Hollywood diva

Based in large part on the author's exclusive access to MacDonald's private papers, including her unpublished memoir, this biography transports us to a time when lavish musical films were major cultural events and a worldwide public eagerly awaited each new chance to fall under the singer's spell. Edward Baron Turk shows how MacDonald brilliantly earned her Hollywood nickname of "Iron Butterfly" and why she deserves a privileged position in the history of music and motion pictures. MacDonald's uncommon courage, Turk suggests, makes her a woman for our times. Onscreen the actress portrayed…