Carole Landis
    A few years ago while watching TCM I was fortunate to stumble onto a film from the 1940's titled "Having a Wonderful Crime." I didn't give the film my full attention at first while working on the computer but every now and then when glancing up my eyes would catch a vision of a gorgeous blonde woman who was dressed in incredibly beautiful suits. After about 20 minutes of this distraction I moved away from the computer to the sofa and gave the film my full attention. Upon the conclusion of the film I sat back down at the computer and decided to investigate the woman in the movie.
Her name was Carole Landis (Frances Lillian Ridste)
 
Carole Landis, as Helene Justus, in "Having a Wonderful Crime." (1945)
 
A film clip that speaks for its self.
From "I Wake Up Screaming" - (1941).
 
 

After searching the Internet for information on Carole Landis, visiting many websites, reading several books, and viewing more of her films it seemed that a journey to her grave site would be appropriate. Below are two photos of her grave at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, CA.

Pallbearers are actors Cesar Romero, Pat O'Brien, and Willard Parker; William Nye, her personal make-up man and devoted friend; Lou Wasson, golf pro and husband of Florence Wasson; and director Eddie Sutherland (a last-minute substitute for Dick Haymes, whose return to California was delayed). As the ceremony ends, Harrison and Lilli Palmer leave through a side door to a waiting limousine. After the ceremony, 1,500 file past the bier for a last glimpse. When they have departed, the family-Clara, Lawrence, Dorothy, and Dorothy's daughter-kneel at the casket. Clara faints, and it takes seven minutes to revive her. When she is revived, the pallbearers carry the casket to a hearse, which takes the body to the Hillside of the Everlasting Love, Plot 814, where a huge crowd has already gathered. Sightseers are ordered off the concrete vault lid. Pushing and shoving erupt here, too. Romero and O'Brien try to shield Mrs. Ridste. Schmidlapp cannot get close to the gravesite. As soon as graveside services end, the onlookers fight over the flowers. "The most revolting thing I've ever seen," says Bishop Pyman. From Glamour Girls of the Silverscreen


 
View from her grave. 
 
My research discovered many articles about Carole Landis, her movies and her death. The links for some of these articles are listed below.
When reading the first obituary it sadden me that the author did not grasp the Carole Landis that is evident in her films and life beyond failed relationships. But, then again, the author lived during her lifetime and I only observe from more than a half century later. The second obituary mentions the satin "Lord's Prayer" ribbon that was found clutched in her hand, quotes the suicide note and contains two photos.
Films
Items in the News
"One Million B.C." review.

"Mystery Sea Raiders" notice

"Moon Over Miami" review

"I Wake Up Screaming" review

"Four Jills in a Jeep" review

"Having a Wonderful Crime" review

"A Scandal in Paris" review

Busby Berkeley

She'll get along.

"Ping Girl"

Oops...Got it wrong.

Carol Covers Her Curves

"Local boy makes good."

Carol Landis Speaks Tonight

USO
Marriages
Some eggs and an escape from Occupied Europe.

Hedda Hopper - GI reaction

Hunt Divorce

Brief Items in the news

Wallace Divorce

Failed Marriages

Landis and Schmidlapp Consider Divorce

Obituaries
Post Obit News Items
Obituary 1

Obituary 2

Obituary 3

Suicide Case Closed

Suicide Case Closed 2

Speculation

Funeral





There are several websites about Carole Landis which can be found by using any search engine and the most detailed biographical timeline is at Glamour Girls of the Silverscreen, although details of some the events are in conflict with those described in the Fleming biography.
The most comprehensive photographic collection can be found the Carole Landis Project, also found at this site is the voice of Carole Landis. The host presents audio samples from several of Carole Landis' movie and radio appearances. The last recording made on made July 2, 1948, two days before her death, is poignant.
 
For further reading on Carole Landis the following books are recommended.
 
 
"Fallen Angels," by Kirk Crivello
This book contains a 19 page biography and three photos. It is a good brief summary of her life.
 
"Carole Landis: A Tragic Life In Hollywood," by E. J. Fleming
The only book dedicated entirely to life of Carole Landis.
 
"Four Jills in a Jeep," by Carole Landis
The story of Kay Francis, Martha Raye, Carole Landis and Mitzi Mayfair, on a USO trip to entertain American troops in Europe and North Africa.
 
"Dishing Hollywood: The Real Scoop on Tinseltown's Most Notorious Scandals" by Laurie Jacobson
This book contains eight pages describing the events surrounding Carole Landis' death and suggests that Rex Harrison may have had something to do with it. Two photos of Carol Landis and one of Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer.
 
Hollywood's Greatest Mysteries/All the Scandalous Truth That Hollywood Doesn't Want You to Know
This book contains 18 pages, four photos and some odd commentary about Carole Landis' career and death.