CAROL, MARTINE

born May 16, 1922, Biarritz, Fr. died Feb. 16, 1967, Monte-Carlo original name Marie-louise-jeanne Mourer French film actress, the reigning blond sex symbol in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Appearing early in her career under the stage names of Catherine and Maryse Arley, she made her film debut in 1943, winning her first starring role in 1948. As the leading box-office star in France in the early 1950s, she appeared in several films as a genteel seductress; including the Caroline Chrie (1951) series and Les Belles de nuit (1952; Beauties of the Night). Carol was showcased by her director-husband Christian-Jaque in a series of elaborate period pieces such as Madame Du Barry (1954). Despite her creditable performance in the title role of Lola Monts (1955; The Sins of Lola Monts), Carol's career declined sharply in the late 1950's.