I remember finding a used paperback copy of Hollywood Babylon, and was both totally shocked and entertained by it. (To be continued soon....)
I'm a bit of a FF expert, especially for a 17 year old. I read "Will There Really Be A Morning?" and "Shadowlands" by William Arnold. Frances' sister, Edith (I believe) wrote a book called "Look Back In Love", but when they turn up on eBay they always sell for a shit-load. It's been near-confirmed that dear, sweet Frances never received a lobotomy, after all... Here's a link to a thread which in itself contains a link to a document about shedding light on the FF myths... http://pub33.bravenet.com/forum/2753824931/show/397228 There you are, my beauties. Have any of you guys seen any of her films? To be honest I think she was a pretty awful actress, but great to look at. Her voice was particularly unique also, she kind of sounded like Margaret Thatcher. Check out "The Toast of New York" with Cary Grant. I got it on video, and it's actually surprisingly good; Frances gets plenty of screen time, and looks like a Goddess.
I've read up on Frances Farmer somewhat. Apparently,the friend that wrote one of those books admitted openly that much of it was fabricated. The author herself said that much of it was added to make the book more dramatic and to ultimately make more money from sells. Sooo it's hard to say what actually happened to Frances. It's very interesting though.
Thanks for your excellent comment. I especially appreciate the link. Yeah, I have seen several Frances Farmer flicks. And I think she was a fine actress. But (for the most part) given very bad films to "act" in. She was not appreciated much by Hollywood (and the feeling was mutual). So most of her work (on film) is pretty bad. However, there are a few exceptions: She is quite good in Come And Get It (she actually plays two parts--mother and daughter). Plus she somehow manages to shine in Rhythm On The Range. She's good in Toast of New York (as you stated). Also, Son of Fury (her part is smallish) is not such a bad movie, and Frances is absolutely stunning in it. Peace, PD
I recall hearing something about this. Seems more like a betrayal to me. But Frances had her fair share of betrayals. Well, at least it's good to know that a few people are starting to question the motives of some of these books about Farmer. And perhaps one day, somebody with a conscience will tell the true story. Peace, PD
And Cobain's dd, Frances Bean Cobain, was named for her. (And the fact that baby Frances looked "like a bean" on an ultra sound.)
Kurt really did have a lot of respect for Farmer. Also, his wife (Courtney Love) got married in a dress once worn by FF! I guess they both identified with all the hell that Farmer went through? Plus they had the Seattle thing in common. Peace, PD
