Martine Carol

Carol was born Maryse Mourer, the name she used early in her stage career. After some experience on the French stage she debuted onscreen in 1943, working her way up to starring roles by 1948. A voluptuous blonde, she was France's biggest box-office attraction in the early fifties, occasionally appearing semi-nude onscreen. With the rise of Brigitte Bardot she was overshadowed as a sex symbol and her career declined in the late '50s. Carol attempted without success to revive her popularity in international films, but died of a heart attack at 45. She was married to director Christian-Jacque, who directed some of her most memorable films.

~ All Movie Guide