New Orleans Film Festival 2009

Stage and screen legend Rosalind Russell had it all. The star of Auntie Mame, His Girl Friday, Gypsy, and dozens of other memorable films and Broadway shows, she was a unique and pioneering talent. From the beginning of her career, she worked tirelessly to earn acclaim and transform herself into a star during Hollywood's Golden Era. Her climb to the top of her profession paired her with other film luminaries such as Joan Crawford, Cary Grant, and Kirk Douglas. But Russell was devoted to much more than her career. Her duty to country led her during World War II to be one of the founding members of the USO, and she entertained troops with other show business legends including Loretta Young and Fred Astaire. Rosalind had long been an advocate for those with physical disabilities, and ironically, she fell ill with severe rheumatoid arthritis in later life. 2009 is the 70th anniversary of her breakthrough role as Sylvia Fowler in The Women. Whether getting laughs for her sophisticated comedies or lauded for her dignity under duress, the talent and humanity of Rosalind Russell left a legacy that is larger than any screen in Hollywood. Narrated by Kathleen Turner.