Jean Arthur: The Actress Nobody Knew

The luminous star of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Shane, and other classic films was, as the subtitle aptly puts it, “the actress nobody knew.” Jean Arthur (1900-91) kept her personal life private, disdained the Hollywood publicity machine, and was called “difficult” because of her perfectionism and remoteness from costars on the movie set. John Oller, a lawyer, tracked down kinsfolk and friends never before interviewed to capture the elusive personality of a free spirit best embodied in her favorite role, Peter Pan. Arthur herself might have appreciated his warm, respectful portrait.

“…[An] insightful, painstakingly researched analysis of Arthur’s life and career raises the curtain on the complex, conflicted person behind the screen persona…Captures the special shine of a unique star who turned out to be a genuine eccentric.” -Chicago Tribune