Sigh. I love Dorothy Parker. I quote her short story, The Waltz, far too often (“I’d love to be in a midnight fire at sea” being my favorite line). But I’ve never knowingly seen any of the movies she wrote. Gail Crowther’s wonderful book not only outlines the highs and lows of Parker’s Hollywood years, but also paints a picture of what was undoubtedly a very difficult and traumatic life.
One of the things I took away from this book was how Parker put her beliefs and ideals before her career. Like many other creatives in the era of McCarthyism, Parker was blacklisted for her suspected (and unfounded) communism. She visited Spain during the Spanish civil war, and made two films raising awareness of the conflict. And even after her death, the funds from her estate go towards fighting social injustice.
And all this, while fighting to be recognized for her talent in a cruel and sexist system. While she found some companionship in her husband and writing partner Alan Campbell, that relationship wasn’t without its struggles, with Parker uncharacteristically making jibes about Alan being homosexual. All while fighting a severe issue with alcohol addition.
For anyone, reading this book of Parker’s journey is harrowing. But as a fan, I find it maddening to read about another immensely talented woman who was diminished by a patriarchal system. However, Crowther’s book is required reading for anyone interested in the struggles of female creatives. A well-written book on a difficult subject, but handled beautifully and sensitively by Crowther.
California Reading 