100 years ago in Spokane: Silent films starring two local actresses open in theaters

Two Spokane actresses – Seena Owen and Violet Palmer – had starring roles in two movies opening in town.

Seena Owen appeared in “A Woman’s Awakening,” which the paper described as “exciting and clean, with a very unusual murderess for its thrill.”

Seena Owen had been known as Signe Auen when she was growing up in Spokane. She later moved to California for what she called her “long, bitter struggle to stardom.” However, by 1917 she was firmly established as a leading lady, and had appeared in D.W. Griffith’s landmark film, “Intolerance.”

“Old friends of the star were driving up to the Liberty (Theater) all afternoon in limousines, and the girl on the film they used to know was more beautiful to look upon than ever.” Her acting, said the paper, “had gained in versatility.”

Seena Owen would go on to appear in dozens of movies and later become a prolific Hollywood screenwriter.

Violet Palmer had been known as Pearl Palmer when she lived in Spokane. She was appearing in a Western called “The Blue Streak.”

The Spokesman-Review’s film critic said, “She is pretty, but she has more than looks. There is a verve and impishness of expression that, plus her big eyes, equals personality.”

This was her first starring role, but she would star in several other feature films over the next decade.