Joan Blondell: A Life between Takes (Hollywood Legends)

Name: Joan Blondell: A Life between Takes (Hollywood Legends)
Brand: University Press of Kentucky
SKU: 131480
Availability: InStock

$19.36

Disclosure

Joan Blondell: A Life between Takes offers an in-depth biography of the iconic Hollywood actress, exploring her dynamic career and personal journey. Published by University Press of Kentucky, this compelling narrative provides valuable insights into classic cinema and the golden age of Hollywood.

Category: Books

Tags: cinema biography, classic Hollywood actress, film history book, Hollywood legends book, Hollywood memoir, Joan Blondell biography, University Press of Kentucky

Brands: University Press of Kentucky

Joan Blondell: A Life between Takes is the first major biography of the effervescent, scene-stealing actress (1906-1979) who conquered motion pictures, vaudeville, Broadway, summer stock, television, and radio. Born the child of vaudevillians, she was on stage by age three. With her casual sex appeal, distinctive cello voice, megawatt smile, luminous saucer eyes, and flawless timing, she came into widespread fame in Warner Bros. musicals and comedies of the 1930s, including Blonde Crazy, Gold Diggers of 1933, and Footlight Parade.

Frequent co-star to James Cagney, Clark Gable, Edward G. Robinson, and Humphrey Bogart, friend to Judy Garland, Barbara Stanwyck, and Bette Davis, and wife of Dick Powell and Mike Todd, Joan Blondell was a true Hollywood insider. By the time of her death, she had made nearly 100 films in a career that spanned over fifty years.

Privately, she was unerringly loving and generous, while her life was touched by financial, medical, and emotional upheavals. Joan Blondell: A Life between Takes is meticulously researched, expertly weaving the public and private, and features numerous interviews with family, friends, and colleagues.

Joan Blondell: A Life between Takes (Hollywood Legends), published by the University Press of Kentucky, offers a compelling and meticulously researched portrait of one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars. This biography delves into the vibrant life and career of Joan Blondell, a versatile actress whose work spanned the golden age of cinema and beyond. Through detailed narrative and insightful analysis, readers gain a deeper understanding of Blondell’s contributions to film history as well as the cultural and social dynamics that shaped her career. Ideal for film enthusiasts, historians, and readers interested in the evolution of Hollywood, this book brings to life the challenges and triumphs faced by Blondell, both on and off the screen. It enriches the reader’s appreciation of classic cinema by providing context to Blondell’s performances and revealing the complexities behind her public persona. More than a simple biography, the book situates Blondell within the broader tapestry of Hollywood legends, making it an essential addition to any collection focused on film history and star studies. The University Press of Kentucky’s authoritative approach ensures a balanced and engaging read, combining academic rigor with accessible storytelling. Whether used as a reference or enjoyed as a narrative journey, Joan Blondell: A Life between Takes enhances everyday reading experiences by connecting readers to the glamour, grit, and humanity of an iconic figure who continues to inspire admiration in contemporary culture. This volume is a valuable resource that invites readers to explore the nuances of a life lived between takes, on the cutting edge of cinematic history.