Publisher's Synopsis
In the history of the movies, thousands of men, women, children, and even animals have tried to find success as a movie star. They were drawn from theater, opera, sports, and every type of entertainment venue, and some even came from out of nowhere. They took valiant stabs at entrancing audiences with their faces, personalities, or peculiarities. A precious few achieved greater popularity than anyone could have ever dreamed, but others vanished beneath the sands of time along with the films they so lovingly made. They gave us their most audacious efforts, but they did not find any lasting success, or having enjoyed a brief blush with triumph, they returned home to their true métiers. Some simply never found a second chance. This book celebrates the memorable attempts of ten who tried to be a movie star. They shot across silver screens like comets, but they all disappeared like falling stars.
Pulitzer nominated author David W. Menefee searched the major archives of the world to uncover the true behind-the-scenes stories of ten of Hollywood's most legendary headliners. He returned with this fascinating anthology that includes detailed analyses of their attempts at films, plot synopses, casts, contemporary reviews, production notes, and hundreds of rare photographs that capture the glamour and excitement of Hollywood's Golden Era. Enjoy this engaging compilation featuring Helen Keller, Enrico Caruso, Mary Garden, Babe Ruth, Otis Skinner, Anna Pavlova, Eleonora Duse, Lottie Pickford, Harry Houdini, and Maude Adams. Pulitzer nominee David W. Menefee is the author of: Sweet Memories, Sarah Bernhardt, Her Films, Her Recordings, Wally: The True Wallace Reid Story, George O'Brien: A Man's Man in Hollywood, The First Female Stars: Women of the Silent Era, The First Male Stars: Men of the Silent Era, Richard Barthelmess: A Life in Pictures, "Otay!" The Billy "Buckwheat" Thomas Story, The Rise and Fall of Lou-Tellegen, Charlie O'Doone's Second Chance, and the Margot Cranston detective series.
