"People who like films and stars of that era, from the 1920s on
through the 1950s, I think, would like to have such a
personally-written account of some of the highlights of an
actress's life. Most picture us all as rich and famous and never
hear of another side. I've even thought of the title: The Real
Joyce Compton: Behind the Dumb Blonde Movie Image. Sound good? It's
a thought." --Excerpt of a letter from Joyce Compton to Michael G.
Ankerich, 27 January 1988 The Real Joyce Compton: Behind the Dumb
Blonde Movie Image is the story that Joyce Compton, one of the
screen's finest comediennes and most versatile actresses, wanted
told. Her career, which consisted of an estimated 200 films,
stretched from 1925 to 1957. Breaking into films during the silent
era, she appeared in a string of ingnue roles, imagining herself as
a new Mae Murray, but it was after the beginning of sound that
Compton found her niche in comedy. In her own words, she recounts
her frustrations over studio politics and shares her experiences of
working and socializing with such screen favorites as Clara Bow,
Cary Grant, Marlene Dietrich, Joel McCrea, George O'Brien, John
Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Johnny Mack Brown, Janet Gaynor, and George
Raft. Compton opens up about her often overly protective parents,
her off-screen romances, her one heartbreaking attempt at marriage,
her deep religious faith, and her struggle to support her family
after her film career ended. With candor and insight that only
someone who was there can share, Compton discusses the transition
from silents to talkies; working with incompetent directors in
those early sound movies; living on locations; the competition she
experienced with the "star" actresses of the studio; freelancing
versus working under a studio contact; and the day-to-day life of
an actress working in early Hollywood. The Real Joyce Compton
begins with a biography of the actress, written by co-author
Michael G. Ankerich, based on formal interviews, conversations, and
correspondence over their 10-year friendship. The book also
contains a detailed filmography of Compton's film appearances and
is lavishly illustrated with over 80 photographs, many of which are
from Compton's own personal collection.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
