Author: Peter Shelley
Genre: Biography
Hardcover; Paperback; Kindle
ISBN #: 9798887714509; 9798887714493
Bear Manor Media
248 Pages
$37.99; $28.00; $9.95 Amazon
April 22, 2024
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Alexis Smith (June 8, 1921-June 9, 1993) was an American star of film, television, theatre, and radio. Born in Canada, she grew up in Los Angeles and was a professional dancer. She also studied acting and was discovered in a college production by a Warner Bros. scout. Signed to a long-term contract Smith spent nine years playing supporting parts, appearing three times with Errol Flynn, twice with Humphrey Bogart, and with Cary Grant in Night and Day. During this time, she also met fellow actor Craig Stevens whom she married in 1944 and stayed with until her death. In the 1950s and 1960s Smith freelanced, appearing in her only leading role in film in Undercover Girl for Universal, on television and in theatre in summer stock. In 1970 she was cast in the leading role in the musical Follies which earned her the Tony Award for Best Actress. The acclaim revived Smith's career and she continued in theatre roles, films, and television including a guest spot on Cheers which earned her an Emmy Award nomination. Her last film appearance was in Martin Scorsese's The Age of Innocence which was released posthumously.
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I will first say (as I often do) that I love classic films and don't even watch the movies made today. Back then, movies were magical, and watching people work (without blue screens) was incredible. I first noticed Alexis Smith in the film The Two Mrs. Carrolls with the magnificent Humphrey Bogart. Playing against him, while he seemed to have the true artist's temperament, being brusque, a little rude (sometimes they are!), and unapproachable, Alexis played her role as a manipulative, conniving woman to the hilt. It is a wonderful film (regardless of what some critics say), and she played her role with gusto.
Yes, she came off as a cold, statuesque blonde, but she had warmth as well; she could play either hot or cold, although most of her roles had her appearing as the latter. After reading this book unfortunately, I didn't learn much about Alexis at all.
I say this because the book is merely a compilation of her films, what role she played, who the hairdresser was and how she wore her hair (even whether it was a wig or not), and who designed the wardrobe. I have never wondered who designed her clothes or how she wore her hair.
What I was interested in -- and never discovered -- is what her life was like. We learned all about her professional life, but very little about her private life. When did her mother pass? There is a sentence mentioning how her father attended an event, but no mention of her mother's passing and how it might have affected her. There is no mention of her home with Craig Stevens (although by all accounts they had a wonderful life together). Did they live in Hollywood? On a small ranch? Up in the hills? Did they entertain at all? Who were their close friends? We never learn any of this. We know she had one close friend throughout her life, but did they spend time at each other's homes? Did her friend marry and have children? Would she have doted on them, if so?
When she lived in New York, did she leave Craig at home in California or did he travel with her? Were them both having careers difficult or did they choose not to work at the same time?
I know that there are people who might be interested only in her professional credits; the people she worked with, and the small anecdotes they give about her and vice versa, but I wanted more. Sadly, I was still left wanting.
