Grace Kelly: The American Princess 2007
Distributed by Janson Media, 88 Semmons Road, Harrington Park, NJ 07640; 201-784-8488
Produced by Gene Feldman and Suzette Winters
Directed by Gene Feldman
DVD, color and b&w, 104 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Biography, Film Studies, Media Studies, Theater, Women's Studies
Date Entered: 01/14/2008
Reviewed by Geraldine B. Hébert, Bronx Community College, Bronx, NYThe documentary chronicles Grace Kelly’s legendary and orchestrated life as an acclaimed beauty who jetted in and out of Hollywood’s limelight. From the cradle to the grave, the film depicts a determined, driven young woman capable of making her own decisions, propelling her career from stardom into the spotlight of America’s Princess. Unfortunately, her life tragically ended as a result of a horrendous accident off the cliffs of Monaco.
The documentary is told through the eyes of relatives, friends and colleagues, and shows how hard work, persistence and perseverance yield the “gold at the end of the rainbow” for Grace. An Academy Award Winner, playing opposite some of the most marveled actors, the film features clips from High Noon, Dial M for Murder, Rear Window, To Catch a Thief and High Society, revealing a multi-talented individual.
The film captures your heart as you witness a young girl raised in a wealthy, competitive and nurturing home become the conductor of her own life. Life in a well-heeled society had no appeal for her. She worked hard as a model, stage actor and TV personality. She was a perfectionist who was tenacious in her quest of acting and determined to get it right. Disappointments and criticism just fueled her ambitious nature and she went on to become one of Hollywood’s most sought after actresses.
She demonstrated that she could be an actress, wife and princess. She leaves a “write your own ticket” career behind for the honor of becoming the princess of Monaco. Her union with the Prince of Monaco all but stopped her theater and acting career. Dignity for the Catholic Church as well as being the wife of a Prince was more important than acting.
The documentary challenges the senses of possibilities in obtaining your goals and achieving it all. Grace Kelly’s father believed that the world is what you make it and Grace made it what she wanted it to be. Destined to pursue an acting career from an early age, her integrity, dignity, pride and sense of purpose encompassed her and spirited her onto center stage.