Description
Despite being a mediocre actress with less than classic beauty, Theda Bara was one of Hollywood's leading performers in the early years of cinema. Her success was mostly due to Fox Studio's publicity: they made her a screen vamp and used her to titillate the public. And Theda Bara, ambitious and nearing 30 when she made her first film, enthusiastically played the role.
In real life, Theodosia Goodman bore little resemblance to the vampish Theda Bara character. But the studio-created persona, with the invented name, evil personality and fictional history, was a major star. Though her films were often trite, poorly acted, extravagant and crude, the public packed movie houses. But her film career ended once the public tired of the persona. Through contemporary newspaper accounts, film reviews, interviews and other sources, this is a comprehensive account of the life and times of one of Hollywood's first female stars.
About the Author
Ronald Genini is a retired high school history teacher living in Fresno, California.
Reviews
"carefully researched...unravels the fascinating trajectory of this cinematic vamp.... A useful volume in silent American film"-Choice; "revealing the real woman behind the dark persona"-Filmfax; "[a] superb biography...reveals much about important figures in the history of movies...a definitive work of reference-highly recommended"-The Other Side of Show Business.
Book Information
ISBN 9780786469185
Author Ronald Genini
Format Paperback
Page Count 168
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 240g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 9mm
