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{{short description|British actress}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
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{{Use Australian English|date=May 2011}}
{{Infobox person| name = Violet Hopson
{{Infobox person| name = Violet Hopson
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'''Violet Hopson''' (16 December 1887 &ndash; 21 July 1973) was an actress and producer who achieved fame on the British stage and in British silent films. She was born Elma Kate Victoria Karkeek in [[Port Augusta, South Australia]] on 16 December 1887.<ref>[https://www.genealogysa.org.au/quick-links/search-page-02.html Genealogy South Australia. Note: Her birth name is incorrectly entered as Karkeck] Accessed 3 April 2017</ref> Violet Hopson was her stage name, while in childhood she was known as Kate or Kitty to her family.
'''Violet Hopson''' (16 December 1887 – 21 July 1973) was an actress and producer who achieved fame on the British stage and in British silent films. She was born Elma Kate Victoria Karkeek in [[Port Augusta, South Australia]] on 16 December 1887.<ref>[https://www.genealogysa.org.au/quick-links/search-page-02.html Genealogy South Australia. Note: Her birth name is incorrectly entered as Karkeck] Accessed 3 April 2017</ref> Violet Hopson was her stage name, while in childhood she was known as Kate or Kitty to her family.


==Career==
==Career==
Hopson's earliest stage experiences were several performances with [[Pollard’s Lilliputian Opera Company]] in Australia and New Zealand from 1898 - 1900. Her sisters Zoe Karkeek and Wilmot Karkeek were long standing members of this company from 1892.<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/209091728 ''The Express and Telegraph'', Sat 5 Jun 1897, Page 1 "Pollard's Opera Company"] Accessed 4 April 2017</ref> In the early 1900s she travelled to the United States with her older sister Zoe, and later to Britain.<ref>[https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19000308.2.119.1 ''Otago Witness'',"Theatrical and Musical Notes", Issue 2401, 8 March 1900] Accessed 3 April 2017</ref><ref>[https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19001017.2.164.2 ''Otago Witness'' ,"Miss Zoe Karkeek (An ex-member of Pollard's Opera Company) Now in America." Page 45, Issue 2431, 17 October 1900] Accessed 4 April 2017</ref>
Hopson's earliest stage experiences were several performances with [[Pollard’s Lilliputian Opera Company]] in Australia and New Zealand from 1898 to 1900. Her sisters Zoe Karkeek and Wilmot Karkeek were long standing members of this company from 1892.<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/209091728 ''The Express and Telegraph'', Sat 5 Jun 1897, Page 1 "Pollard's Opera Company"] Accessed 4 April 2017</ref> In the early 1900s she travelled to the United States with her older sister Zoe, and later to Britain.<ref>[https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19000308.2.119.1 ''Otago Witness'',"Theatrical and Musical Notes", Issue 2401, 8 March 1900] Accessed 3 April 2017</ref><ref>[https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19001017.2.164.2 ''Otago Witness'' ,"Miss Zoe Karkeek (An ex-member of Pollard's Opera Company) Now in America." Page 45, Issue 2431, 17 October 1900] Accessed 4 April 2017</ref>


British film historian [[Rachael Low]] has noted that Hopson was the first British actress to be exploited as a glamorous film star, despite a personality that made "little real impact" on the screen.<ref> Rachael Low (1948 and 1985) ''History of British Film, 1918-1929,'' Volume 4. P263. Routledge.ISBN 0047910216</ref>
British film historian [[Rachael Low]] has noted that Hopson was the first British actress to be exploited as a glamorous film star, despite a personality that made "little real impact" on the screen.<ref>Rachael Low (1948 and 1985) ''History of British Film, 1918–1929,'' Volume 4. P263. Routledge. {{ISBN|0047910216}}</ref>


Her first British film was ''Mr Tubby's Triumph'' made in 1910. From 1912 she worked for [[Cecil Hepworth]], along with [[Alma Taylor]], [[Chrissie White]], [[James Carew]], [[Gerald Ames]] and [[John MacAndrews]]. Hepworth famously promoted her as a "Dear Delightful Villaness."<ref name=McF>Brian McFarlane(2003) ''The Encyclopedia of British Film'' p.318, BFI Methuen, ISBN 0 413 77301 9</ref>
Her first British film was ''Mr Tubby's Triumph'' made in 1910. From 1912 she worked for [[Cecil Hepworth]], along with [[Alma Taylor]], [[Chrissie White]], [[James Carew]], [[Gerald Ames]] and [[John MacAndrews]]. Hepworth famously promoted her as a "Dear Delightful Villaness."<ref name=McF>Brian McFarlane(2003) ''The Encyclopedia of British Film'' p.&nbsp;318, BFI Methuen, {{ISBN|0 413 77301 9}}</ref>


In early 1919 Hopson announced she was setting up her own production company - Violet Hopson Productions.<ref>Cecil Hepworth (1951) ''Came The Dawn; Memories of a film pioneer.'' p.168, Phoenix House, London</ref> Her first film was the sports drama ''Heart and Saddles'' (aka ''The Gentleman Rider''), with [[Stewart Rome]]. Other features with Stewart Rome followed which included ''Snow in the Desert'', ''A Great Coup'', ''A Daughter of Eve'', ''The Romance of a Movie Star'', ''The Case of Lady Camber'', ''Her Son'', ''The Imperfect Lover'', and ''When Greek Meets Greek''. These films were almost all directed by [[Walter West (director)|Walter West]] for the company Broadwest and later for Walter West Productions.<ref>http://filmstarpostcards.blogspot.com/search/label/Stewart%20Rome</ref>
In early 1919 Hopson announced she was setting up her own production company – Violet Hopson Productions.<ref>Cecil Hepworth (1951) ''Came The Dawn; Memories of a film pioneer.'' p.&nbsp;168, Phoenix House, London</ref> Her first film as producer was the racing drama ''Heart and Saddles'' (aka ''[[The Gentleman Rider]]''), with [[Stewart Rome]]. Her company also made the 1922 racing drama ''[[The Scarlet Lady (1922 film)|The Scarlett Lady]]''. Other features were made for the company [[Broadwest]], later Walter West Productions, all directed by [[Walter West (director)|Walter West]]. These included ''[[Snow in the Desert]]'', ''[[A Great Coup]]'', ''[[A Daughter of Eve]]'', ''[[The Romance of a Movie Star]]'', ''[[The Case of Lady Camber (film)|The Case of Lady Camber]]'', ''[[Her Son]]'', ''[[The Imperfect Lover]]'', and ''[[When Greek Meets Greek]]''.<ref>[http://filmstarpostcards.blogspot.com/search/label/Stewart%20Rome see also ''European Filmstar postcards blog'']</ref>


A prolific actress with over 100 films to her credit made between 1912 and 1926, her career had already slowed before the arrival of sound films. She appeared in supporting roles in several sound films and then apparently retired.
A prolific actress with over 100 films to her credit made between 1912 and 1926, her career had already slowed before the arrival of sound films. She appeared in supporting roles in several sound films and then apparently retired.


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Her career suffered following the end of her marriage to actor [[Alec Worcester]], whom she had married in Luton on 7 June 1909 when aged 21.<ref>Sweet p.34</ref> Her marriage certificate gives her name as Elma Kate Victoria Hopson.<ref>England & Wales, FreeBMD Marriage Index: 1837-1915</ref> The couple divorced in February 1919 on the grounds of his adultery and desertion.<ref>http://www.britmovie.co.uk/forums/actors-actresses/104472-violet-hopson.html</ref>
She married actor [[Alec Worcester]] (also known as Alexander Howitt Worster), in Luton on 7 June 1909, when aged 21. Her marriage certificate gives her name as Elma Kate Victoria Hopson.<ref name="ReferenceA">England & Wales, FreeBMD Marriage Index: 1837–1915</ref> The couple divorced in February 1919 on the grounds of his adultery and desertion.
The couple had two children; Nicholas born 1910 and Jessica born 1913.<ref>England & Wales, FreeBMD Marriage Index: 1837-1915</ref> Hopson later married [[Walter West (director)|Walter West]]<ref>[http://archive.org/stream/pictu78odha#page/n65/mode/2up/search/violet ''Pictures and Picturegoer'', January 1924, page 64] Accessed 3 April 2017</ref>


Often described as born in California,<ref name=McF></ref> Hopson's acknowledgement of her Australian birth and upbringing seems rare. In February 1916, ''Pictures and the Picturegoer'' magazine reported her meeting her brother who was on leave, having been "with the Australians at the Dardanelles."<ref>[http://archive.org/stream/pictureg09odha#page/446/mode/2up/search/violet ''Pictures and the Picturegoer,'' Page 446, February 12, 1916, "Picture News and Notes"] Accessed 4 April 2017</ref>
The couple had two children; Nicholas born 1910 and Jessica born 1913.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Hopson later married [[Walter West (director)|Walter West]].<ref>[https://archive.org/stream/pictu78odha#page/n65/mode/2up/search/violet ''Pictures and Picturegoer'', January 1924, page 64] Accessed 3 April 2017</ref>


Often described as born in California,<ref name=McF /> Hopson's acknowledgement of her Australian birth and upbringing seems rare. In February 1916, ''Pictures and the Picturegoer'' magazine reported her meeting her brother who was on leave, having been "with the Australians at the Dardanelles."<ref>[https://archive.org/stream/pictureg09odha#page/446/mode/2up/search/violet ''Pictures and the Picturegoer,'' Page 446, February 12, 1916, "Picture News and Notes"] Accessed 4 April 2017</ref>
⚫
She died 21 July 1973 in Princess Louise Hospital, Kensington, London,<ref>England & Wales, Death Index: 1916-2005</ref> the records naming her as Elma Kate Worster. She was cremated in Kensal Green Crematorium on 26 July 1973.

⚫
She died 21 July 1973 in Princess Louise Hospital, Kensington, London,<ref>England & Wales, Death Index: 1916–2005</ref> the records naming her as Elma Kate Worster. She was cremated in Kensal Green Crematorium on 26 July 1973.

Her sister Wilmot Karkeek enjoyed a successful career on the stage in Britain between 1905 and 1915.<ref>See for example ''Newcastle Journal'', "The Stage," Page 3 Tuesday 19 January 1915</ref>


==Selected filmography==
==Selected filmography==
[[File:A Daughter of Eve (1919) - Ad 1.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Violet Hopson with Stewart Rome in "A Daughter of Eve" (1919)]]
* ''[[The Jewel Thieves Outwitted]]'' (1913)
* ''[[The Vicar of Wakefield (1913 film)|The Vicar of Wakefield]]'' (1913)
* ''[[The Vicar of Wakefield (1913 film)|The Vicar of Wakefield]]'' (1913)
* ''[[The Chimes (film)|The Chimes]]'' (1914)
* ''[[The Chimes (film)|The Chimes]]'' (1914)
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* ''[[Barnaby Rudge (film)|Barnaby Rudge]]'' (1915)
* ''[[Barnaby Rudge (film)|Barnaby Rudge]]'' (1915)
* ''[[Sweet Lavender (film)|Sweet Lavender]]'' (1915)
* ''[[Sweet Lavender (film)|Sweet Lavender]]'' (1915)
* ''[[The Man Who Stayed at Home]]'' (1915)
* ''[[The Man Who Stayed at Home (1915 film)|The Man Who Stayed at Home]]'' (1915)
* ''[[The Nightbirds of London]]'' (1915)
* ''[[The Nightbirds of London]]'' (1915)
* ''[[Her Boy]]'' (1915)
* ''[[Her Boy (1915 film)|Her Boy]]'' (1915)
* ''[[The Marriage of William Ashe (1916 film)|The Marriage of William Ashe]]'' (1916)
* ''[[Molly Bawn (film)|Molly Bawn]]'' (1916)
* ''[[Molly Bawn (film)|Molly Bawn]]'' (1916)
* ''[[A Bunch of Violets (film)|A Bunch of Violets]]'' (1916)
* ''[[A Bunch of Violets (film)|A Bunch of Violets]]'' (1916)
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* ''[[Beautiful Kitty]]'' (1923)
* ''[[Beautiful Kitty]]'' (1923)
* ''[[What Price Loving Cup?]]'' (1923)
* ''[[What Price Loving Cup?]]'' (1923)
* ''[[ The Great Turf Mystery]]'' (1924)
* ''[[The Great Turf Mystery]]'' (1924)
* ''[[The Stirrup Cup Sensation ]]'' (1924)
* ''[[The Stirrup Cup Sensation]]'' (1924)
* ''[[A Daughter of Love]]'' (1925)
* ''[[A Daughter of Love]]'' (1925)
* ''[[Widecombe Fair (film)|Widecombe Fair]]'' (1928)
* ''[[Widecombe Fair (film)|Widecombe Fair]]'' (1928)
Line 82: Line 89:


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* Cinema - practical course in cinema acting in ten complete lessons Lesson 9 written by Violet Hopson [London] : Standard Art Book Co., [1920?]<ref>http://www.worldcat.org/title/cinema-practical-course-in-cinema-acting-in-ten-complete-lessons/oclc/026470749</ref>
* [https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/026470749 ''Cinema – practical course in cinema acting in ten complete lessons'', Lesson 9, written by Violet Hopson, London: Standard Art Book Co., 1920?]
* Women and silent British cinema<ref>http://womenandsilentbritishcinema.wordpress.com/the-women/violet-hopson/</ref>
* [http://womenandsilentbritishcinema.wordpress.com/the-women/violet-hopson/ Women and silent British cinema]
* [http://www.euppublishing.com/doi/abs/10.3366/JBCTV.2007.4.1.1 Christine Gledhill (2007) ''Journal of British Cinema and Television'', 4 (1) page 1-17. "Reframing Women in 1920s British Cinema: the Case of Violet Hopson and Dinah Shurey" ISSN 1743-4521]
* Brit Movie<ref>http://www.britmovie.co.uk/forums/actors-actresses/104472-violet-hopson.html</ref>
* Cyranos website<ref>http://www.cyranos.ch/sphops-e.htm</ref>
* Reframing Women in 1920s British Cinema: the Case of Violet Hopson and Dinah Shurey<ref>http://www.euppublishing.com/doi/abs/10.3366/JBCTV.2007.4.1.1</ref>


==External links==
==External links==
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==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
<references/>

{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Hopson, Violet}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hopson, Violet}}
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[[Category:20th-century British actresses]]
[[Category:20th-century British actresses]]
[[Category:People from Port Augusta]]
[[Category:People from Port Augusta]]
[[Category:19th-century Australian women]]
[[Category:Australian emigrants to England]]
[[Category:Australian expatriates in England]]

Latest revision as of 05:56, 12 March 2023

Violet Hopson
Born(1887-12-16)16 December 1887
Port Augusta, Australia
Died21 July 1973(1973-07-21) (aged 85)
Kensington, London, England
NationalityBritish
Years active1910–1933

Violet Hopson (16 December 1887 – 21 July 1973) was an actress and producer who achieved fame on the British stage and in British silent films. She was born Elma Kate Victoria Karkeek in Port Augusta, South Australia on 16 December 1887.[1] Violet Hopson was her stage name, while in childhood she was known as Kate or Kitty to her family.

Career

[edit]

Hopson's earliest stage experiences were several performances with Pollard’s Lilliputian Opera Company in Australia and New Zealand from 1898 to 1900. Her sisters Zoe Karkeek and Wilmot Karkeek were long standing members of this company from 1892.[2] In the early 1900s she travelled to the United States with her older sister Zoe, and later to Britain.[3][4]

British film historian Rachael Low has noted that Hopson was the first British actress to be exploited as a glamorous film star, despite a personality that made "little real impact" on the screen.[5]

Her first British film was Mr Tubby's Triumph made in 1910. From 1912 she worked for Cecil Hepworth, along with Alma Taylor, Chrissie White, James Carew, Gerald Ames and John MacAndrews. Hepworth famously promoted her as a "Dear Delightful Villaness."[6]

In early 1919 Hopson announced she was setting up her own production company – Violet Hopson Productions.[7] Her first film as producer was the racing drama Heart and Saddles (aka The Gentleman Rider), with Stewart Rome. Her company also made the 1922 racing drama The Scarlett Lady. Other features were made for the company Broadwest, later Walter West Productions, all directed by Walter West. These included Snow in the Desert, A Great Coup, A Daughter of Eve, The Romance of a Movie Star, The Case of Lady Camber, Her Son, The Imperfect Lover, and When Greek Meets Greek.[8]

A prolific actress with over 100 films to her credit made between 1912 and 1926, her career had already slowed before the arrival of sound films. She appeared in supporting roles in several sound films and then apparently retired.

Personal life

[edit]

She married actor Alec Worcester (also known as Alexander Howitt Worster), in Luton on 7 June 1909, when aged 21. Her marriage certificate gives her name as Elma Kate Victoria Hopson.[9] The couple divorced in February 1919 on the grounds of his adultery and desertion.

The couple had two children; Nicholas born 1910 and Jessica born 1913.[9] Hopson later married Walter West.[10]

Often described as born in California,[6] Hopson's acknowledgement of her Australian birth and upbringing seems rare. In February 1916, Pictures and the Picturegoer magazine reported her meeting her brother who was on leave, having been "with the Australians at the Dardanelles."[11]

She died 21 July 1973 in Princess Louise Hospital, Kensington, London,[12] the records naming her as Elma Kate Worster. She was cremated in Kensal Green Crematorium on 26 July 1973.

Her sister Wilmot Karkeek enjoyed a successful career on the stage in Britain between 1905 and 1915.[13]

Selected filmography

[edit]
Violet Hopson with Stewart Rome in "A Daughter of Eve" (1919)

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Sweet, Matthew. Shepperton Babylon: The Lost Worlds of British Cinema. Faber and Faber, 2005.

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Genealogy South Australia. Note: Her birth name is incorrectly entered as Karkeck Accessed 3 April 2017
  2. ^ The Express and Telegraph, Sat 5 Jun 1897, Page 1 "Pollard's Opera Company" Accessed 4 April 2017
  3. ^ Otago Witness,"Theatrical and Musical Notes", Issue 2401, 8 March 1900 Accessed 3 April 2017
  4. ^ Otago Witness ,"Miss Zoe Karkeek (An ex-member of Pollard's Opera Company) Now in America." Page 45, Issue 2431, 17 October 1900 Accessed 4 April 2017
  5. ^ Rachael Low (1948 and 1985) History of British Film, 1918–1929, Volume 4. P263. Routledge. ISBN 0047910216
  6. ^ a b Brian McFarlane(2003) The Encyclopedia of British Film p. 318, BFI Methuen, ISBN 0 413 77301 9
  7. ^ Cecil Hepworth (1951) Came The Dawn; Memories of a film pioneer. p. 168, Phoenix House, London
  8. ^ see also European Filmstar postcards blog
  9. ^ a b England & Wales, FreeBMD Marriage Index: 1837–1915
  10. ^ Pictures and Picturegoer, January 1924, page 64 Accessed 3 April 2017
  11. ^ Pictures and the Picturegoer, Page 446, February 12, 1916, "Picture News and Notes" Accessed 4 April 2017
  12. ^ England & Wales, Death Index: 1916–2005
  13. ^ See for example Newcastle Journal, "The Stage," Page 3 Tuesday 19 January 1915
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