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This isn't social work...it's Show Business

Posted by: Jax 01:31 pm EDT 08/15/14
In reply to: re: What an unpleasant collection of anecdotes. - shadowlight 09:37 am EDT 08/15/14

There are similar stories about everyone from Sinatra to Garland. Lauren Bacall was a star for 70 years -- in itself a jaw dropping achievement -- because she instinctively knew how to play her tough girl persona, from a seductress ("To Have and Have Not") to a diva ("Applause") to a grand dame ("Murder on the Orient Express"). Audiences always want their stars to be bigger than life, and Bacall managed to be a bit stronger, a bit tarter than any of her rivals (Alexis Smith, for example.)

And please don't say "nothing excuses bad manners." In show business success has always trumped good behavior. As Joan Crawford is reputed to have said, "If you want the girl next door, go next door."


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re: This isn't social work...it's Show Business

Posted by: Michael_Portantiere 02:15 pm EDT 08/15/14
In reply to: This isn't social work...it's Show Business - Jax 01:31 pm EDT 08/15/14

Of course, you're right that there are stories of bad behavior about a great many stars. But you seem to be implying that a certain acting persona necessarily goes hand in with bad behavior, which is not true.

You also seem to be be implying that bad behavior is NECESSARY for success in show business, which of course is not true, either.


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re: This isn't social work...it's Show Business

Posted by: Jax 02:32 pm EDT 08/15/14
In reply to: re: This isn't social work...it's Show Business - Michael_Portantiere 02:15 pm EDT 08/15/14

You misread me. My point is that a performer's "bad behavior" (by which, in Bacall's case, I only mean not suffering fools, gladly or otherwise)is irrelevant to their stardom.

Beyond that, audiences often come to enjoy a performer's persona: Sinatra's tough guy stance, Bacall's edge. Who would you rather see in "Goodbye Charlie," Lauren Bacall or Debbie Reynolds? (Author George Axelrod said he never even saw the film due to the casting.)


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re: This isn't social work...it's Show Business

Posted by: Michael_Portantiere 05:01 pm EDT 08/15/14
In reply to: re: This isn't social work...it's Show Business - Jax 02:32 pm EDT 08/15/14

Thanks for clarifying.


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