If you or someone you know is prone to saying they don’t like Hollywood films from the classic period, or that they find film acting of that era mannered and melodramatic, I would answer with two words: Barbara Stanwyck. The actress, whose on-camera style was a lesson in modernity, began making films in the late-1920s and peaked in the early-1940s, by which time her Hollywood success made her one of the highest paid women in the world. Her film legacy, which includes classics like Meet John Doe, The Lady Eve, Stella Dallas, Ball of Fire, Double Indemnity, Sorry Wrong Number, and on and on, continues to attract young fans who are drawn to her outsize charisma and innate relatability.
“Eyes are the greatest tool in film. Mr. Capra taught me that. Sure, it’s nice to say very good dialogue, if you can get it. But great movie acting – watch the eyes!”
While Greta Garbo, another great who never won an Oscar, had a preternatural ability to communicate her unique tragic quality with the camera and carry huge period films on her shoulders, she never seemed to exist in the same world as the audience. Stanwyck’s usual type was a working girl with an edge. She belongs at once to the golden age of Hollywood and the world of today. If you have a teenage girl show her Double Indemnity, she’ll love it. If you have an 10-year-old, try Ball of Fire. They will be smitten like it’s 1944; I promise.
“Put me in the last fifteen minutes of a picture and I don’t care what happened before. I don’t even care if I was IN the rest of the damned thing – I’ll take it in those fifteen minutes.”
In 1939 Stanwyck starred with William Holden in Clifford Odet’s Golden Boy (which is enjoying a highly-recommended revival on Broadway, by the way). As the story goes, the producers at Columbia were displeased with Holden’s work shortly after filming began and moved to have him replaced. Stanwyck stood up for him and used her considerable power to ensure he remained. The two remained friends for the rest of their lives and Holden movingly thanked his co-star at the 1977 Oscars for saving his career. Enjoy this edited retrospective which not only includes that great Oscar moment, but also conveys the qualities that made Barbara Stanwyck such an important actress.
Sue
January 24, 2013 at 1:20 pmShe’s my favorite. Time for a retrospective marathon!
David Munk
January 24, 2013 at 2:29 pmFavorite Stanwyck film?
Sue
January 24, 2013 at 3:09 pmAt the moment its a toss up between Lady Eve and Double Indemnity but I’ll let you know after the marathon.
David Munk
January 24, 2013 at 3:28 pmDon’t forget the pre-code “Baby Face!”
Sue
January 24, 2013 at 11:18 pmI’ve long looked for the pre-code Stanwycks.
Billy
April 7, 2013 at 2:44 amShe is my absolute favorite! Have you seen a crazy western she did called “The Furies”?
David Munk
April 9, 2013 at 9:58 pmHi Billy. Actually, I haven’t seen The Furies, but I am going to seek it out on your recommendation! Thank you for reading—as always! xoxo
David Munk
April 10, 2013 at 2:45 pmI haven’t but I will now, on your recommendation. Thanks for reading!
Kayla Smelser
October 15, 2013 at 10:31 pmI first found Barbara Stanwyck last year and I must say best Actress ever! This year when I watched the Lady Eve I laughed so hard I spit milk out my nose. Those are memories you don’t forgot.
David Munk
October 16, 2013 at 3:37 pmHi Kayla,
I’m in complete agreement: anything involving liquid coming through the nose can be memorable. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment – I hope you’ll keep Stargayzing.
David
Raúl Zingle
March 15, 2014 at 6:28 pmNight Nurse!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5yA3QI4opY
David Munk
March 17, 2014 at 12:59 amLove it – I’ve never seen this one but I’m a real pushover for pre-code films. Thanks so much Raul.
David Munk
February 22, 2015 at 4:03 amI’ve since seen Night Nurse and you’re right – it’s amazing!