Laura La Plante's illustrious career in films commenced at the tender age of 15, with her debut in the Christie Comedy Bathing Beauty. By 1921, she had already demonstrated her versatility by taking on a variety of roles, including a Tom Mix Western, The Big Town Round-Up, for Fox and The Old Swimmin' Hole, for First National.
At the age of 17, Laura signed with Universal Pictures, where she appeared in a range of productions, including shorts, serials, and supporting roles. Over the next few years, she would establish herself as one of the leading stars at Universal, taking on dramatic, mysterious, and comedic roles.
Some of her most notable films during this period include the adventure Crooked Alley, the comedy Sporting Youth, the drama Smouldering Fires, and the mystery The Cat and the Canary. Her comedy, Skinner's Dress Suit, was even directed by her husband, William A. Seiter.
When sound revolutionized the film industry, Laura was one of the silent film stars who successfully made the transition. She played a leading role in the sound film Show Boat and made her first all-talking picture with Hold Your Man, both released in 1929.
By 1930, Laura had decided that she had had enough of the film industry and left Universal, which terminated her contract. She then traveled to England, where she would appear in a few more films over the years.
Laura returned to Hollywood in 1935, marking the beginning of her second retirement from the screen.