in newspapers, cited in divorce proceedings by the wife of Hollywood scriptwriter [[William A. Pierce]]. Both denied any impropriety, but within a year of his divorce, they married.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article78826965 |title=CONSTANCE WORTH CITED IN DIVORCE |newspaper=[[The Daily News]] |volume=LXIV, |issue=22,078 |location=Western Australia |date=11 January 1946 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=18 (HOME EDITION) |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref>


In 1947, Australian newspapers reported that she had been severely injured in a car accident and had undergone plastic surgery.<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27894631 ''Sydney Morning Herald'', 7 August 1947]</ref> Constance Worth died, aged 52, in Hollywood on 18 October 1963, an "ordinary housewife", reportedly from anemia. Ken Hall remarked that "unhappy circumstances" surrounded her death.<ref>[http://www.oldbonza.dsc.rmit.edu.au/essays/1998/howarth/Howarth_Death.php Amber Sloan (1998) "Jocelyn Howarth death" BONZA National Cinema and Television Database, RMIT University] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410050119/http://www.oldbonza.dsc.rmit.edu.au/essays/1998/howarth/Howarth_Death.php |date=10 April 2011 }}</ref>
In August 1947, Australian newspapers reported that she had been severely injured in a car accident and had undergone plastic surgery.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27894631 |title=Sydney's Talking About— |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=34,204 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=7 August 1947 |accessdate=29 September 2019 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref>
Constance Worth died, aged 52, in Hollywood on 18 October 1963, an "ordinary housewife", reportedly from anemia. Ken Hall remarked that "unhappy circumstances" surrounded her death.<ref>[http://www.oldbonza.dsc.rmit.edu.au/essays/1998/howarth/Howarth_Death.php Amber Sloan (1998) "Jocelyn Howarth death" BONZA National Cinema and Television Database, RMIT University] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410050119/http://www.oldbonza.dsc.rmit.edu.au/essays/1998/howarth/Howarth_Death.php |date=10 April 2011 }}</ref>


She is occasionally mistaken for a British silent-era stage and film actress of the same name, active 1919–1922.
She is occasionally mistaken for a British silent-era stage and film actress of the same name, active 1919–1922.

Revision as of 07:13, 29 September 2019

Constance Worth
Constance Worth in The Wages of Sin (1938)
Born
Enid Joyce Howarth

(1911-08-19)19 August 1911
Sydney, Australia
Died18 October 1963(1963-10-18) (aged 52)
Los Angeles County, California, U.S.
Alma materSt. Gabriel's School
Ascham School
Years active1933–1949
Spouse(s)
​
​
(m. 1937; div. 1937)​

William A. Pierce
​
​
(m. 1946)​

Constance Worth (born Enid Joyce Howarth, 19 August 1911 – 18 October 1963) was an Australian actress who became a Hollywood star in the late 1930s. She was also known as Jocelyn Howarth.

Early life and career

She was born in Sydney, Australia, youngest of three daughters of businessman Moffatt Howarth and his wife Mary Ellen (née Dumbrell).[1][2][3][4]

She attended Ascham School and a finishing school.[5][6] She appeared on stage at Sydney's Independent theatre in a production of Cynara.

Film career in Australia

Jocelyn Howarth and Nancy Bird Walton, ca. 1932 – by unknown photographer.

She was cast in the title role in the Cinesound movie The Squatter's Daughter (1933), produced and directed by Ken G. Hall. Ken Hall claimed Howarth's first screen test showed "light and shade, good diction, no accent and (that) she undoubtedly could act with no sign of the self-consciousness which almost always characterised the amateur."[7] The film was a big success.

In August 1933 Cinesound put her under an 18-month contract, a very rare thing at the time,[8] and paid for her to tour Australia as their rising star.

In late 1933, Smith's Weekly raved enthusiastically about the young actress; "Young Joy Howarth who leapt into publicity when she became the Squatter's Daughter a few months ago, is just the big hit nowadays...."[7]

She had a support role in Hall's next film, The Silence of Dean Maitland (1934). This was another box office success. Cinesound wanted to use her in their version of Robbery Under Arms.[9] That film ended up not being made.

She planned on going overseas but in June 1934 she signed a contract with J.C. Williamson Ltd for whom she appeared on stage in The Wind and the Rain by Merton Hodge.[10][11] Howarth toured in the play around the country for the next few months and then went to New Zealand

Move to Hollywood

In April 1936, she sailed for the United States and Hollywood.[12] A report in the Los Angeles Times said she was going to England, but she decided to stay in the US.[13] (She later said she was stranded in the country due to a maritime strike.[14])

In August 1936 she reportedly put her head in the oven and tried to kill herself because she was "despondent about getting work".[15] It was later explained this was just an accident.[16]

RKO

In October 1936 she signed a year long contract with RKO Pictures.[17] Worth tested for a film by Edward Small, Clementina. It was not made. However she was top billed in her first film for RKO: China Passage (1937), originally called Miss Customs Agentd. Because she appeared opposite established Hollywood actor Vinton Hayworth, RKO decided to give her a new name "Constance Worth". [18]

In December 1936 RKO announced she would co star with Robert Donat in Son of Monte Cristo.[19] In February 1937 RKO announced her for Borrowed Time.[20] Instead she was in Windjammer (1937) which she made with George O'Brien.[21] She broke her hip during filming.[22] After Windjammer, RKO offered her no more films.

Her next role was in Willis Kent's 1938 exploitation quickie, The Wages of Sin (1938), playing a young woman lured into prostitution.

Worth had a support role in Mystery of the White Room (1939) at Universal. [23]

In June 1939 she returned to Australia for a three month visit.[24][25] She returned in late October. He name was linked romantically to Ivan Goff around this time.[26]

In March 1940 an ankle injury reportedly took her out of a role in The Night of January 16th at Paramount, though she got some radio work with Cary Grant.[27]

Columbia

In August 1940 she signed a contract with Columbia.[28] She had a support part in Angels Over Broadway 1940) with Rita Hayworth; Worth wanted to resume her name "Joy Howarth" but it was felt this was too close to Hayworth so she kept her new stage name.[29] Columbia put her in Meet Boston Blackie (1940).[30][31]

At PRC she had a support role in Criminals Within (1941), directed by Joseph H. Lewis, then she appeared in an uncredited minor role in Alfred Hitchcock's Suspicion (1941).[32]

In November 1940 she reportedly signed a three picture deal with Paramount but appears not to have made movies for them.[33] She lost a part in They Dare Not Love because Brent was cast.[34]

Worth was fourth billed in the gangster B film Borrowed Hero (1941) at Monogram and a spy story at PRC, The Dawn Express (1942).[35] Back at Columbia she was third billed in Boston Blackie Goes Hollywood (1942)[36] then at Universal she was uncredited in When Johnny Comes Marching Home (1942). In January 1942 she was linked to Clementina again.[37]

She went to work as a waitress at a drive in restaurant. This led to an item in a gossip column and drew the attention of Harry Cohn. In December 1942 she reportedly signed a five year contract with Columbia.[38] "It was not a star's contract by any means," she said later, "but I grabbed it very gratefully. I stayed at Columbia for about two years, but never did anything but small roles and a few leads in B pictures. In fact I became known as 'Queen of the B's' at Columbia."[39]

Worth had a minor role in Columbia's City Without Men (1943) but she was third billed in Republic's serial G-Men vs. The Black Dragon (1943).[40] At Columbia she supported in Let's Have Fun (1943) and She Has What It Takes (1943), then was uncredited in Crime Doctor (1943), Appointment in Berlin (1943), Dangerous Blondes (1943), My Kingdom for a Cook (1943). She was at least billed in The Crime Doctor's Strangest Case (1943) and had a decent role in Klondike Kate (1943) directed by William Castle. She was third billed in Who's Hugh? (1943).[41]

Worth was uncredited in Cover Girl (1944), Jam Session (1944).

At Paramount she was uncredited in Frenchman's Creek (1944). At Columbia she was Charles Starrett's leading lady in the Westerns Cyclone Prairie Rangers (1944) and Sagebrush Heroes (1945). [42]

Last Roles

For Sigmund Neufeld at PRC she played a support part in The Kid Sister (1945) and was unbilled in Dillinger (1945) at Monogram.[43]

Worth had a support part in PRC's Why Girls Leave Home (1945) and Monogram's Sensation Hunters (1945), and a minor role in RKO's Deadline at Dawn (1946). In August 1945 she said "I have no desire to play romantic leads any more, though I do think I still look good enough for such roles. I'm now concentrating on character parts, similar to those that have made Claire Trevor famous. I think I can do them, and I feel they'll offer me a longer screen life than romantic leads. At least the competition won't be so stiff."[39]

She was uncredited in The Set-Up (1949). Her last film was a minor role in the Johnny Mack Brown Monogram Western Western Renegades (1949). [44]

Throughout her career and as late as 1961, publicity in Australia repeatedly suggested she was on the verge of signing a major studio contract again. This did not happen.[45]

Personal life

On 10 May 1937, she married Irish actor George Brent in Mexico after a courtship of six weeks. After only a few weeks, they separated, and a divorce was granted the same year.[46] Brent sought an annulment claiming that the marriage in Mexico was not legal. The case went to trial in August 1937 and was highly publicised - Worth broke down in tears during proceedings.[47] The court ruled the marriage was legal in September. She sued for divorce in November and itwas granted in December.[48][49][50][51]

The marriage and drama of the divorce attracted enormous newspaper publicity in Australia. Denis O’Brien comments that even in 1939 "the Weekly was still dredging the Howarth saga" in its report on her latest film Mystery of the White Room (1939).[52] "I didn't get a penny," she declared in 1945, "though I could have demanded $120,000 as my share of George's community property. But I was too proud then to accept money from a man who didn't want me. I'd not be so proud now."[39]

In January 1946, she was again in newspapers, cited in divorce proceedings by the wife of Hollywood scriptwriter William A. Pierce. Both denied any impropriety, but within a year of his divorce, they married.[53]

In August 1947, Australian newspapers reported that she had been severely injured in a car accident and had undergone plastic surgery.[54]

Constance Worth died, aged 52, in Hollywood on 18 October 1963, an "ordinary housewife", reportedly from anemia. Ken Hall remarked that "unhappy circumstances" surrounded her death.[55]

She is occasionally mistaken for a British silent-era stage and film actress of the same name, active 1919–1922.

Partial filmography

References

  1. ^ The Sydney Morning Herald 26 August 1911, p. 14
  2. ^ The Sydney Morning Herald, Thursday 22 September 1921, p. 6
  3. ^ U.S. immigration records on her re-entry to the US on 13 October 1939, confirm her birth name as Enid Joyce and her year of birth 1911
  4. ^ Townsville Daily Bulletin (Qld), Wednesday 15 November 1933, page 8
  5. ^ Sydney Morning Herald, 27 June 1934
  6. ^ Terry Ramsaye (Ed) (1948) 1948–1948 International Film Almanac. p. 416. Quigley Publications, California, USA
  7. ^ a b Amber Sloan (1998) "Jocelyn Howarth" BONZA National Cinema and Television Database, RMIT University Archived 10 April 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ^ "WHO ARE OUR POTENTIAL STARS?". Table Talk. Melbourne. 31 August 1933. p. 17. Retrieved 16 March 2015 – via National Library of Australia.
  9. ^ "Jocelyn Howarth Gets Contract". The Sun. No. 1584. New South Wales, Australia. 6 August 1933. p. 47. Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
  10. ^ "Australian Film Actress Goes on the Stage". The Argus (Melbourne). No. 27, 412. Victoria, Australia. 27 June 1934. p. 10. Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
  11. ^ "THRILLED WITH HER CHANCE". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 30, 103. New South Wales, Australia. 27 June 1934. p. 7. Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
  12. ^ "JOCELYN HOWARTH GOING TO HOLLYWOOD". The Daily Telegraph. Vol. 6, , no. 24. New South Wales, Australia. 14 March 1936. p. 8. Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  13. ^ FLOOD WORK TAKES 11,686 FROM DOLE: Los Angeles Times 19 Apr 1936: A1.
  14. ^ Around and About in Hollywood Read, Kendall. Los Angeles Times 22 Jan 1937: A18.
  15. ^ Hearty Welcome Awaits Veterans Saturday Los Angeles Times 5 Aug 1936: A2
  16. ^ "Australian girl's". The Mail (Adelaide). Vol. 26, , no. 1, 316. South Australia. 14 August 1937. p. 1 (Talkie News). Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  17. ^ "JOCELYN HOWARTH". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 30, 836. New South Wales, Australia. 31 October 1936. p. 12. Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
  18. ^ "Constance Worth Tells Of Hollywood Private Life Hollywood Private Life". The Mail (Adelaide). Vol. 26, , no. 1, 305. South Australia. 29 May 1937. p. 2 (Talkie News). Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  19. ^ SCREEN NOTES Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES.16 Dec 1936: 35.
  20. ^ SCHILDKRAUT AND CARNOVSKY VIE FOR CAPT. DREYFUS ROLE IN "ZOLA": Deal Arranged for More "Hopalongs" Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]10 Feb 1937: 10.
  21. ^ "CONSTANCE WORTH". The Age. No. 25902. Victoria, Australia. 25 April 1938. p. 14. Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
  22. ^ Boy, 12, Trainer of Elephants: Lad Amazes Playmates by Making Pachyderm Perform at Zoopark Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]27 May 1937: A1.
  23. ^ Three Screen Themes Prepared for Colbert Los Angeles Times 27 Jan 1939: 26.
  24. ^ "MISS JOCELYN HOWARTH RETURNS". Queensland Times. Vol. LXXIX, , no. 16, 404. Queensland, Australia. 21 June 1939. p. 3 (DAILY.). Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  25. ^ Joy Howarth arriving home on the SS Monterey, July, 1939. State Library of New South Wales image
  26. ^ SHIPPING NEWS LOS ANGELES HARBOR ACTIVITIES Los Angeles Times 29 Oct 1939: 12.
  27. ^ "Stage Offer For Cecil Kellaway". The Daily Telegraph. Vol. IV, , no. 314. New South Wales, Australia. 22 March 1940. p. 7. Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  28. ^ "JOCELYN HOWARTH". The Port Macquarie News And Hastings River Advocate. New South Wales, Australia. 17 August 1940. p. 8. Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
  29. ^ Bette Davis Receives 840 Marriage Proposals This Year The Washington Post 11 Aug 1940: 51.
  30. ^ Looking at Hollywood Chapman, John. Chicago Daily Tribune 12 Dec 1940: 26.
  31. ^ Ida Lupino Wins Lead in 'Valley' at 20th: Rogers Goes Dramatic Fred, Madeleine Team Film Chest Overflows Constance Worth Cast Cooper Deal Definite Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 4 Dec 1940: A12.
  32. ^ Lana Turner Heroine in 'Jekyll and Hyde' Los Angeles Times 5 Feb 1941: A10.
  33. ^ "HOLLYWOOD NEWS REEL". The Sun. No. 1965. New South Wales, Australia. 24 November 1940. p. 19 (NEWS SECTION). Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
  34. ^ "IT HAPPENS IN HOLLYWOOD". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 32, 199. New South Wales, Australia. 11 March 1941. p. 5 (Women's Supplement). Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
  35. ^ SCREEN NEWS HERE AD IN HOLLYWOOD New York Times 17 Oct 1941: 28.
  36. ^ SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD New York Times 19 June 1942: 19.
  37. ^ Hedda Hopper's HOLLYWOOD Los Angeles Times 16 Jan 1942: 13.
  38. ^ "Jocelyn Howarth's Success". The Daily News. Vol. LX, , no. 21, 126. Western Australia. 18 December 1942. p. 8 (HOME EDITION). Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  39. ^ a b c "THE GIRL WHO CAME BACK". The Australasian. Vol. CLIX, , no. 5, 043. Victoria, Australia. 25 August 1945. p. 18. Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  40. ^ DRAMA: Douglas, Dunne Will Scintillate in 'Gaslight' Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 22 Sep 1942: 15.
  41. ^ DRAMA: Gregory Ratoff Will Guide Porter Musical Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 21 Aug 1942: A15.
  42. ^ SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD New York Times 6 Dec 1943: 21.
  43. ^ NEWS OF THE SCREEN: New York Times 17 Oct 1944: 19.
  44. ^ WESTERN RENEGADES Picture Show; London Vol. 58, Iss. 1514, (Apr 5, 1952): 10.
  45. ^ See for example; Australian Women's Weekly, 11 December 1937, p.26; 13 December 1942, p. 11; Sydney Morning Herald 8 October 1952, p. 5; Sydney Morning Herald, 5 November 1961, p. 27
  46. ^ "Constance Worth Granted Divorce". News. Vol. XXIX, , no. 4, 486. South Australia. 8 December 1937. p. 4. Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  47. ^ Brent Case in New Turn: More Testimony to Be Heard as Result of Surprise Move Los Angeles Times 21 Aug 1937: A8.
  48. ^ ACTRESS IN DIVORCE COURT: MARRIAGE PRESSURE TOLD IN BRENT'S ANNULMENT SUIT Los Angeles Times 14 Aug 1937: 3.
  49. ^ GEORGE BRENT'S. ANNULMENT PLEA DENIED BY COURT Los Angeles Times 14 Sep 1937: A1.
  50. ^ "TOY HOWARTH'S Own Full STORY". The Australian Women's Weekly. Vol. 5, , no. 19. Australia, Australia. 16 October 1937. p. 4. Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  51. ^ WIFE SUES GEORGE BRENT: Constance Worth, Who Fought Annulment, Now Asks Divorce New York Times ]24 Nov 1937: 19.
  52. ^ Denis O’Brien (1982) The Weekly. p. 69. Penguin Books Australia. ISBN 0-14-006566-0
  53. ^ "CONSTANCE WORTH CITED IN DIVORCE". The Daily News. Vol. LXIV, , no. 22, 078. Western Australia. 11 January 1946. p. 18 (HOME EDITION). Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  54. ^ "Sydney's Talking About—". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 34, 204. New South Wales, Australia. 7 August 1947. p. 12. Retrieved 29 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
  55. ^ Amber Sloan (1998) "Jocelyn Howarth death" BONZA National Cinema and Television Database, RMIT University Archived 10 April 2011 at the Wayback Machine

External links

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