Femme fatale Pola Negri (1897–1987) was one of the great stars of the silent film era, an actress whose personal story of hardships and successes, loves and tragedies is more compelling than most Hollywood dramas. Yet today she is largely overlooked, her name tarnished by myths and scandals.
Taking a fresh look at her life and career, this book debunks the myths and gossip, presenting a candid portrait of one of the silent screen’s most sensational leading ladies.
Rare photographs are included, along with in-depth discussions of her films.

Sergio Delgado is a writer, film historian and movie palace enthusiast with a long-time interest in Pola Negri. He lives in Lenexa, Kansas, with his wife and a vast collection of silent film memorabilia.

Sergio Delgado
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 196
Bibliographic Info: 44 photos, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2016
pISBN: 978-1-4766-6430-9
eISBN: 978-1-4766-2435-8
Imprint: McFarland

Table of Contents


Acknowledgments  v

Preface  1

1 • A Peculiar Public Perception  5

2 • Variations on Apolonia Chalupec  8

3 • The Rise of Pola Negri  16

4 • America Goes ­Ga-Ga for Pola  31

5 • The Paradox of Publicity  43

6 • Pola Negri in Paramount Pictures  56

7 • The Anatomy of Failure  130

8 • Pola in Purgatory  133

9 • The Wandering Star  141

10 • Der Führer’s Favorite  152

11 • All Too Soon Forgotten  161

Chapter Notes  171

Bibliography  181

Index  185

“an informative, interesting and insightful book…highly recommended”—James L. Neibaur, writer; “a worthwhile introduction…a look at the Polish-born superstar who conquered two continemts”—The Huffington Post.