Laini Giles

I'm surprised more people aren't reading this series.

This second book in the series tells the story of Clara Bow and the woman (Daisy) who became her best friend and personal secretary, Believe me Clara Bow needed someone to take care of her. Clara was an actress during the silent film era and when talkies started taking over she really struggled. She didn't enjoy talkies and wanted to retire but first she needed to save some money. Daisy looked after her finances and tried keeping Clara out of the press with her bad choices in men and all the drinking (during prohibition). Clara had a big heart but her judgement wasn't very good when it came to men or money. Clara and Daisy have a big blow up and the "dirt" starts flying.

I'm enjoying this Forgotten Actress series and looking forward to the next book. Also love the book covers.… (més)

Forgotten Flappers

Olive Thomas (October 20, 1894 – September 10, 1920)
was a model, Ziegfeld girl and silent film star.
Her story initially caught my interest because she was born
in Charleroi, Pennsylvania and subsequently lived in McKees Rocks.
Thomas' first marriage was in 1911, at age 15 to Bernard Krug Thomas, a clerk at the Pressed Steel Car Company.
They separated in 1913 and Olive moved to New York City to pursue a career as a model. She was granted a divorce on September 25, 1915.
In 1914, Thomas entered and subsequently won "The Most Beautiful Girl in New York City" contest.

Giles historical fiction shows time in The Follies and a more risqué Midnight Frolic show (after hours in the roof garden of the New Amsterdam Theatre.)
Her affair with Florenz Ziegfeld Jr ended with his refusal to divorce Billie Burke.
Olive's screen debut was in July 1916, with the International Film Company.

A tumultuous on/off marriage with Jack Pickford ended with her death while on a reconcilatory? second honeymoon is Paris.
Intoxicated and weary ,Olive accidentally ingested bi-chloride of mercury from a French-labeled bottle.
Poisoned by her husband's topical syphilitic treatment, her death
was ruled accidental.
An autopsy and an American and French investigation made the final determination.
"Thomas' death was the first big celebrity scandal, and the first death of a star at the height of her fame and youth." (Hala Pickford)
Quite informative, reading Giles' book will add many details to my sketch of this "baby vamp" and the intensity of those times.… (més)