Farrell began acting on stage as a child and continued with various theatre companies and on Broadway before signing with Warner Bros. Farrell was a signature 1930s Warner Bros. star, starring in films such as "Little Caesar" (1931), "I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang" (1932), "Mystery of the Wax Museum" (1933) and "Lady for a Day" (1933). Starting with "Smart Blonde" (1937), Farrell played Torchy Blane, a daring female reporter in a series of popular films; which later was credited by comic book writer Jerry Siegel as the inspiration for the DC Comics reporter, Lois Lane. After leaving Warner Bros. in 1939, Farrell remained active in film, television and theatre throughout rest of her career.