I Wake Up Screaming (1941)

"Some people think I'm a very attractive girl. You didn't create that. I'm no Frankenstein you know." ~ Vicki Lynn

In 1941 Carole co-starred in the film noir I Wake Up Screaming (also known as Hot Spot). She has the supporting role of Vicky Lynn, an ambitious starlet who is killed by a mystery man. At the time she was under contract at 20th Century Fox. The cast includes Betty Grable (as Vicky's sister), Victor Mature, Laird Cregar, Elisha Cook Jr, William Gargan, and Allyn Joslyn. Carole and Victor had worked together before in One Million B.C. She and Betty had also played sisters in Moon Over Miami but they did not get along with each other. One day on the set Betty upset Carole by reading a bad review she had gotten out loud! I Wake Up Screaming was based on the novel by Steve Fisher.

Carole Landis Betty Grable Victor Mature

Carole, Betty Grable, and Victor Mature

Carole and Allyn Joslyn

The movie was directed by H. Bruce Humberstone. Gwen Wakeling designed the costumes. It was filmed at 20th Century Fox Studios in Los Angeles from July 21 until August 25, 1941. Carole sings one song titled "The Things I Love". Before filming began her dentist spilled silver nitrate on her lips so they were blue for three weeks. It didn't affect the movie because it was shot in black and white. I Wake Up Screaming was released on October 31, 1941. The movie got rave reviews and was a box-office success. Although Carole received third billing many critics said her haunting performance stole the movie from Betty. The film was remade as Vicki in 1953 with Jean Peters playing Carole's role.