Joan Castle, a renowned performer, embarked on a remarkable journey in the vibrant city of New York, where her fascination with the world of theatre began to unfold from a tender age.
As her innate talent gradually emerged, she caught the attention of the illustrious talent scout, Gus Edwards, who would go on to become her esteemed agent in the 1920s.
Despite the irresistible allure of Hollywood's silver screen during the 1930s, Castle's heart remained steadfastly devoted to the stage, and she consistently returned to the iconic city of Manhattan, where her true love and passion for the performing arts would forever reside.
In the year 1930, a significant milestone occurred in the life of the individual in question, as she was dispatched to the iconic Hollywood film industry to undergo auditions for a pioneering science-fiction musical production titled Just Imagine. Although she ultimately failed to secure the coveted role, her impressive performance and undeniable talent did not go unnoticed, and she was subsequently offered a lucrative contract with the esteemed Fox Films corporation. As a result, she made her mark on the silver screen by appearing in a string of notable feature films, showcasing her remarkable range and versatility as an actress.
Castle's professional journey in New York City was marked by her appearances in a series of comedy shorts, including Wrongorilla, I Know Everybody, Everybody's Racket, and Here, Prince, showcasing her impressive comedic range.
However, it was her breakthrough role as the female lead in the hit Broadway comedy "Sailor Beware" at the prestigious Lyceum Theatre in 1933 that truly catapulted her to stardom. The production was brought to life by her dear friend and producer, H. Courtney Burr, who undoubtedly played a significant role in her early success.
Castle embarked upon a fruitful theatrical career, showcasing her remarkable acting prowess in the esteemed production of "The Play's The Thing" alongside the illustrious José Ferrer. Additionally, she had the privilege of participating in the USO's esteemed entertainment troupe, "Nothing But The Truth", during the tumultuous era of World War II. This extraordinary tour, which Castle retrospectively regarded as the most joyful period of her illustrious career, afforded her the opportunity to perform for troops stationed in various regions, including South America, Africa, and Egypt.
Dorothy Castle's journey in Hollywood was not yet over, as she received a second call from the esteemed film industry, prompting her return to Twentieth Century-Fox, the same studio where she had previously made appearances in several films towards the latter part of the 1930s.
During this period, Castle secured minor roles in a handful of films, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her acting career.
One of her most notable performances during this era was as "Vera Grant", opposite the talented Allan Jones, in the 1944 Universal feature film, Sing a Jingle.
After her film career began to experience a noticeable decline, Castle made the decision to return to her hometown of New York, where she would go on to assume the role of Violet Shelton, a comic character previously portrayed by Effie Afton, in the extremely popular comedy production "My Sister Eileen," opposite the renowned actress Shirley Booth.
Castle would later become involved in a romantic relationship with the leading man of the show, William Post Jr., but unfortunately, the union would ultimately come to an end with a divorce.
Following the conclusion of her marriage, Castle became engaged to Neil Vanderbilt, only to later change her mind and marry William Sitwell, a prominent English sea captain and a member of the illustrious Sitwell family, known for their esteemed heritage and lineage.
Dame Edith Sitwell's 18-year marriage to a significant other was marked by a harmonious coexistence in the majestic Barmoor Castle, situated in the picturesque Lowick, Northumberland.
Throughout their conjugal life, the couple would occasionally venture forth to share their talents with the world. Dame Edith would often take to the airwaves, gracing the airwaves of Radio Eirann with her presence, accompanied by the esteemed Abbey Players, as they performed in the vibrant city of Dublin.
