Ruth Roman

<p> With her striking looks the raven-haired dark eyed Ruth Roman had an air of sophistication that made her seem sexy yet wholesome. She had to strive harder than most to establish herself as a leading actress in Hollywood during its glory years and finally broke through in 1949 with her role in <I>Champion</I>. As one of the last Warner Bros. contract players she appeared in Alfred Hitchcock's classic <I>Strangers on a Train</I>. Seen at her best in strong parts such as the ambitious Ronda Castle in Anthony Mann's <I>The Far Country</I> or as a modern-day Lady Macbeth she enjoyed a varied career as a freelancer before re-inventing herself as a character actress of note on television. A remarkable return to the screen in the bizarre psycho-horror <I>The Baby</I> (1973) assured her of cult status. This is the first book dedicated to a committed but often undervalued actress who is fondly remembered by fans of classic film. More than a biography it seeks to contextualize the actress within her own time illuminate her Hollywood experience and celebrate her extensive career.</p>