Old Hollywood Books and Book Reviews

Reviews of books and biographies about Old Hollywood or the Golden Age of Hollywood and its magical actors and actresses.

The Woman Who Dared: The Life and Times of Pearl White, Queen of the Serials (Old Hollywood Book Review)

July 18, 2023 By Joi

The Woman who Dared: The Life and Times of Pearl White

I’m actually very annoyed with myself right now. I was sent the gorgeous book a few months ago to review and I am just now finishing the book and sitting down to tell you all about it! A little off my reading and reviewing game, but in defense of myself, I never review a book before reading every word. To me, that’d be like reviewing a meal without ever taking a bite. If you look at the picture below, showcasing the thickness of this literary masterpiece, you’ll understand why this one took a while to read.

The thickness is a sign of just how much dedication and work the author, William M. Drew devoted to his fascinating subject.

When I finish reading a book, one of the things I ask myself is, “Was this a definitive work? Would there be any reason another author should write a similar book on this subject?” Sometimes I answer myself with, “Definitive… possibly but, frankly, another author could take a crack at the subject.”

This time, however, I had to answer, “This is the very definition of a definitive work and another author would be crazy to even try!”

(Review Continued Below…)

The author of The Woman Who Dared (Amazon link), William M. Drew, is a film historian who has written quite a bit about early cinema. After reading this extraordinary book, I’m now in the process of collecting ALL of his old Hollywood books, including Speaking of Silents: First Ladies of the Screen, At the Center of the Frame: Leading Ladies of the Twenties and Thirties, and The Last Silent Picture Show: Silent Films on American Screens in the 1930s.

Quite frankly, if he has written it, I need it in my personal library.

Depending on how deeply in love you are with old Hollywood OR how long this love has existed, you may or may not have heard of Pearl White (come on, is that a great name or what?). Pearl was born in Green Ridge, Missouri 1889. From 1914-15 she was the most popular female silent film star, for a time even topping Mary Pickford’s popularity at the box office!

Unimaginable – and yet, very true. She made so many “shorts” that you’d need a whole afternoon to count them. While her wonderful film career spanned from 1910-1924, sadly many of her films are lost. Lost films make my heart ache so deeply.

Pearl White wasn’t just loved and celebrated in the States, she was a star the world over.

The facts I just sprinkled? Before opening this treasure trove of a book, that was the full extent of my knowledge about Pearl White, which is why I was so anxious to meet her.

Book Description From Amazon:

In the early days of motion pictures―before superstars, before studio conglomerates, before even the advent of sound―there was a woman named Pearl White (1889–1938). A quintessential beauty of the time, with her perfectly tousled bob and come-hither stare, White’s rise to stardom was swift; her assumption of the title of queen of American motion picture serials equally deserved.

Born the youngest of five children in a small, rural Missouri farm town, White first began performing in high school. She would eventually make the decision to cut her education short, dropping out to go on the Trousdale Stock Company. A bit player in the early years of her career, she was eventually spotted by the Powers Film Company in New York. She made her film debut in 1910 and soon set herself apart from her female colleagues with her reputation for fearless performances that often involved her own stunt work.

It was that same daring attitude that would put her on the map internationally as an actress. From flying airplanes to swimming across rapid rivers, to racing cars in serials like The Perils of Pauline (1914), White was undaunted by the demands of her onscreen career. She went on to star in popular serial classics such as The New Exploits of Elaine (1915), The Iron Claw (1916), The Fatal Ring (1917), and The Lightning Raider (1919). As active socially as she was professionally, White would also lend her audacious spirit to activism as she took part in the early feminist movement. Her bravery and mastery of her craft made her a positive role model for suffragettes who battled for women’s rights in the United States.

The Woman Who Dared: The Life and Times of Pearl White, Queen of the Serials, is the first full-length biography of this pioneering star. In this study of film history and female agency, Drew delves into the cultural impact of White’s work and how it evolved along a concurrent trajectory with the social upheavals of the Progressive Era. (Read more on Amazon…)

Pearl White

My Top 6 Favorite Things About The Woman Who Dared:

The author isn’t just a very knowledgeable film historian, he also happens to be an excellent author. If I can be frank for a minute, not all film historians are.. but let’s not tell them that, okay?! I mean, it’s not like they’re alone, is it? Some historians sit down at the keyboard and somehow manage to drain the excitement right out of the American Revolution. Having a wealth of information doesn’t necessarily mean you have the gift of presenting it in a way that’s entertaining and enjoyable. William M. Drew does just that – and, trust me, when I saw the full scale of the book, I was very much hoping he was a gifted author!
Pearl White was a fascinating woman, often full of contradictions. As I said, I knew very little about the beautiful actress before opening this fascinating book. So, as I got to know her along her exciting journey, it was like meeting someone for the first time. Sitting down and soaking in all of their eccentricities, quirks, loveliness, and, yes, even the demons they fought.
Pause to Reflect. Whether it’s an Agatha Christie mystery, an old Hollywood biography, or a historical non-fiction… I have a special affinity for a book that makes me “pause to reflect.” A book that makes me temporarily put the book down and spend a quiet couple of moments with the information it just gave me. It’s actually one of my favorite things about reading and also one of the true signs of a great author. This book, author, and subject (Pearl White) made me do this multiple times. The moments of reflection often (quite often!) made me wish she had had a stronger network around her, made me sad that she somehow was often her own worst enemy, and made me wish desperately her story had gone another direction.
Many Reasons to Admire Pearl White! While Pearl White’s story (like every human’s story) involves mistakes and disappointments, make no mistake about it – she was a fighter and she is worthy of respect for multiple reasons. While she was born into poverty in 1889 in Green Ridge, Missouri, she went on to become quite a shrewd businesswoman. She invested in a successful Parisian nightclub, a Biarritz resort hotel/casino, and owned a profitable stable of thoroughbred race horses! As an animal lover extraordinaire, the last one is reason enough to celebrate this daring woman.
You Meet Fascinating People Along the Way. One of my favorite things about old Hollywood biographies and autobiographies is seeing who you meet along the way – names you know as well as those who are completely new to you. You’ll encounter both in this wonderful book and I know you’ll find them as fascinating as I do.
Completely, Completely, Completely Entertaining. Not only is this biography the very definition of a flawlessly researched book, it’s wildly entertaining and fun to read. It would make an extraordinary movie, actually but I’m at a loss for a current star who could rise to the charismatic station of Pearl White…. though Jennifer Lawrence comes to mind

As always, whether it’s with movies OR books, I want you to discover everything for yourself, so I am overly cautious about what I give away. It’s simply more fun to discover things on your own, without even the hint of a spoiler. I simply want to say that I very, VERY much recommend The Woman Who Dared (Amazon link) by William M. Drew.

Now, if you’ll forgive me, I’m on my way to Amazon to find every other book this excellent author has written. Hmm, I think I’d better “follow” his author page as well so they can let me know whenever he has a new book coming out!

Reviews from the Back Cover:

“I hadn’t expected such intensive research. It is an astonishing story and should lead to the revival of the Pearl White films many of us thought had been consigned to the vaults for evermore.”―Kevin Brownlow, film maker and film historian

“Amazingly well researched The Woman Who Dared is a most welcome addition to the growing body of literature devoted to women’s participation in film production during the 1910s and 20s. It is the first full-length biography of Pearl White and an astonishing document following White’s life trajectory from her early career, the glamorous days of serials, the years after she left the film industry until her early death and even continues discussing her legacy in the years to come. Even though the volume provides much material of Pearl White as a star persona, the commitment of the author does not cease when White’s days of stardom are fading but rather keeps the full focus at every step of her career, even when it comes to projects that were not realized. Apart from extra-textual materials the volume also includes analysis of films that are difficult to get hold on and even those that have not survived. The background/context of White’s career gives a detailed account of the first decades of the American film industry and as such an invaluable contribution to Cinema Studies.”―Marina Dahlquist, Professor of Cinema Studies, Stockholm University

“A fascinating study of a fascinating woman who virtually defined the era of silent serial motion pictures. Comprehensive in its scope, meticulous in its research, accessible in its style, and immensely entertaining throughout, William M. Drew’s masterful examination of serial queen Pearl White’s life and times offers insights into an exciting period of American cinema history.”―Barbara Tepa Lupack, author of Silent Serial Sensations: The Wharton Brothers and the Magic of Early Cinema

“It is time that the contributions of the silent-era serial queens are fully recognized, and William Drew’s thoroughly researched and wide-ranging study of Pearl White’s life and career helps cement White’s legacy as a groundbreaking action heroine and international film star. Film fans and scholars will find the details fascinating―everything from translated Soviet booklets about Pearl to the practicalities of filming her serials, to their reception and distribution. The Woman Who Dared captures the magic and mayhem of cinema’s early years and the global influence of the new medium.”―Radha Vatsal, co-editor, Women Film Pioneers Project

Pearl White, The House of Hate (1918)

An Accidental Pirate by Brooks Almy (Exciting Novel Due in Spring 2023!)

November 26, 2022 By Joi

An Accidental Pirate by Brooks Almy

While the focus of Hollywood Yesterday is old Hollywood and Classic TV, when an especially exciting book or film comes along, I will absolutely tell you about it. In the case of this particular novel, An Accidental Pirate, I want to bring it to your attention for three reasons…

As Maureen O’Hara’s biggest fan on the planet, I’m drawn to the title and main heroine – when you read about her, below, I’m certain that you’ll agree with me… she sounds JUST like a colorful, spirited character Maureen would have deliciously brought to life!
I am a book fanatic and always jump at the opportunity to tell others about new books
The author, Brooks Almy, is an actress and, let’s face it… I am completely drawn to Hollywood stars past and present!

You may know Brooks Almy from The Closer, George Lopez, Everybody Loves Raymond, Frasier, Hawaii Five-O, Ally McBeal … she has done a LOT of work in television.

Book Description:

An Accidental Pirate is a rollicking female empowerment story with a fiery heroine, disguises and secrets, sea battles, pirates, both elegant and rowdy, hurricanes, and true love. This Young Adult novel is a swashbuckling tale complete with well-developed main characters including a heroine you won’t forget and will surely admire. Brooks’ compelling storytelling, descriptive settings, and historical detailing is all woven within a true adventurous love story.

A writer and storyteller through film and stage all her life, Brooks’ debut novel all started when she had a chance encounter with a brilliant writing teacher named Claudette Sutherland who re-ignited her love of writing with her workshops and week-long intensives in Ireland and Joshua Tree. Brooks subsequently wrote, but did not publish two children’s books, a horror story and a cookbook for people who hate to cook called Cooking: when you are on a budget, don’t know how and don’t want to learn.

But then one night she had a dream about a historical book she had encountered in a museum bookshop while she was on tour in San Francisco 30 years before. It was about all the famous women pirates, but one short paragraph stayed in her mind. A girl named ‘Fanny Campbell’ disguised herself as a man and went to sea to find her lost husband. This was the story Brooks began to write in Claudette’s workshop. About a third of the way there, life intervened. She re-encountered her Italian soulmate after 30 years apart, got married, recovered from cancer, went through cancer with her husband, traveled extensively for work, and began a new life in Italy. When Covid hit, ‘Fanny’ came roaring back into Brooks’ life. She now had the time and ‘Fanny’ demanded to be written, so Brooks put her on the page for her adventure to be shared.

The book will be out in spring of next year. You can follow its progress by visiting Brooks Almy’s website. I will return to this post after the release to add the Amazon link.

For anyone who loves great fiction, this one sounds especially exciting!

Errol Flynn and Maureen O’Hara (Against All Flags, 1951) are pictured below to further put you in the swashbuckling mood….

Errol Flynn and Maureen O’Hara Against All Flags

The Queen of Technicolor: Maria Montez in Hollywood

November 20, 2022 By Joi

The Queen of Technicolor: Maria Montez in Hollywood (Amazon link)

Every now and then, kismet happens and I revel in its glow for months. A while back, after watching Maria Montez in two back to back movies, I became enthralled by her. I read up on her and became even more enthralled.

I read all I could get my hands on about her – which, sadly, wasn’t much – and wished desperately she had a biography I could devour.

Literally two days later, I read about the gorgeous biography you see pictured here, The Queen of Technicolor: Maria Montez in Hollywood by Tom Zimmerman.

Kismet, you beautiful thing, you.

From the Inside Cover:

Best known for her appearances in the six Technicolor “Neverland” movies, Maria Montez is a film icon. Growing up as one of ten children in the Dominican Republic, her rise as a film star in the United States seemed unlikely. In 1939, Montez set off on her own to New York City to fulfill her aspirations of movie stardom. Despite having no substantial acting experience, Montez managed to sign with major agent Louis Schurr who helped her secure a contract with Universal Studios before she moved out to Hollywood.

Following her arrival in Los Angeles, Montez began cultivating the larger-than-life persona for which she is known. Her beauty, personality, and series of publicity antics, including dramatic restaurant entrances, endeared her to the press. She even created her own fan club―The Montez for Stardom Club. Her ambitious self-promotion bolstered the success she found with her first big lead in Arabian Nights, released in 1943. From then on, the studio referred to her as “The Queen of Technicolor.”

Author Tom Zimmerman puts Montez’s life in historical context, including her role as a cultural icon and a living representation of the United States’ Good Neighbor Policy with Latin American countries. With her thick Dominican accent, Montez struggled to make herself intelligible to an American audience. However, unlike some of her Latin contemporaries, she did not present a caricature of her culture or use her accent for comedic purposes, giving her credibility with a Latin American audience. Zimmerman skillfully recounts the story of Montez’s fiery ambition and her ascent to Hollywood fame, giving her the opportunity to live on in public memory.

What I LOVE About this Maria Montez Biography:

It’s a wish come true and gives Maria Montez more of a voice among other stars of her time. As I said above, there simply isn’t a lot of information available on beautiful Maria, her life, her films, or her place in film history. She was a trailblazer and should be given the respect other trailblazers receive.
It is written by a fan of the actress. When I read biographies (whether they’re historical or old Hollywood biographies), I can always tell if the author is a long-time fan of his or her subject or if they’re using them simply to get a book published. Maybe it’s because biographies have been a HUGE obsession of mine, literally since I learned to read, but I’ve read enough to be able to immediately distinguish a “labor of love and respect” from a “cash grab.”
The book is a very interesting read! Let’s face it, if a book is boring company, we aren’t going to read it no matter how much the subject intrigues us. Tom Zimmerman provides great details about Maria’s life, insight into her career and into an area she dazzled in, self-promotion.
Maria was deliciously aware of how to “market” herself and knew how to get her name and image right in front of the public’s eye. While I pretty much suspected this PRIOR to reading this enlightening book, I had no idea just how brilliant she was at it! Her career was mostly in the forties – to truly appreciate her great need to “stand out,” it helps to remember other actresses she had to compete against for attention during this time: Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Ann Sheridan, Maureen O’Hara, Claudette Colbert, Ingrid Bergman, Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, Gene Tierney, Veronica Lake, Natalie Wood, Lana Turner, Ava Gardner – to name but a few! Can you imagine trying to stand OUT in that group? While I mean ZERO disrespect to lovely Maria (I adore her and all she meant/means to classic films), she did not have the talent to compete with many of these other actresses. Let’s face it, she wasn’t going to beat out Bette Davis for any roles (neither, for that matter, would Marilyn or Lana!). She had to do what all great trailblazers and pathfinders do… they use THEIR strengths and, to a great extent, do what needs to be done to stand out. Fortunately for Maria, she had more personality, color, humor, and charisma than most. In other words, her arsenal was full, you needn’t worry about that!
The book is visually stunning. When this book came in the mail, as soon as I opened the package, I gasped. Pictures simply don’t do it justice – it’s an absolute beauty. This book would make such a gorgeous gift for any book lover in your life – especially someone who is a fan of old Hollywood. It’s a very substantial book (around 400 pages), packed with all of the information you could ever want about this colorful actress (as well as a lot of other stars you encounter along the way).
The photos are beautiful and very unique. The photos in this beautiful book aren’t photos you’ve likely seen anywhere else. They’re absolutely wonderful and I love studying them!

Finally, I love that this biography, like all the other extra special old Hollywood biographies I’ve read, serves as a glorious piece of a puzzle… the “Old Hollywood” puzzle. The more biographies, memoirs, and autobiographies you read, the more pieces you have of this puzzle. You read certain names (stars, directors, executives, etc) over and over again and, in doing so, you get a truly accurate picture of them. Each time this happens, you get another piece of the puzzle.

That’s why I don’t just read biographies about my favorites (Maureen O’Hara, Lena Horne, Henry Fonda, James Stewart, Maria Montez, Ann Dvorak…), I also read biographies of those who really aren’t on my radar. One of two magical things ALWAYS happen when I do this…

The star jumps onto my radar!
I learn more about others who are already there.

Most importantly, each book serves as part of a puzzle to one of the most fascinating, glamorous, mysterious, and intriguing places on earth: Old Hollywood.

About the Author

Tom Zimmerman is a photographer who has permanent collections in the United States Library of Congress, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Motion Picture and Television Photo Archive, and Fortress of Peter and Paul in St. Petersburg, Russia, among others.

He is the author of Paradise Promoted: The Booster Campaign that Created Los Angeles 1870-1930, Downtown in Detail, and Spectacular Illumination.

You can find the absolutely gorgeous biography The Queen of Technicolor: Maria Montez in Hollywood (Amazon link) on Amazon.

The Queen of Technicolor: Maria Montez in Hollywood is from The University Press of Kentucky.

Maria Montez, Arabian Nights

Destined to Fly: The Story of Pilot Ron Strauss From Iowa to Elvis by Sally A Hoedel (Review of a Wonderful Biography)

November 17, 2022 By Joi

Destined to Fly by Sally A. Hoedel

One of my all-time favorite actors/singers/entertainers extraordinaire is Elvis Presley. He’s also one of the first stars I “collected” – in fact, and Audrey Hepburn began my old Hollywood collections long ago. I can’t remember which beloved star came first, but they kicked off a lifetime habit of scouring bookstores, eBay, yard sales, and antique stores.

One of my favorite items to collect for any old Hollywood star is books, because that’s the best possible way to get to know them.

I just finished the book you see here, Destined to Fly: The Story of Pilot Ron Strauss – From Iowa to Elvis (Amazon link) – a book that not only satisfied my inner history buff, but was like a joy ride for my inner Elvis fangirl. Author Sally A. Hoedel tells the fascinating story of Ron Strauss, an extremely likable and admirable pilot with 12 years of military service under his belt, a loving family, an exciting career.. oh, and two years in Elvis Presley’s inner circle.

You know, the average life of a boy from Iowa.

Elvis Presley

While I completely expected to hang onto every single word of every single story about Elvis that Ron Stauss shared, I didn’t expect to hang on just as tightly to every word about his own life, military experiences, and family – whether the King happened to be in the room or not.

Yet that’s exactly what happened. Whether it was stories from Ron’s childhood, his experience of joining the military (and almost not making it!), meeting his wife, or the ones involving one of the most iconic figures in the world… every single word of this book is extraordinary and I reread many passages more than once.

The author has not only written a thoroughly enjoyable book, it’s one that reads very “fast.” There are no wasted pages, no wasted “filler” paragraphs.. it’s all perfectly wonderful and as entertaining as watchin an old movie.

If you know anything about me, you know what high praise I just heaped upon this book.

(Review continued below…)

From the Back Cover

This lovely book also has photos the family of Ron Strauss has shared and they are an absolute delight. One of my favorite things about this book and about Ron Strauss is the respect with which Elvis is treated. I am so very thankful and grateful for that and, now that I know more about the author and Mr. Strauss, I’d expect no less.

If you are an Elvis fan, you will absolutely love this book… but, here’s the thing… you wouldn’t even have to know who Elvis was to enjoy it! (not than any such person exists, but you get the gist…) Ron Strauss’ story is an extraordinary one and you will enjoy this book greatly.

Author Sally A. Hoedel has a journalism degree from Michigan State University. Like me, she is a lifelong Elvis fan and collector. I felt a connection with her immediately after reading that!

You can visit her website, www.ElvisAuthor.com for more information. While reading this book, I learned that she had also written a book about Elvis titled “Destined to Die Young.” I plan on getting my hands on that one as soon as possible.

I was sent a copy of the wonderful Destined to Fly: The Story of Pilot Ron Strauss – From Iowa to Elvis (Amazon link) in exchange for telling you about it. Books in exchange for telling others about them is a dream come true for this book lover!

Ann Dvorak: Hollywood’s Forgotten Rebel by Christina Rice (Review)

August 29, 2022 By Joi

Ann Dvorak: Hollywood’s Forgotten Rebel by Christina Rice

About a year ago, I watched two films back-to-back (The Secret of Convict Lake and The Long Night). The first film was next on my list as I worked my way through one of my favorite actress’ filmography (Ethel Barrymore) and The Long Night was next on my list as I worked my way through the filmography of my favorite actor (Henry Fonda).

I saw the films on the same day, as part of a double feature I decided to treat myself too. Funny thing happened by the time the movies were over, though… the name I kept thinking about and the performances I kept reliving didn’t involve either Henry Fonda OR Ethel Barrymore… I was completely infatuated with the brilliance of Ann Dvorak (a secret we’ll keep from Ethel and Henry).

As I kept mulling over her strong, yet vulnerable, screen presence, talent, and beauty, a few questions kept coming up in my mind…

How is Ann Dvorak NOT a household name? With beauty that rivals the most beautiful stars of old Hollywood and talent that rivals the most talented, how is her name not one easily recognized by even the most casual movie fans?
Why did Hollywood not use her in more films? Where are her many blockbusters… the films where she is the leading lady and Hollywood’s most sought-after actors are clamoring for her attention?
Why was The Secret of Convict Lake her last film? She was so wonderful in the role and had so many great movies and performances left in the tank. Why were there not more films?

I mean, this is someone who didn’t just stand toe to toe with the likes of Henry Fonda, Gene Tierney, Ethel Barrymore, and Glenn Ford.. she stole scenes right out from under them!

I immediately gave Ann Dvorak the greatest compliment I, personally, can give a star – I took out my “Old Hollywood” notebook and began a list of her films… as eager to explore through her filmography as I’ve ever been about any star.

Again, mums the word to Ethel and Henry.

After my third Ann Dvorak film (Scarface), I began searching for books, articles, magazines, photos… anything and everything I could get my hands on! Another huge compliment for a star is when I begin to “collect them.”

Basically I was throwing every compliment I could at Ann Dvorak.

Many times, as an old Hollywood fan, you set yourself up for great disappointment when you begin to look for a biography of an actor or actress. I can’t tell you the number of stars I desperately want a biography about (Ann Sheridan and Ethel Barrymore, I’m looking at you ladies). While I love a great autobiography, there is SO MUCH to be said for the balanced facts a biography provides. You get the whole picture… the good and the not so good… and I was desperate to learn all I could about Ann Dvorak and see if I could find answers to the questions bouncing around in my brain.

I was ECSTATIC to find that, not only does a biography exist, but it was written by one of my favorite authors, Christina Rice (I read her wonderful Jane Russell biography just this past summer).

An Ann Dvorak Biography + a Gluten-Free Muffin… Heaven!

This wonderful biography was all but impossible to put down. One day, while I was in the middle of chapter one, I decided to take a “break” and eat a gluten-free muffin one of my daughters and brought to me and maybe watch an episode of I Love Lucy.

By the time the delicious muffin was gone, Lucy Ricardo had not been invited into the den and I was beginning chapter three.

When doing old Hollywood book reviews, I never want to give anything away. I want readers to enjoy each page, each surprise, and each “Holy cats!” moment just as I did… with or without muffin crumbs on their chin. It’s always a difficult balance to strike… telling you, my friends, WHY you should read the book without giving anything in particular away. It’s 100 times more challenging when it’s a book I’m all but dying for you to read!

However, I never divulge too much information (or share snippets of a book currently in print) because…

I don’t want to rob readers of the thrill of uncovering the gold nuggets for themselves.
It wouldn’t be fair to an author who had poured so much of their heart and life into their book.

What I try to convey is WHY I know you’ll love the book and WHAT separates the book from other books… what makes it special. That’s where this book is an absolute breeze!

Top Three Reasons You Will Love “Ann Dvorak Hollywood’s Forgotten Rebel” by Christina Rice

If you’re like me, you’re desperate for answers to questions about Ann Dvorak’s career and life. She’s a mysterious star and one very little is known about. This fascinating book puts a magnifying glass in the reader’s hand and walks them through Ann Dvorak’s life, helping them find the answers. And these answers are not as simple as you’d think.
One of the most fascinating things with any old Hollywood biography or autobiography is, as I always say, the people you meet along the way. From Ann’s co-stars, family, and friends, there are plenty of interesting people who jump off the page at you – some you already know such as Joan Crawford, Paul Muni, and Bette Davis. Ann’s mother is also a pretty fascinating character and one who, I believe, would make an interesting biography in and of herself!
Ann Dvorak wasn’t just a gorgeous, glamorous, and talented actress, she was very much a human.. and a very relatable one, at that. She made a couple of errors in judgment and let her romantic heart lead her astray more than once. Like so many stars, she got in her own way a few times. Come on, what’s more relatable than that?! I have a special love for people that, while I’m reading about them, pull me so into their story that I want to ask them, “What are you thinking?! You deserve better!” and maybe an occasional, “Dump him!” Ann Dvorak was bold, smart, savvy, strong, and beautiful but, my goodness, did she have a romantic spirit and was she ever consumed with wanderlust?! More so than just about any star I’ve read about. What’s funny is that, while she frustrates me as a fan (I want more films by gosh!), she also delights me as a fan. While she got in her own way, professionally, she lived an exciting life and did so on her terms. Frankly I wouldn’t want it any other way.

What Makes “Ann Dvorak Hollywood’s Forgotten Rebel” Special? Why Does it Stand Out?

Possibly the easiest question I’ve ever posed to myself. I can answer it in one sentence: The passion of the author Christina Rice. I read voraciously – not just old Hollywood biographies but historical biographies as well. My bookshelves include Amelia Earhart, Cleopatra, Harriet Tubman, and Abraham Lincoln as well as Audrey Hepburn, Ann Dvorak, James Stewart, and so on. For as long as I can remember (well over 20 years), I have always been in either the beginning, middle of, or end of at least two biographies. I never take a breath in between them simply because they’re like oxygen to me!

I have never encountered an author more passionate about the individual they were writing about than Christina Rice is about Ann Dvorak. The respect and affection she has for Ann Dvorak is obvious on every single page and it makes the book an absolute joy to read. As an Ann Dvorak fan, I’m ecstatic that she is in such capable and loving hands when it came time for the world to hear her story.

Christina Rice’s research and work is mind-boggling. It has to be a challenge to research such an enigmatic and mysterious star, and yet she did an absolutely breathtaking job. I’ve found that it’s even a challenge to find photos of Ann Dvorak. I always tell people, I will post more about her on the blog and tweet more about her as soon as I am able to find more available photos!

I am overjoyed to have had the opportunity to “meet” Ann Dvorak through this author’s wonderful efforts and am overjoyed she has her to keep her star shining. I’m also actually very grateful that a biography wasn’t attempted before the right woman for the job came along.

Simply put, there is no other author who could have shared Ann Dvorak’s story with the world.

(Review concluded below…)

Ann Dvorak

From the Back Cover of Ann Dvorak Hollywood’s Forgotten Rebel:

“Rice is a superb writer with just the right touch―not too heavy, not too light. We really get to know Ann Dvorak.”―Eve Golden, author of John Gilbert: The Last of the Silent Film Stars

“This book is more than the biography of an overlooked movie star. Author Christina Rice has meticulously researched the life of Dvorak, whose strong, self-reliant characters made her an important presence in the pre-Code era. Written in a reader-friendly style, Ann Dvorak explores the highs and lows of the actress who dazzled viewers in the classics Scarface and Three on a Match.”―Susan Doll, author of Florida on Film: The Essential Guide to Sunshine State Cinema and Locations

“Ann Dvorak: Hollywood’s Forgotten Rebel is a treasure trove of information about this under-mentioned star. The wealth of information is stunning, and the writing is full of passion and warmth. Without a doubt, no one but Rice could have ever written this book, which is a fabulous tribute to someone who deserves to be remembered.” – Michelle Morgan, author of Marilyn Monroe: Private and Confidential

“Ann Dvorak has always been an enigmatic figure, whether you’re looking at her electric vitality in the 1932 Scarface or her feline grace in 1947’s The Private Affairs of Bel Ami. Fifteen years separate these unique performances, and there’s no one like Ann Dvorak, yet the story of her career remains untold. In Ann Dvorak: Hollywood’s Forgotten Rebel, Christina Rice corrects this oversight. We learn about the ambitious young dancer, how her unusual looks and singular intensity pulled her into acting, and how her path to stardom ended in regretful obscurity. This is a compelling story, sometimes exhilarating, sometimes sad, but Christina Rice tells it honestly and objectively. Her dedicated research makes it possible to see both Ann Dvorak and her milieu with clarity. Ann Dvorak l is a sensitive biography of a real talent.”―Mark A. Vieira, author of George Hurrell’s Hollywood Glamour Portraits, 1925-1992

Final Words

I’ve already exceeded the number of words I normally like to keep my reviews under. We live in a Twitter and Instagram society… you simply have to keep it short and sweet and let people get on with their lives! I normally follow this rule beautifully, in spite of having a gift for gab. However… every now and then there will be a star, movie, or book I’m so excited about I can’t seem to put a sock (or gluten-free muffin) in it. It’s doubly hard here, because this concerns one of my favorite stars and, now, one of my favorite books. I hope very much that you’ll grab a copy of Ann Dvorak Hollywood’s Forgotten Rebel (Amazon link) by Christina Rice as soon as possible. The extraordinary book is from The University Press of Kentucky, who happen to publish some of the best biographies you’ll ever read. I’m so blessed to be able to receive books from them in exchange for telling my readers about them. During my relationship with them, this is actually the first book I requested to review!

Smartest thing I’ve done in some time.

I hope you’ll also check out Christina Rice’s beautiful website devoted to Ann Dvorak. There are so many stunning photos and wonderful information!

Ann Dvorak Hollywood’s Forgotten Rebel (Amazon link)

Marlene Dietrich Photographs and Memories (Extraordinary Book!)

July 17, 2022 By Joi

Marlene Dietrich Books

While I collect and treasure many types of books, there’s a special place in my heart for biographies and autobiographies, including my old Hollywood books. I read them cover to cover and visit and revisit them again and again and again.

When an actor, actress, or other historical figure is one of my favorites, I have a particular system in place… I collect every single book and magazine I can about them. Whether it’s Harriet Tubman or Abraham Lincoln or Marlene Dietrich or Maureen O’Hara, I believe having a “library” of books on a particular individual provides you with a far better education on them than just one book, alone.

It’s far better (when possible) to have their own words as well as the words of others. In fact, I think you often arrive at the truth and the whole picture when both are at your fingertips. After all, even the most honest stars were known to exaggerate every now and again!

Marlene Dietrich Photographs and Memories

The book you see above, Marlene Dietrich Photographs and Memories is the type of book I wish was available for all of my favorite stars. It is beyond wonderful and is a genius way to pay tribute to an individual.

Simply put, this gorgeous book is like having a Marlene Dietrich museum at your beck and call. One that’s never closed, you have entirely to yourself, and doesn’t mind in the least if you browse through the collection in your pajamas with coffee in hand.

Marlene Dietrich Photographs and Memories is FILLED with photos of the beautiful legend from childhood to her days in Hollywood – many photos I had never seen and, trust me, I am more than a little familiar with Marlene Dietrich (one of my all-time favorites).

This Marlene Dietrich museum… I mean this Marlene Dietrich book.. features many of the gorgeous costumes Marlene wore in her films, jewelry, trinkets, keepsakes, and private letters in her collection. To see the costumes in living color is something particularly exciting.

From the Back Cover:

Marlene Dietrich never threw anything away. She kept her good-luck rag doll (it appeared with her in The Blue Angel and followed her to dressing tables on every movie set). She kept the letters she received from, friends, colleagues, lovers, and her husband of fifty-three years. She kept every article of clothing made for her by the great French couturiers and many from legendary Hollywood costume designers. She kept everything.

After Dietrich’s death, all of the memorabilia were cataloged—25,000 objects and 18,000 images. Marlene Dietrich: Photographs and Memories brings together her treasures as depicted in 289 photographs from her own collection and features extended captions by her daughter and sole biographer, Maria Riva. We see Dietrich across the years and roles of her life: a child, a young actress in Berlin, a newlywed, a devoted American, a mother, and of course, a glamorous Hollywood legend.

An intimate look into the life of an unforgettable star, this collection offers fans more than just photos and memorabilia—it shares perspective from Marlene herself.

Marlene Dietrich Photographs and Memories

I love that the majority of the written content in this fascinating and richly informative book accompanies photographs. It makes for a delicious “coffee table” book that even the most casual old Hollywood fan would find impossible to put down.

Naturally, there are many other stars and familiar faces you will bump into on your visit. To see them interact with Marlene and read her thoughts about them and their thoughts about her makes the experience especially juicy!

Marlene Dietrich Photographs and Memories

Marlene Dietrich was extraordinarily charismatic, engaging, complex, and colorful… so much so that it would be very difficult for an author to capture all of the facets of her on paper. This particular approach works brilliantly for this actress because it allows you to stroll through her life and allow it to speak for itself.

And does it ever.

This is an exciting book, a gorgeous book, and one that you will be honored to have in your collection. The only problem is, as I said, you’ll find yourself wishing ALL of your favorites had such a tribute.

Find this and other Marlene Dietrich biographies and books on Amazon (Amazon link) or The University Press of Kentucky.

Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich (1901–1992) was a German American actress best known for her performances in The Blue Angel (1930), Shanghai Express (1932), I Love a Soldier (1936), Manpower (1941), and Witness for the Prosecution (1957). During World War II, Dietrich toured domestically to sell war bonds and became well-known for her front-line efforts to support Allied troops. After the war, she received recognition both domestically and internationally for her efforts and was awarded the Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur (France, 3 ranks), the Medal of Valor (Israel), and the Medal of Freedom (USA) among many others.

Review: Truly, Madly: Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, and the Romance of the Century by Stephen Galloway

July 12, 2022 By Joi

Truly, Madly by Stephen Galloway

First of all, before I get to the actual review of Truly, Madly by Stephen Galloway, I just have to say how breathtakingly perfect the cover photo is.

Fast-paced, unique, devil-may-care, and delightfully frantic – it says all the things it should say about Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier. As a couple, they grabbed life by the lapels and seemed to say, “Keep up if you can!” and the picture chosen for the cover of this wonderful book conveys the message SPLENDIDLY.

From the Inside Cover:
In 1934, a friend brought fledgling actress Vivien Leigh to see Theatre Royal, where she would first lay eyes on Laurence Olivier in his brilliant performance as Anthony Cavendish. That night, she confided to a friend, he was the man she was going to marry. There was just one problem: she was already married—and so was he.

TRULY, MADLY is the biography of a marriage, a love affair that still captivates millions, even decades after both actors’ deaths. Vivien and Larry were two of the first truly global celebrities – their fame fueled by the explosive growth of tabloids and television, which helped and hurt them in equal measure. They seemed to have it all and yet, in their own minds, they were doomed, blighted by her long-undiagnosed mental-illness, which transformed their relationship from the stuff of dreams into a living nightmare.

Through new research, including exclusive access to previously unpublished correspondence and interviews with their friends and family, author Stephen Galloway takes readers on a bewitching journey. He brilliantly studies their tempestuous liaison, one that took place against the backdrop of two world wars, the Golden Age of Hollywood and the upheavals of the 1960s — as they struggled with love, loss and the ultimate agony of their parting.

What I Love About Truly, Madly

Vivien Leigh and Gone with the Wind are actually two of the forces that drew me to classic movies in the first place. In school, when my friends were talking about Saturday Night Fever, John Travolta, Close Encounters, and Olivia Newton John, my eyes glazed over until I steered the conversation to Vivien Leigh, James Stewart, Olivia de Havilland and Errol Flynn!

It was a bit later when I discovered Laurence Olivier – and, unfortunately, I disliked him and the film so much, I went many years before giving him another chance.

Imagine that – one of the greatest actors in the history of the world and I put him in time out!

We only children don’t always make sense, you know.

When I saw him in Wuthering Heights (1939), he was completely forgiven for allowing Marilyn Monroe to completely upstage him in The Prince and the Showgirl (kind of hard to believe this was the same actor!).

The more I read about the two stars, the more fascinating I found them to be. I marveled (and marvel) at the fact that, in spite of battling Vivien’s mental illness – a battle loved ones face as surely as the victim does – they managed to maintain such wonderful careers. They faced the music, so to speak, in spite of the symphony raging in their own lives.

I am perfectly astounded by the strength this HAD to have taken. I’d say that it also took its toll on both of them – they were, after all, only human and humans have their breaking points.

The journey that took place between the time they came together and the time they could no longer stay that way is the stuff of legends and in the right hands (Stephen Galloway, to a tee), it makes for a fascinating, spellbinding story.

Probably 200 times during the book, I would close the book simply to process what I had just read. Whether it was a wonderful quote by Laurence Olivier, a compelling observation by the author, or a story that involved another star (Marlon Brando, Clark Gable, Olivia de Havilland, Merle Oberon…) I kept finding myself in the position of wanting to pause and reflect on what I had just mentally experienced. To sit and chew on it for a minute, as we might say in Kentucky.

Don’t you LOVE it when an author draws you that into the story he or she is sharing? I keep a mental list of books that make me hit pause in this manner and they are, inevitably, the ones I turn to first to reread.

Something I always ask myself, after reading old Hollywood biography or autobiography, is this: Do I like the actress/actor the same, better than, ore less than I did before beginning the book? After reading Truly, Madly, I would say that I am as big a fan of Vivien Leigh’s as I was before the book (I already adored her and I still do). However, with Laurence Olivier, I really didn’t have many feelings one way or another toward him before reading this particular book.

However, I find that I like him a great, great deal now. In fact, I have never had anyone who, after reading a biography, jumped so many leaps and bounds in my mental popularity poll! Was he perfect.. well, heck no.. none of us are. But, by gosh, he was a perfect hoot (throwing a little more Kentucky flavor your way).

I find Vivien Leigh to be fascinating. I find Laurence Olivier to be fascinating. I find the two together to be blindingly fascinating and you will as well.

More Things to Love About Truly, Madly

You meet the stars as children and see events that led them to become the adults they grew into – for better or worse.
You see their flaws, yet still, somehow, feel for them. Each made monumental mistakes and hurt people who loved them, but there are often forces in life that blow us so completely off kilter that we, ourselves, don’t recognize the things we say and do. Not condoning.. simply stating facts.
The pictures are stunning. Mind you, I spend a great deal of time in Classic Hollywood – basically, I only step out of it long enough to go to the store and feed my cats, yet there are photos even I have never seen in this remarkable book.
Laurence Olivier was a brilliant, complex, infuriating, intriguing, and often very humorous man. None of his roles even come close to the “character” he was in real life and, if you’ve never met him, I TRULY hope you will allow the introductions to be made by Stephen Galloway.
Vivien Leigh was like a beautiful princess who lived in a gorgeous castle and had the world at her fingertips. Because she had so much going on for her, the princess only had ONE enemy. The problem is, when you ARE the enemy, escaping takes its own kind of fairy tale magic and, tragically, when Vivien Leigh lived such magic did not exist. Again, to see what this stunningly beautiful lady battled.. and yet somehow kept working.. is truly remarkable.
As I always say, the stars you meet “along the way” are one of my favorite things about old Hollywood biographies. Between the two of them, Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier crossed paths with a lot of household names – and many of them rivaled them when it came to charisma and stories worth repeating!
The author, Stephen Galloway is brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. He draws you into each scene with the artistry of a legendary director… but, somehow does so (like all great directors) without shining the light on himself. His stars are the stars… and what stars they were.

I hope you’ll grab a copy of the excellent Truly, Madly: Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, and the Romance of the Century (Amazon link) right away. I can’t think of a better book or two more colorful stars to spend summer with. ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier, Fire Over England

Natalie Wood, A Life by Gavin Lambert: A MUST Read for Fans of the Legendary Actress

June 27, 2022 By Joi

Natalie Wood, A Life

After reading Natalie Wood, A Life by Gavin Lambert, the first thing that came to my mind was this:

“The author has taken a larger than life legend who is remembered and discussed by FAR too many for her death rather than her life… and he has focused on what she SHOULD be remembered as… a woman. He has put her life, as she lived it, into the forefront and the way she lost her life into the background. As it should be.”

As a Natalie Wood fan, I will always feel a great deal of gratitude to Gavin Lambert for this. If you follow (or have seen) my shenanigans on Twitter, you know I tweet incessantly about the stars of old Hollywood – pictures, quotes, thoughts, film reviews, book reviews, etc. Inevitably, any time I post Natalie Wood pictures or quotes, at least one (usually more than one) comments about her death. When people hear the name, they instinctively want to talk about how she LOST her life rather than how she LIVED her life.

I hate that so much!!

I also hate that people want to blame Robert Wagner for her death – allow me to say, up front, I do not believe he had anything whatsoever to do with her death. He had so much to do with her life and with how much she enjoyed it and with the love they shared – this should be the focus and I can only hope that, one day, it will be.

This book has brought so much more information to me that I never had before. So much so that I found myself taking notes! Before beginning Natalie Wood, A Life (Amazon link), I had what I believed to be a pretty good idea who Natalie Wood was and a pretty good handle on who the woman behind the great beauty and talent was…. suffice to say, my bucket of knowledge wasn’t even half full!

She was, unquestionably, one of the most complex, mysterious (in many ways), and fascinating people I’ve ever read about. She was equal parts strong and vulnerable – a combination that leaves my head spinning. She had her share of fears and anxieties and yet fought them tooth and nail. The fact that she carved out a remarkable career as the battle raged on leaves me speechless.

In the age of social media and fast-paced living, I try to keep my book reviews brief. I’d rather my friends (that’s you!) completely read a few heart-felt words than to skim over a million of them and miss the important stuff. Some people tend to ramble (that’s me!), so they have to reign themselves in any way they can. A summarized bullet-point list helps me with my reigns!

What I Love, and More Importantly, What You’ll Love About This Biography:

The fact that Robert Wagner, one of the most important people in Natalie’s life, contributed greatly to the book. He knew her better than anyone and shared so much, so openly, with the wonderful author.
The behind-the-scenes and in depth look at Natalie’s films. You learn more about her co-stars, how she felt about many of them (I read and re-read the pages about her and James Dean!), and what the roles meant to her and her career.
Beautiful photographs – many of which I’ve never seen before. I absolutely love each one.
Gavin Lambert is an exceptional writer. He writes in a manner that feels like you’re sitting in Starbucks talking with him about a subject (old Hollywood) you’re both passionate about. He is informative, an impeccable researcher, clear, concise, and uncommonly entertaining.
Each chapter begins with one, two, or three quotes after the title that help set the tone for the chapter you’re entering. They’re brilliantly done and provide that little extra something that separates a good book from a great book.
Natalie Wood, in Gavin Lamberts’ hands, is treated with great respect and affection. The fact that she was human, like the rest of us, is clear and… quite frankly… makes me love her even more.
As I said at the start, the greatest accomplishment of this book is putting the focus on Natalie’s life rather than her death. And what a life it was!

Natalie Wood battled her personal demons but carved out a wonderful career and lasting legacy in spite of them. In the end, it may look like these demons won but look again – Natalie won. She remains in so many of our hearts and is remembered, loved, and celebrated to this day.

I hope you’ll grab a copy of Natalie Wood, A Life (Amazon link) and get to know her even better than you may know her now. She was extraordinary in every way.

The University Press of Kentucky sent me this wonderful book in exchange for telling you about it – all of the opinions and the photo are my own!

Marlene Dietrich’s ABC’s: One of the Most Delightful Books I’ve Seen in Some Time!

June 27, 2022 By Joi

Marlene Dietrich’s ABC’s

One of the most colorful, deliciously fun and original stars from old Hollywood (or any Hollywood for that matter) is Marlene Dietrich. The way she viewed the world was magic in its uniqueness and the way she, then, put it to words has long been a personal fascination.

Truth be told, I’ve had a lifelong love affair with words – whether they come out of my own mouth or the mouths of others – I love to see words in action. I began collecting quotes (in notebooks… you can imagine how many I have!) when I was in my early teens and have kept up the practice over the years. There’s something very satisfying to my soul when words are gathered together and taken on a joyride and, quite frankly, Marlene Dietrich knew how to have fun with words as well as anyone!

When I found out there was actually a book (Marlene Dietrich’s ABC’s, Amazon link) with her quotes already gathered in one place (alphabetized no less), I was over the proverbial moon.

The University Press of Kentucky sweetened the deal by sending me one simply for telling y’all about it.

Seriously – it doesn’t get any better than that! This book worm’s and book collector’s message to them would simply be this, “Send me as many books as you see fit… I’ll tell everyone all about them!”

ESPECIALLY when they’re as wonderful as the books they have always are. Marlene Dietrich’s ABC’s (Amazon link) is no exception – it is everything I’d hoped it would be and then some. While I had a few of the quotes in my Old Hollywood Actresses N-M Notebook (I’m nothing if not organized with my quote collection), the majority of the quotes were new to me and have left me smiling ear to ear.

As soon as the book arrived in the mail, I took it and a tall iced raspberry tea to my favorite den chair and didn’t get up again until the book and tea had been completely devoured.

MY kind of afternoon!

This is, without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable book companions I’ve had in a while. I love that it is packed with great humor (she was, as my grandmother would have said, a perfect hoot!), a couple of cooking ideas/recipes I can’t wait to try, and plenty of thoughts that beg to be turned over and over again in the reader’s mind. You may or may not agree with everything the legendary actress said but you cannot help but admire her boldness to say exactly what was in her mind and heart.

That’s one of the things I love most about quotes – they bring out your inner philosopher and make you think… really think… about life, about others, and about things we may tend to take for granted.

Let me tell you, spending time with Marlene Dietrich made my inner philosopher so happy she was buzzing for days.

As you’d imagine, I cannot recommend Marlene Dietrich’s ABC’s (Amazon link) highly enough. In fact, I suggest grabbing a copy for your own library and at least one to squirrel away for Christmas gift-giving. This is the type of book anyone will love.

The book is 154 pages long and reads wonderfully fast. You will find yourself returning (and using!) to her thoughts and expressions again and again. You’ll also find yourself inspired by her honesty and by the freedom which she found in expressing herself. It’s truly just a magnificent book and I hope you, yourself, are sitting down with Marlene and a tall glass of tea in your own favorite chair very soon.

You’ll find her company to be exquisite.

Marlene Dietrich’s ABC’s (Amazon link)

Upcoming Old Hollywood Book Reviews… So Many Wonderful Books to Tell You About!

June 15, 2022 By Joi

Ann Dvorak: Hollywood’s Forgotten Rebel

I am putting the “Pictures of the Day” on pause for a few weeks while I focus on a couple of extraordinary books I want to finish reading and review. As I often say on here as well as on Twitter, I actually enjoy reading old Hollywood and classic television biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs as much I love watching old movies (and that’s a LOT!).

I also love reviewing these wonderful books because, honestly, what better way to keep these wonderful stars’ names and faces alive and well than to introduce them to others?

I am currently reading three biographies that are among the best I’ve ever read and cannot wait to tell you all about them.

One of a biography of one of my top 10 favorite all-time actresses, Ann Dvorak. To make the deal even sweeter, it’s written by one of my favorite authors, Christina Rice. Needless to say, I’m enjoying every single word of this one and am anxious for the entire journey I’m taking with Ann and Christina.

I’m nearly finished with another fascinating biography, Natalie Wood: A Life by an author that is new to me, Gavin Lambert, but one that I will now seek out EVERY book written by him.

I also have a few others I have recently finished that I want to tell you all about in the coming days as well.

As for the Pictures of the Day, there will still be pictures and they will still be under the category “Pictures of the Day,” they just won’t be daily. This book fanatic wants to focus on the books. Summer is the perfect time to escape into the delicious, adventuresome, and fascinating world of old Hollywood and I have some extraordinary books to tell you about!

The Natalie Wood biography review should be published in a few days and Ann Dvorak will be right on her heels.

Hope you’re enjoying the beautiful, warm weather! ~ Joi