WAIM 167: Film Historian Dr. Gail Crowther

Dorothy Parker was one of America’s greatest wits, and one of its finest writers. Born into privilege, Parker lived a life of contrasts. Her scathing wit and razor sharp humor made her famous, but that quick tongue shielded a low self-esteem. At the height of her powers, Parker found herself the de facto leader of the famous Algonquin Round Table, a weekly collection of intellectuals and writers at the center of Manhattan’s cultural elite. Yet she often looked down upon the Round Table, seeing it as little more than tawdry entertainment.Film historian, and author Dr. Gail Crowther’s new book, Dorothy Parker In Hollywood charts the path of Parker’s journey west in search of work and a new life in the Los Angeles sunshine. The book takes a deep look at Parker’s strained familial relationships, and wrestles with the author’s destructive relationship with alcohol. Crowther also paints an excellent portrait of Parker’s personal life that was largely fueled by the affection and assistance of her husband, Alan Campbell.Activism was a central part of Parker’s entire adult life, working with left-wing causes to fight against fascism in Spain and then in Italy and Germany. Parker also devoted much of her life to the struggle for civil rights in America, and even bequeathed her estate to Martin Luther King, Jr. after her death. In fact, her dedication to various progressive causes was so intense that she was surveilled by the FBI for years and was even blacklisted for a time. Whether she was fighting fascism, battling bigotry, or trading barbs at the Round Table, Dorothy Parker always punched up. Join me and Dr. Gail Crowther as we take a fulsome at Dorthty Parker in Hollywood and beyond.Let’s get into it.Cheers,Matty C-------------------------End CreditsThanks so much to Gail for joining me. You can find her new book, Dorothy Parker In Hollywood wherever you get your books.The What Am I Making podcast is hosted, written, and produced by me, Matty C.Our theme music was written and recorded by David J. Baldwin.You can subscribe to our show wherever you get your podcasts. Please be sure to like, rate and review the show if you enjoy it.Our work is solely sponsored by listeners and readers like you. Please lend your support today with a paid subscription at whatamimaking.substack.com/. Now is a crucial time for new paid subscribers. Please step up and support the show.You can email the show anytime at [email protected]. You can also leave us a voicemail with your questions or concerns at speakpipe.com/whatamimaking Get full access to What Am I Making at whatamimaking.substack.com/subscribe