“A Jewish girl her age and status was expected to marry young, have many children, keep a good home, and generally leave her decisions to others. Her career prospects existed only because of the stock market crash, when the loss of her father’s job and savings helped him to see the value in having his daughters contribute a few dollars here and there.

“As far as she knew, none of her current Berkeley neighbors had a clue that she had framed movie posters featuring her name and face, dresses and jewels worn to award shows and premieres, photographs where she stood next to Gable and Garbo, Bacall and Brando.”

“Carol didn’t especially enjoy Bob Hope at the time, but she smiled when she found his handprints. But her reflection time was interrupted by performers in garish costumes, asking for tips. Tourists flocked to these aspiring actors, passing by a real movie star without even knowing her name.”