Novak endured as a performer, in part, by sacrificing "sensational" roles for roles as leading women in more wholesome films. Some actresses who were Novak's contemporaries quickly found stardom, yet were forgotten soon afterward, while she was considered an "old-fashioned girl." As a result, Novak, refused to work in films with other leading ladies. She played opposite Wallace Beery, Tom Mix, Hobart Bosworth, Alan Hale, Thomas Moore, and Lewis Stone. At one time she was engaged to marry Western star William S. Hart, although their marriage never took place. She is celebrated for her westerns; and made five films with Hart.