Lives, films and legends of the silver screen
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Studio-era stars, screen history and Old Hollywood culture.
Biographies
In this biography, we follow Gloria Swanson through silent-era celebrity, independent production, financial risk and the later reinvention that Sunset Boulevard did not create…
Biographies
In this biography, we follow Jean Harlow through the comic timing, modern toughness and developing craft obscured by the Platinum Blonde publicity image.
Biographies
In this biography, we follow Olivia de Havilland through her Warner Bros. contract case, Gone with the Wind, The Heiress and the range she…
Biographies
Explore John Wayne’s life, breakthrough in Stagecoach, John Ford films, war record, politics, Oscar win and complicated Western legacy.
Biographies
From theatre and radio to Citizen Kane, studio conflict and films assembled across continents, we follow Orson Welles's lifelong effort to protect creative freedom.
Biographies
We follow Hedy Lamarr from Vienna and Algiers to MGM, independent production and the frequency-changing communication patent she developed with George Antheil.
Biographies
From North Carolina and MGM to The Killers, Mogambo, Frank Sinatra and a life abroad, we follow the actor and the choices behind Ava…
Biographies
From low-budget westerns and Out of the Past to The Night of the Hunter and Eddie Coyle, we examine the precise actor behind Robert…
Biographies
Gene Kelly brought athletic movement, cinematic imagination and a distinctly American energy to the movie musical as a dancer, actor, choreographer and director.
Biographies
James Dean completed only three starring films, yet his performances in East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause and Giant transformed him into an…
