By: James Bone
Narrated by: Marianne Fraulo
Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins
Release date: 08-23-16
Publisher: Audible Studios
The voluptuous Audrey Munson is probably best remembered as the first leading actress to appear nude in a motion picture, and despite most of her film work being lost to time, she lives on in sculptures and in various art works. In “The Curse of Beauty,” author James Bone brings Munson’s personality to life, as the curvaceous star turned heads modeling, dancing, and acting. The graceful beauty was troubled by a gypsy fortune-teller predicting she would become famous, but never find true happiness. Her father claimed she made millions, only to be squandered by his Audrey’s mother. Despite a handful of engagements, the shapely Munson never officially tied the knot.
Munson’s career was derailed when her doctor landlord murdered his wife, leaving many to surmise that “the most perfectly formed women” (media reference) was the apple of his eye. Munson also lost work when she rejected a sexual advance from a prominent figure of the era. Sadly, after several legal battles and an unsuccessful attempt to find the “perfect man,” the fragile Munson starting acting erratic, and attempted to end her life. At the age of 40, Munson’s mother had her committed to a mental institution, where she spent the remaining sixty four years of her life, passing away at 104. I sincerely enjoyed Bone’s story telling of Munson’s fascinating life and career, and relish Marianne Fraulo’s superlative narration. “The Curse of Beauty” receives my high recommendation.
Audrey Munson poses in a 1915 photo by Arnold Genthe. (Library of Congress)