Ruby Keeler: A Photographic Biography [Hardcover]

Nancy Marlow-Trump (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786405244 | ISBN-13: 978-0786405244 | Publication Date: May 1998

Ruby Keeler's story is told in this pictorial biography (with text as well). Born in 1910 in Nova Scotia, Ruby Keeler moved to New York with her family in 1912. Soon enrolled in the Professional Children's School, she eventually found her way to Broadway and the pivotal role in 42nd Street. She was soon one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood. Her performance in No, No, Nanette in 1971, her first Broadway show in 41 years, met with rave reviews.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"a genuine warmth emanates from every page, and Keeler's fans will no doubt be pleased to have the rare stills" -- Film Review

"definitive biography of the famous tap dancer-actress" -- Montecito Journal

"lovingly and uncritically recalls the life and career of the popular musical star. Fans will...love this book" -- Classic Images

"story is wonderfully told in this pictorial biography...is enhanced with 129 photos, biographical text, a record of stage appearances, a filmography, and a user-friendly index" -- The Midwest Book Review

"the hundreds of illustrations...are treasures" -- Past Times

"the rags-to-riches story of one of our first poster girls" -- Public Library Quarterly

About the Author

Stage, screen and television actress Nancy Marlow-Trump of Santa Barbara, California, was a close friend of Ruby Keeler until Keeler's death in 1993.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 180 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (May 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786405244
• ISBN-13: 978-0786405244
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,193,857 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yes, Yes, Ruby Keeler, May 15, 2002

By 

Roy T. Thorsen (Thousand Oaks, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ruby Keeler: A Photographic Biography (Hardcover)

Nancy Marlow-Trump, a film starlet, is now a literary star. This photo biography of Ruby Keeler is objectively but lovingly told and transports the reader into an era when both stage and films were less complicated and more entertaining than they are today. Thoroughly researched and documented, it's a pity that Ruby Keeler didn't have the opportunity to read it herself.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars RUBY-RUBY-RUBY!!!!!, March 15, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Ruby Keeler: A Photographic Biography. (Paperback)

Hooray! I was looking for a biography on Ruby Keeler for AGES! So when I saw this I bought it as fast as i could! When I got it, I practically devoured it! it's full of wonderful photos and interesting details about Ruby's life! Ruby is one of my favorite tap dancers of all time and i'm glad she is finally getting the recognition that she deserves! Long live the Busby Bekeley musicals!!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice Photo Album, Bad Biography, June 16, 2006

By 

Samantha Glasser "Maliejandra" (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Ruby Keeler: A Photographic Biography (Hardcover)

Ruby Keeler is an interesting case in movie history. She was a success as a showgirl in speakeasies and on Broadway before she was strangely matched to showman Al Jolson. Then, she transitioned with big success to films, making musicals with Busby Berkeley and Dick Powell. After her few years in the spotlight, she retired and devoted herself to being a wife and mother. She revived her career briefly with No, No, Nanette but chose to remain at home enjoying her family and her talents with a golf club.

This book provides a glimpse into Keeler's life mainly through photographs rather than words. The author, Nancy Marlow-Trump, was a friend of Keelers. However, there aren't many personal stories shared nor are the words glowing with sincere admiration or emotion. The information written is pretty straight-forward and factual, but it ignores delving deeply into Keeler's relationships with others.

As a biography, this book lacks, but as a photo album, it is pretty good. The bright spot of this book is the photographs, many collected from old magazines, posters, or press books. There are also many photos of Keeler's family including her many siblings.