1940 Carole starred in the prehistoric adventure One Million B.C. She had the leading role of Loana, a beautiful cave girl who falls in love with a caveman
from another tribe. This was the first film she made for producer Hal Roach. He said he hired her because she looked best running in the skimpy costume. The cast includes Victor Mature (as Loana's love interest), Lon Chaney Jr, Conrad Nagel, John Hubbard, and Jean Porter. She and Jean Porter shared a dressing room on the set and became close friends. Since Carole plays a cave girl she only utters a few words of dialogue in the film. One Million B.C. was filmed in California and Nevada from November 1939 until early 1940.
Carole as Loana
Carole and Victor Mature
Hal Roach and his son Hal Roach Jr. directed the movie after D.W. Griffith quit. During filming Carole enjoyed a brief romance with Hal Roach Jr. One Million B.C. was
released on April 5, 1940. Carole's sister said she had never seen her as happy as she was at the premiere. The movie got mixed reviews and became a modest hit. All of the publicity Carole got from the film made her a star. It got two Academy Award nominations (special effects and
musical score). One Million B.C. was remade in 1966 with Raquel Welch in the leading role.
Carole on the set
Carole and Victor Mature
One Million B.C. is available on Blu-ray and DVD
