Dorothy Elizabeth Sabiston, a silent star and showgirl, was born on April 26th, 1903, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Robert and Stella Sabiston. By all accounts, she enjoyed a normal, middle-class upbringing, filled with joy and happiness. Dorothy's artistic flair, inherited from her mother, often came to her rescue during tough times, as she sketched portraits to support herself.



The Journey to Stardom


After leaving college prematurely, Dorothy dabbled in modelling before setting her sights on the theatre. Her talent was undeniable, and she soon found herself cast in the renowned musical stage revue, “George White’s Scandals”. It was George White who affectionately dubbed her “Little Alabam”, a nod to her charming Southern accent. This stint on stage caught the attention of an agent, leading to a contract with M-G-M. Hollywood beckoned, and after a successful screen test with director Henry King, Dorothy landed a role in “Sackcloth and Scarlet” (1925). This was just the beginning. She went on to shine in films like “Our Dancing Daughters” (1928), “Spite Marriage” (1929), “A Woman Of Affairs” (1928), and the early talkie “Our Blushing Brides” (1930).



Personal Life: Love, Marriage, and Cinema


Dorothy's personal life was as eventful as her professional one. She married thrice, with her first marriage, a secret affair with high school love Al Stafford, ending in 1924. She then tied the knot with actor William Boyd, famously known as “Hop Along Cassidy”, in 1930, but the union lasted only six years. Her final and most fulfilling marriage was to Herman Shapiro in 1946, a bond that lasted until her demise in 1957. Interestingly, she was once engaged to renowned film director Clarence Brown.

One of the most talked-about aspects of Dorothy's life was her passionate relationship with comic legend Buster Keaton. Their love story, which depending on sources lasted anywhere from 2 to 10 years, was Hollywood's open secret. Their chemistry was palpable, especially in Buster’s last silent film, “Spite Marriage” (1929). While Buster was trapped in an unhappy marriage with Natalie Tamadge, he found solace in Dorothy's vivacious and playful nature. However, as the 1930s rolled in, Dorothy yearned for stability. A brief separation saw her fall for William Boyd, but after that relationship ended, she and Buster reunited, only for him to eventually find love with Eleanor Norris in 1938.




Silent Films: A Glimpse into the Past


Silent films, like the ones Dorothy starred in, were primarily shot on cine film formats. These formats, a testament to the cinematic history of the early 20th century, captured moments that would otherwise be lost in time. Today, many of these films, treasured memories of a bygone era, are at risk of deterioration.



Preserving Memories with Digital Converters


At Digital Converters, we understand the value of preserving these cinematic gems. We specialise in converting old film formats, like the cine films of the silent era, into modern digital formats. Whether it's a classic silent film or a cherished family VHS tape that you’d like on DVD, our services ensure that these memories are safeguarded for future generations.

Dorothy's legacy, like many of her contemporaries, is immortalised in these films. She passed away from cancer on April 8th, 1957, in Woodland Hills, California. Yet, thanks to the magic of cinema and the efforts of film preservationists, she remains etched in our memories as a talented and beautiful actress from the silent and early talkie eras.