Book Review: Ruth Roman: A Career Portrait
Over the last decade or more I've come to appreciate the work of actress Ruth Roman in films including STRANGERS ON A TRAIN (1951), TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY (1951), and THE FAR COUNTRY (1954).
After turning 20 Roman decided to try her luck in Hollywood, toiling for several years in bit parts and enduring many casting disappointments before receiving the lead role in BELLE STARR'S DAUGHTER (1948) after which her career finally took off. She appeared in many good or even great films over the years, including the titles mentioned at the top of this review.
Roman's personal life also didn't lack for drama; she had three failed marriages before the last one finally "took." In 1956 she and her young son survived the sinking of the Andrea Doria.Schulthorpe was able to provide an impressive amount of detail on Roman's early years and beyond; the book is packed with information on Roman's work, along with a great deal of information on roles she didn't get. The author skillfully weaves quotes from the actress herself into the narrative.
I learned a great deal about Roman's life; as much as the book is a portrait of her success, it's also a somewhat brutal recounting of just how hard the movie acting life could be, with endless casting "near misses."
My only real criticism of the book is that an editor needed to break up some lengthy run-on paragraphs for ease of reading. Otherwise, I think anyone interested in the actress and her career will find the book of value.RUTH ROMAN: A CAREER PORTRAIT is 218 pages, including a filmography, notes, and index; it includes 49 photos, including some provided by Roman's third husband.
Please visit the publisher, McFarlandBooks.com, for additional information.
Thanks to McFarland for providing an e-copy of this book for review.
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1 Comments:
I'll have to check out this author! Thanks for your review.
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