Louise Lovely: Australia's First Movie Star is a captivating biography that delves into the life and career of Louise Lovely, Australia's first Hollywood star of the silent era. Born Nellie Louise Carbasse, Lovely's journey from her beginnings in Sydney when she first appeared on stage at the age of 9 in 1904, to her career as a world-renowned actress is nothing short of extraordinary. The book explores her early days, shrouded in mystery, and her rise to fame in both Australia and Hollywood. Lovely appeared in over fifty-five motion pictures between 1911 and 1922, becoming a groundbreaker and an 'it' girl of her time. Lovely was described in 1916 film ads as being 'The Most Beautiful Actress On The Screen'. Her story is intertwined with the Australian experience and the early days of cinema, making her a significant yet often forgotten figure in film history.
The book meticulously uncovers the challenges Lovely faced, including her work on the film Jewelled Nights, which she co-wrote, produced, edited, and co-directed. The book also highlights her resilience and determination, as she navigated the harsh conditions of filming in Tasmania and her personal struggles, including her marriage and subsequent separation.
The book also looks at the end of her career in the early 1930s, on stage in Adelaide. Along the way, the book studies her personal life and her many adventures on stage, on film and off it. Lovely was the first woman to fly in a seaplane in Australia. She raced cars, was a free spirit in all ways and a true pioneer in both Australian and American cinema.
Through detailed research and engaging storytelling, this book brings to light the life of a woman who commanded respect and left an indelible mark on the film industry. "Louise Lovely: Australia's First Movie Star" is a tribute to a pioneering actress whose legacy deserves recognition.
