Thelma Salter
Thelma Salter was an American child actress during the silent film era. She starred in several Triangle Film Corporation productions during the 1910s, including leading roles in the films The Crab and In Slumberland. During her brief but widely publicized career, Salter was frequently praised in national promotional campaigns as one of the most appealing child performers in motion pictures.
Early life and career
Salter was born in Los Angeles, California. She began acting in motion pictures at a very young age and was cast in several early Triangle-Kay Bee productions under the supervision of producer Thomas H. Ince. By 1917, she had gained recognition in Triangle features and was frequently promoted as a screen personality in her own right.Film career
In the five-reel drama The Crab, Salter portrayed Ivy Marten, a cheerful orphan girl who is adopted by a reclusive millionaire. Her character’s kindness gradually transforms the man’s cold demeanor and redeems him emotionally. Contemporary film promotions described Salter’s performance as central to the film’s appeal.Later in 1917, Salter starred in In Slumberland, a fantasy film directed by Irvin Willat and written by L. V. Jefferson. She co-starred with Georgie Stone in a story set in a dreamlike magical world. The production featured elaborate visual effects and double exposures, and was promoted as a children’s fantasy with fairy tale elements.
During her brief period of fame, Salter was widely promoted as a featured child performer. Promotional materials and press coverage referred to her as “the cutest child actress in motion pictures today,” “the beautiful and talented child star,” and “the world’s greatest child actress.”
Salter also appeared in a supporting role in Happiness, a Triangle drama starring Enid Bennett. She had previously been featured in multiple uncredited Triangle-Kay Bee shorts during the mid-1910s.
Salter would later appear as Becky Thatcher in the 1920 film adaptation of Huckleberry Finn. She also played an uncredited extra in the 1925 romantic comedy film Bright Lights.