Barbara Stanwyck was a dazzling study in contrasts. At times sultry and sweet; vulnerable and tough; comedic and dramatic; joyous and tragic – she simply was one of the greatest and most unique actresses during Hollywood’s Golden Era. She could play whatever the part required, whether it was madcap glamour in comedies like “The Lady Eve” (1941), tough-minded feminism in weepies like “Stella Dallas” (1937), or poisonous vixens in noir classics like “Double Indemnity” (1944). A working-class girl from Brooklyn, she became one of the richest women in the United States due to wise investments. On
