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Story Notes
In the 1930s, when film was undergoing the transition from silent to speech - Jean Darling was one of the biggest child stars of the era.
A member of Hal Roach's 'Little Rascals' - she starred in Laurel and Hardy films and was the lead in the original Broadway production of Carousel, which she appeared in for 850 consecutive nights.
She had her own syndicated television and radio shows and was on first name basis with the Hollywood aristocracy of the time - from Bing Crosby and Clarke Gable to Frank Sinatra.
Compiled by Ciaran Cassidy
First Broadcast Sunday 21st September 2008
Story Credits