A Lady Undefined: From Carriage to Concorde

by David Knapp

Gladys Quarre Knapp was a woman ahead of her time as one of the most radiant, successful, behind the scenes Hollywood and political women of the 20th Century. Her unique opportunity and perspective on making the best out of life's offerings prompted her son to document their tales, adventures, and travels from San Francisco, Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, Palm Beach, and Santa Barbara. With one of her well-known remarks, she would say, "It's not important who you know, what is important is who knows you." One of the first women bridging the gap between emerging Hollywood and Broadway luminaries and California's founding families. A woman ahead of her time, facing challenges with grace, humor, elan, and never afraid to say what was on her mind. With her beauty, personality, and enchanting wit, she very well could have been the inspiration for the character Auntie Mame.

384 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 2010

Reviews

[Richard]

Amazing insight into early Hollywood. Players and the game of how Hollywood might have trumped California and U.S. early founding family social circles. Book could easily have been a "how-to" on entertainment of Screen Legends or sophisticated European royalty alike.