A compelling portrait of one of Hollywood’s most invincible women, the late Barbara Stanwyck. A most unusual movie star, Stanwyck was an actress of considerable and neglected talent who elevated every role she had, a woman whose personal life matched the rocky road of her career. Whispered to be among Hollywood’s scandalous “sewing circle,” a group of internationally famous actresses who hid their potentially career-ending lesbianism and bisexuality, Stanwyck kept her liaisons a secret. Despite her steely resolve and her image as a take-control kind of woman, Stanwyck suffered from turbulent marriages and relationships, including her sensational marriage to, and divorce from, the abusive Robert Taylor. Madsen provides a fresh look at this fascinating, complex screen goddess, offering provocative and shocking details from one of Hollywood’s most interesting lives.
Distributed in 2015 by Open Road Distribution.
“Madsen’s bio breathes intimacy on every page and avoids a gossipy tone.” —Publishers Weekly
“Madsen’s exhaustive research reveals the public and private details of Stanwyck’s life in surprising detail.” —Booklist
“Madsen’s admirably researched, insightful portrait of [Stanwyck’s] aloof nature . . . reveals that she was always torn between her wish to give of herself and her need to be in control.” —The Christian Science Monitor
