Nina Quartero

Nina Quartero was born Gladys Quartararo on March 17, 1908 in New York City. She was of Italian descent. Her career began in the silent era and in her second film, The Red Mark (1928), she was the lead. However, that was her only leading role in a feature film. Some believed her performance and Latin look in Red Mark would make her the next Dolores Del Rio, but along came native Latin Lupe Velez, who along with Raquel Torrres, became Hollywood's next generation of Latin female stars. By the time talkies came along, Nina, with a few exceptions, notably The Bachelor Father (1931), starring Marion Davies, found herself in B westerns and other minor films.

In 1931 Nina appeared as the hot-blooded Mexican in Arizona, a John Wayne film, and Arizona Terror, starring Ken Maynard. She was also in Wayne's The Man From Monterey (1933). When it wasn't westerns it was still in Latin roles like Nura in The Monkey's Paw (1933), Carmencita Alverez in Under Secret Orders (1933), the Cuban phone operator in an uncredited role in Wife vs. Secretary (1936). Her last three films were as a Cuban dancer in Torchy Blane in Panama (1938), a native dancer in Green Hell (1940) and as bargirl Carmencita in A Lady Takes a Chance (1943), a John Wayne western. Nina appeared in 43 films during her career.

Trivia - Nina once tried a publicity stunt by claiming that she was betrothed to Notre Dame All-American Quarterback Frank Carideo. Carideo responded by saying that he knew Quartero from a time when each resided in Mount Vernon, New York. He also visited her home, in Beverly Hills, California, prior to the 1930 University of Southern California game, to exchange greetings. Carideo demanded a retraction of Quartero's engagement announcement.

Nina Quartero died in Woodland Hills, California in 1985.

Click on the images for a larger view.

Red Mark publicity still.

Red Mark publicity still with Gaston Glass.

Screen captures from The Bachelor Father.

Screen captures from Arizona Terror.

Screen captures from The Man from Monterey.

Screen captures and poster from The Cyclone Ranger (1935)

Publicity images from Green Hell - at least that's what my research tells me. The images came separately from the internet, but I put together this little montage. The green tint, images and how they are framed, as well as the poses themselves, all point to Film Fun. If someone knows differently, let me know. I also listed all the screen names Nina used during her career.

Nina Quartero - What do you think - Allure?