I have always loved the work of Miss Dvorak. I always have found that any film she was a part of was always better because she was in the film. There were a number of so-so films (Out of the Blue and A Life of Her Own come to mind) that she stole away from other established stars. I knew her film work, but very little of her life away from the cameras. I knew that she had a hand in ruining her career goals. But I didn't know the real story of her life.
So thanks to this author for taking the time and research to provide a really fine biography of a really fine actress. It is beautifully researched and written with great care for the subject. It provides the highs and lows of a fascinating life. The lovely woman did have a number of highs, both career-wise and in her daily living. She got to travel and see much of the world. She took it upon herself to help in the war effort by being on the scene in London and assisting those affected by war. And she enjoyed so much of life including animals, plants, nice surroundings, and it would seem - her first husband. She also had unfortunately a number of lows.
This book really captures so much of the personality of Miss Dvorak. It also shows that she was led in wrong directions by that first husband, who almost wrecked her entire film career. She was a mere 20 year old when she starred opposite the brilliant Paul Muni in "Scarface," the film that gave her a film career. She held her own, doing wonderfully. She also held her own against John Wayne, Henry Fonda, James Cagney, Randolph Scott and others. And when she played Ann Blythe's birth mother in Our Very Own, although she had little screen time, she stole the acting honors in that film.
In my view she was a better actress than most of her contemporaries including Bette Davis. She stole "Three on a Match" from Davis. But Davis was a fighter who went on to high acclaim in the movies; while Dvorak ticked off the one man who held her contract, Jack Warner. Davis always played Davis; while Dvorak played different characters so well. Appearing with Lana Turner in "A Life of Her Own", Turner didn't have a chance. Dvorak was a seasoned actress while Turner was a movie star with little talent. Although a small role, you never forgot Dvorak in that movie.
All in all she seemed to enjoy life until that final marriage and her years away from the cameras. Her final years still show her great love for plants and animals and art and reading. But she was done in by her third marriage both financially and mentally.
Thanks again to Christina Rice for a vivid portrait of a fine actress. This is a must read for people loving movies and one of the greatest talents who appeared in many of them!
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EXCELLENT Biography of a Fascinating Actress
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2022
Gorgeous book! This exceptionally written and researched biography is exactly what I was looking for. I’ve always adored Ann Dvorak but could never find out anything about her. I had so many questions, such as how could she (one of the most beautiful and talented actresses from old Hollywood) not be better known? Why did she seem to simply disappear from films for a while, and then, ultimately, for good? This excellent book (by a personal favorite author) answered these questions and more. This is a must have for anyone who loves old Hollywood. Fascinating book about a fascinating (and very prone to follow her heart) actress.
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2022
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The unknown actress from hollywoods golden age
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 16, 2015
