Captain of Her Soul

Rezensionen / Stimmen

"Actor Marion Davies (1897-1961) may have lived 'a life shrouded in mystery, rumor, and half-truths,' but she was witty, talented, and loyal, according to this sparkling debut from film historian Gabrielle. . . . a breezy, colorful saga of Old Hollywood, full of showbiz picaresque, glamorous parties at Hearst's San Simeon castle, and a touching romance between two flawed, magnetic personalities. Film buffs will want to check this one out." * Publishers Weekly * "[A] scrupulously researched biography of American actress Davies (1897-1961), who was for a long time better known as the mistress of tabloid publisher William Randolph Hearst. . . . For fans of old-Hollywood lore and classic movies, especially those starring Marion Davies." * Library Journal * "Now, finally, there is a deeply researched and fair-minded biography of Davies's life and movie work . . . . Gabrielle, like a detective or an archaeologist, has reconstructed a life history and made a convincing case . . . . that Marion was a complex, happy, and talented actress . . . . her love affair with W.R. Hearst was genuine, long-lasting, and intensely satisfying." * Alta Journal * "An entertaining, first-rate biography that necessarily serves . . . . as a corrective to Hollywood myth." * Air Mail * "Author Gabrielle has given us a gift: an honest biography of a woman whose life and career have long been misunderstood. . . . In short, this is the book Marion Davies has always deserved." * Leonard Maltin site * "Gabrielle's book proves to be a fascinating read, from start to finish. The author documents the glamorous and epic parties at San Simeon, giving readers a picture of Hollywood's golden era. She also reveals the complicated, but enduring romance between Hearst and Davies." * Pop Culture Classics * "One of the most striking qualities of Captain of Her Soul is how the author powerfully portrays the actress's spirit through the pages. . . .a must-read." * The Wonderful World of Cinema * "Davies was a fierce woman who blazed a trail amidst a Hollywood increasingly dominated by powerful men. At last, she is treated with the respect and reverence she merits through Gabrielle's writing." * Entertainment Weekly * "Gabrielle's research is impressive. . . . [she] points out that Davies's motto came from William Ernest Henley's famous poem, 'Invictus,' which deals with the struggle to overcome vicissitudes and to triumph: 'It matters not how strait the gate, / How charged with punishment the scroll, / I am the master of my fate, / I am the captain of my soul.'" * The New York Sun * "Lara Gabrielle is the reigning expert on Marion Davies. She has written a spirited, well researched, highly readable biography that will pull you straight back to [Davies's] times." * Northern California Book Reviewers * "[This] valuable contribution to the literature on the star. . . contains new and updated information on Davies, her career, and her family. Its insightful discussions of various topics, such as her stuttering and her autobiographical tapes, are not included in previously published books." * Journal of American Culture *