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5 Chillers in the Universal Cult Horror Collection on DVD
Robert Redford in Downhill Racer on DVD
Ballast - Lance Hammer's Critically Acclaimed Drama
Z - Costa-Gavras's Oscar-winning Thriller on DVD

Author Sarah Baker kindles the conversation about the importance of modern generations caring about a seemingly silent past

“Why is it so hard for us to truly imagine the lives of the silent-era stars? Is it because we don’t hear them speak? … Thanks to Sarah Baker, the silent-era speaks, and with much grace, wit and charm, in Lucky Stars.” – filmmaker, Allison Anders from the Foreword of Lucky Stars

Silent film stars speak volumes in the new book Lucky Stars: Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell by Sarah Baker (published by BearManor Media- the Official web site. A film historian now in her early 30s, Baker possesses a passion for this era gone-by with a compelling argument of why her generation and generations to come should embrace this era of filmmaking and the real people who brought early stories to life. Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell are the heroine and hero in their own love story that branched into a life-long friendship. “Lucky Stars: Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell” hits bookshelves nationwide December 1, 2009.

“Our collective film history seems to belong to a select few actors, actresses and directors,” said Baker. “There are umpteen books devoted to Garbo, but Janet Gaynor was a bigger star and won an Oscar. Likewise, Clark Gable is still revered nowadays, but Charlie was the bigger box office star. And don't even get me started on the fact that only Marilyn Monroe and James Dean are the only ‘old’ movie stars remembered by the general public.”

The Book
From their first iconic pairing in 7TH HEAVEN (1927) and in 11 films that followed, Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell created an unparalleled cinematic romance. Their partnership was so utterly complete that in the minds and hearts of their adoring public, they were as one. Even decades after their onscreen partnership ended, any mention of Gaynor in the press merited a mention of Farrell, and vice-versa. Behind the camera, Gaynor and Farrell carried on a secret romance that lasted from their first meeting in 1926 until Gaynor's first marriage in 1929. Supporting and encouraging each other's lives beyond Hollywood, they were able to maintain a mellow friendship that lasted their entire lives.

Drawing upon previously unpublished interviews with Charles Farrell and Janet Gaynor, formal interviews with family and friends who knew them best, and meticulous archival research, author Sarah Baker details the fascinating behind the scenes story of the greatest romantic team of all time. The book includes a detailed filmography and is lavishly illustrated with more than 100 photographs, many from Charles Farrell's estate. Includes a foreword by filmmaker Allison Anders (GRACE OF MY HEART, THINGS BEHIND THE SUN, MI VIDA LOCA).

The Subjects
Janet Gaynor (1906-1984) was a highly regarded leading ingénue of the 1920s-1930s. Though often remembered as a waif, Gaynor’s characters were tough and resourceful. Gaynor won the first Best Actress Oscar in 1929 for her performances in 7TH HEAVEN (1927), SUNRISE (1927) and STREET ANGEL (1928). She received further critical acclaim for her performance as Vicki Lester in the original A STAR IS BORN (1937). In 1939, Gaynor left her Hollywood career behind to marry famous movie fashion designer Adrian. The rest of Gaynor’s life was devoted to fashion, painting, and theater.

Charles Farrell (1900-1990) was one of the most popular matinee idols of the 1920s-1930s. He created a new brand of hero, one who was brawny and virile as well as tender and naïve. Like Janet Gaynor, Farrell passed the “mic test” with flying colors and made a successful transition from silent film to talking pictures. After his film career ended in 1941, Farrell served with distinction in WWII and made a successful comeback as Vern Albright on TV’s “My Little Margie.” Farrell was also famous for founding the Palm Springs Racquet Club, a resort that put Palm Springs on the map as the “Playground of the Stars.”

The Author
When Sarah Baker finds something she’s passionate about, she won’t rest until the story is told.

Baker’s first project was a seven-year labor of love—a documentary film about silent film star Olive Thomas, which she wrote and produced. Over the course of her research, Baker located ten of Thomas’ 20 films—all of which had been considered lost. The resulting documentary,OLIVE THOMAS: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN THE WORLD, executive produced by Hugh Hefner, was released to DVD (2004) along with Thomas’ film THE FLAPPER —the first time this film had been available to the public since 1920.

Baker’s book, “Lucky Stars: Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell,” a dual biography of the famous 1920s romantic duo, published by Bear Manor Media, hits bookstores December 1, 2009.

She is a contributing writer for WAHM.com, and also writes for Fort Worth Child and Southwest Blues magazines. Currently, Baker is in production on another documentary, BLUES MAN: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF SEAN COSTELLO. A native Texan, Baker is currently living in New Bern, North Carolina.