- Paperback: 1 pages
- Publisher: Berkley (TRD); Reprint edition (Oct 1 1999)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0425175782
- ISBN-13: 978-0425175781
- Product Dimensions: 22.9 x 15.2 x 3.8 cm
- Shipping Weight: 748 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Amazon
Donald Bogle was almost single-handedly responsible for reviving interest in historic black film with his seminal work, Toms, Coons, Mammies, Mulattoes, and Bucks. Here, in his new biography, he turns his gaze on Dorothy Dandrige, a bronze goddess of the silver screen. Stunningly beautiful and enormously talented, Dandridge had the misfortune to practice her craft at a time when Hollywood trafficked only in black stereotypes. She starred in several films--among them Carmen Jones, an adaptation of Bizet's Carmen, and the musical Porgy and Bess. But because there were few black male romantic leads, and Hollywood could not conceive of pairing her with a white actor, Dandridge's career languished. In 1965, she was found dead in her apartment of a drug overdose. Bogle's excellent book brings Dandrige and her times to life again, portraying this remarkable woman in all her strength and fragility.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From Library Journal
Thanks to black pop-culture authority Bogle?not to mention Whitney Houston, who purchased the film rights to this biography?Dorothy Dandridge's name is on the lips of adoring fans as well as of those who know little about her. Dandridge (1922-65) led a life of glamour and stardom, beginning as a child performer when her mother, Ruby, put her and her sister Vivian on stage as the Wonder Kids. Her nightclub act made her famous, and she was at the height of her career in 1954 when she played the starring role opposite Harry Belafonte in Carmen Jones. She made the cover of LIFE magazine and was the first African American to be nominated for a Best Actress OscarR. Dandridge was never comfortable with the media's obsession with her sex appeal, however, and she forever blamed herself for having mothered a brain-damaged child. This and other tragedies overwhelmed the star, and, despite a comeback attempt, Dandridge gave up on life. More than chronicling this amazing actress's story, Bogle has used this tome to chart the historical course of black music and theater in America. Highly recommended for all libraries.?Corinne Nelson, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Most helpful customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Almost perfect,
By
This review is from: Dorothy Dandridge (Mass Market Paperback)
Donald Bogle did his research. This large biography contains facts about Dorothy Dandrige that have never been in print before. The book reads like a novel and as a fan of Miss Dandrige's work I appreciated it. However, it's clear that Bogle loves his subject and I thought it affected the book somewhat. This lovely and underappreciated actress was a human being and made mistakes. Bogle puts the blame for her tragedies on everyone else and portrays her as totally blameless. If you can find it read Dorothy's autobiography Everything and Nothing right after you read Mr.Bogle's book. It gives an extraordinarily contrasting portrait of her life.
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Unknown Film Diva,
By "esydmech" (Los Angeles, CA.) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Dorothy Dandridge (Paperback)
Possibly the best biography I have ever read. Donald Bogle does an exceptional job in bringing to light the story of the most overlooked screen goddess in Hollywood history. With as much beauty and glamour as her contemporary and friend Marilyn Monroe, Dandridge was sadly overlooked. She had a halting screen presence and exceptional talent as well. Indeed she was even nominated for an academy award in a time when it was almost impossible for a black woman to achive such an accolade. Even in the Hollywood of today attractive women of color get few strong roles. For Dandridge to do it at all in her time, with all of the pain and personal problems she encountered is quite amazing. Her true greatness and potential were never fully recognized.
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Unknown Film Diva,
By "esydmech" (Los Angeles, CA.) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Dorothy Dandridge (Paperback)
Possibly the best biography I have ever read. Donald Bogle does an exceptional job in bringing to light the story of the most overlooked screen godess in Hollywood history. With as much beauty and glamour as her contemporary and friend Marilyn Monroe, Dandridge was sadly overlooked. She had a halting screen presence and exceptional talent as well. Indeed she was even nominated for an academy award in a time when it was almost impossible for a black woman to achive such an accolade. Even in the Hollywood of today attractive women of color get few strong roles. For Dandridge to do it at all in her time, with all of the pain and personal problems she encountered is quite amazing. Her true greatness and potential were never fully recognized.
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