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

~ (Author), Robert Osborne (Foreword)

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

Product Description

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 Many rare, unpublished photos from Kay's youth and retirement years are featured in her biography.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.

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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: 8.9 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #468,896 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 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)

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

14 of 14 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 (REAL NAME)

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.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ready for Resurrection..., October 16, 2008

By	Anne Welles-Burke (Goose Creek, N.Y.) - See all my reviews

Despite Kay Francis' title quote - and the disingenuous efforts of the venal Warner brothers - this book does a thorough job of reminding us why this incandescent actress is indeed memorable. Francis' story is a fascinating one, done great justice by the author's extensive efforts and insight. Access to Francis' personal diaries gives further credence to this fine work, which puts this all but forgotten leading lady, the biggest box office star of her time, in perfect perspective to the dramatically changing times she was forced to deal with as both an actress and a human being. In particular, this beautifully done book offers excellent insight into the post-code dilemma of those Hollywood personalities not willing (or able) to conform to the studio moguls' blatantly homophobic dictates. As such, this book (along with its brilliant and liberated subject) is as relevant as it is contemporary.

Beauregard Houston-Montgomery