Honey-haired and full of charm, Blair was a vivacious former band singer whose career took an exciting turn after the passing of bandleader Hal Kemp. It was around that time Blair signed with Columbia Pictures, making her film debut in Three Girls on the Town (1941). As Blair continued to build her presence on screen, one of her standout roles came in the lively romantic comedy My Sister Eileen (1942), where she played the title character—a beautiful, somewhat flighty woman who effortlessly attracted men, contrasting sharply with her down-to-earth sister portrayed by Rosalind Russell. The film followed the adventures of two sisters from Ohio adjusting to life in New York City’s Greenwich Village, and Blair truly shone in her role.
Despite early promise, Blair found herself in a string of underwhelming films and unsatisfying roles throughout the mid-1940s. By 1948, Blair decided to step away from Hollywood for a while. This break proved fruitful, as she later found great acclaim on stage, particularly during the touring production of South Pacific from 1950 to 1952, where Blair captivated audiences night after night. Her versatility also brought her to television—Blair briefly stepped into the spotlight as Sid Caesar’s on-screen “wife” on Caesar’s Hour (1956–57), replacing Nanette Fabray and adding another memorable chapter to her career.
Blair didn’t completely leave the world of film behind, though. In the following decades, she appeared in a handful of movies, with her most notable performance coming in the eerie and atmospheric horror drama Burn, Witch, Burn (also known as Night of the Eagle) in 1962. In this moody classic, Blair delivered a compelling portrayal of a wife who turns to witchcraft, showcasing a depth and intensity not always seen in her earlier work. Later on, Blair co-starred alongside Henry Fonda in the short-lived but well-regarded TV series The Smith Family (1971–72), proving once again that her talent and appeal endured across generations. Throughout it all, Blair remained a distinctive presence—graceful, magnetic, and impossible to ignore.
When it comes to Janet Blair’s career highlights, one title really stands out—Burn, Witch, Burn! (1962)—which happens to be her highest rated film to date. It’s clear that this 1962 release made a strong impression, earning praise and recognition over the years. On the other end of the spectrum, Janet Blair’s lowest rated project is My Sister Eileen (1942), an earlier work in her filmography. While it may not have scored as high critically, it still holds a place in the journey of Janet Blair’s artistic evolution. Overall, looking at these two films gives us a glimpse into the range of Janet Blair’s performances across different eras of cinema.