BARBARA STANWYCK

random notes about photos found on the internet . . . . . . . . . . 

When they were in Indianapolis shooting 'To Please a Lady', Barbara Stanwyck's business manager called her to ask what type of accommodation she would require. She told him she needed a bedroom and bath for herself, and the same for Harriet (her personal maid and friend), with a sitting room between. The business manager explained that co-star Clark Gable had requested that they stay in the best hotel in town, where blacks were not welcome. Barbara remained adamant. She wanted Harriet near her and requested that the business manager make the necessary arrangements. Later that day the director of the film, Clarence Brown, called Barbara to ensure her that Harriet would stay in the best “coloured” hotel in Indianapolis. The ever determined Barbara told him, “I’ll tell you what you can do to solve the whole thing. You make a reservation at the best 'coloured' hotel in Indianapolis for two bedrooms and baths and a sitting room between, and that is where I’ll stay with Harriet. “Oh, Barbara, you can’t do that,” Brown protested. “The hell I can’t,” she said forcefully and hung up. As far as she was concerned the subject was closed. When they reached Indianapolis, she and Harriet both stayed at the best hotel in the city with Clark Gable and the rest of the cast. 

Barbara Stanwyck and her 'maid' Harriet Coray

  " I'm sentimental in all respects - and not ashamed of it. I think people would be better off if they were more sentimental. Some say it's sloppy to be this way. All right, let's be sloppy then. Kindness of people affects me a great deal and I get misty-eyed about the smallest thoughtfulness. "

- Barbara Stanwyck 

Miss Stanwyck and her friend and assistant Harriet