Kay Francis: I Can't Wait to be Forgotten - Her Life on Film and Stage [Paperback]

Scott O'Brien (Author), Robert Osborne (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 20, 2007 | ISBN-10: 1593931069 | ISBN-13: 978-1593931063 | Edition: 2nd

Aside from referencing over 130 entries from Kay Francis' personal diaries, I Can't Wait To Be Forgotten pays tribute to Kay's compassionate nature, her concern for others, her great contributions on behalf of those serving in the armed forces during World War II, and the financial legacy she contributed to The Seeing Eye. Kay felt that being of some service to others was far more important than focusing totally on promoting herself and a film career. Readers will be surprised to learn about the "real" Kay Francis in retirement. Her godsons paint a portrait of a woman who lived in the moment, and generated a great deal of loving warmth. Many rare, unpublished photos from Kay's youth and retirement years are featured in her biography. Interviews from co-workers, friends and children of her "ex's" complete the picture of one of Hollywood's most glamorous and intriguing stars.

Editorial Reviews

Review

O'Brien beautifuly examines Kay's films ... He skillfully uses Kay's diary to paint a picture of an independent woman ahead of her time. -- Classic Images-"Best of Year"(Laura Wagner) December 2006

From the Author

This second edition offers additional material on both Kay's personal and professional life. Kay's co-star, Sybil Jason, provides new commentary (and a wonderful photo) in the book's introductory pages. The grandchildren of Kay's second husband, William Gaston, provide insight into the 'scandalous' marriage of Kay and 'Big Bill.' New documentation from the archives of the Naval Hospital in Corona (California) detail the emotional impact of Kay's work with wounded servicemen during WWII. Her reliable and devoted presence made a difference in their lives, and, in some cases, their deaths. This second edition also features eight new photos, and many other anecdotes to complete the portrait of one of the great film legends - Kay Francis. (Scott O'Brien)

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Product Details

• Paperback: 380 pages
• Publisher: BearManor Media; 2nd edition (September 20, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593931069
• ISBN-13: 978-1593931063
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #762,787 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Scott O'Brien was born in Ogden, Utah in 1946. In 1951, his familiy moved to Stockton, California where he received the bulk of his education. He transferred to San Francisco State in 1966 where he became part of the "love generation." After completing his B.A. in Sociology and Secondary Teaching Credential, Scott acquired his Masters in Library Science in 1973. The spirit of adventure took Scott to Scotland's Findhorn Community in 1977. He also participated in author Ken Keyes' Cornucopia Community in St. Mary's, Kentucky. Through these experiences, Scott learned to appreciate the unity between all peoples. Scott self-published two young adult books: Forestlight (1978) and The Wild Flute (1982). His love for classic film has never wavered, and in the 1990's Scott began writing articles for such publications as Films of the Golden Age. In 2006, BearManor Media released Scott's biography: Kay Francis-I Can't Wait to be Forgotten (foreword by TCM's Robert Osborne). This book was listed among Classic Images' "Book of the Year." Scott's second biography, Virginia Bruce-Under My Skin (foreword by James Robert Parish)was released in 2008. Scott resides in Sonoma County with his partner Joel. His publisher has recently released the first biography on actress Ann Harding, which includes an introduction by author/critic Mick LaSalle.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Can't Wait to be Forgotten, December 10, 2007

By 

Sybil Jason Drake (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kay Francis: I Can't Wait to be Forgotten - Her Life on Film and Stage (Paperback)

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am with this book that author Scott O'Brien did on a magnificent lady that I was
fortunate enough to have played her daughter in two movies..." I FOUND STELLA PARISH" and "COMET OVER BROADWAY" . I was Warner Bros first child star under long term contract so therefore knew much about what happened "behind the scenes". I have often cringed at some of the books I have read about some of my co-stars or very close friends that other authors have written about but Mr. O'Briens books show what lengths he goes to substantiate his stories and facts without filling in with apochryphal tales. He did this when he wrote a biography on my dear friend Kay Francis and I salute his very high morals as an author. Lets have more books written by Scott O'Brien!! Most Sincerely Sybil Jason

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Superb Biography, November 30, 2007

By 

Charles M. Tranberg "book lover" (Madison, WI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Kay Francis: I Can't Wait to be Forgotten - Her Life on Film and Stage (Paperback)

by a superb biographer. I loved the first edition so much that I wanted to buy the second edition with the new material and Mr. O'Brien doesn't disappoint. This is a sympathetic look at a complicated woman and a talent actress. Yet while the biographer looks at his subject sympathetically he doesn't make Kay Francis a saint. He brings forth a flesh and blood well-rounded human being with faults and foibles like everybody else, but who was essentially kind-hearted and misused by the studio in the later part of her film career. In the end Kay triumphs! and so does this well-written and researched book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tragically Neglected, November 19, 2010

By 

Robert N. De Santis "Zelda Fan" (Larkspur, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kay Francis: I Can't Wait to be Forgotten - Her Life on Film and Stage (Paperback)

Kay Francis was a beautiful and talented actress of 1930's Warner Bros. films. She had always piqued my interest, and after seeing her in several films, I wanted to know more about her. She had been as big a star in her day as Bette Davis and others of that era, but there had been precious little that I had been able to read of her until I stumbled upon this book at Amazon.com She was, as I've already mentioned, beautiful and talented, but she was also very intelligent, quite progressive for her day, and well loved by friends and co-workers who were often the recipients of her generous nature. Her shabby treatment by Jack L. Warner (who seemed to treat many others in a similar fashion) led to an early death of her film career, and given her basic nature, she was not one to fight back as did Bette Davis, whom I also admire greatly as a performer.

If you are a fan of older films, especially from the pre-code '30's, give this a try, and also try to rent some of her films from Netflix or whatever sources that you can procure them. Also, just look at those eyes! Expressive is not enough to describe them. What a shame that Ms. Francis is not a more recognized name in film history. She deserved better.