My research and pursuit of Miss Meinhard's film career has continued over the past month, largely yielding no major results. However, thanks to a tip from Ray, there is a glimmer of hope: Berlin phone records from 1961-1969 list an Edith Jensen-Meinhard, whose occupation is given as "Schauspielerin" (actress). Contrary to North American surname formatting, women who hyphenate their names upon marriage can apparently write their name in either order (so it seems after some lightning-quick research...feel free to correct me). If this is the case, this listing may in fact be our Edith. I have yet to find any other records, under Edith Meinhard-Jensen or Edith Jensen-Meinhard, that verify this hunch, nor can I identify this Mr. Jensen. There is also a gap that remains between 1943 and 1961; though I can't account for her whereabouts, it doesn't seem that she ever left Germany. Hamburg phone records from the late 1970s list an Edith Meinhardt (no occupation given), but she may be someone else altogether.
On another note, I've been able to view several of her films, with thanks to German War Films, and get better insight into her roles. A few mainstream DVDs are available, at least a dozen others thanks to the aforementioned GWF, and a couple films are available for streaming online. Her most prominent role (aside from Diary's Erika) was Lou in 1931's Der Mann im Dunkel, the highest billing of her career; sadly, the film is not available to the public. Most of her roles place her into one of two categories: server/maid, in which she's given very little to do or say, or singer/dancer, which is a delight. Her speaking voice is a warm purr, and her singing voice much the same. I have three more of her films coming my way shortly, and I'm hoping more will become available soon. More developments to come...
3 comments:
I found your blog by searching her, I just watched Lost girl last night (recently discovered the lovely brooks.) of the other things you have seen of her what should I watch? How o I find them? It's hard to hold a candle next to louise brooks but she did a great job.
A good portion of her films are available from German War Films, and I keep an updated list for anyone else interested (http://immensedarkblossom.blogspot.com/2012/11/catch-her-if-you-can-edith-meinhards.html). She had higher billing in her earlier films, but still had some interesting bit parts later on. Voruntersuchung is a film where she features prominently, and the GWF copy features English subtitles (might be the only film/DVD of hers so far). She sings and dances in Die Austernlilli, sings a little bit in Mordsache Holm, and she does some dancing in Hallo Janine and Wir tanzen um die Welt.
Thanks so much for your obsessive diligence on the Edith Meinhard front. Re-watched Diary to scope out (again) the luminous LB and was struck by EM's charisma, esp, given the competition. Don't know why I didn't notice her before-- target fixation maybe. Got curious and found your blog. Fascinating tale--will check out Voruntersuchung on your recommendation.
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