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Book Review of Tallulah Bankhead: The Colorful Life of an American Actress and Activist

Tallulah Bankhead: The Colorful Life of an American Actress and Activist
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Her name is very recognizable, but her life was less so because she was a generation ahead of me. Seeing her occasionally in a movie, I was unaware that she was primarily a theater actress. After hearing her story, it is easy to see that she would have preferred the instant response of the audience. After reading this book, I am surprised she lived 66 years; Tallulah burned the candle at both ends and in the middle.
Tallulah did many drugs, along with alcohol and cigarettes.

I'm somewhat disappointed with this book because much of it was a recounting of her plays and movie parts rather than an in-depth study of her life. However, she married once, had no children, and spent much of her time on activist pursuits, which this book covers.

Tallulah seems driven to be a successful actress. When things did not work out in America, she picked herself up and went to England. Readers learn that Tallulah did things "her way."  She worked in New York, England, Hollywood, and even radio. She was on the edge of superstardom, but she never made it. However, she was a canny businesswoman and died with a substantial bank account.