Bigham, Randy Bryan & Jennifer Mills (editor). Finding Dorothy. An Appreciation of the Life and Career of Dorothy Gibson Brulatour. 1st printing. Dallas: Titanic Star. April, 2005. wraps. magazine format. isbn: 0615127525. scarcity: fairly common.

Note only the first 150 copies came with the two art prints and the cd-rom. All further copies will include just the book itself.

Publisher’s Press Release:
The book is actually a package enclosing a soft cover book in magazine format, a CD-ROM of select images and two reproduction art prints, suitable for framing.

Finding Dorothy is the first biography of model and actress Dorothy Gibson (1889-1946), who also found notoriety as a survivor of the Titanic tragedy.

This book provides a thorough analysis of Dorothy’s work as the muse of popular Edwardian artist Harrison Fisher. It also offers an informed critique of her successful but brief career as a leading lady in early American silent cinema. Reviews for each of her movies, drawing upon all available documented sources, are included.

The section of the book concerning her experiences in the 1912 sinking of the Titanic is large and well illustrated, presenting a very descriptive account, culled from many contemporary sources. This section also covers in detail the making of the movie “Saved From the Titanic,” the first motion picture ever produced about the disaster, in which Dorothy herself starred.

Dorothy’s personal life is explored frankly yet sympathetically, especially regarding her scandalous romance with film tycoon Jules Brulatour (whom she eventually married) and the press and courtroom controversy that resulted.

The involvement of Dorothy Gibson in Fascist politics in pre-World War II Europe is likewise treated with candor. Her ultimate escape from imprisonment by the Nazis in 1944, after she had switched her allegiance, is also explicitly examined.

The book contains many seldom-seen photographs of Dorothy Gibson during her time as an actress, including both publicity portraits and scene stills from her plays and movies. In addition there are many illustrations, reproduced in color, of Dorothy as painted by Harrison Fisher.

The book is based on original scholarship by the author as well as the hard work of many historians, journalists and other researchers, who graciously shared their findings. In addition, Dorothy’s own words, from interviews and private papers, are used throughout, giving an immediacy and poignancy to the story of her extraordinary life.

Randy Bryan Bigham is an award-winning freelance journalist, having served as a news and features writer, photographer, columnist and editor for both daily and weekly publications. An authority on early 20th century popular culture, specializing in the fields of entertainment and fashion, Bigham is also a visual consultant, supplying historical images from his extensive private collection to book, media and film projects. At 36, he lives in Texas.