 Carlisle, who had lied about her dancing ability, took a one-day basic tap-dancing lesson, won a part along with future star Ann Dvorak, and appeared briefly in one film.Carlisle signed a one-year contract with MGM in 1930, and was used as a back-up dancer.At the start of her movie career, Carlisle had small parts in movies such as "Madam Satan" and "Passion Flower" (both 1930).