Edwin signed Rita to a five-year contract with First National Pictures, in reward for her work in
Joanna (1925), which he directed. Her first assignment under her new contract was in
High Steppers (1926). The movie featured
Dolores del Río,
Mary Astor, and
Lloyd Hughes. Carewe was selected as one of 13 actresses selected as one of the
WAMPAS Baby Stars in 1927. The 100 members of WAMPAS chose her, along with
Natalie Kingston,
Sally Phipps,
Adamae Vaughn,
Iris Stuart, and eight more as the actresses as most likely to succeed in the film world. A committee of 25 important people in the industry promoted Carewe for the role of Lorelei Lee in
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1928). The part was eventually won by
Ruth Taylor. Carewe played the girl of the streets in
Resurrection (1927). This was followed by a more important role, as
Tina, in
Revenge (1928). The film was based on a story written by
gypsy author,
Konrad Bercovici. Her first motion picture in the sound medium was
Prince Gabby (1929). She acted opposite
Edward Everett Horton in a screen adaptation of an
Edgar Wallace novel. Her final film appearance was in
Radio Kisses (1930). ==Marriage==