Jean Arthur

This bibliography presents an in-depth profile of Jean Arthur--an important, and much neglected figure of the American film industry. Along with basic biographical information, the book gives a detailed examination of her career and contribution to the entertainment field. Jean Arthur contributed to several branches of the entertainment media--film, radio, stage, television, yet surprisingly, she has been greatly overlooked by many historians. This book fills that void. As this bio-biography reveals, after many years of struggle Jean Arthur found herself a major star during the 1930s. Arthur exhibited a unique combination of girlish appeal and ladylike competence. Her evident joy at performing before the camera would turn into neurotic fear between scenes. Her popularity among peers, directors, and fellow performers, was contradicted by her near paranoia in demanding privacy and remoteness in her private life.

The book's bibliography includes dozens of references to reviews in film periodicals, as well as excerpts from reviews of nearly all her films. This section also includes reviews of her stage and television careers, as well as a detailed listing of her radio contributions. The authors have compiled the book's filmography from a number of sources in an attempt to make both the cast and production credits as complete as possible. The book also includes a number of illustrations drawn from the authors' private collection, such as lobby cards, posters, and photographs. The appendix contains three articles, reprinted verbatim, from typical fan magazines. The articles by Romayne and John Wayne provide excellent pictures of what it was like to work with Jean Arthur. The third article, by Miss Arthur herself, presents her feelings on a subject dear to her, namely the independence of women and how film has contributed to her emancipation. This book should appeal to both scholar and film historian as well as the casual reader and movie lover. With its unequalled filmography and annotated listing of media contributions, this book will be invaluable as a reference in any film library.

ARTHUR PIERCE is the Direct Communications Coordinator for the Syracuse Opera Company and Radio Historian for WRVO, the Public Station in Oswego/Syracuse New York.

DOUGLAS SWARTHOUT is Manager and Co-owner of Berry Hill Book Shop, the largest rare and out-of-print bookstore in central New York State.