Captain of Her Soul: The Life of Marion Davies

The comprehensive critical biography of silent-screen star Marion Davies, "Captain of Her Soul," reveals a complex and fiercely independent woman who carved her own path in a young Hollywood dominated by powerful men. Despite her public image, Davies remained largely hidden from view, wary of interviews and trusting few with her true life story. The book counters the public story through meticulous research, unprecedented access to archives, and interviews with those who knew Davies, shedding light on her philanthropy and advocacy for children and her navigation of disability and social stigma.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Marion Davies, the legendary silent-screen star, is the subject of a comprehensive and captivating critical biography titled "Captain of Her Soul." This captivating book delves into the life of Davies, who fittingly referred to herself as the captain of her soul.

From her humble beginnings in Brooklyn to her meteoric rise to fame alongside press baron William Randolph Hearst, Davies' public life story unfolds like a modern-day fairy tale, shaped by gossip columnists, fan magazines, biopics, and documentaries. However, the real Marion Davies remained largely hidden from view, as she was wary of interviews and trusted only a few with her true life story.

In "Captain of Her Soul," Lara Gabrielle skillfully peels back layers of myth to reveal a complex and fiercely independent woman who was ahead of her time. Through meticulous research, unparalleled access to archives worldwide, and insightful interviews with those who knew Davies, the book challenges the public narrative. It unveils a woman who navigated disability and social stigma to rise to the top of a young Hollywood dominated by powerful men. Davies took charge of her own career, negotiating with studio heads and establishing herself as a top-tier comedienne. However, her proudest achievement was her philanthropy and advocacy for children.

This biography brings Davies out of the shadows cast by the Hearst legacy, shedding light on a dynamic woman who lived life on her own terms and declared, "I am the captain of my soul." "Captain of Her Soul" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Hollywood, women's empowerment, and the remarkable life of Marion Davies.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520384200