Giving New Life to Old Hollywood

Seldom does the life and impact of a Hollywood actress outlast their lifespan unless you are among the ranks of Golden Age stars like Judy Garland, Katherine Hepburn, Vivien Leigh, Rita Hayworth, or Ginger Rogers.

Many of their stories have been told by films, books, in TV specials, etcetera, but one silver screen star who has never been served justice for her strength to turn her back on Hollywood is Veronica Lake.

Her life ended with a progressing bout of alcoholism. Veronica was known for her Peek-A-Boo hairstyle worn by so many actresses including Taylor Swift, Blake Lively, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Anniston, and Eva Mendes. Veronica was also known for being among the most gorgeous actresses of her time, enduring broken marriages, and her femme fatale roles.

Fortunately, there’s a promising film being made now that reveals Veronica Lake's fascinating but poignant life, this movement and critique of Hollywood, and its movie stars. However, it is only halfway done. Veteran filmmaker Edward G. Norris has always had a fascination with film history, and was particularly intrigued by Veronica Lake. Her story inspired him to begin filming “Hollywood Heroine: The Veronica Lake Story.” I spoke with Norris about his feelings on the film, and why he had such a passion to make sure her story was told – as close to the truth.

Me: Mr. Norris, why did you decide to make a film about Veronica Lake?

Edward G. Norris: My mother, who knew the Classical Hollywood period of the 1940s really well, had told me that Veronica Lake ended up a barmaid in Hell's Kitchen in New York.

Me: So, you were intrigued with the notion of a Hollywood Goddess essentially bottoming out?

EGN: Yeah. It's a tragedy, but she had a great sense of humor as well.

ME: Isn't that kind of depressing? I mean, most people want to see some sort of redemption.

EGN: There is no redemption in 'Hollywood Heroine.' Well there is a little, at the end of the picture, when a fan visits her before she drinks herself to death.

ME: Why have you chosen to shoot on B&W film and not digital?

EGN: I don't like digital. I'll keep shooting film as long as it's around. And for this story, it's apropos.

ME: I have to agree with you. What you've got so far is beautifully shot.

EGN: Yeah, Pete is doing a great job.

ME: Do you think Veronica regretted leaving Hollywood for New York? Her career obviously went south...

EGN: Yeah, I do. But she hated Hollywood and loved her anonymity, especially in a New York bar.

ME: Did those in Hollywood like the story? Were the studios receptive?

EGN: Not at all. They wanted to make it a love story. One Hollywood producer suggested a lover of Veronica's visit her in a hospital at the end before she dies.

ME: Is that so terrible?

EGN: Well, no. But, he was already dead from alcoholism.

ME: Well, it is good to maintain historical integrity for such a story. What should viewers take away from this film?

EGN: That we can be our own worst enemies, and life is cruel as Chekhov often noted.

ME: A quote with a lot of truth behind it. Now, you have said the film is half complete and in need of funding for the story, which takes place in New York?

EGN: Yeah, we're looking for funds to finish shooting, editing and post-production, entering the film festivals and such.

ME: What avenues are you pursuing for funding?

EGN: We were fortunate to have an investor who put up initial financing to get us going, and now we’re using IndieGoGo and Kickstarter as a means of reaching out to people who may want to support us in getting this film made and seen by the public. Also, we're utilizing social media to bring awareness to the project. If you search the name of the film, Hollywood Heroine, you will find it both on IndieGogo and Kickstarter, as well as Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter.

ME: It sounds like you are putting the internet to good use.

EGN: Yeah, we're definitely maximizing efforts via the internet. Another reason we’re doing this is, when the film is complete, we’ll have a base for the movement we are creating about how Hollywood can be destructive, especially for women.

ME: It certainly is a tough town.

EGN: It sure can be.

ME: Well Edward, thank you for your time today, and I wish you luck on the project. Keep us updated so we can do a follow-up story. It certainly sounds like a worthwhile project.

EGN: Thanks for having me. We'll keep everyone up to date on the status of our film.

This is a great project I stumbled upon, below are some links to this ground breaking project:

http://www.indiegogo.com/Hollywood-Heroine

Kickstarter coming soon...

http://www.hollywoodheroine.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HollywoodHeroi1

Facebook: search "Hollywood Heroine: The Veronica Lake Story"

Tumblr: http://hollywoodheroine.tumblr.com/