Review: Retrospective shows Barbara Stanwyck was force to reckon with (Includes first-hand account)
In the early days, Hollywood was an interesting and complex playground. Under long studio contracts and the watchful eye of Will H. Hays at the Motion Picture Production Code, it could be difficult to build a career with much variety or risk. Yet it’s clear some actors and filmmakers were determined to push the envelope and not succumb to accepted practices. Actresses like Barbara Stanwyck were excited to push the limits of perceived decency; but more importantly, she chose big screen roles that challenged the notions of acceptable behaviour for women. TIFF Bell Lightbox’s Hollywood Classics retrospective, “Ball of Fire: The Films of Barbara Stanwyck,” is an excellent sampling of her career that brought a series of strong, competent and uncompromising female characters to the screen.
The bold and brassy Brooklynite was one of the greatest actresses to ever step in front of Hollywood’s camera. She had natural class and could infuse any role with total authenticity. She could convincingly portray an unrefined woman unknowingly offending everyone in her presence, a seductress who knows how to get what she wants or a woman seemingly in complete control of her destiny. The following is a selection of films from the program that’s reflective of all these personalities and then some.
Stanwyck not only had extraordinary talent, but she also had amazing courage and conviction. These five films and many others are screening as part of this season’s edition of Hollywood Classics at Toronto’s TIFF Bell Lightbox until April 4.
