Friends and colleagues described the actress as modest, generous and outspoken, and co-workers fondly called her ''Missy.'' AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. This meeting with him opened new horizons for her in Hollywood. He soon followed, moving in with Gray. From the mid-50's on, she lent distinction to a string of otherwise lackluster movies. [98] She later converted to Roman Catholicism when she married first husband Frank Fay but does not appear to have remained an adherent after the marriage ended. He litigated the government breakup of the studio-theatre monopoly. Claudette Colbert once said that the only WOMAN she knew in the movie business who did not use the casting couch to get ahead was Bette Davis. In 1960 she was awarded two stars . The articles I write are simply my paltry attempts to unravel the many mysteries of the business. Barbara Stanwyck in a scene from the movie "Forbidden" | Photo: Getty Images. He was the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1944 to 1946, and was awarded an honorary Oscar in 1951. There is enough evidence about Miss Stanwyck to be able to state with some certainty that she was either a lesbian or bisexual. LETS GO TO THE MOVIES PETER PAN, MEDICINE MAN. [13] She attended various public schools in Brooklyn, where she received uniformly poor grades and routinely picked fights with the other students.[14]. [29] The Noose re-opened on October 20, 1926, and became one of the most successful plays of the season, running on Broadway for nine months and 197 performances. Thank you. (1932). The Western television series The Big Valley, which was broadcast on ABC from 1965 to 1969, made Stanwyck one of the most popular actresses on television, winning her another Emmy. His only asset was his beauty, and he knew it, and he was glad to be kept on board because of it. Louis B. Mayer had insisted that Stanwyck and Taylor marry and went as far as presiding over arrangements at the wedding. Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day. Taylor was just too timid. Furthermore, given Taylor's nature to avoid confrontations, Stanwyck was able to have things her way. Reagan's good friend and fellow actor William Holden, would be best man. While still at sea he contracted septic poisoning, and died shortly after arriving in France at the age of 31. BARBARA STANWYCK L.A. Film Critics Career Award 16,685 views May 12, 2008 114 Dislike Share Save Jonathan Richards 1.17K subscribers Barbara Stanwyck receiving her Los Angeles Film Critics. But all that aside and, in the end, there was no way to compare the two of them in acting. Before she died, she was married for three times, however, she didn't give birth to any child due to her health issues. After marrying actor Robert Taylor in 1939, Stanwyck sold her 10 acre estate to comedic actor Jack Oakie and her remaining share of the ranch to Marx in 1940. Stanwyck was reportedly one of the many actresses considered for the role of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind (1939), although she did not receive a screen test. Their divorce was also seen as one of the shortest divorces on record. Thanks to her outstanding acting talent Barbara Stanwyck rose to the highest-paid actress of America in 1944. Cruise does the same thing today. Far from it. Thats both hilarious and nonsensical at the same time. He went home to his mothers that night. Frank Capra chose her for his romantic drama Ladies of Leisure (1930). "1000 Movies You Must See Before You Die", Quintessence Editions Limited, pg. [91] For Stanwyck, "hard work with the prospect of rich reward was the American way." Today. The actress Barbara Stanwyck had a 60-year career in the American film industry and became one of the greatest stars who ever appeared on the big screen. In 1981, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. They had no children together. Her ashes are scattered in Lone Pine, California. It was a most serious issue. Fay was reportedly physically abusive to Stanwyck, especially when he was inebriated. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? Ronald and Nancy Reagan were married in 1952. [87] In the 1950s, Stanwyck also had a one-night stand with Farley Granger, which he wrote about in his autobiography Include Me Out: My Life from Goldwyn to Broadway (2007). Cast: Barbara Stanwyck, Ronald Reagan Sierra Nevada Jones (best name ever) must fight a villainous rancher to regain the land that is rightfully hers with the help of a government official, (played by none other than THE ultimate future government official, Ronald Reagan). When Taylor began filming Johnny Eager (1941) with Lana Turner, Turner and Taylor found themselves attracted to one another, but Lana denied having ever slept with her co-star. And you can see that indeed, its her, during the 20-30 second sequence. He could be extremely vindictive. Thankyou for your informative comments, Pietra. Unfortunately, Hollywood history is riddled with falsifications and statements made by individuals with hidden (some not so hidden) agendas, and it is very difficult to arrive at any level of absolute certainty. She was a Hollywood actress in the 1940s and '50s and married then-actor Reagan in. In other words, homosexuality and bisexuality are perfectly normal manifestions of sexuality evident across the human and animal kingdoms. Add to that a gullible, adoring public ready to swallow whatever BS the studios threw at them, and you have the fully-fledged fantasy world known as Hollywood. [28] In an effort to improve it, Mack decided to expand Ruby's part to include more pathos. The actress commanded increasingly higher salaries in the 1930's and early 40's, and in 1944 the Government listed her as the nation's highest-paid woman, earning $400,000. I dont understand spreading these stupid rumors about people you didnt know, based on bad research, when Victoria Wilson interviewed dozens upon dozens, going back to her childhood. In 1958, she guest-starred in "Trail to Nowhere", an episode of the Western anthology series Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre, playing a wife who kills a man to avenge her husband. Stanwyck signed non-exclusive contracts with both Columbia and Warner Bros, and freelanced with MGM. which position would mean you are a right wing anti Jewish loon. She was reportedly unable to have children, and one biographer alleges the cause of her infertility was a botched abortion at the age of 15 that resulted in complications. That lasted only 18 months. Stanwyck's biggest and most memorable role was as "Phyllis" in, arguably, the best noir film, "Double Indemnity." But, religion, philosophy, the law and organisations around the world have a real issue with being bisexual or gay. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It is then not unreasonable to assume that evidence suggests that non-breeding animals and kingdom are all a normal part of life and even birth control. Best Wishes KMW. Consequently Was Barbara Stanwyck married to Ronald Reagan? Stanwyck's emotional commitment was far greater than Taylor's in the relationship. Ronnie - If I had known / during the filming of 'Cattle Queen . [99], Stanwyck's older brother, Malcolm Byron Stevens (19051964), became an actor, using the name Bert Stevens. I love the atmosphere of the picture and all three principals are fabulous. With a tenacious character and above all endowed with a will to succeed, she got into the entertainment industry. However, Stanwyck, who won custody of their son, sent him to boarding school because she did not know how to mother as she had never had parents. 7. And in her final years, repeated tragedies haunted her Holdens death, the horrific home break-in, the house fire, all of which apparently turned her into a frightened recluse at the end. A stage, film, and television star, during her 60-year professional career she was known for her strong, realistic screen presence and versatility. In 1964, she appeared in her last film, "The. Consequently, Mayer took advantage of that trust, and Bob remained the lowest paid of all the studios major stars. Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman were married from 1940 to 1949. My Uncle Jack Burke was Mickey Redstones attorney for 30yrs. I appreciate and respect your input and your comments. She had indicated that she wanted no funeral service. They got divorced in 1935, and some have claimed that their relationship inspired William Wellman's film, "A Star is Born.". mayo 29, 2022 . They had a daughter Maureen and adopted a son, Michael. This led to additional leading roles which raised her profile, such as Night Nurse (1931), Baby Face (1933), and the controversial The Bitter Tea of General Yen (1933). Miss Stanwyck married vaudeville comedian Frank Fay in 1928. Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor in publicity portrait for the film 'The Night Walker' in 1964 | Photo: Getty Images. [23] In 1985, she made three guest appearances in the primetime soap opera Dynasty prior to the launch of its short-lived spinoff series The Colbys, in which she starred alongside Charlton Heston, Stephanie Beacham and Katharine Ross. With Mr. Fay, she adopted a son, Dion Anthony Fay, from whom she had been estranged for decades. I loved him very much, and I miss him. Stanwyck allegedly mothered and bossed Taylor and embarrassed him in the presence of his friends. Anyone publicly identified as gay would not only lose their career, but run the real risk of spending time in the slammer, making little rocks out of big ones. Stanwyck was born Ruby Stevens in Brooklyn on July 16, 1907. "Barbara Stanwyck: Uncommon Heroine". I've always been a little sorry for pampered people, and of course, they're "very" sorry for me. The wedding, which took place on March 4, 1952, was a very small affair. However, Dan Callahan, author of "Barbara Stanwyck: The Miracle Woman" shared she dreamt of being an actress: "She was a very ambitious person who said it was her dream to become the best actress of her time.". Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. They had a daughter Maureen and adopted a son, Michael. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! , The Jewish Communist infiltration of movies, SUPPOSED Jewish Communist infiltration of movies by right wing anti Jewish loons. [25] Mack was casting his play The Noose, and LaHiff suggested that the part of the chorus girl be played by a real one. Do you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete? However, we must conclude that this flies in the face of de facto evidence that homosexuality is absolutely not abnormal, and that society must allow people the right to be different within a world of prejudice, persecution, proesecution and cruel discrimination. He openly confirmed that he experimented with homosexuality himself, but just once. If the head of the Mattachine Society, Harry Hay, said Robert Taylor wasnt gay or bisexual he wasnt. They never saw him again. In 1945, she starred as a homemaker columnist in the hit romantic comedy Christmas in Connecticut. [78] There have been many rumors regarding the cause of the divorce, but after World War II Taylor attempted to create a life away from the entertainment industry, and Stanwyck did not share that goal. The theater group is where he was spotted by a talent scout from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). She had been scared to play such a dark role. Even in her 70's Miss Stanwyck began every day by walking half a mile on an uphill treadmill that dominated her bedroom. [65] During this period, she also guest-starred on other television series such as The Untouchables and four episodes of Wagon Train. Miss Stanwyck was married twice, to the comedian Frank Fay from 1928 to 1935, and to the actor Robert Taylor from 1939 to 1951. Barbara Stanwyck was most happy at Marwyck, a ranch in Northridge, CA, commissioned by Stanwyck herself to celebrity architect Paul Williams and built in 1937. And what a nerve stating that I never said he was gay after telling that ridiculous story about the Pasadena Playhouse. Barbara Stanwyck was married to actor Frank Fay from 1928-1935, and to actor Robert Taylor from 1951. [52] It was a hit upon release and remains a treasured holiday classic today. Nobody much liked the sound of Ruby Stevens as a name so it was changed to Barbara Stanwyck. He appeared mostly in supporting roles, often uncredited. Some kids are born with bad blood, she said by way of explanation. The sarcasm was obvious but, apparently, the writers felt it necessary just to keep on the safe side. Explore her story below. Few of us get the opportunity to alter history (or at least the worlds perception of it), and you seem to be in a position to do so. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. Thanks for your response, Alan. The two had been married from 1940, until their divorce in 1949. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. If it was in fact a lavender marriage, Im not surprised. Barbara Stanwyck was married to actor Frank Fay from 1928-1935, and to actor Robert Taylor from 1951. The postscript less formally reads, "P.S. Eastwood tambm tem interesse na poltica. Taylor was engaged to someone, which the studio was NOT happy about, and broke it off when he met Barbara. She won 3 Emmys and an honorary Oscar. Thankyou again for your candid responses, Pietra. Still, Farley Granger told the following story in interviews and in his autobiography: I had just returned from working in Europe, and I wasnt up on the latest, he says. What characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? Thanks for reading this. I could not agree more, Elvis. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. [23] It was rumored that Earl Hamner Jr., former producer of The Waltons, had initially wanted Stanwyck for the role of Angela Channing in the 1980s soap opera Falcon Crest, and she turned it down, with the role going to her friend Jane Wyman, but Hamner assured Wyman that it was only a rumor. Her salary for that year was $400,000, which would be 5.4 million in today's money. Looking back, it is perfectly understandable why these marriages of convenience were necessary. I will always regret not walking over and talking to her. Barbaras own biographer, Axel Madsen, wrote that people would swear that she was Hollywoods biggest closeted lesbian. In 1937, she played the title role in Stella Dallas for which she earned her first Academy Award nomination for best actress. She started as a wrapper in a department store and worked in other low-paying clerical jobs while studying dancing with a vaudevillian friend of her family. There was certainly affection between the two of them, and she was deeply hurt by the Italian affair that ended their marriage. Turner said she and Barbara were once staying in the same hotel and Turner called her. They had a daughter Maureen and adopted a son, Michael. Before Stanwyck and Taylor married in 1939, the couple had starred in two movies together. He was a coddled, spineless mamas boy. [80], Stanwyck was one of the best-liked actresses in Hollywood and maintained friendships with many of her fellow actors (as well as crew members of her films and TV shows), including Joel McCrea and his wife Frances Dee, George Brent, Robert Preston, Henry Fonda (who had a lifelong crush on her),[81][82] James Stewart, Linda Evans, Joan Crawford, Jack Benny and his wife Mary Livingstone, William Holden, Gary Cooper, and Fred MacMurray. 5. Robert Taylor and Barbara Stanwyck were married in 1939 and divorced in 1951. Unhappy with the experience, Stanwyck remained with the series for only the first season, and her role as Constance Colby Patterson would be her last. Like all historians, however, mistakes are almost inevitable, so if I am incorrect I truly apologise. [49] Her performance as the "insolent, self-possessed wife is one of the screen's definitive studies of villainy and should (it is widely thought) have won the Oscar for Best Actress",[47] not just been nominated. Never in her career, including "Double Indemnity," was she ever as hard-boiled as she was in the early 1930s. Throughout his long career at MGM, Taylor trusted LB Mayer implicitly. Wilson's admiration for the tough . She changed her name, became a Broadway star, and got the leading role in "Burlesque" in 1927. Did Lee Majors get along with Barbara Stanwyck? Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Robert Taylor and Barbara Stanwyck were married in 1939 and divorced in 1951. . And, in 1987, her colleagues and admirers added their tributes to her independent spirit and professionalism as she received the 15th annual life achievement award of the American Film Institute. I think that Barbara and William Holden were in love he was truly shocked when he read that she married Robert Taylor it was 1939 and the studio wanted them married and I think she did that to save Robert Taylors career cuz he was a lousy actor, Thank you Alan for your considered and gracious responses to posts to your website. Her career in the entertainment industry began in 1923 when she followed in her sister's footsteps and became a showgirl. Robert Taylor and Barbara Stanwyck were married in 1939 and divorced in 1951. [17] Ruby never attended high school, "although early biographical thumbnail sketches had her attending Brooklyn's famous Erasmus Hall High School. Her career change came when two big Hollywood agents saw her performance in "Burlesque" on broadway. Contents 1 Early life 2 Career 3 Personal life 4 Death She repeatedly refused to use a double and was seriously injured several times. We exist to glorify God that Norwegians and internationals might enjoy him forever. She went upstairs, having no idea he had a surprise party planned and there were people there. She divorced him in 1935. When it came to questions about her sexuality, Barbara Stanwyck was the old studio days equivalent of todays Tom Cruise. He could be extremely vindictive. I have watched Double Indemnity and Sorry Wrong number and The Strange Love of Martha Ivers a hundred times each and I cant find a single syllable or facial expression of Stanwycks that isnt perfect. Any mention of her sexual preferences would immediately bring forth veiled threats of litigation should the subject be pursued. She was wonderful in it (blonde wig and all). He then took his cello lessons from Professor Herbert E. Gray. "[92][93] It opposed both communist and fascist influences in Hollywood. I dont care about her sexuality. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Unfortunately, her personal life was far less successful. They divorced in 1935. Ardis made the arrangements for a wedding ceremony to be at The Little Brown Church on Coldwater Canyon in Studio City. SEALED ! What about Frank Capra? It was more than likely a 'lavender' arrangement aimed at deflecting any talk of Barbara's sexual preferences. And these are the ones that make the headlines. And so, tonight, my golden boy, you got your wish."[62]. [53] In 1946 she was "liquid nitrogen" as Martha, a manipulative murderess, starring with Van Heflin and newcomer Kirk Douglas in The Strange Love of Martha Ivers. Revealed that he had a wonderful working relationship with Barbara Stanwyck on The Big Valley (1965). In a 1981 interview at her longtime Beverly Hills home, she offered this advice: ''You have to know when you've had your hour, your place in the sun. Mack agreed, and after a successful audition gave the part to Ruby. Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman were married from 1940 to 1949. I feel certain that any major publishing house would jump at the chance to utilise what you have and pay you handsomely for the privilege.My one piece of advice would be tread carefully and be sure to deal with someone you can genuinely trust. ''. She was magnificent from the beginning of her career to the end; he was never anything but a pretty face. [43], Next, she was the extremely successful, independent doctor Helen Hunt in You Belong to Me (1941), also with Fonda. [54][55] Stanwyck was also the vulnerable, invalid wife that overhears her own murder being plotted in Sorry, Wrong Number (1948)[56] and the doomed concert pianist in The Other Love (1947). No doubt you disagree which is, of course, your prerogative. Barbara Stanwyck/Parents. Below is a chronological list of her film appearances, along with her role, her leading men, and her director. She played the lead, or one of the leads, in all but three of these films. They both swore like troopers, told similar risqu, foul jokes, but nobody knows for certain if they were intimate. Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor pose for a picture upon their return to Hollywood after their surprise elopement in San Diego in the spring of 1939 | Photo: Getty Images. Whenever he beat her up, which was often, she found solace in the arms of Crawford. At Miss Stanwyck's request, no funeral service is planned. And the consequent contribution of scientific fact and discovery that informs our world of knowledge, continually. Thank you for your most interesting comment, John. Ive researched Stanwyck extensively and would say that the most reliable resource on her is Victoria Wilsons biography. She was a television and film actress. [39] Film critic David Thomson described Stanwyck as "giving one of the best American comedy performances",[2] and she was reviewed as brilliantly versatile in "her bravura double performance" by The Guardian. I assume you got most of your information from Axel Madsens biography; most of the stories in it have been heavily disputed by those who actually knew Stanwyck. I think I watch Double Indemnity about 10 times a year! Even though Stanwyck never spoke openly of her sexuality, her Biographer Axel Madsen once described her as the most famous lesbian in the closet of Hollywood. Her first lead role, which was in the hit Burlesque (1927), established her as a Broadway star. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. First, she was married to her Burlesque costar, Frank Fay. [34] Stanwyck and Fay were married on August 26, 1928, and soon moved to Hollywood. The actress passed away in 1990 from heart failure. But trouble followed when Robert began to find Barbara somewhat dominant in the relationship. Ronald Reagan, Greer Garson, William Wellman, Henry Willson, Anne Shirley, Ginger Rogers . Portrait of Barbara Stanwyck circa 1950 | Photo: Getty Images, As her career went uphill, Fay's career was at a standstill and this spelled doom for their marriage. The scene called for her character to fall from and be dragged by a horse, and the stunt was so dangerous that the film's professional stuntman refused to perform it. This is a digitized version of an article from The Timess print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. After their divorces, both eventually remarried. I truly hope you do it and I wish you every success. Main article: Barbara Stanwyck Barbara Stanwyck appeared in a total of 85 theatrically released motion pictures. A prominent American actress and model and Stanwyck Stanwyck and Robert Taylor were married May. She married Robert Taylor in 1939 and divorced him in 1951. My sincere apologies. Usually played women who either become engaged or soon get married. what does the name braxton mean biblically. As for the media being in the bedrooms of presidents, well, my personal opinion is that most presidents (and politicians) tell lies whenever it suits them. She is Barbara Stanwyck. Can Barbara Stanwyck dance? Crawford, Garbo and Dietrich were also lovers shared by Bankhead and Stanwyck. Barbara Stanwyck was an American actress, model and a dancer. The couple were rarely (if ever) intimate, but they did grow closer together over the years. But American women were nuts about him, so it was good for the studio to have him around. Bing Crosby for Chesterfield, 1944 Anne Sheridan for Chesterfield, 1947 Ronald Reagan for Chesterfield, 1948 Barbara Stanwyck for L&M, undated Basil Rathbone for Fatima, 1949 Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz for Philip Morris, 1951 Ed Sullivan for Chesterfield, 1953 Frank Gifford for Lucky Strike, . Film, television and theatre actress Barbara Stanwyck was born Ruby Stevens on July 16, 1907, in Brooklyn, New York. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. With all due respect James, while Stanwyck was indeed a great actress one of the best she had a bad habit of rushing her lines during argumentative moments, almost to the point of stumbling over them and made them far more melodramatic than they should be. Robert Taylor and Barbara Stanwyck were married in 1939 and divorced in 1951. . This ties in neatly with known facts (facts!) The couple began living together, sparking newspaper reports. He also chain-smoked more vigorously than Bette Davis so much so that he looked 10 years older than his age by 1950, and about 20 years older than his age when he died at only 57 years old. about the animal kingdoms sexual proclivities. Miss Stanwyck was married twice, to the comedian Frank Fay from 1928 to 1935, and to the actor Robert Taylor from 1939 to 1951. When a parent has done everything possible, the only solution is to save yourself. In truth, her career was all she cared about. She then fell in love with her "Burlesque" co-star, Frank Fay, and married by August 26, 1928. In 1941, she starred in two screwball comedies: Ball of Fire with Gary Cooper, and The Lady Eve with Henry Fonda. [84], Stanwyck, at age 45, had a four-year romantic affair with 22-year-old actor Robert Wagner that had begun on the set of Titanic (1953)[85] before Stanwyck ended the relationship. They had a daughter Maureen and adopted a son, Michael. Her death probably came as a surprise to the general public because they never saw her fall to pieces. [60] She would later be named an honorary member of the Hollywood Stuntmen's Hall of Fame. Was Barbara Stanwyck married to Ronald Reagan? Gary Cooper? [54] At the age of 50, she performed an extremely difficult stunt in Forty Guns. [13], Stanwyck's first sound film was The Locked Door (1929), followed by Mexicali Rose, released in the same year. In 1941, he made Johnny Eager opposite man-eater Lana Turner, who was at the peak of her beauty. He did not enjoy it, he said, so surely he could not class himself as bisexual. Copyright 2022 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes, Top 10 Historical Movies About The American West, Top 10 Historical 19th/20th Century Dramas, THE ST. VALENTINES DAY MASSACRE (1967). She took his death in 1969 very hard, and took a long break from film and television work. I hope you do. Her son, Dion Anthony 'Tony' Fay (1932) was adopted. 8. Rather than a torrid romance, their relationship was more one of mentor and pupil. In these 'lavender marriages,' the couple might be celibate or go through sexual formalities for procreation while allowing for outside interests. When Sarah Jane was age 15, she landed a job as dancer in the chorus of Busby Berkeley's I couldn't think of a good reason why I shouldn't. I thought: Never again. He and Stanwyck were divorced in 1951. Can Barbara Stanwyck dance? [14] Watching the movies of Pearl White, whom Ruby idolized, also influenced her drive to be a performer. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Cattle Queen of Montana [New DVD] Barbara Stanwyck, Ronald Reagan. Be glad you can get out of bed on your own.''. These films were "His Brother's Wife" in 1936 and "This Is My Affair" in 1937. People in the public eye are generally considered to be public property. If A New Comment Is Posted:Do Not Send Email Notifications.Send Email Notification ONLY If Someone Replies To My Comment(s).Send Email Notification Whenever A New Comment Is Posted. He lived with her until his health deteriorated to the point that he had to be moved to an assisted-living type place. Taylor and Miss Stanwyck divorced, it was Miss Stanwyck who retained ownership of the ranch. First, she was married to her Burlesque costar, Frank Fay. What he did behind the scenes was squash blackmail of gay pedophiles, underworld gambling debts, arrests on morals charges by vice cops and on and on.My mother was his legal secretary. In any event, Barbara Stanwyck has to be on the short list of the greatest Hollywood performers to never win an Oscar. Apr 4, 2016 - Barbara Stanwyck and Ronald Reagan in the 1940's. Apr 4, 2016 - Barbara Stanwyck and Ronald Reagan in the 1940's. Apr 4, 2016 - Barbara Stanwyck and Ronald Reagan in the 1940's. Pinterest. This page was last edited on 9 January 2023, at 08:17. Just because theyre both dead, that doesnt make telling untruths right. [35] In The Bitter Tea of General Yen (1933), another controversial pre-Code film by director Capra, Stanwyck portrays an idealistic Christian caught behind the lines of Chinese civil war kidnapped by warlord Nils Asther. Mayer insisted on he and Barbara marrying, simply to ward off the rumours about both of them. The marriage was troubled; Fay's successful Broadway career did not translate to the big screen, whereas Stanwyck achieved Hollywood stardom. Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor were the darlings of Hollywood, and their marriage seemed perfect. Madsen, who wrote the biography, "Stanwyck," revealed that the twosome who were a 'lavender couple' got married to squash reports about their true sexualities.