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Her career began as a singer in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Martel was in the cast of the Broadway (Manhattan) play, "Snatch as Snatch Can", in May 1934. Other actors paired with her included Barton MacLane. Her first film role was in "Front Page Woman" (1935) followed by "Going Highbrow" (1935). The latter starred Guy Kibbee. She was the female lead in "Fighting Youth" (1935). Playing the part of "Betty Wilson'," Martel starred opposite Charles Farrell and Andy Devine. The movie combined football excitement with the influence of communism on college athletics.