Hollywood extracts a heavy price from its heroes, and here the author of Edie: American Girl offers a close-up look at some especially striking tales of rise and fall. Among those profiled are tycoon Edward Doheny, who destroyed the reputation of a U.S. president; Jack Warner, who cofounded one of the world's most iconic film studios; Jane Garland, the troubled daughter of an aspiring actress; and Academy Award winner Jennifer Jones, who struggled with despair amid her fame and glamour. Finally, Stein chronicles the ascent of her own father, Jules Stein, an eye doctor who transformed Hollywood with the creation of his agency and studio.
"Even if you're a connoisseur of Hollywood tales, you've probably never heard these…. As ever, gaudy, debauched, merciless Hollywood has the power to enthrall its audience."—Wall Street Journal