Jennifer Jones: The Life and Films

by Paul Green

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786460410
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication date:	08/05/2011
Pages:	278
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

The late Paul Green worked as an artist in the UK for Marvel, DC and World Distributors, among others, on titles such as Doctor Who, Rambo, Action Man, Wonder Woman and Star Trek. The author of many books about television and film history, he lived in Rustburg, Virginia.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Foreword Robert Osborne 1

Preface 5

Introduction 7

1 Oklahoma to Hollywood 11

2 Republic Pictures 16

3 Return to New York City 21

4 The Song of Bernadette 27

5 Since You Went Away 43

6 Love Letters 55

7 Cluny Brown 61

8 Duel in the Sun 68

9 Portrait of Jennie 80

10 We Were Strangers 91

11 Madame Bovary 97

12 Gone to Earth 105

13 Carrie 116

14 Ruby Gentry 126

15 Stazione Termini aka Indiscretion of an American Wife 130

16 Beat the Devil 136

17 Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing 143

18 Good Morning, Miss Dove 150

19 The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit 154

20 The Barretts of Wimpole Street 159

21 A Farewell to Arms 165

22 Tender Is the Night 172

23 The Idol 180

24 Angel, Angel, Down We Go 186

25 The Towering Inferno 190

26 Life After Film 197

27 The Plays of Jennifer Jones 206

28 Jennifer Jones on Radio 215

29 The Films That Got Away 219

30 Reluctant Sex Symbol 231

Filmography 233

Appendix: Jennifer Jones Credits and Memorabilia 241

Chapter Notes 249

Bibliography 260

Index 265

Editorial Reviews

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, Daeida Magazine; “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”—Canyon News.

From the Publisher

"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"

Canyon News

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.

Daeida Magazine - David Ybarra