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The Queen of the Pulps: Norma Desmond, Hollywood's Legendary Femme Fatale

Guy Powell

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Published in Queen Of The Pulps: The Reign Of Daisy Bacon And Love Story Magazine

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Norma Desmond, the iconic protagonist of Billy Wilder's masterpiece Sunset Boulevard, is a complex and unforgettable character. A faded silent film star clinging to her past glory, Norma is a tragic figure who embodies the dark side of Hollywood's obsession with fame and youth.

Norma Desmond was born in 1896 in Buffalo, New York. Her father was a traveling salesman and her mother was a vaudeville actress. Norma began her career in show business as a child, appearing in vaudeville and stock theater. In 1917, she moved to Hollywood and quickly became one of the most popular silent film actresses.

Norma Desmond was known for her beauty, her talent, and her larger-than-life personality. She was also known for her temper tantrums, her excessive spending, and her numerous love affairs. In 1929, she married Erich von Stroheim, a director who was known for his dark and controversial films. The marriage was short-lived, and Norma soon returned to her career.

Queen of the Pulps: The Reign of Daisy Bacon and Love Story Magazine

by Dr. Anna Nikki Douglas

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	217 pages

The advent of sound films in the late 1920s marked the beginning of the end of Norma Desmond's career. Her voice was too high-pitched and nasal for the new technology, and she quickly fell out of favor with audiences. By the early 1930s, she was reduced to making appearances in low-budget films and playing small roles in other actresses' films.

In 1950, Billy Wilder cast Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it revived Norma's career for a brief time. However, she was unable to sustain her success, and she soon returned to obscurity.

Norma Desmond died in 1957 at the age of 61. She was found dead in her swimming pool, and her death was ruled a suicide. Norma Desmond is buried in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Norma Desmond is a fascinating and tragic figure. She is a cautionary tale about the dangers of fame and the importance of staying grounded. She is also a reminder that even the most successful people can be brought down by their own hubris.

Norma Desmond's Legacy

Norma Desmond is one of the most iconic characters in film history. She has been portrayed by some of the greatest actresses, including Gloria Swanson, Bette Davis, and Amy Adams. Norma has also been the subject of numerous books, articles, and documentaries.

Norma Desmond's legacy is one of both fascination and pity. She is a reminder of the fleeting nature of fame and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Norma Desmond is a complex and unforgettable character. She is a tragic figure who embodies the dark side of Hollywood's obsession with fame and youth. Norma Desmond's legacy is one of both fascination and pity. She is a reminder of the fleeting nature of fame and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Queen of the Pulps: The Reign of Daisy Bacon and Love Story Magazine

by Dr. Anna Nikki Douglas

5 out of 5