MovieChat Forums > The Two Mrs. Carrolls (1947) Discussion > Ann Carter's Recollections

Ann Carter's Recollections

posted 17 years ago by blainefielding
5 replies | jump to latest

I recently spoke on the phone with Ann Carter who played Beatrice {"Bea"}, Humprey Bogart's daughter in "The Two Mrs. Carrolls". Ann won an award for best child performer in 1947 for her role. She told me two interesting stories about the principal stars.

First, she told me that both Bogart and Barbara Stanwyck were very nice to her during the filming. I am always glad to hear when a big Hollywood star is nice to kids-especially when it's natural. Given their reputation for out-sized egos, this is a good sign and makes me respect the actors more.

Also, she told me how Bogart gave her a nickname. This occurred during the filming of the scene early in the movie when Bea sits on the armrest of a chair next to her father. During the takes Ann got bored and yawned in Bogart's face. He thought it was funny, and nicknamed her "Tonsils" for the rest of the filming. Another nice personal touch from one of Hollywood's most legendary stars.

Blaine in Seattle

[–] HoferPM-1 17 years ago

I have often wondered how Ann Carter was doing and since you are speaking with her I guess she is doing well. She was the most lovely child I ever saw. Makes this movie worth watching. Also loved her in I believe it was The Curse of the Cat People.

[–] blainefielding 17 years ago

I put a biography of her at her Ann Carter board here. She told me quite a bit about her life and some stories about her films and the stars she worked with.

She is living in suburban Seattle now.

Two of her earlier movies are out on DVD, "Commandos Strike at Dawn", a wartime propaganda film set in occupied Norway, and "Curse of the Cat People" {1944}, Val Lewton's classic fantasy.

Blaine in Seattle

[–] BelleCBelle 14 years ago

Thank you for your posts! One of my favorite films is the gorgeous "The Curse of the Cat People." That film would have been dreck without Ms. Carter.

Human Rights: Know them, demand them, defend them.

[–] mmitsos-1 14 years ago

Thanks for your update on Ann Carter. I always thought that she was a charming child actress, and liked the movie "The Curse of the Cat People", as well as "The Two Mrs. Carrolls". I was saddened by the fact that, per her bio, she contracted polio in her early teens. However, it appears that she recovered. In your conversation with her, what else did you learn about her work, if any, in her later years...from the mid 1950's to today? Her bio said that she "resumed" work, but I didn't see any films in which she played. Is she doing anything else now (or, did she later..I imagine she is retired now).

She was a charming girl, that's for certain.

[–] FilmSpectator 8 years ago

She seemed like a good actress for a child. I am glad to hear she enjoyed the experience. Her bio says she passed away in 2014 - she will be remembered.