Phantom Lady, Christina Lane
Phantom Lady, Christina Lane
List: $19.95 | Sale: $13.97
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Phantom Lady
Hollywood Producer Joan Harrison, the Forgotten Woman behind Hitchcock

Author: Christina Lane

Narrator: Gabra Zackman

Unabridged: 11 hr

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 04/04/2020

Synopsis

Phantom Lady chronicles the untold story of Hollywood’s most powerful female writer-producer of the 1940s.In 1933 Joan Harrison was a twenty-six-year-old former salesgirl with a dream of escaping her stodgy London suburb and the dreadful prospect of settling down with one of the local boys. A few short years later, she was Alfred Hitchcock’s confidante and one of the Oscar-nominated screenwriters of his first American film, Rebecca.Harrison had quickly grown from being the worst secretary Hitchcock ever had to one of his closest collaborators, critically shaping his brand as the “master of suspense.” Forging an image as the female Hitchcock, Harrison went on to produce numerous Hollywood features before becoming a television pioneer as the producer of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. A respected powerhouse, she acquired a singular reputation for running amazingly smooth productions—and defying anyone who posed an obstacle.Author Christina Lane shows how this stylish, stunning woman, with an adventurous romantic life, became an unconventional but impressive auteur—one whom history has overlooked.

About Christina Lane

Christina Lane is the author of several books, including Feminist Hollywood and Magnolia. She is an associate professor of film studies and chair of the Cinema and Interactive Media Department at the University of Miami.

About Gabra Zackman

Gabra Zackman is an actress, author, and narrator who has won several AudioFile Earphones Awards. She was educated at Northwestern University. A classically trained actress, she has appeared in theaters all over the country as well as on film and television.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Medlibrarian

For the umpteenth time, I wish that Goodreads had half stars, because I would give this a 3.5 rating. If you are interested in classic film, this is something I would recommend. Joan Harrison has been on my radar for a long time, mostly because she produced some interesting film noirs and because sh......more

Goodreads review by Jianna

Joan Harrison!! Polly Platt of the 40s — sharp, terrible at assistant work, brilliant at anything dealing with making a movie better. First woman to be nominated for an Oscar for screenwriting (Rebecca), first woman to be a producer at a major studio. She loved to shop, only voted progressive, and r......more

Goodreads review by Raquel

A truly enlightening and empowering read. Highly recommended! My full review: [URL not allowed]......more

Goodreads review by Lynn

Joan Harrison who began to work for Hitchcock in 1934 on The Man Who Knew Too Much, was 2nd to his wife Alma in his movie career. She worked with him for years, moving to Hollywood and even dating Clark Gable regularly. She wrote, produced and worked behind the scenes. She eventually became a produc......more

Goodreads review by Willy

Kudos to author Christina Lane for paying long overdue attention to Joan Harrison, one of the few successful female producers during Hollywood's Golden Age. Starting out in the business as Hitchcock's secretary, Harrison gradually proved savvy at screenwriting (her Rebecca screenplay garnered her an......more

Quotes

“Artful telling.” Christian Science Monitor

“Keenly observed and illuminating.” Newsday

“This superbly written, absorbing biography of a woman succeeding on her own terms will resonate with fans of Hollywood stories…[and] celebrations of previously unsung women.” Library Journal (starred review)

“Lane’s lively and loving account…will intrigue film scholars, Hitchcock fans, and general readers alike.” Publishers Weekly

“A solid addition to the growing literature about women filmmakers.” Kirkus Reviews

“As lively and fascinating as its subject, this is an important addition to the history of filmmaking.” Booklist

“Harrison was a remarkable woman of taste and style who helped establish the Hitchcock ‘brand.’ She may be the greatest female producer you’ve never heard of.” Illeana Douglas, actress, producer, and author of I Blame Dennis Hopper

Awards

  • Edgar Award
  • Agatha Award
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