Femme Noir: Bad Girls of Film [Paperback]

Karen Burroughs Hannsberry (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 4, 2009 | ISBN-10: 078644682X | ISBN-13: 978-0786446827

Though often thought of as primarily a male vehicle, the film noir offered some of the most complex female roles of any movies of the 1940s and 1950s. Stars such as Barbara Stanwyck, Gene Tierney and Joan Crawford produced some of their finest performances in noir movies, while such lesser known actresses as Peggie Castle, Hope Emerson and Helen Walker made a lasting impression with their roles in the genre. These six women and 43 others who were most frequently featured in films noirs are profiled here, focusing primarily on their work in the genre and its impact on their careers. A filmography of all noir appearances is provided for each actress.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Beguilingly written...entertaining to read" --Choice

"Fascinating...striking black-and-white studio portrait[s]" --Booklist/RBB

Karen Burroughs Hannsberry is editor of the bimonthly film noir newsletter The Dark Pages and has written about the actors of film noir. She lives in Chicago. --Library Journal

"Fascinating...striking black-and-white studio portrait[s]" --Booklist/RBB

"Beguilingly written...entertaining to read" --Choice

About the Author

Karen Burroughs Hannsberry is editor of the bimonthly film noir newsletter The Dark Pages and has written about the actors of film noir. She lives in Chicago.

Product Details

• Paperback: 643 pages
• Publisher: McFarland (December 4, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078644682X
• ISBN-13: 978-0786446827
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,614,620 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book for all film lovers!, January 27, 2010

By 

Clifford W. Barnett lll (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Femme Noir: Bad Girls of Film (Paperback)

Review: Femme Noir: Bad Girls of Film January 2010

This book can be summed up with four adjectives, all superlatives: thorough, thoughtful, well-written, and fun. And what a great title! And what a great cover - well worth the price of admission on its own! I am amazed at the voluminous number of sources Ms. Burroughs-Hannsberry researched and organized in preparation for composing this lengthy volume. (Don't be put-off by its bulk.)

Altogether, the author has written capsule biographies of forty-nine actresses who appeared in film noir, mainly in the 1940s and 1950s. Each chapter is organized along similar lines; an introductory opening, an overview of the film noir career of the actress in question, a few paragraphs on her life and times, then a detailed account of her acting career with emphasis on her noir films, ending with a conclusion that is up-beat if possible and always respectful. Ms. B-H presents the facts as are known and doesn't get into salacious speculation which would detract from the far more interesting events of the actress' career. This doesn't mean that she has no view point of her own - she does and is not shy about allowing her opinions and judgments influence her analysis. But she is not interested in digging up dirt and wallowing accordingly. How refreshing!

One of the beauties of this book is the bringing to life for the reader actresses who, although famous in their day, are pretty much forgotten now; as well as reacquainting us with those who are still well known. Thus I became familiar with Ella Rains, Jeanne Crain, Rhonda Fleming, Audrey Totter, and Virginia Huston, stars I had never heard of. Other names I did know but that was about it; Barbara Stanwyck, Ava Gardner, Joan Crawford, Rita Haworth, Gene Tierney, Lauren Bacall, Loretta Young. They were giants in their day, in all kinds of movies, not only film noir. Ms. B-H brings their careers and noir film rolls vividly to life, enabling her readers to partially re-live the history of Hollywood's golden era.

A project of this scope one can't possibility include all actresses who appeared in noir films so Ms. B-H decided to include only those actresses who appeared in at least three, with a few notable exceptions. Therefore Lana Turner, whose performance as Cora Smith in The Postman Always Rings Twice was so compelling, gets in. As does Jane Greer - an actress I had never heard of before - as Kathie Moffat in Out of the Past - a film I had never heard of either. However, there are several omissions that stand out. Not included are Linda Darnell who appeared in at least three film noir, Cyd Charisse (would you believe), and Lucille Ball - yes, I love Lucy herself. Perhaps they and others might be included in a future second edition.

In any book of this size there are bound to be mistakes, factual errors, typos, etc., but they are far and few between. Unfortunately, I didn't keep a record so can't cite any off-hand, except that one mentioned Dick Powell in a film he wasn't in (I think). But these are minor quibbles for a book that is so compelling, rewarding, and enjoyable.

It occurs to me that, with Valentine's Day just around the corner, this book would make a great gift for one's sweetheart. The price is a little high - but it's Valentine's Day; isn't he/she worth it?

Enjoy!

CW Barnett
Kensington, Connecticut

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An oldies movie-goer must, November 20, 2010

By 

Lawrence Wegeman, Jr. (Sunrise Beach, TX,) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Femme Noir: Bad Girls of Film (Paperback)

If you're older and remember the black and white days of the Hollywood studio films, or if you just like movies then you'll want this read in your library. These two volumes contain all the names and photos of the actresses I remember and more. Information about each; how they started, who they met and married, and how they faired is all included. The names and information about the films made, who they starred with, and how the producers managed to select or not select a particular actress is oftentimes included.

And I thank amazon for giving me the online bookstore to find such a volume. Without amazon I might have searched dozens of bookstores and never found this set.