Status Updates From Ann Dvorak: Hollywood's For...

happy birthday ann :)

This bio took a turn I wasn’t expecting yet wasn’t surprised as it is typical in Hollywood to hear of failed marriages, vices and untrustworthy people trying to mooch off of those with money. I was hoping Ann’s career would take off but she was always walking away right when opportunity was staring her right in the face.

Why is it that when one discovers themselves or come to terms with who they are, all other relationships go to shambles. She gets back on track in film, still not getting the roles she deserves but being cast awakens her Hollywood dream and pursuits. Then there’s 2 divorces later. Everyone speaks highly of her but yet I don’t think she was ever happy.

An actress vs. a high profile movie studio. Ego vs. ego.

It seems that a contract back then signified ownership. There was rarely auditions and you constantly worked with the same actors. You didn’t choose your roles they were chosen for you. Once you put your foot down you were scolded by being denied lead roles. No matter how talented you were, it was diminished by power and who had the upper hand.

Im not surprised on how Hollywood handled actors and actresses in the 30s. Seeing how it was all about quantity rather quality provides more perspective of how non glamorous Hollywood was and continued to be. At the same time impulsive decisions and not having the right people in your corner can turn you from victim into villain.

This book is very different from what I normally read. But it’s interesting to see the beginning of a star in the 1930s.