Elda Vokel

Elda Voelkel (sometimes spelled "Vokel") Hartley (March 6, 1911 – March 6, 2001) was a stage and motion picture actress, and later a producer and promoter of documentary films, from Dallas, Texas. Following a brief career as a Hollywood actress, which lasted from 1930 to 1932 and during which she accumulated four screen credits, Voelkel married filmmaker Irving Hartley, with whom she produced numerous documentary films on a wide range of subjects. In 1976, she created the Hartley Film Foundation, which was dedicated to promoting greater understanding of religion and spirituality.

Elda Voelkel, the daughter of Leonidas ("L. C." or "Leo") and Emily (Lockwood) Voelkel, was born in Brownwood, Texas, and grew up in McKinney and Dallas. She graduated from Oak Cliff High School in Dallas. Voelkel gained experience at the Little Theater in Dallas and studied expression. She enjoyed sketching and once entertained the dual ambition of becoming an artist and a novelist. She spent two years studying at Southern Methodist University, before departing for New York City and dramatic school.

Voelkel appeared on Broadway in the comedy The Greeks Had A Word For It, in 1931. In June of that year she came to Santa Barbara, California with a . Dorothy Hall and Wanda Lyon co-starred with her in the play which was written by Zoë Akins. The Belasco and Curran show also featured Armand Kallz and Montagu Love.

The Fox Film Corporation signed Voelkel to a contract after she played two theatrical roles in New York City. Her first assignment was Bad Girl. However, she lost the part because of objections regarding her southern accent. She was cast in bit parts in The Vagabond King (1930), Only The Brave (1930), and had an uncredited role in She Wanted A Millionaire (1932).

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