Tag: 1940s

If Joan Harrison were alive today, which films would be her favorites to take home Oscar? Harrison was a voting member of the Academy, after making history in 1940 by walking away with not one but two screenwriting Oscar nominations: for Best Adapted script (Rebecca) and Best Original (Foreign Correspondent). She was furthermore very active…

Recent revelations of discrimination and harassment have raised awareness about the tremendous challenges women face as they try to maintain, let alone advance, their footing in the entertainment industry. The #MeToo movement has been critical for mobilizing large-scale change. But it’s all too easy to get caught up in the moment and forget Hollywood’s powerful,…

Continued from part one. Hawks began grooming Raines for her debut in Corvette K-225 (1943), which he asked friend Richard Rossen to direct. He coached her on how to pose, move, and deliver lines for the camera and helped direct her early scenes with co-star Randolph Scott. Though Rossen was a friend, it didn’t stop…

When Joan Harrison’s first producing venture, Phantom Lady, was released through Universal, the film’s success elevated her to stardom. She was now the “Mistress of Suspense.” If asked at the time, she likely would have described this rise as part of her master plan. Joan always liked to remain in control. A signature piece of…

When Joan Harrison began co-writing and co-producing (though uncredited) Dark Waters in 1944, she already knew leading lady Merle Oberon from shared social circles. The actress’s successes on the British screen and her marriage to famed producer Alexander Korda meant that the two women were familiar. Oberon’s thick mane of raven hair, sparkling eyes, and…