Barbara Laage (30 July 1920 – 21 May 1988) was a French film actress who flourished in the 1950s. After fleeing Paris with her family during the German occupation in World War II , Laage returned to the city after the war and began her acting career in the Paris theater district of Montparnasse. Her first move to Hollywood was arranged by theatrical agent William Morris , founder of the William Morris Agency. She is one of several Hollywood stars of the era who would frequent the Chateau Marmont. She was the first choice for the lead role in the Orson Welles film The Lady from Shanghai , though the part was eventually awarded to Rita Hayworth.