Kay Francis - by Lynn Kear & John Rossman (Paperback)

About the Book

"Francis's biography is the heart of this book, her family background and her upbringing by a vaudevillian actress mother. The story of her career and romantic pursuits with comments from the media and her diaries, are supplemented with photographs. A chronology gives dates of theater openings, film releases, marriages, television and radio appearances, births and deaths"--

Book Synopsis

Kay Francis came of age in the Roaring Twenties and relished the era's hedonistic pursuits. Her career as an actress was launched at the same time, and before her death in 1968, she had appeared on many theater stages, in more than 60 films, on radio, in USO tours, as a model, and on television. The tall, stylish actress had a husky voice and dark beauty that was striking on film. Despite her financial success, relaxed morals, and life as a socialite, the millionaire actress shunned luxuries such as limousines and sprawling estates popular among Hollywood elite.

The actress, who insisted she wanted to be forgotten, left behind scrapbooks, boxes of memorabilia and detailed diaries. These rich resources help provide an exhaustive look at the life of one of Hollywood's most intriguing early stars.

Francis' biography is the heart of this book, beginning with her family background and her upbringing by a vaudevillian actress mother. The story of her extensive career and never-ending romantic pursuits is peppered with comments from the media and her own diaries, and supplemented with ample photographs. A chronology gives dates of theater openings, film releases, marriages, television and radio appearances, births and deaths. A filmography includes complete cast and credit lists.

Review Quotes

"recommend[ed]...well written"-Classic Images; "one of the most complete and interesting biographies"-Femme Fatales; "documents Kay Francis's life and career in considerable detail...fascinating"-The Slide Area.

About the Author

Lynn Kear is an award-winning biographer, playwright, and novelist. She lives in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Author John Rossman lives in New York.