“An overdue tribute to a lady and a legend...masterfully detailed...a literary work-of-art...with an uncommon combination of compassion and sensitivity, Paul Green critically uncovers the myths and mysteries behind one of classic cinema’s greatest unsung screen goddesses. Ultimately, he does more than analyze the fascinating career of a great actress; he helps us to understand the fragile humanity of a tragic genius.”—David Ybarra, <i>Daeida Magazine</i>; “the structure of Paul Green’s book is just perfect. Reading it is effortless and very entertaining. Paul’s conversational writing style makes you feel as if you are in that dark room with Jones when she decides to call her doctor to tell him that she’s checking out, so to speak. You also feel as if you are on the stage floor when she gets her Academy Award and you feel the depth of respect this award worthy biography embodies. Green’s respect for Jones is so evident, not crass and tacky like many biographies are today. This one belongs in every film school’s library, on the top of the list for must read biographies. This book captures in a very concise and readable way the life, loves and losses of a woman who we will never forget. This book is also something you will never forget. Its author’s critical eye and mind for details cannot be compared to any other. Paul Green hit this biography out of the poverbial park”—<i>Canyon News</i>.
The distinguished film career of Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Jones (1919-2009) is thoroughly chronicled from her faltering start as Phylis Isley (her real name) at Republic Studios in 1939, to her re-invention as a major star by producer David O. Selznick, the actress' second husband. Each of her 24 films--among them The Song of Bernadette, Since You Went Away, Duel in the Sun, Portrait of Jennie, Madame Bovary and Love Is a Many Splendored Thing--is discussed in depth.
Robert Osborne, host of the Turner Classic Movies cable channel, affectionately recalls his interview with Jennifer Jones in the Foreword. The actress' biography, radio appearances and unrealized projects are also covered, along with previously undocumented details of her limited stage career, including a 1966 revival of Clifford Odets' The Country Girl.
Acknowledgments
Foreword by Robert Osborne
Preface
Introduction
1. Oklahoma to Hollywood
2. Republic Pictures
3. Return to New York City
4. The Song of Bernadette
5. Since You Went Away
6. Love Letters
7. Cluny Brown
8. Duel in the Sun
9. Portrait of Jennie
10. We Were Strangers
11. Madame Bovary
12. Gone to Earth
13. Carrie
14. Ruby Gentry
15. Stazione Termini aka Indiscretion of an American Wife
16. Beat the Devil
17. Love Is a Many- Splendored Thing
18. Good Morning, Miss Dove
19. The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit
20. The Barretts of Wimpole Street
21. A Farewell to Arms
22. Tender Is the Night
23. The Idol
24. Angel, Angel, Down We Go
25. The Towering Inferno
26. Life After Film
27. The Plays of Jennifer Jones
28. Jennifer Jones on Radio
29. The Films That Got Away
30. Reluctant Sex Symbol
Filmography
Appendix: Jennifer Jones Credits and Memorabilia
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index