AnaElisa Posted December 26, 2007 Share Posted December 26, 2007 Could anyone recommend a definitive biography of Barbara Stanwyck and also one for Ramon Novarro? I would rather avoid reading something sensationalist that's based on just hearsay. Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CelluloidKid Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Try: Barbara Stanwyck: A Biography (Hardcover) by Al Diorio (Author) which is out of print but can be found or try Stanwyck by Axel Madsen (Madsen ( Chanel ) picks a tough subject in movie legend Barbara Stanwyck, who was born in Brooklyn in 1907 and orphaned at age three. She scrambled up through the Broadway chorus line and, by the time she reached Hollywood, was such a hard worker that Madsen has to struggle to avoid recounting endless lists of movies, memorable and otherwise. On the orders of MGM, Stanwyck married leading man Robert Taylor. We hear a lot about their troubled relationship, which Madsen portrays as a ``lavender'' marriage to conceal Taylor's homosexuality. Yet the meat here lies in the detailed descriptions of Stanwyck's movies, which include such classics as Stella Dall a s, The Lady Eve, Ball of Fire and Billy Wilder's spectacular Double Indemnity . The overall impression we're left with is of a talented woman who cared mainly for her career. Stardom and riches failed to buy her serenity in a youth-obsessed Hollywood, where Stanwyck died alone at the age of 84. Madsen's bio breathes intimacy on every page and avoids a gossipy tone. Photos not seen by PW. ) ............................................... Beyond Paradise : The Life of Ramon Novarro by Andre Soares (Beyond Paradise presents for the first time a full picture of the man who made motion picture history - from his amazing rise to stardom to the destructive conflicts faced by this traditional Catholic Mexicanman who was also a gay film star. Compellingly told and impressively researched - including original interviews with Novarro's surviving friends, family, co-workers and the two men convicted of his murder - Beyond Paradise provides a unique insight into the groundbreaking life and career of one of the most important early Hollywood stars - a man whose myth continues to fascinate today) OR Ramon Novarro : A Biography of the Silent Film Idol, 1899-1968: With a Filmography by Allan R. Ellenberger, Kevin Brownlow OR The Leading Men of MGM by Jane Ellen Wayne Try: Borders Books and Music Barnes and Noble Ebay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnaElisa Posted December 28, 2007 Author Share Posted December 28, 2007 Wow! Thank you very much, I'll definitely try to find these. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnaElisa Posted January 17, 2008 Author Share Posted January 17, 2008 Dear Celluloid Kid, Just wanted to follow up and let you know I found your top choice for both actors in my local library! (That's kind of rare, at least I wasn't expecting it) They're definitely on my list for the next batch of books I check out. Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CelluloidKid Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Your soooo welcome..Glad I could help! Also try: Oldies.com Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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