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Captain of Her Soul: The Life of Marion Davies
The comprehensive critical biography of silent-screen star Marion Davies, who fittingly referred to herself as "the captain of my soul."
From Marion Davies's humble days in Brooklyn to her rise to fame alongside press baron William Randolph Hearst, the public life story of the film star plays like a modern fairy tale shaped by gossip columnists, fan magazines, biopics, and documentaries. Yet the real Marion Davies remained largely hidden from view, as she was wary of interviews and trusted few with her true life story. In Captain of Her Soul , Lara Gabrielle pulls back layers of myth to show a complex and fiercely independent woman, ahead of her time, who carved her own path.
Through meticulous research, unprecedented access to archives around the world, and interviews with those who knew Davies, Captain of Her Soul counters the public story. This book reveals a woman who navigated disability and social stigma to rise to the top of a young Hollywood dominated by powerful men. Davies took charge of her own career, negotiating with studio heads and establishing herself as a top-tier comedienne, but her proudest achievement was her philanthropy and advocacy for children. This biography brings Davies out of the shadows cast by the Hearst legacy, shedding light on a dynamic woman who lived life on her own terms and declared that she was "the captain of her soul."
From Marion Davies's humble days in Brooklyn to her rise to fame alongside press baron William Randolph Hearst, the public life story of the film star plays like a modern fairy tale shaped by gossip columnists, fan magazines, biopics, and documentaries. Yet the real Marion Davies remained largely hidden from view, as she was wary of interviews and trusted few with her true life story. In Captain of Her Soul , Lara Gabrielle pulls back layers of myth to show a complex and fiercely independent woman, ahead of her time, who carved her own path.
Through meticulous research, unprecedented access to archives around the world, and interviews with those who knew Davies, Captain of Her Soul counters the public story. This book reveals a woman who navigated disability and social stigma to rise to the top of a young Hollywood dominated by powerful men. Davies took charge of her own career, negotiating with studio heads and establishing herself as a top-tier comedienne, but her proudest achievement was her philanthropy and advocacy for children. This biography brings Davies out of the shadows cast by the Hearst legacy, shedding light on a dynamic woman who lived life on her own terms and declared that she was "the captain of her soul."
344 pages, Hardcover
Published September 27, 2022
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253 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 11, 2023
A solid and detailed biography of Marion Davies with the author giving details to try and debunk the rumor that Patricia Lake was the "love-child" of Davies and Hearst. This also had the best index I've ever seen in a biography. The book appears long but the last quarter consists of sources and the index.
May 5, 2023
The title comes from the following quote: "I'm the captain of my soul. Therefore, what I want to do I want to do myself, regardless of what people think that I should do."
This is an intimate and well-researched biography of film actress Marion Davies. The author did quite a bit of research on the people surrounding Davies and includes an afterward explaining what happened to many of Marion's relatives, close friends, Hearst's family and some of their former property.
I would have liked more information about each of the films Davies made, although I suspect the author chose not to dwell on them because the actress thought of herself more as a humanitarian than as an actress. Unfortunately, as with many stars whose star faded as they aged, the end of this story is very sad.
Join the Silver Screen Book Club in reading this book March-May 2023.
This is an intimate and well-researched biography of film actress Marion Davies. The author did quite a bit of research on the people surrounding Davies and includes an afterward explaining what happened to many of Marion's relatives, close friends, Hearst's family and some of their former property.
I would have liked more information about each of the films Davies made, although I suspect the author chose not to dwell on them because the actress thought of herself more as a humanitarian than as an actress. Unfortunately, as with many stars whose star faded as they aged, the end of this story is very sad.
Join the Silver Screen Book Club in reading this book March-May 2023.
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September 22, 2025lara gabrielle’s captain of her soul is informative, well-written, and insightful. it sheds light on the life of marion davies, a wonderful woman who, up until this point, was shrouded and misconstrued by the public’s perception of her. it reads as a love letter to marion, her movies, and her heart. marion davies was an angel on earth. i have come to adore her, she’s the type of person i aspire to be— graceful and compassionate until the end. this is exactly the type of biography she deserves.
November 10, 2023
I enjoyed "Captain of Her Soul: The Life of Marion Davies". It neatly connects the history of the times and Ms. Davies' stage and film career providing a very readable book.
The descriptions of the properties that Ms. Davies and Mr. Hearst lived, separately and together, assist greatly in providing their stories. If one plans to visit Hearst Castle in the future, it is recommended that this book be read first to obtain information about the property and its occupants. When I visited Hearst Castle in the early 2000s Ms. Davies was not mentioned by docents (nor were questions encouraged); I was happy to read that this practice has finally been abandoned.
Previous biographies were utilized and fully credited here (notably the Fred Lawrence Guiles biography published in the 1980s).
The demise/possible murder of Thomas Ince is written about here.
If I had any questions of Ms. Gabrielle about "Captain of Her Soul" they would concern Ms. Davies' "crushes" on her co-stars written about in the Guiles biography. I concur that Dick Powell was an unlikely romantic partner, and this is backed up by an archival interview that Mr. Powell gave to the author of a previously-published biography of Mr. Hearst. Archival film was featured in the documentary film "Leslie Howard: The Man Who Gave a Damn" showing Mr. Howard and Ms. Davies looking very cozy on Hearst properties including Hearst Castle. In that film Mr. Howard's daughter the late Leslie Ruth Howard described visiting those sites with her father. My guess is that too much time has passed to confirm or deny a possible romance between the actors. Given the considerable chemistry between Mr. Howard and Ms. Davies in the film "Five and Ten" one wonders when seeing it today.
Ms. Davies' extensive charitable endeavors, public and private, are described here. Some of them in different forms exist today.
I read the book on my Nook e-reader. The photographs were crisp and clear, and placed around the 1/3 and 3/4 sections of the book.
Unfortunately, Ms. Davies passed away as a fairly young senior by 2023 standards. The book provides clues as to why this occurred. given the context of medical care during her lifetime.
Recommended.
The descriptions of the properties that Ms. Davies and Mr. Hearst lived, separately and together, assist greatly in providing their stories. If one plans to visit Hearst Castle in the future, it is recommended that this book be read first to obtain information about the property and its occupants. When I visited Hearst Castle in the early 2000s Ms. Davies was not mentioned by docents (nor were questions encouraged); I was happy to read that this practice has finally been abandoned.
Previous biographies were utilized and fully credited here (notably the Fred Lawrence Guiles biography published in the 1980s).
The demise/possible murder of Thomas Ince is written about here.
If I had any questions of Ms. Gabrielle about "Captain of Her Soul" they would concern Ms. Davies' "crushes" on her co-stars written about in the Guiles biography. I concur that Dick Powell was an unlikely romantic partner, and this is backed up by an archival interview that Mr. Powell gave to the author of a previously-published biography of Mr. Hearst. Archival film was featured in the documentary film "Leslie Howard: The Man Who Gave a Damn" showing Mr. Howard and Ms. Davies looking very cozy on Hearst properties including Hearst Castle. In that film Mr. Howard's daughter the late Leslie Ruth Howard described visiting those sites with her father. My guess is that too much time has passed to confirm or deny a possible romance between the actors. Given the considerable chemistry between Mr. Howard and Ms. Davies in the film "Five and Ten" one wonders when seeing it today.
Ms. Davies' extensive charitable endeavors, public and private, are described here. Some of them in different forms exist today.
I read the book on my Nook e-reader. The photographs were crisp and clear, and placed around the 1/3 and 3/4 sections of the book.
Unfortunately, Ms. Davies passed away as a fairly young senior by 2023 standards. The book provides clues as to why this occurred. given the context of medical care during her lifetime.
Recommended.
April 1, 2023
Read my completed and detailed review here : https://thewonderfulworldofcinema.wor...
July 2, 2024
Lara Gabrielle brings us the story of a Hollywood actress to this day overshadowed by her decision to be with the very married with children magnate William Randolph Hearst for over 30 years. Marion Douras was the fifth of five children. She and her sisters were ambitious daughters of a stage (yet loving) mother who encouraged them to find affluent men for financial support. Marion did that in spades. Was she a great actress? Never an Academy Award winner, but a favourite with fans. Hearst accelerated her career perhaps to greater heights than it would have been had she been on her own. At its essence Marion's story is quite sad - a heavy drinker whose problem exacerbated by the hiding games played by she and Hearst; fractious relationships with her family; and ultimately a painful death. Her heart was broken when at the last minute Hearst's wife placed unworkable conditions on the divorce agreement. For all that lavish wealth and flagrant opulence, her problems defined her. Yet she was intelligent - an avid reader who appreciated quality literature; a quick study who could hold a conversation with others about sophisticated topics. And, she was at her heart a fragile and sensitive soul. The author's research is deep; with many hours of listening to Marion's own recorded interviews from the 1950s. An excellent reveal of an actress unfairly shunned and criticized.
December 30, 2022
A very thorough biography of Marion Davies, the actress and companion to W R Hearst for 32 years. There was more to her than a pretty face, although she was obviously beautiful. Her stutter plagued her throughout her life, but she was able to overcome it and starred in many early talkies after being a success in silent movies. She was a generous philanthropist and loyal friend to those she met. Worth a read if you‘re interested in the history of Hearst Castle, WR Hearst, or the early movie industry.
August 23, 2023
As I read through through the last chapter of Lara Gabrielle’s Captain of Her Soul: The Life of Marion Davies, which detailed the last year of Davies’ life, I felt a strong emotion for a celebrity I previously knew nothing about.
If written biographies can be considered an art form, author Gabrielle achieves that distinction.
Marion Davies is certainly an underrated silent film comedienne, and as this book argues, paved the way for a brand of humor used later by Lucille Ball and Carole Lombard.
And while Davies is mostly remembered for her comedies like THE PATSY and SHOW PEOPLE, she also starred in a string of historical dramas earlier career at the behest of her romantic partner and media tycoon, William Randolph Hearst.
Most of her professional and personal colleagues gradually convinced Hearst, who controlled all aspects of Davies’ career, that she was gifted in playing comedic roles, and in fact is today mostly remembered for many underseen classics that are being rediscovered and praised by new generations of film fans.
The book also informs us of the trouble Davies had with her lifelong stutter. And while she transitioned into sound films seamlessly, she never again felt the confidence and freedom that silent films allowed her and eventually retired.
And one of the many pleasures of Gabrielle’s book is reading about Davies’ disarming charm and how it rubbed off for many people she met. Figures like George Bernard Shaw, Charlie Chaplin or Charles Lindbergh, who at first resisted meeting her, were immediately charmed and “fell under her spell.”
In one anecdote, Lindbergh visited Davies’ movie set, and was unable to take his eyes off her. And even the gruff, fastidious Shaw was so disarmed by her charm that it is said he originally wrote the part of Eliza Doolittle from the stage play PYGMALION with Davies in mind. (A part she would never have allowed herself to play on stage because of her stutter.)
Biographies present their subjects’ lives with objectivity and well-researched facts, and if you’re lucky, the great ones can transport you into their subject’s essence. This book is all the above.
If written biographies can be considered an art form, author Gabrielle achieves that distinction.
Marion Davies is certainly an underrated silent film comedienne, and as this book argues, paved the way for a brand of humor used later by Lucille Ball and Carole Lombard.
And while Davies is mostly remembered for her comedies like THE PATSY and SHOW PEOPLE, she also starred in a string of historical dramas earlier career at the behest of her romantic partner and media tycoon, William Randolph Hearst.
Most of her professional and personal colleagues gradually convinced Hearst, who controlled all aspects of Davies’ career, that she was gifted in playing comedic roles, and in fact is today mostly remembered for many underseen classics that are being rediscovered and praised by new generations of film fans.
The book also informs us of the trouble Davies had with her lifelong stutter. And while she transitioned into sound films seamlessly, she never again felt the confidence and freedom that silent films allowed her and eventually retired.
And one of the many pleasures of Gabrielle’s book is reading about Davies’ disarming charm and how it rubbed off for many people she met. Figures like George Bernard Shaw, Charlie Chaplin or Charles Lindbergh, who at first resisted meeting her, were immediately charmed and “fell under her spell.”
In one anecdote, Lindbergh visited Davies’ movie set, and was unable to take his eyes off her. And even the gruff, fastidious Shaw was so disarmed by her charm that it is said he originally wrote the part of Eliza Doolittle from the stage play PYGMALION with Davies in mind. (A part she would never have allowed herself to play on stage because of her stutter.)
Biographies present their subjects’ lives with objectivity and well-researched facts, and if you’re lucky, the great ones can transport you into their subject’s essence. This book is all the above.
April 14, 2024
The story of Marion and WR holds a strange fascination with me and I try to learn as much as I can about it. Until this book my only information on Marion was through what I know was an inaccurate and somewhat censored retelling of her life in her autobiography (when she lies about her age in the first sentence of her memoirs you question the legitimacy of everything else)
I am so glad i listened to this book and will be looking for a hard copy soon. It has debunked several myths in a book that is well researched, including one of my favorite Hollywood urban legends, the “murder” of Thomas Ince. It was also refreshing to see a different perspective of WR. When we find out he chose a newspaper, even his favorite one, over the woman he supposedly loved and had been devoted to for decades, my perception and perspective of him changed.
This is a very interesting book for anyone interested in the WR/Marion relationship or the early days of Holding.
I am so glad i listened to this book and will be looking for a hard copy soon. It has debunked several myths in a book that is well researched, including one of my favorite Hollywood urban legends, the “murder” of Thomas Ince. It was also refreshing to see a different perspective of WR. When we find out he chose a newspaper, even his favorite one, over the woman he supposedly loved and had been devoted to for decades, my perception and perspective of him changed.
This is a very interesting book for anyone interested in the WR/Marion relationship or the early days of Holding.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2022
Not only is this the best biography of Marion Davies I've ever seen, it's one of the best biographies in general that I've ever read (and I love biographies!). Lara Gabrielle's extensive research and exquisite writing skills bring Marion to life in such vivid detail that I mourn her loss both on the screen and as such a vital, unique presence among her family and friends. If you read one biography this year, make it this book!
July 1, 2023
Flawed and frustrating read.
February 13, 2023
Marion Davies was an incredible comedienne, a kind and generous person, and had almost no say in her own life at all. It was crushing to read about WR Hearst's control of her career and how his bullheaded view of her as a perfect golden angel kept her from the roles that she was born for and that made her happy. When he decided last minute to put his love for Cosmopolitan magazine over marrying her, I was devastated for her. Selfish asshole.
And Pepi! Poor Pepi, beautiful openly queer Pepi who preferred a masculine style and couldn't get the love and attention her cousins got from Marion or anyone--except apparently WR, sometimes.
Marion's whole family struggled so much with mental illness and alcoholism. It was hard watching them crash over and over. It's so hard to piece together everything that happened in their lower class family over 100 years ago, but I do wonder if it was just their brother's death that sent everything spiraling.
And Pepi! Poor Pepi, beautiful openly queer Pepi who preferred a masculine style and couldn't get the love and attention her cousins got from Marion or anyone--except apparently WR, sometimes.
Marion's whole family struggled so much with mental illness and alcoholism. It was hard watching them crash over and over. It's so hard to piece together everything that happened in their lower class family over 100 years ago, but I do wonder if it was just their brother's death that sent everything spiraling.
June 9, 2023
A little one-sided
Though this author painted a very flattering portrait of Marion Davies, I remain somewhat skeptical of her as a person. She wasn't an ax murderer but she struck me as being rather mercenary about staying with W R Hearst for so many years. She enjoyed living the high life on his dime despite the fact he was married. That was made easier by Mrs. Hearst conveniently staying in the background. Both of these women had a reason for being in Mr. Heart's orbit, that being money. Ms. Davies would have delighted to be married to Mr. Hearst and had children with him but the mores of that time precluded that. That may have been a contributive factor in her alcoholism. I could go on but I won't sothere.
Though this author painted a very flattering portrait of Marion Davies, I remain somewhat skeptical of her as a person. She wasn't an ax murderer but she struck me as being rather mercenary about staying with W R Hearst for so many years. She enjoyed living the high life on his dime despite the fact he was married. That was made easier by Mrs. Hearst conveniently staying in the background. Both of these women had a reason for being in Mr. Heart's orbit, that being money. Ms. Davies would have delighted to be married to Mr. Hearst and had children with him but the mores of that time precluded that. That may have been a contributive factor in her alcoholism. I could go on but I won't sothere.
February 6, 2023
I’ve toured Hearst Castle twice, and had some knowledge of Hearst and Davies. I have purchased a DVD of Polly of the Circus, because I don’t think I’ve seen any of Marion’s movies. Her life appears to be that of a glorious bird pretty much shackled in a very restrictive gilded cage. I would have liked to have seen more quotes of what she actually said, but her avoidance of interviews limited access. The notes included from assorted friends certainly suggest a very loyal, compassionate, intelligent woman.
February 11, 2023
Well researched biography of Marion Davies, silent film star and longtime companion of William Randolph Hearst. While Davies' life is truly fascinating, and strikingly complex, the actual writing in the biography is a bit too staid to fully do it justice. Many fascinating aspects of Davies' life -- her relationship with Hearst and his family and his empire, the rumors of her niece being the actual child of Davies and Hearst, and even the physical and psychological challenges she dealt with -- seem to demand a more thorough exploration (assuming it's even possible considering the veiled public life she led).
April 29, 2024
Very well researched and admirably thorough, this biography of Marion Davies goes a long way toward reclaiming her as a talented actress - especially of the silent screen - with business acumen and savvy generosity. The tragedy of her life, of course, was that the love of her life wouldn't get a divorce and commit wholly to her.
Kudos to Gabrielle for showcasing the star's films, which are now more widely available than ever. DVD and Blu-ray editions of Marion Davies films keep showing up, and her talent is abundantly clear in films like "Show People," "The Patsy" and "Quality Street."
Kudos to Gabrielle for showcasing the star's films, which are now more widely available than ever. DVD and Blu-ray editions of Marion Davies films keep showing up, and her talent is abundantly clear in films like "Show People," "The Patsy" and "Quality Street."
November 16, 2024
A well written biography that dispels the widely held belief, originating from Orson Wells’ Citizen Kane, that Davies was a no talent actress propped up by William Randolph Hearst. In reality, she was smart and a hard working actress. In addition , she is portrayed in this book as a kind, generous, faithful friend and a grand entertainer. I came away from reading it wishing I could have known her. A person worth reading about.
March 14, 2025
After visiting Hearst Castle for the first time, I wanted to learn more about William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies, as my trip there made me realize how little I knew about the history!
This book was a thorough and interesting insight to Marion Davies’ life and I really enjoyed this biography! It was an easy read and very interesting. I definitely recommend for anyone wanting to learn more about Marion and WR!
This book was a thorough and interesting insight to Marion Davies’ life and I really enjoyed this biography! It was an easy read and very interesting. I definitely recommend for anyone wanting to learn more about Marion and WR!
June 21, 2023
What a wonderful biography!! It had me at page one and that was just the Acknowledgments page. I have read every book written about her and I feel like now I have the straight skinny on the truth about her life and career. The research is impeccable and being able to watch so many of her films recently on TCM was perfect timing.
January 29, 2024
A comprehensive biography of the star of both silent films and talkies. It brings Davies out of the shadows cast by the Hearst legacy and sheds light on a dynamic woman who navigated disability and social stigma to take charge of her own career, negotiating with studio heads and establishing herself as a top-tier comedienne.
February 28, 2025
Lara Gabrielle does a terrific dance of covering Marion Davies public and private lives with equal attention and giving just enough information about William Randolph Hearst to be relevant to Marion’s story.
I’ve loved the Marion Davies silent comedies I’ve seen and may have to dive into some of her costume dramas and sound work.
I’ve loved the Marion Davies silent comedies I’ve seen and may have to dive into some of her costume dramas and sound work.
May 5, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
A very thoughtful and fair biography of a woman dismissed because of popular opinion of her as the inspiration of Susan Alexander in Citizen Kane.
Marion Davies was much more than the long-time mistress of William Randolph Hearst. She was a successful silent film actress who successfully transitioned to sound, despite a lifelong stutter. She was a generous aunt, friend and philanthropist. And she was a dedicated companion to the much older Hearst.
Lara Gabrielle does a wonderful job flushing out Marion’s life, with incredible research and multiple sourcing. For anyone interested in Hollywood history, this book should be on your list.
A very thoughtful and fair biography of a woman dismissed because of popular opinion of her as the inspiration of Susan Alexander in Citizen Kane.
Marion Davies was much more than the long-time mistress of William Randolph Hearst. She was a successful silent film actress who successfully transitioned to sound, despite a lifelong stutter. She was a generous aunt, friend and philanthropist. And she was a dedicated companion to the much older Hearst.
Lara Gabrielle does a wonderful job flushing out Marion’s life, with incredible research and multiple sourcing. For anyone interested in Hollywood history, this book should be on your list.
April 22, 2024
I thought this would be an interesting book. It wasn't. It was just boring, many many facts and tedious details; I never got any real sense of the characters. If you're researching the era and topic, it's probably fine, but as leisure read: no.
July 27, 2025
I very much enjoyed reading about Marion. Because she didn’t leave behind lots of personal materials, the author has trouble filling in some of the more interesting moments of her life, but not the fault of the author. All in all, a good read.
September 12, 2022
Extremely well-researched, compelling and captivating. Incredible detail and depth into the truly fascinating life of a woman ahead of her time. Highly recommend!
October 14, 2022
One of the Great American Love Stories
November 27, 2022
Did not know anything about her so I enjoyed this book - Fascinating history- but rather poignant in her later years.
January 6, 2023
A captivating biography of silent film star Marion Davies, exploring her career and her relationship with William Randolph Hearst.
January 27, 2023
What a fantastic book! I knew very little about Marion Davies before reading this, and I now feel intimately familiar with her. This also challenged a lot of my assumptions about Hearst.
January 30, 2023
Essential film history brilliantly written
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews