Moxie and Magic: The Daring Women of Classic Hollywood

In Moxie: The Daring Women of Classic Hollywood, author and film expert Jennifer Keishin Armstrong dives into the enchanting yet often turbulent world of Hollywood’s most resilient, rebellious, and unforgettable women. This coffee-table book, adorned with striking film stills and rare photos, celebrates the fearless actresses and behind-the-scenes power players who broke barriers and paved the way for generations of women in film. With a foreword by Jane Fonda—a trailblazer in her own right—Moxie spotlights figures like Lauren Bacall, Bette Davis, Marlene Dietrich, Gloria Grahame, Katharine Hepburn, Veronica Lake, and Anna May Wong, delving into their personal and professional lives. Through these women's stories, Armstrong reveals a Hollywood that was as challenging as it was glamorous, where women fought hard to be seen and heard.

The book is much more than a collection of images or biographies. Moxie provides a rich, nuanced look at how these women transformed Hollywood from within, using their unique brands of courage, wit, and indomitable spirit. Each profile provides a window into their battles—both personal and professional—and the legacies they created.

The Golden Age of Hollywood: A Brief Context

Hollywood’s Golden Age, from the 1920s to the 1960s, was a time when studios reigned supreme, and actors often had to adhere to rigid, sometimes exploitative contracts. Women in the industry faced double standards, limited roles, and were frequently treated as commodities. Despite this, a select few managed to navigate the system to make a lasting impact on Hollywood and society. These were women who had what Armstrong calls “moxie”—a mix of courage, confidence, and unrelenting drive that allowed them to defy norms and redefine what it meant to be a woman in Hollywood.

Icons of Strength and Vulnerability

In Moxie, Armstrong paints vivid portraits of these icons, capturing both their glamour and their grit. Each actress featured in the book represents a unique challenge to the status quo, whether through the characters they portrayed or the ways they conducted their lives off-screen.

Lauren Bacall: The Queen of Cool

Lauren Bacall, with her smoky voice and piercing gaze, quickly became an icon. Her breakout role in To Have and Have Not (1944), where she famously instructed Humphrey Bogart to “put your lips together and blow,” established her as a force to be reckoned with. Despite her glamorous exterior, Bacall was known for her wit and intelligence, refusing to be pigeonholed by Hollywood stereotypes. Bacall’s independence and choice to marry Humphrey Bogart, a man 25 years her senior, reflected her desire to live life on her own terms, a theme Armstrong explores with sensitivity.

A look back at the life of Lauren Bacall - the cool, sultry-voiced icon of Hollywood’s golden age of cinema who died at age 89. WSJ's Mark Kelly reports (Image: Everett Collection) Subscribe to the WSJ channel here: http://bit.ly/14Q81Xy

Bette Davis: The Fiercely Independent Powerhouse

No discussion of moxie would be complete without Bette Davis. Known for her expressive eyes and razor-sharp wit, Davis was a trailblazer in every sense. She fought tirelessly for artistic freedom, challenging Warner Bros. when they attempted to control her career choices. In Moxie, Armstrong describes Davis’s refusal to be constrained by the “pretty girl” roles typical of the era. Instead, she played complex, often unlikable women, daring audiences to see her as a real person. From All About Eve to Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, Davis’s filmography is a testament to her resilience and willingness to embrace imperfection.

Bette Davis - Hollywood Greats (1999 Documentary) by adam28xx

Marlene Dietrich: The Enigmatic Rebel

German-born Marlene Dietrich was a master of reinvention. Known for her androgynous style and smoky voice, Dietrich was one of the few actresses to navigate a successful transition from European cinema to Hollywood. She challenged gender norms, famously wearing suits in public long before it was fashionable for women to do so. In Moxie, Armstrong delves into Dietrich’s self-assurance and ability to wield her sexuality as both a weapon and a shield. Despite the pressures of Hollywood, she refused to conform to traditional beauty standards, inspiring generations of women to embrace their unique identities.

Marlene Dietrich - Lili Marleen by Petr Radziwill

Anna May Wong: Hollywood’s First Chinese-American Star

Anna May Wong’s inclusion in Moxie is especially poignant. Wong was Hollywood’s first Chinese-American movie star, navigating an industry rife with racism and typecasting. Wong’s career was a balancing act, with Hollywood offering her limited roles as “exotic” characters. Yet she persevered, building an impressive resume in both American and international films. Armstrong’s portrayal of Wong highlights her resilience in the face of discrimination, as well as her pride in her heritage—a legacy that endures as a symbol of representation and strength for Asian-Americans in Hollywood.

The struggles and breakthroughs of Chinese American movie star Anna May Wong by PBS NewsHour

Beyond the Spotlight: The Complexity of “Moxie”

Armstrong does not shy away from the complex, sometimes contradictory nature of her subjects. She captures how these women’s personal lives often mirrored the conflicts they faced professionally. Many of these actresses had tumultuous relationships, struggled with self-doubt, and wrestled with the demands of fame. Yet, as Armstrong illustrates, their flaws were part of what made them so compelling. They were not perfect, nor did they try to be. Instead, they chose authenticity over perfection, creating a legacy that feels as modern today as it did in their time.

In her foreword, Jane Fonda reflects on how these women paved the way for her generation and beyond. Fonda, herself a trailblazer in Hollywood, understands the sacrifices and courage it takes to stand out in an industry that demands conformity. Her perspective adds a contemporary relevance to the stories of these iconic actresses, connecting past struggles with the ongoing fight for gender equality in Hollywood.

The Legacy of Moxie

The Daring Women of Classic Hollywood reminds readers that while times have changed, the challenges faced by women in Hollywood remain. The #MeToo movement and ongoing discussions about representation show that the fight for equality and authenticity in the entertainment industry is far from over. These actresses’ stories are a testament to the resilience required to make a difference in an unforgiving industry.

Armstrong’s book is more than just a look back; it’s a call to action for future generations. She invites readers to consider the ways in which these women’s courage continues to shape Hollywood and society at large. For fans of classic cinema and anyone interested in women’s history, Moxie is an invaluable addition to any bookshelf.

A Visual Journey Through Hollywood’s Golden Age

Aside from the compelling narratives, Moxie is a visual treat. The carefully curated photos and film stills bring each profile to life, showing these actresses not only as stars but as real people with their own vulnerabilities and strengths. The images capture everything from Dietrich’s androgynous glamour to Hepburn’s effortless sophistication, creating an immersive experience for readers. The book’s design makes it the perfect coffee-table addition, blending storytelling with visual artistry.

A Must-Read for Fans of Film and Feminism

The Daring Women of Classic Hollywood is a celebration of the women who transformed Hollywood with their boldness, resilience, and refusal to conform. It’s a book that honors their legacy, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of women who dared to be themselves, even when it was risky. For anyone who loves film, history, or stories of resilience, Moxie offers both inspiration and a deeper understanding of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Armstrong’s book is a reminder that moxie isn’t just a trait—it’s a choice. The women in Moxie chose courage over comfort, setting the stage for those who followed. As we continue to push for representation and equality, their stories remain as relevant and powerful as ever. Whether you’re a fan of Old Hollywood or simply interested in the stories of remarkable women, Moxie is a must-read that will leave you inspired by the indomitable spirit of Hollywood’s finest.