Five Screen Goddesses

Episodes

EpisodeTitleFirst
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Bette Davis2017031020180821 (R3)Author and broadcaster Sarah Churchwell describes the spell that female stars of the 1930s and '40s have over her..

From Joan Crawford, the 'working girl', to someone regarded as 'the quintessential Diva'. Apart from appearing in some great films, this one had the eyes and the laugh, and could smoke like a dragon. It's Bette Davis, of course.

Producer Duncan Minshull.

Author and broadcaster Sarah Churchwell discusses the work of actress Bette Davis.

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

01Katharine Hepburn2017030620180807 (R3)Author and broadcaster Sarah Churchwell describes the spell that female film stars of the 1930s and '40s have over her..

She begins her series with Katharine Hepburn, the so-called 'Ice Queen', who inspired the young author growing up in Chicago and lacking any role models. One day she watched The Philadelphia Story on television and life changed forever ...

Producer Duncan Minshull.

Author Sarah Churchwell explains how actress Katharine Hepburn inspired her.

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

02Barbara Stanwyck2017030720180809 (R3)Author and broadcaster Sarah Churchwell describes the spell that female film stars of the 1930's and 40's have over her.

From stately Katharine Hepburn she moves on to think about Barbara Stanwyck - 'the tough dame' - who could do more with a raised eyebrow and 'side-eye' than anybody else around.

Producer Duncan Minshull.

Sarah Churchwell discusses the work of actress Barbara Stanwyck.

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

03Jean Harlow2017030820180810 (R3)Author and broadcaster Sarah Churchwell describes the spell that female film stars of the 1930s and '40s have over her..

From Barbara Stanwyck, 'the tough broad', to a vision of modernity who is all 'satin' and 'chrome'. The author moves on to consider the original 'blonde bombshell' - Jean Harlow.

Producer Duncan Minshull.

Sarah Churchwell discusses the original 'blonde bombshell', actress Jean Harlow.

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

04Joan Crawford2017030920180820 (R3)Author and broadcaster Sarah Churchwell describes the spell that female film stars of the 1930's and 40's have over her.

From Jean Harlow, the blonde bombshell, to someone the author came to admire later in life. Why? Because this star tried too hard, was unrelenting, was altogether frightening. She now thinks about Joan Crawford - the 'working girl'.

Producer Duncan Minshull.

Sarah Churchwell discusses her affection for the work of Hollywood actress Joan Crawford.

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.