The Life and Loves of Barbara Stanwyck (Hardcover)

~ Jane Ellen Wayne (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Barbara Stanwyck swore like a sailor, chain smoked and was an alcoholic. And yet, she was one of Hollywood's biggest stars, indeed, number eleven on the American Film Institute's 100 Years of Greatest Screen Legends, and appeared in classic films such as Double Indemnity and Meet John Doe. In this fascinating biography, we follow the orphan who, by sheer determination, became a dancer in Hollywood and began her rise to the top. She auditioned for Frank Capra who called her a 'porcupine' and had an affair with her but after, made her a star. Barbara's first marriage was to comic Frank Fay, they adopted a son whom she later abandoned in the most extraordinary way. Her second husband was Robert Taylor, to whom she vowed revenge after their break-up for his affairs with Lana Turner and Ava Gardner. Until the day she died, she collected 15 per cent of his substantial earnings. Yet on her own deathbed, she swore he was by her bedside waiting for her. Full of tragedy, ambition, success and jealousy, Hollywood stars and stories that include new revelations of affairs with both leading actors and actresses, as well as details of her films, this is a must for Barbara fans and film fans alike. Jane Ellen Wayne, who was employed by The National Broadcasting Company for fifteen years, is the author of numerous biographies of Hollywood stars that include Robert Taylor, Lana Turner, Clark Gable, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, Joan Crawford and Marilyn Monroe. Her most recent are The Golden Girls of MGM and The Golden Guys of MGM. She is listed in Who's Who of Women in the World and Contemporary Authors. Ms. Wayne resides in New York City.

About the Author

Jane Ellen Wayne, who was employed by The National Broadcasting Company for fifteen years, is the author of numerous biographies of Hollywood stars that include Robert Taylor, Lana Turner, Clark Gable, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, Joan Crawford and Marilyn Monroe. Her most recent are The Golden Girls of MGM and The Golden Guys of MGM. She is listed in Who's Who of Women in the World and Contemporary Authors. Ms. Wayne resides in New York City.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: JR Books Ltd (April 2009)
• ISBN-10: 1906217947
• ISBN-13: 978-1906217945
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #193,113 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Reputation Precedes Her, April 13, 2009

By	Hammer of Thor - See all my reviews

I agree that ordinarily it would not be fair to submit a "review" about a book that one hasn't read. The problem, however, is that Ms. Wayne's own reputation for lack of fairness to her subjects precedes her. I especially liked this quote, from a review of "Crawford's Men" (referring to Joan Crawford, of course): "Be VERY skeptical when reading this book. Most of the book consists of conversations that Wayne made up after doing research into Joan's life. There is no way this book could be completely accurate unless Joan was wired for sound at birth." Reviews of Ms. Wayne's other works evoke such colorful and creative terms as "tattlefest."
I would also suggest that people look at both the editorial and customer reviews of Ms. Wayne's 1986 work, simply titled, "Stanwyck," here on Amazon, to understand why there is grave cause for concern about this new volume. But let's be honest: The comments posted to date are not actually "reviews," per se. These comes more in the category of "warnings."
I believe in the power of human redemption, so perhaps there is a small chance that Ms. Wayne has outgrown her earlier inclinations as a writer and the actual work, and reviews of same, will prove these early warnings to be unwarranted -- in which case, there is always the possibility of retraction or apology. But so far, the track record doesn't seem encouraging. And meanwhile, there is a socially useful purpose to be served by issuing these non-review "warnings" to possibly unwary consumers. There is nothing wrong with telling fellow consumers to "proceed with caution" before spending your hard-earned income. CAVEAT EMPTOR!

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars One Has To Wonder......, April 7, 2009

By	G. MacBeth (Atlantic Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

...why Wayne has written yet another Stanwyck 'biography'. As one reviewer here points out, that previous work was published shortly before Stanwyck died and Wayne's bias against the woman is evident throughout. I agree with the comparison made between that book and Axel Madsen's 'Stanwyck', for one cannot help but question the credibility of many 'facts' in both books for which no reliable sources are offered. Yes, Stanwyck like all of us was flawed. But I want to read about that flawed humanity from someone I trust to be fair. Experience has shown me Jane Ellen Wayne is not that person.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A Disgrace!!, April 7, 2009

By	a viewer "a viewer" (antioch, tn United States) - See all my reviews

Any book by Jane Ellen Wayne is questionable. Her tabloid style of writing, her fanatical obsession with Robert Taylor and, as a previous reviewer stated, her venomous hatred of Stanwyck are evident and undeniable. WHen someone writes a biography of someone, the subject should be treated with a certain amount of respect and decency. It should be a labor of love where the author is concerned. This is a disgrace and a labor of hate....not of love.

It is also a rehash of Jane's earlier book "Stanwyck". SInce she already wrote a book on Stanwyck (before her death) why would this hack want to write another? She is clearly a disturbed individual. SHe adds nothing new here and this book only serves to discredit the author and view her as a vindictive, evil woman who wants to besmirch the name of Barbara Stanwyck.

Look elsewhere if you're a Stanwyck fan and boycott this horrible book at all costs. Those familiar with Jane Ellen Wayne's work (THe GOlden Girls of MGM and The Leading Men of MGM) know what I'm talking about. SHe's a disgrace to the writing profession.