Glenda Farrell: Hollywood's Hardboiled Dame

by Scott Nollen

Torchy Blane: model for Superman's Lois Lane. Five-foot-three firecracker. Smart, adventurous blonde. Gimme girl. Wry eyes, pouty kisser. Wicked wisecracks. Sly double take. Fast-talking, no-nonsense, straight-shooting, stand-up, hardboiled dame. Anyone for Glenda Farrell? In addition to her film roles, many of which were brilliant comedic performances, Glenda also had an extensive resume on Broadway, as well as numerous television guest-starring appearances. Whether playing a gangster's moll, a hash-slinging waitress, or a fast-talking reporter, Glenda Farrell charmed her way into the hearts of America in the 1930s and 1940s and became a friendly well-known face on the new medium of television, winning an Emmy for an episode of Ben Casey, "A Cardinal Act of Mercy."