ePub It Happened on the Underground Railroad: Remarkable Events that Shaped History (It Happened in America) by Tricia Martineau Wagner in History

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*Includes pictures. *Includes Ava's quotes about her own life and career. *Includes a bibliography for further reading. “Because I was promoted as a sort of a siren and played all those sexy broads; people made the mistake of thinking I was like that off the screen. They couldn't have been more wrong.” – Ava Gardner A lot of ink has been spilled covering the lives of history’s most influential figures; but how much of the forest is lost for the trees? In Charles River Editors’ American Legends series; readers can get caught up to speed on the lives of America’s most important men and women in the time it takes to finish a commute; while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known. In the 1940s; there were few women capable of reaching the level of Hollywood screen goddess like young Ava Gardner; who was “discovered” after having a portrait taken and displayed in the window of a shop. She burst onto the scene playing a seductive gangster’s moll in The Killers (1946); and Gardner would continue to act for the next 4 decades; adding critical acclaim to her reputation as a sex symbol with an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her work in Mogambo (1953). Although Gardner’s career spanned a long period of time and continued until a few years before her own death in 1990; she is better remembered today for being at the forefront of tabloids and gossip. While the same could be said of any major Hollywood celebrity; it was especially true with Gardner because of her third husband; Frank Sinatra; who left his previous wife Nancy for her. The couple had a tumultuous marriage that intrigued just about everyone; even though she confided to a friend; “With him it’s impossible…it’s like being with a woman. He’s so gentle. It’s as though he thinks I’ll break; as though I’m a piece of Dresden china and he’s gonna hurt me.” The marriage lasted just 6 years; and Gardner went on to engage in other high profile relationships. She was able to put together an autobiography before her death; and in it she ruefully notes; “Although no one believes me; I have always been a country girl and still have a country girl's values.” American Legends: The Life of Ava Gardner examines the life and career of one of America’s most famous actresses. Along with pictures of important people; places; and events; you will learn about Ava Gardner like never before; in no time at all.