Anne Stewart: A Most Successful Failure

Plot Summary

Anne Stewart came from a traditional Jewish family and reinvented herself into a glamorous Hollywood starlet and socialite. Anne's early years capture the innocence and excitement of New York in the 1930's. Her breathtaking beauty allowed her to mix with the uppermost echelons of New York society. A torrid affair with famous Metropolitan opera and movie star Nino Martini resulted in the birth of an out of wedlock daughter. Anne moved to Hollywood and got signed to 20th Century Fox as a contract player in the 1940's. She partied with Ronald Reagan, Nancy Davis, Lana Turner and Shelley Winters. Her friends and lovers included Tyrone Power, Joan Crawford, and Rory Calhoun. In candid interviews, she expresses regret for not being nicer to little Marilyn Monroe who chased her around the lot looking for guidance. Through her marriage to Jazz musician Wild Bill Davison, Anne could travel the world and continue mixing with celebrities. She appeared on stage and on television playing the role of Wild Bill Davison's loyal wife - a former Hollywood starlet who gave it all up for love. Authentic personal accomplishment and fame eluded her, but Anne never gave up the quest and described herself as a most successful failure. Her riveting personal story is recounted through family interviews, press accounts and through Anne's own words.