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Hollywood Beauty: Linda Darnell and the American Dream
At fifteen, Linda Darnell left her Texas home and normal adolescence to live the Hollywood dream promoted by fan magazine and studio publicity offices. She appeared in dozens of films and won international acclaim for Blood and Sand (playing opposite Tyrone Power), Forever Amber, A Letter to Three Wives, and the original version of Unfaithfully Yours.
Driven by a stage mother to become rich and Famous, but unable to cope with the career she had longed for as a child, Darnell soon was caught in a downward spiral of drinking, failed marriages, and exploitive relationships. By her early twenties she was an alcoholic, hardened by a life in which beautiful women were chattel, and by the time of her death at age forty- one, she was struggling for recognition in the industry that once had called her its "glory girl.”
Hollywood Beauty begins in the Southwest during the Depression, when Pearl Darnell became obsessed by the glitter of the movie world that would dominate her children’s lives. We follow Linda’s path from her Texas childhood and first public success–during the state centennial, in 1936–through her contract work with Twentieth Century-Fox in the heyday of the big-studio system. Film historian Ronald L. Davis documents Darnell’s discovery and marriages, the adoption of her daughter, the marking of many well-known films, and her emotional difficulties, leading up to her tragic death by fire.
This is the story of a native teenager from a dysfunctional middle-class family thrust into the golden age of Hollywood. Hollywood Beauty examines America’s public worship of movie stars and superficial success–its motives and consequences–and the addiction to escapism that this worship represents.
Driven by a stage mother to become rich and Famous, but unable to cope with the career she had longed for as a child, Darnell soon was caught in a downward spiral of drinking, failed marriages, and exploitive relationships. By her early twenties she was an alcoholic, hardened by a life in which beautiful women were chattel, and by the time of her death at age forty- one, she was struggling for recognition in the industry that once had called her its "glory girl.”
Hollywood Beauty begins in the Southwest during the Depression, when Pearl Darnell became obsessed by the glitter of the movie world that would dominate her children’s lives. We follow Linda’s path from her Texas childhood and first public success–during the state centennial, in 1936–through her contract work with Twentieth Century-Fox in the heyday of the big-studio system. Film historian Ronald L. Davis documents Darnell’s discovery and marriages, the adoption of her daughter, the marking of many well-known films, and her emotional difficulties, leading up to her tragic death by fire.
This is the story of a native teenager from a dysfunctional middle-class family thrust into the golden age of Hollywood. Hollywood Beauty examines America’s public worship of movie stars and superficial success–its motives and consequences–and the addiction to escapism that this worship represents.
- GenresBiographyNonfictionFilm
216 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1991
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About the author
Ronald L. Davis
53 books3 followersRonald L. Davis is professor of history emeritus at Southern Methodist University (SMU) where he served as director of the university's DeGolyer Institute for American Studies and the Oral History Program.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 3, 2018
I stumbled across the film ‘A Letter to Three Wives’ a few years ago and was transfixed by Linda Darnell- she was so beautiful and magnetic and I couldn’t understand why I hadn’t heard of her before.
Her fascinating story is a classic Hollywood tragedy and in the wrong hands this biography could’ve been salacious and nasty. However the author has been sensitive and fair, and produced a really well researched and fully rounded book that should be more widely read, about an actress who should be more widely remembered. This a well written, fascinating, dark fairytale that is a must for any fans of old Hollywood glamour.
Her fascinating story is a classic Hollywood tragedy and in the wrong hands this biography could’ve been salacious and nasty. However the author has been sensitive and fair, and produced a really well researched and fully rounded book that should be more widely read, about an actress who should be more widely remembered. This a well written, fascinating, dark fairytale that is a must for any fans of old Hollywood glamour.
August 31, 2017
Linda Darnell began life as Monetta Eloyse Darnell, with four siblings and two half siblings in Dallas, Texas. She had dance, singing and other lessons as a child, with her mother pulling the strings to get her in local shows so as to work their way to Hollywood.
I knew of Darnell from seeing her on TCM in "The Mark of Zorro," "Song of Bernadette," and "Blackbeard the Pirate" - such a beautiful girl - but she didn't seem to be in very many successful movies. She certainly didn't hit the "big time" like Lana Turner, or Ginger Rodgers, or the names we all know so well. I didn't realize she had such a challenged background and such a sad life, which made this book difficult to read. Her mother was apparently a heavy drinker, and quite riveted on ensuring Linda had a career as an actress - being banned from sets repeatedly - and alternately ignored and abused her other children and husband. Over time, Linda acquired the same drinking habit and abusive behavior, which impacted her personal relationships.
I'm no doctor, but I would think that none of the family would leave such an atmosphere mentally unscathed, and if you were a child with a mother like that thrust into Hollywood, that would be two strikes against you. Linda Darnell seemed like a particularly fragile child with little preparation for adulthood. Money, men and maintaining a career were all a challenge for her, and she had to keep starting over.
And this book walks you through all her many tries, experiences and foibles. The sources and interviews conducted are cited in the back; there are pictures of Linda's family, husbands, and daughter as well as production stills. It's a sad read, but provides insight into the actress; not every life is what you want it to be.
I knew of Darnell from seeing her on TCM in "The Mark of Zorro," "Song of Bernadette," and "Blackbeard the Pirate" - such a beautiful girl - but she didn't seem to be in very many successful movies. She certainly didn't hit the "big time" like Lana Turner, or Ginger Rodgers, or the names we all know so well. I didn't realize she had such a challenged background and such a sad life, which made this book difficult to read. Her mother was apparently a heavy drinker, and quite riveted on ensuring Linda had a career as an actress - being banned from sets repeatedly - and alternately ignored and abused her other children and husband. Over time, Linda acquired the same drinking habit and abusive behavior, which impacted her personal relationships.
I'm no doctor, but I would think that none of the family would leave such an atmosphere mentally unscathed, and if you were a child with a mother like that thrust into Hollywood, that would be two strikes against you. Linda Darnell seemed like a particularly fragile child with little preparation for adulthood. Money, men and maintaining a career were all a challenge for her, and she had to keep starting over.
And this book walks you through all her many tries, experiences and foibles. The sources and interviews conducted are cited in the back; there are pictures of Linda's family, husbands, and daughter as well as production stills. It's a sad read, but provides insight into the actress; not every life is what you want it to be.
April 13, 2018
a good book of about a star of the old school,the usuall things happened to her as with other stars past and present.chewed up and spat out when her star quality was no longer viable.used by her mother,the film studios and choice of wrong men.i think the whole of her life can be encapsulated by the final paragraph by her school friend,'I'm leading the kind of life monetta would have if people had left her alone'.
November 21, 2022
a must read for any Linda Darnell fan. well written and well handled, Davis guides you through Lindas life and career without dipping into exploitation. i loved the glimpses into her personal style and hobbies, as well. great biographical resource, and i appreciated the list in the back of all of her movies (along with relevant details like year of release, cast, producer, etc) - apparently i've watched 17 of her films, and this will be a handy guide for watching all of them !
May 16, 2015
I first took notice of Linda Darnell earlier this year. I had seen her name before, but I filed her under "Also Starring" and moved on. ...And then I saw her in A LETTER TO THREE WIVES, and I was mesmerized. She gave an amazing performance. How did she escape my attention for so long? The Blu-ray edition of the movie included a one-hour Biography episode about her, and that made me want to learn more.
For this book, the writer spent about 10-years gathering an oral history from those who knew Linda Darnell, along with researching existing records. The result is a biography that is very readable and very enlightening regarding her personal life. With my interest in film, my hope was that there would be many more "on the set" stories. Some were there, but amazingly little is said about the day-to-day life while making movies. Indeed, when I looked at the people who shared stories, there were very few film performers.
While I would have liked more of a look behind the curtain of the Magic Factory, this is still a worthwhile book. The story of her personal struggles gives great insight to the performer and the woman. Tweedles, as she was known to friends, loved being barefoot while lounging in casual clothing. The Hollywood Beauty had to be as close to perfection as she could be to maintain her image, and that wished-for existence did not fit well with her temperament.
What emerges is a portrait of a woman who I would not have liked at all on a personal basis. Oh, she was definitely generous and giving to those who moved her sympathy, and there were moments when her beauty was almost overwhelming. She was also a woman who had been denied the emotional development of childhood, with the result of quick anger, tantrums, self-destructive behavior and an idealized view of relationships. She also developed a vulgar vocabulary.
All of that brushed away the pixie dust of my first image. Still, with her Loretta Young looks, there is both a naturalness and vulnerability on the screen. In some ways, I wish that I had not learned her tragic story and had retained my Hollywood image of her. Of course, though, that was also what she had tried to do.
This is a very well-written biography and well worth the time for those who desire to learn more about Linda Darnell.
For this book, the writer spent about 10-years gathering an oral history from those who knew Linda Darnell, along with researching existing records. The result is a biography that is very readable and very enlightening regarding her personal life. With my interest in film, my hope was that there would be many more "on the set" stories. Some were there, but amazingly little is said about the day-to-day life while making movies. Indeed, when I looked at the people who shared stories, there were very few film performers.
While I would have liked more of a look behind the curtain of the Magic Factory, this is still a worthwhile book. The story of her personal struggles gives great insight to the performer and the woman. Tweedles, as she was known to friends, loved being barefoot while lounging in casual clothing. The Hollywood Beauty had to be as close to perfection as she could be to maintain her image, and that wished-for existence did not fit well with her temperament.
What emerges is a portrait of a woman who I would not have liked at all on a personal basis. Oh, she was definitely generous and giving to those who moved her sympathy, and there were moments when her beauty was almost overwhelming. She was also a woman who had been denied the emotional development of childhood, with the result of quick anger, tantrums, self-destructive behavior and an idealized view of relationships. She also developed a vulgar vocabulary.
All of that brushed away the pixie dust of my first image. Still, with her Loretta Young looks, there is both a naturalness and vulnerability on the screen. In some ways, I wish that I had not learned her tragic story and had retained my Hollywood image of her. Of course, though, that was also what she had tried to do.
This is a very well-written biography and well worth the time for those who desire to learn more about Linda Darnell.
April 17, 2012
Poor Monetta. She NEVER belonged in Hollywood. That lifestyle. Those people. Her drama. Monetta, or Linda as most people know her was the perfect example of a girl who eventually came to ruin because she allowed them to mold her. She was also a perfect example of a young woman who was NEVER made whole in Christ, so she used alcohol and empty relationships to fill a void that only God could fill. This book just goes to show that although celebrities may seem to have it all, you never know what people are dealing with internally. I love Linda and I hate that she had such a hard time and an even more unfortunate demise. I would read this book again and I would recommend it.
February 19, 2024
Darnell's mother, Pearl, groomed her daughter to become the movie star she herself wanted to be. After being discovered by a talent scout, 20th Century Fox signed Linda to a contract in 1939 -- when she was only 15. By 16, she already had her name above the title and regularly played roles as a wife given her physical maturity. Once she turned 18, studio executives began making advances, lead by production head Darryl F. Zanuck. She spurned his overtures and good roles eluded her in the short term.
But a loan out to "Summer Storm" enabled her to play her first "bad girl" role, opening up a host of vixen roles. By the mid 1940s, Darnell had become the most-often-killed actress in Hollywood.
Her stage mother's prodding resulted in a lifetime of dysfunction for Linda, including three brief stormy marriages.
Although she earned more than $6 million from movies, she managed money poorly and would up losing most everything. Despite frequently battling alcoholism, Darnell thrived on the stage after movie roles dried up.
Even though she had many personal troubles, Darnell was known for her kindness on the set to all crew members and her generosity to charitable causes, including paying for a home for orphan girls in Rome. Sadly, the beauty died at only 41 in a house fire.
Davis tells her story well, interviewing Darnell's three siblings and adopted daughter. The only major flaw is a lack of in-depth analysis of Darnell's movies.
But a loan out to "Summer Storm" enabled her to play her first "bad girl" role, opening up a host of vixen roles. By the mid 1940s, Darnell had become the most-often-killed actress in Hollywood.
Her stage mother's prodding resulted in a lifetime of dysfunction for Linda, including three brief stormy marriages.
Although she earned more than $6 million from movies, she managed money poorly and would up losing most everything. Despite frequently battling alcoholism, Darnell thrived on the stage after movie roles dried up.
Even though she had many personal troubles, Darnell was known for her kindness on the set to all crew members and her generosity to charitable causes, including paying for a home for orphan girls in Rome. Sadly, the beauty died at only 41 in a house fire.
Davis tells her story well, interviewing Darnell's three siblings and adopted daughter. The only major flaw is a lack of in-depth analysis of Darnell's movies.
November 6, 2021
I really loved this book. Such a tragic beauty who was a great actress.
June 25, 2024
Maybe a little TOO much background on her family members. I mean, family certainly is a part of any biography but some of the early chapters just focus too much on her eccentric mother. The book does give a good overall grasp of Linda. One director described her as a workhorse of an actress, but not a very fascinating personality. I think that statement inadvertently sums it up. She didn't bring a lot to the table because she really was focused on being a movie star from a very young age, and at 15 she was being paid to act. There wasn't a lot of other influence to make her a fascinating personality, because all she knew was Hollywood. I did feel for her; she was an innocent who fought to protect herself by being somewhat 'bitchy' and difficult in her later years, but all of that was simply a facade. She was a genuinely caring person. I wish there were more details on the films and the filmmaking process. It's there, but painted in broad strokes.
January 28, 2017
Not a great biography about Darnell.
Her admittedly sad (tragic?) life is spelled out in very melodramitc tones while her films get mere mentions in passing. The author d0esn't seem to be interested in Darnell the actress to try to analyse much about her work. In fact, I'd say he hasn't even watched many of them... (!)
Her life is the stuff Hollywood dreams and nightmares are made of - too beautiful for words, overbearing mum, early stardom based on looks, not talent, multiple divorces, alcoholism, burned to death at 41. So far so sad.
Way too much time is spend on uninteresting episodes involving her siblings (who presumably were interviewed in depth for this book) and not once does Davis try to get behind the reasons for his mishap (I'm no shrink, but I can't believe he doesn't even once mentioned the possibilty of her suffering from Borderline disorder...)
Avoid
Her admittedly sad (tragic?) life is spelled out in very melodramitc tones while her films get mere mentions in passing. The author d0esn't seem to be interested in Darnell the actress to try to analyse much about her work. In fact, I'd say he hasn't even watched many of them... (!)
Her life is the stuff Hollywood dreams and nightmares are made of - too beautiful for words, overbearing mum, early stardom based on looks, not talent, multiple divorces, alcoholism, burned to death at 41. So far so sad.
Way too much time is spend on uninteresting episodes involving her siblings (who presumably were interviewed in depth for this book) and not once does Davis try to get behind the reasons for his mishap (I'm no shrink, but I can't believe he doesn't even once mentioned the possibilty of her suffering from Borderline disorder...)
Avoid
October 31, 2012
Although the star of one of my favorite classic movies, A Letter To Three Wives, I previously had very little knowledge about the real person of Linda Darnell. In truth, the life of this old-school Hollywood Actress was both fascinating and terribly tragic.
April 19, 2013
Very well written - and partly a lot more vivid than you would expect a non-fiction book to be which can be related to the partly horrid events in Linda Darnell's life. Highly recommended to those who are starters.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews