Peggie Castle (1925-1973)

biography

Born Peggy Blair on December 22, 1925, in Appalachia, Virginia (some sources cite either 1926 or 1927 as her year of birth), B movie bad girl Peggie Castle moved to California with her parents in the mid 1930s. While still a teenager, Castle began doing some print model work in the early 1940s. She found roles in a few films in the late 1940s before signing with Universal-International in 1949. A solid actress who was adept at playing femme fatales and hardened saloon girls, the brunette Castle saw her career take off when she bleached her hair blonde.

Universal-International cast the pretty actress in a number of film noir thrillers and costume adventures. However, when studio dropped her contract in 1951, Castle began freelancing in numerous westerns, such as Cow Country (1953; with Edmund O'Brien), Son of Belle Starr (1953; with Keith Larsen), and The Yellow Tomahawk (1954; with Rory Calhoun and Peter Graves). She also acted in several film noir pictures at this time, including 99 River Street (1953; with John Payne), Finger Man (1955; with Frank Lovejoy), and The Counterfeit Plan (1957; with Zachary Scott). While she made only three horror/sci-fi films during her career---Invasion U.S.A, (1952; with Gerald Mohr), Beginning of the End (1957; with Peter Graves), and Back from the Dead (1957; with Arthur Franz)---it is these films for which Peggie Castle is best remembered.

the films of peggie castle

The Golden Horde (1951)

Invasion USA (1952)

Jesse James' Women (1954)

Overland Pacific (1954)

The White Orchid (1954)

Target Zero (1955)

Miracle in the Rain (1956)

The Oklahoma Woman (1956)

Back from the Dead (1957)

Beginning of the End (1957)

Seven Hills of Rome (1958)

later years

Beginning in the mid 1950s, Castle did quite a bit of work on television as a guest star on such programs as Gunsmoke, Cheyenne, and Perry Mason. In 1958, she starred in her last film, Seven Hills of Rome (1958; with Mario Lanza). Afterward, Castle worked exclusively in television and, in 1959, landed the role of Lily Merrill in the ABC western TV series The Lawman (1958-1962; with John Russell and Peter Brown).

With the cancellation of The Lawman in the spring of 1962, Peggie Castle decided to retire from the screen, as she was pregnant with her only child. After she and her third husband, assistant director William McGarry, welcomed their daughter's birth in 1963, Castle accepted only an occasional role on television and fully retired in the mid 1960s. Her lengthy marriage to McGarry soured in the late 1960s, so they divorced and Castle married again soon after. This marriage was a short one, however, as her husband Arthur Morgenstern died suddenly in April 1973. Castle was by this time battling alcoholism, which took a severe toll on her health; following a bout with cirrhosis of the liver, she died on August 11, 1973, in Los Angeles at the age of 47. She was survived by her daughter.

peggie castle films available from movies unlimited

Cheyenne: The Complete First Season [DVD](1955) DVD
All 15 episodes from the first season--including "Mountain Fortress," "The Argonauts," "The Outlander," "Star in the Dust," and "The Last Train West"--are collected in a five-disc set. 10 1/2 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: French, Spanish; interview; featurette.
Perry Mason: Season 1, Vol. 1 [DVD](1957) DVD
The first 19 episodes from the series's debut season--including "The Case of the Restless Redhead," "The Case of the Angry Mourner," "The Case of the Crimson Kiss," "The Case of the Fan Dancer's Horse," "The Case of the Negligent Nymph" with Peggie Castle, and "The Case of the Haunted Husband"--are featured in a five-disc set. 16 2/3 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Perry Mason: 50th Anniversary Edition [DVD] DVD
Twelve of the series's best episodes--including "The Case of the Wary Wildcatter," "The Case of the Treacherous Toupee," "The Case of the Counterfeit Crank," "The Case of the Shoplifter's Shoe," and "The Case of the Final Fade-Out"--have been collected in this four-disc set. Also included is "Perry Mason Returns" (1985), the TV movie that finds the legal eagle (Raymond Burr), now a judge, stepping down from the bench to defend former secretary Della Street (Barbara Hale) when she's accused of murder. 12 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; featurette; interviews; photo gallery; TV spots; screen tests; more.
Payment On Demand [DVD](1951) DVD
Considered controversial for its time, this tense, heart-rending film stars Bette Davis and Barry Sullivan as a distraught couple going through the bitter proceedings of a divorce. Angry over his wife's constant obsession with status and social-climbing, Sullivan simply wants to get on with his life, but an enraged Davis isn't going to make it so easy. Will her callousness destroy them both? Frances Dee and Betty Lynn co-star. 90 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Pirates Of The Golden Age Movie Collection [DVD] DVD
This quartet of spirited swashbucklers is sure to shiver your timbers. First, Yvonne De Carlo stars as a popular entertainer who falls in love with a wealthy aristocrat (Philip Friend) who is actually a pirate out for revenge against the sinister shipping magnate who ruined his father, in "Buccaneer's Girl" (1950). With Robert Douglas, Elsa Lanchester, and Peggie Castle. Wrongly accused of piracy, a hapless shopworker (Donald O'Connor) actually joins a privateer crew and quickly earns a reputation as the most dangerous man on the high seas, in the comedic "Double Crossbones" (1951). Helena Carter co-stars. Next, the action-packed "Yankee Buccaneer" (1952) finds the crew of a 19th-century U.S. Navy frigate disguising themselves as pirates in an effort to catch some real nautical ne'er-do-wells. Jeff Chandler, Scott Brady star. And, with rapier in one hand and rope in the other, Errol Flynn swings into action as a British naval officer charged with stopping pirate Anthony Quinn, in "Against All Flags" (1952). Maureen O'Hara also stars. 5 1/3 hrs. total on two discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH), French; theatrical trailers.
Invasion, U.S.A. [DVD](1952) DVD
This propaganda precursor to "Red Dawn" depicts what happens when enemy troops invade America, leveling major cities with atomic bombs and terrorizing citizens. The Commies are on the loose--watch out! Albert Zugsmith produced this apocalyptic epic starring Gerald Mohr, Peggie Castle, Dan O'Herlihy, and Phyllis Coates and Noel Neill (two Lois Lanes!). 74 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; interviews; featurette; theatrical trailer; bonus short "Red Nightmare."
The White Orchid [DVD](1954) DVD
An archeological party explores the Mexican jungle in search of a legendary lost civilization. They find it, but the natives aren't happy about being "discovered"! To make matters worse, the three researchers also find themselves caught up in a love triangle. Exciting thriller stars William Lundigan, Peggie Castle, Armando Silvestre. AKA: "Creatures of the Jungle." Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Jesse James' Women [DVD](1954) DVD
While trying to evade the law, Jesse and Frank James hide out in a small town in Mississippi where the mischievous Jesse manages to get involved with four different women. Things soon heat up, and Jesse finds he must go back to Missouri as his actions begin to catch up with him. Donald "Red" Barry, Peggie Castle, Jack Buetel and Lita Baron star. 86 min.
Fort Worth (1951)/Colt .45 (1950)/Tall Man Riding [DVD](1955) DVD
First, in "Fort Worth," Randolph Scott is an ex-gunslinger and newspaperman who is forced to return to his old vocation when a gang of outlaws rides into his Texas town. Features David Brian, Phyllis Thaxter, Helena Carter. Next, "Colt .45" has Scott chasing a desperado who is using weapons to terrorize locals. With Ruth Roman, Zachary Scott, Lloyd Bridges. AKA: "Thundercloud." Finally, Scott is a "Tall Man Riding" for vengeance as he tries to settle the score with a nemesis from his past. Dorothy Malone, Peggie Castle, Robert Barratt co-star. Soundtrack: English.
Miracle In The Rain [DVD](1956) DVD
Sentimental romance set in 1942 New York finds a shoe company secretary (Jane Wyman) accepting an impulsive marriage proposal from an army private (Van Johnson) just before he is dispatched overseas to fight in World War II. When she receives news of his death, her physical and spiritual suffering becomes unbearable...until a miracle occurs. Eileen Heckart, Alan King also star. 107 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English; featurettes; theatrical trailer.

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filmography

FILM
Seven Hills of Rome (1958) with Mario Lanza
Back from the Dead (1957) with Arthur Franz, Marsha Hunt, and Don Haggerty
Beginning of the End (1957) with Peter Graves and Morris Ankrum; once aired on Mystery Science Theater 3000
The Counterfeit Plan (1957) with Zachary Scott, Mervyn Johns, and Lee Patterson
Hell's Crossroads (1957) with Stephen McNally, Robert Vaughn, Barton MacLane, Grant Withers, Myron Healey, and Morris Ankrum
Two-Gun Lady (1956) with William Talman, Marie Windsor, Robert Lowery, and Joe Besser
The Oklahoma Woman (1956) with Richard Denning, Cathy Downs, Mike Connors, Dick Miller, Jonathan Haze, and Bruno VeSota
Quincannon - Frontier Scout (1956) with Tony Martin, John Bromfield, John Smith, Ron Randell, John Doucette, Morris Ankrum, and Peter Mamakos
Miracle in the Rain (1956) with Jane Wyman, Van Johnson, Fred Clark, Eileen Heckart, Barbara Nichols, Alan King, and Arte Johnson
Target Zero (1955) with Richard Conte, Joby Baker, Charles Bronson, Chuck Connors, L.Q. Jones, and Strother Martin
Tall Man Riding (1955) with Randolph Scott, Dorothy Malone, Lane Chandler, and Russ Conway
Finger Man (1955) with Frank Lovejoy, Forrest Tucker, and Timothy Carey
Jesse James' Women (1954) with Don 'Red' Barry, Jack Beutel, and Lita Baron
The Long Wait (1954) with Anthony Quinn, Charles Coburn, Gene Evans, and Bruno VeSota
The Yellow Tomahawk (1954) with Rory Calhoun, Noah Beery Jr., Peter Graves, Lee Van Cleef, Rita Moreno, Robert Bray, and James Best
Overland Pacific (1954) with Jock Mahoney, Adele Jergens, William Bishop, and Walter Sande
The White Orchid (1954) with William Lundigan and Armando Silvestre
99 River Street (1953) with John Payne, Evelyn Keyes, Brad Dexter, Frank Faylen, and Glenn Langan
I, the Jury (1953) with Biff Elliot, Preston Foster, and Margaret Sheridan
Son of Belle Starr (1953) with Keith Larsen, Dona Drake, Regis Toomey, James Seay, and Myron Healey
Cow Country (1953) with Edmond O'Brien, Helen Westcott, Robert Lowery, Barton MacLane, Don Beddoe, Raymond Hatton, and Chuck Courtney
Invasion USA (1952) with Gerald Mohr, Dan O'Herlihy, Robert Bice, Phyllis Coates, and Noel Neill
Wagons West (1952) with Rod Cameron, Noah Beery Jr., Frank Ferguson, Almira Sessions, and Glenn Strange
Harem Girl (1952) with Joan Davis, Minerva Urecal, and Peter Mamakos
The Golden Horde (1951) with Ann Blyth, David Farrar, George Macready, Donald Randolph, and Richard Egan
The Prince Who Was a Thief (1951) with Tony Curtis, Piper Laurie, Everett Sloane, Jeff Corey, Donald Randolph, and Hayden Rorke
Air Cadet (1951) with Stephen McNally, Gail Russell, Alex Nicol, Richard Long, Charles Drake, Rock Hudson, James Best, and Parley Baer
Payment on Demand (1951) with Bette Davis, Barry Sullivan, Kent Taylor, Betty Lynn, John Sutton, Frances Dee, Otto Kruger, Walter Sande, Richard Anderson, and Natalie Schafer
Shakedown (1950) with Howard Duff, Brian Donlevy, Peggy Dow, Lawrence Tierney, Bruce Bennett, and Rock Hudson
I Was a Shoplifter (1950) with Scott Brady, Mona Freeman, Andrea King, Tony Curtis, Charles Drake, Gregg Martell, Larry Keating, Charles McGraw, and Rock Hudson
Buccaneer's Girl (1950) with Yvonne De Carlo, Philip Friend, Robert Douglas, Elsa Lanchester, Andrea King, Jay C. Flippen, Douglass Dumbrille, and Dewey Robinson
Mr. Belvedere Goes to College (1949) with Clifton Webb, Shirley Temple, Tom Drake, Alan Young, Jessie Royce Landis, and Kathleen Hughes
When a Girl's Beautiful (1947) with Adele Jergens, Stephen Dunne, and Steven Geray

TELEVISION SERIES
Lawman, 1958-1962 ABC-TV series. Castle portrayed Lilly Merrill from 1959 through 1962. Also in the cast were John Russell and Peter Brown

TELEVISION GUEST APPEARANCES
The Virginian, episode Morgan Starr, originally aired February 9, 1966
World of Giants, episode Chemical Story, originally aired October 10, 1959
The Restless Gun, episode Lady by Law, originally aired May 11, 1959
77 Sunset Strip, episode The Well-Selected Frame, originally aired November 28, 1958
The Texan, episode The First Notch originally aired October 20, 1958
Frontier Justice, episode A Quiet Sunday in San Ardo, originally aired September 8, 1958
The Restless Gun, episode Hornitas Town, originally aired February 10, 1958
Perry Mason, episode The Case of the Negligent Nymph, originally aired December 7, 1957
Cheyenne, episode The Spanish Grant, originally aired May 7, 1957
Gunsmoke, episode Chester's Murder, originally aired March 30, 1957
Conflict, episode The Money, originally aired February 19, 1957
Zane Grey Theater, episode A Quiet Sunday in San Ardo, originally aired November 23, 1956
Four Star Playhouse, episode Success Story, originally aired July 16, 1956
Cheyenne, episode Fury at Rio Hondo, originally aired April 17, 1956
The Millionaire, episode The Candy Caldwell Story, originally aired February 19, 1956
Fireside Theater, episode The Suitors, originally aired December 15, 1953
Fireside Theater, episode A Kiss for Aunt Sophie, originally aired December 30, 1952