Born Ruby Stevens, she was orphaned when she was four. A chance audition led to a chorus job. By 17 she was a Ziegfeld Girl. At 20 she earned excellent reviews for a bit part in a Broadway play — and she had a new name: Barbara Stanwyck.

"BIOGRAPHY OF A GREAT STAR"

Credits

Gene FeldmanDirector

Barbara StanwyckSelf (archive footage)

Richard ChamberlainSelf (archive footage)

Gary CooperSelf (archive footage)

Kirk DouglasSelf (archive footage)