A Special Evening with Robert Dance, author of Ferocious Ambition: Joan Crawford’s March to Stardom, in conversation with Dan Dwyer – Live or Zoom
JOAN CRAWFORD – A Hollywood Legend
Robert Dance’s latest book (he is also author of The Savvy Sphinx: How Garbo Conquered Hollywood) examines Joan Crawford’s astonishing career and how she rose to become one of the biggest-ever stars during the golden age of Hollywood. Signing her first contract in 1925, she had become by the mid-1930’s the most popular actress in America. Most famous for her roles in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane and Mildred Pierce, Crawford’s career began by defining screen-time glamor but later revealed a superb acting talent. She let neither age nor passing time block her unrivaled ambition. At her death in 1977, she had made 80 movies and was an undisputed motion picture legend and twentieth-century icon.
Dance’s new evaluation of Joan Crawford looks at her entire career and—while not ignoring her early years and tempestuous personal life—focuses squarely on her achievements as an actress who mastered the studio system with a rare combination of grit, determination, beauty and talent.
Mr. Dance will be in conversation with Dan Dwyer, book dealer and owner of Johnnycake Books in Salisbury and Vice Chair of the non-profit board of the Lakeville Journal and Millerton News. Together, they will discuss Crawford’s relentless ambition and colorful private life, and offer fascinating insight into the now lost golden age of Hollywood. The event will be followed by a book signing.
Attend in person or by Zoom. Registration required.
“Ferocious Ambition presents a commendable, well-researched study of its subject from a sharp-eyed scholar.” —Marion Meade, author of Dorothy Parker: What Fresh Hell Is This?
“Dance has achieved a proper biography of the legendary Joan Crawford for which many a reader will be forever grateful.” —Stephen Michael Shearer, author of Gloria Swanson: The Ultimate Star
“Robert Dance writes from the perspective of an historian who respects deep and broad research, not as an over-the-top fan…a fascinating, well-told story graced with stunning photographs.” —Cari Beauchamp, author of Without Lying Down: Frances Marion and the Powerful Women of Early Hollywood