You Must Remember This 75: The Blacklist Part 5: The Strange Love of Barbara Stanwyck: Robert Taylor
Mar 8, 2016
Explore the fascinating love story of Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor, set against the backdrop of Hollywood's political upheaval. Discover how their contrasting careers reflected their individual struggles and beliefs, particularly in relation to the blacklist era. Uncover Taylor's controversial decision to testify before HUAC, which marked him as a significant figure in Hollywood's wartime narrative. Their marriage, rooted in shared conservative politics yet fraught with personal and professional challenges, offers a compelling look into the complexities of fame and loyalty.
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Studio-Made Star vs Independent Star
- Robert Taylor was one of MGM's top stars whose career was largely manufactured by the studio system.
- Barbara Stanwyck, by contrast, built independence by avoiding long-term contracts and choosing roles across studios.
Stanwyck's Escape From An Abusive Marriage
- Barbara escaped an abusive marriage to Frank Fay and hid with friends like the Marxes to protect her son Dion.
- She left with only the clothes she wore and her car, surrendering most assets to end the danger.
Freedom Comes With Tradeoffs
- Stanwyck's refusal to sign long-term studio contracts gave her artistic freedom but less financial security.
- That independence allowed her to refuse undesirable studio demands but cost her roles and studio protection.
