Introduction
Tallulah Bankhead was a larger-than-life American actress known for her incredible talent, wit, and radiant personality. Her career in theatre and film spanned over three decades, leaving an indelible mark on American popular culture. As a teacher, introducing students to the life and works of Tallulah Bankhead can be a valuable way to help students appreciate the richness and diversity of American performing arts history.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 31, 1902, in Huntsville, Alabama, Tallulah Brockman Bankhead came from a politically influential family. Her father was William Brockman Bankhead, a prominent politician who would later serve as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
Throughout her early years, Bankhead showed great promise as an actress. At age 15, she won a beauty contest organized by Picture Play magazine, which led her to move to New York City. She attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart School and studied acting under renowned teachers such as Charles MacArthur.
Theatre Career Highlights
Bankhead made her stage debut in 1918 with a role in “The Squab Farm.” In the following years, she gained more experience and accolades for her performances in various plays such as “39 East,” “They Knew What They Wanted,” and “Saturday’s Children.”
Her breakthrough role came in 1924 when she starred in Sidney Howard’s play “They Knew What They Wanted.” From then on, she became one of Broadway’s brightest stars with leading roles in plays like “The Little Foxes,” “The Skin of Our Teeth,” and “Dark Victory.”
Film Career Highlights
While primarily known as an accomplished stage actress, Bankhead also appeared in several films throughout her career. Her first film role was in the 1928 silent film “Tarnished Lady.” Her other noteworthy film credits include “Faithless,” “Devil and the Deep,” and her most famous role as Constance Porter in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Lifeboat” (1944).
Personal Life and Legacy
Bankhead earned a reputation for her glamorous lifestyle and unabashed personality. Throughout her life, she was a vocal advocate for civil rights, lending her support to organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union.
She battled various health issues during her later years and eventually succumbed to pneumonia on December 12, 1968. Despite her tumultuous personal life, Bankhead remains an iconic figure
in American stage and film history.
Teaching Strategies
1. Documentaries and biographies: Share documentaries and books about Bankhead to help students understand her impact on American popular culture.
2. Film screenings: Organize screenings of Bankhead’s work in cinema, allowing students to witness her talent as an actress firsthand.
3. Acting workshops: Facilitate workshops or masterclasses where students emulate Bankhead’s acting techniques, encouraging them to appreciate her craft more deeply.
4. Historical context: Discuss the social and political climate in which Bankhead worked, placing her activism and progressive views in context.
5. Encourage group discussions: Foster open discussion among students about their impressions of Bankhead’s life, examining how different people may react to her professional career and lifestyle choices.
Conclusion
Introducing students to the life and career of Tallulah Bankhead can open up conversations about the art of performance, dedication to one’s craft, and what it means to be a trailblazer in a given field. By teaching them about this remarkable figure, teachers can inspire young learners to discover their own unique talents and pursue their creative passions with resilience and determination.
