Brooklyn's Scarlett: Fire in the Wind
by Gene Arceri
I’d previously read the Susan Hayward biography Portrait of a Survivor, but since she’s one of my all-time favorite actresses, I was far from satisfied and needed to read another book about her. She was such an incredible force on the screen: strong, sultry, sexy, and unprecedently modern. But what was her life story? In private, was she like her screen persona?
Gene Arceri takes his readers to 1937, the year Edythe Marrener—Suzy’s real name—was born, immersing them in the time period and Brooklyn neighborhood. As a child, Edie was hit by a car and crippled for life. Her legs were broken and the doctors believed she’d never walk again. She did walk again, and in fact, her beautiful walk became one of her iconic characteristics. Susan Hayward was always incredibly self-conscious about her limp, and she filled one of her shoes with a lift to help correct it. If you found that story interesting, you’ll love the rest of this book.
I’m always nervous to read a biography of my favorite actors, because I’m afraid I’ll find out something about them I don’t like. Suzy was very different from how she came across in her movies, so if that will bother you, you might not want to read her life story. Nothing I learned about her detracted from my love of Miss Hayward, though, which is a very good endorsement. If you’re expecting her to be a tough, forward broad, get ready for a surprise!
Be sure and check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of another Susan Hayward biography, Portrait of a Survivor here!
Be sure and check out Hot Toasty Rag's reviews of Susan Hayward's films here!
Gene Arceri takes his readers to 1937, the year Edythe Marrener—Suzy’s real name—was born, immersing them in the time period and Brooklyn neighborhood. As a child, Edie was hit by a car and crippled for life. Her legs were broken and the doctors believed she’d never walk again. She did walk again, and in fact, her beautiful walk became one of her iconic characteristics. Susan Hayward was always incredibly self-conscious about her limp, and she filled one of her shoes with a lift to help correct it. If you found that story interesting, you’ll love the rest of this book.
I’m always nervous to read a biography of my favorite actors, because I’m afraid I’ll find out something about them I don’t like. Suzy was very different from how she came across in her movies, so if that will bother you, you might not want to read her life story. Nothing I learned about her detracted from my love of Miss Hayward, though, which is a very good endorsement. If you’re expecting her to be a tough, forward broad, get ready for a surprise!
Be sure and check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of another Susan Hayward biography, Portrait of a Survivor here!
Be sure and check out Hot Toasty Rag's reviews of Susan Hayward's films here!