Barbara Stanwyck: The Miracle Woman (Hollywood Legends)

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Explore the life and legacy of Barbara Stanwyck in The Miracle Woman, a compelling biography from University Press of Kentucky. This insightful book offers an in-depth look at her iconic career and lasting impact on Hollywood, perfect for fans and film historians alike.

Barbara Stanwyck (1907-1990) rose from the ranks of chorus girl to become one of Hollywood’s most talented leading women-and America’s highest paid woman in the mid-1940s. Shuttled among foster homes as a child, she took a number of low-wage jobs while she determinedly made the connections that landed her in successful Broadway productions. Stanwyck then acted in a stream of high-quality films from the 1930s through the 1950s. Directors such as Cecil B. DeMille, Fritz Lang, and Frank Capra treasured her particular magic. A four-time Academy Award nominee, winner of three Emmys and a Golden Globe, she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Academy.

Dan Callahan considers both Stanwyck’s life and her art, exploring her seminal collaborations with Capra in such great films as Ladies of Leisure, The Miracle Woman, and The Bitter Tea of General Yen; her Pre-Code movies Night Nurse and Baby Face; and her classic roles in Stella Dallas, Remember the Night, The Lady Eve, and Double Indemnity. After making more than eighty films in Hollywood, she revived her career by turning to television, where her role in the 1960s series The Big Valley renewed her immense popularity.

Callahan examines Stanwyck’s career in relation to the directors she worked with and the genres she worked in, leading up to her late-career triumphs in two films directed by Douglas Sirk, All I Desire and There’s Always Tomorrow, and two outrageous westerns, The Furies and Forty Guns. The book positions Stanwyck where she belongs-at the very top of her profession-and offers a close, sympathetic reading of her performances in all their range and complexity.

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Barbara Stanwyck: The Miracle Woman (Hollywood Legends) offers an insightful and comprehensive exploration of one of classic Hollywood’s most enduring stars. Published by University Press of Kentucky, this meticulously researched biography delves into the life and career of Barbara Stanwyck, illuminating her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming an iconic figure in American cinema. This book not only chronicles her professional achievements but also provides a nuanced understanding of her personal resilience and versatility as an actress, capturing the essence of her influence on the film industry. Ideal for film enthusiasts, historians, and readers with an interest in Hollywood’s golden age, this volume enriches everyday life by connecting readers with the legacy of a woman whose performances continue to inspire. The narrative is crafted with scholarly rigor yet remains accessible, making it a valuable addition to both academic collections and personal libraries. By examining her roles, collaborations, and the cultural context of her work, the book offers a unique perspective on the evolution of female stardom and the complexities faced by women in early Hollywood. Barbara Stanwyck: The Miracle Woman stands out for its blend of detailed research and engaging storytelling, reflecting the dedication of the University Press of Kentucky to preserving cinematic history. This publication enhances the reader’s appreciation of film art and history, providing a meaningful and enriching reading experience that honors the legacy of a true Hollywood legend.

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University Press of Kentucky