Jennifer Jones

The distinguished film career of Academy Award–winning actress Jennifer Jones (1919–2009) is thoroughly chronicled from her faltering start as Phylis Isley (her real name) at Republic Studios in 1939, to her re-invention as a major star by producer David O. Selznick, the actress’ second husband. Each of her 24 films—among them The Song of Bernadette, Since You Went Away, Duel in the Sun, Portrait of Jennie, Madame Bovary and Love Is a Many Splendored Thing—is discussed in depth.
Robert Osborne, host of the Turner Classic Movies cable channel, affectionately recalls his interview with Jennifer Jones in the Foreword. The actress’ biography, radio appearances and unrealized projects are also covered, along with previously undocumented details of her limited stage career, including a 1966 revival of Clifford Odets’ The Country Girl.

Paul Green has worked as an artist in the UK for Marvel, DC and World International-Egmont, among others, on titles such as Doctor Who, Rambo, Action Man, Wonder Woman and Star Trek. The author of many books about television and film history, he lives in Rustburg, Virginia.

Paul Green
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 278
Bibliographic Info: 83 photos, appendix, notes, bibliography, filmography, index
Copyright Date: 2011
pISBN: 978-0-7864-6041-0
eISBN: 978-0-7864-8583-3
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments      vii
Foreword by Robert Osborne      1
Preface      5
Introduction      7

1. Oklahoma to Hollywood      11
2. Republic Pictures      16
3. Return to New York City      21
4. The Song of Bernadette      27
5. Since You Went Away      43
6. Love Letters      55
7. Cluny Brown      61
8. Duel in the Sun      68
9. Portrait of Jennie      80
10. We Were Strangers      91
11. Madame Bovary      97
12. Gone to Earth      105
13. Carrie      116
14. Ruby Gentry      126
15. Stazione Termini aka Indiscretion of an American Wife      130
16. Beat the Devil      136
17. Love Is a Many- Splendored Thing      143
18. Good Morning, Miss Dove      150
19. The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit      154
20. The Barretts of Wimpole Street      159
21. A Farewell to Arms      165
22. Tender Is the Night      172
23. The Idol      180
24. Angel, Angel, Down We Go      186
25. The Towering Inferno      190
26. Life After Film      197
27. The Plays of Jennifer Jones      206
28. Jennifer Jones on Radio      215
29. The Films That Got Away      219
30. Reluctant Sex Symbol      231

Filmography      233
Appendix: Jennifer Jones Credits and Memorabilia      241
Chapter Notes      249
Bibliography      260
Index      265

“An overdue tribute to a lady and a legend…masterfully detailed…a literary work-of-art…with an uncommon combination of compassion and sensitivity, Paul Green critically uncovers the myths and mysteries behind one of classic cinema’s greatest unsung screen goddesses. Ultimately, he does more than analyze the fascinating career of a great actress; he helps us to understand the fragile humanity of a tragic genius.”—David Ybarra, Daeida Magazine; “the structure of Paul Green’s book is just perfect. Reading it is effortless and very entertaining. Paul’s conversational writing style makes you feel as if you are in that dark room with Jones when she decides to call her doctor to tell him that she’s checking out, so to speak. You also feel as if you are on the stage floor when she gets her Academy Award and you feel the depth of respect this award worthy biography embodies. Green’s respect for Jones is so evident, not crass and tacky like many biographies are today. This one belongs in every film school’s library, on the top of the list for must read biographies. This book captures in a very concise and readable way the life, loves and losses of a woman who we will never forget. This book is also something you will never forget. Its author’s critical eye and mind for details cannot be compared to any other. Paul Green hit this biography out of the poverbial park”—Canyon News.