by Charlotte Vale-Allen

It was the Great Depression, a time of breadlines and of terrible, widespread poverty. But it was also a time when the movies--particularly musicals--were a source of comfort and refuge and entertainment for millions.

It was a time when a gifted young dancer could get her start on Broadway and wind up a movie star. Beatrice Crane is that dancer, that movie star. And this is the story of her life, in the best black-and-white cinematic tradition.

Beatrice Crane and Bobby Bradley were Hollywood's greatest dance team--until the events of one horrific night changed both their personal and private lives forever. It's a journey through the Golden Age of Hollywood--the magic, the bright lights, and the shining stars of the American dream factory.

This book was a joyful undertaking, a massive research project into the world of film (which I've always loved) and, in particular, into the characters of the people who populate that world. It is to this day one of my personal favorites.