Part of the Encore Film Book Classics series, this is a reprint of the original text to The Forties Gals by James Robert Parish and Don E. Stanke. Hundreds of new faces appeared in the motion pictures of the 1940s. Only a few lasted until the end of that decade. And fewer yet were able to establish long-lasting careers as major Hollywood stars. Seven of the most unique and popular actresses that endured from the 1940s are the subjects of The Forties Gals: LAUREN BACALL: one of the most self-willed and vibrant characters ever to appear on the silver screen. SUSAN HAYWARD: a loner, who grew up poor in Brooklyn and vowed to succeed. IDA LUPINO: born in London to a family whose acting reputation dated back to the 16th century, she found success both in front of and behind the camera. VIRGINIA MAYO: producer Samuel Goldwyn's beautiful answer to movies' pin-up queen Betty Grable. ANN SHERIDAN: she made a major career out of her "Oomph Girl" screen image as well as showcasing her dynamic screen presence. ESTHER WILLIAMS : the most promising and dazzling ex-swim champion ever to appear onscreen. JANE WYMAN: her acting abilities ranged from dizzy blonde roles to an Academy Award for playing a very dramatic screen part. Each of these Forties Gals is given a chapter of her own, complete with the particulars of her life and career, as well as detailed filmographies. Each feature film listed has production credits, cast credits (with roles), running time, studio, and year of release. The Forties Gals contains vivid in-depth portraits of seven film actresses who aimed for stardom . . . and saw their ambitious dreams come true in the Forties.