Arthur Wilhelm

Rita Hayworth Arthur Wilhelm

Rita Hayworth: From American Love Goddess to the Face of Alzheimer's is a tribute to an actress who epitomized glamour and beauty during the 20th century. Shy, retiring, and insecure in private life, she exploded onto the silver screen as a captivating beauty who mesmerized film audiences with her tantalizing performances. This tribute follows her life and career from early childhood through five marriages and an impressive film career during which she appeared in 61 films over a period of 37 years. Born into a family of Spanish dancers, she became her father's dance partner at age 13, made her screen debut at age 17, and survived a studio makeover that attempted to deny her Hispanic heritage. With the advent of World War II, she gained recognition as Fred Astaire's dance partner and American GI's most popular pin-up girl. This tribute considers how each of her films was reviewed by critics at the time of their release and how they are viewed in contemporary 21st century. Hailed by the press in the 1940s as the "love goddess," Rita Hayworth sought to find happiness against overwhelming odds. The book gives attention to analyzing film noir and Rita Hayworth's femme fatale roles regarding homosexuality and women's liberation. It also recognizes the significant roles that two gay choreographers played in creating Rita Hayworth's iconic image. Finally, bringing understanding and compassion to Rita Hayworth's struggle with Alzheimer's disease will bring support for finding a cure and offering hope to today's victims and their families.