Book Review: Ann Sheridan: The Life and Career of America’s Oomph Girl

Ann Sheridan was a formidable presence in movies from the 1930s into the 1960s.  Michael D. Rinella’s new book from McFarland covers Ann’s life and career.

Sheridan is noted for appearing in such timeless films as Angels With Dirty Faces, They Drive By Night, Dodge City, Kings Row, and The Man Who Came To Dinner, and these performances are discussed in the book.  But the author also gives attention to a lot of movies that receive less attention in other studies, such as It All Came True, Torrid Zone, and They Made Me a Criminal. 

This book allows us to really get to know Ann Sheridan as a person as well as an actress.  One of the most interesting and revealing parts of the book deals with her suspension from Warner Bros when she when her stardom and box office success was second only to Bette Davis at the studio, but her pay did not reflect that.  She challenged her contract at renewal time, turned down appearing in such films as The Strawberry Blonde, Out of the Fog, and The Bride Came C.O.D., and was suspended by the studio.  Ann received support from then-husband and fellow Warner actor George Brent.  All of the details are in the book.

Ann was supportive of Errol Flynn’s insecurities about his acting ability, and while their romance was fleeting, their friendship endured.  She was steadfast in her independence once leaving Warners and doing independent deals.  Her career hit a lull then came back in the post-war 40s with films like Nora Prentiss. Again, the book provides all of the information.

Ann’s career culminated with television, and she was starring in a popular bucolic comedy, Pistols and Petticoats, when she died of lung cancer at the age of only 51. She was a longtime smoker of sometimes as many as three packs per day. The many details the book provides on her later years are especially impressive as little is known about this period.

Michael D. Rinella has written an interesting, comprehensive book about a fine actress whose life and work is fascinating and impressive.  The book is highly recommended for libraries, research centers, and fans of classic Hollywood.

The book is available at this link:  SHERIDAN