In the history of the American cinema, few stars are remembered so vividly although they appeared for so briefly as Grace Kelly. Robert Lacey in his bestseller book Grace makes a remark that although famous “American princess” had spent years cultivating her image of classic, white-gloved perfection, in real life, Grace was surprisingly often reckless young woman who had affairs with nearly all of her leading men” (Lacey 1996:i). A working actor for just five short years in the 1950s, known best for her roles as sparkling although moody partner and obviously for her work in multiple Alfred Hitchcock thrillers, Kelly outwardly came to embody her name with a seemingly effortless elegance and an almost unearthly aestheticism.
James Spada, the author of Grace - The Secret Lives of a Princess states that: “the public image of Grace Kelly – first as a movie star, then as a Princess - was a triumph of myth over reality” (Spada 1987: i). And consequently, one can assume, after a thorough research of her biographies that even though the public was presented with an image of a chaste young actress, often referred to as the “Ice Queen” (Ibid.), the truth about her real life is far more interesting and has much more hidden beneath.
In order to see the true Grace Kelly it is indeed necessary to read the opinions of her closest friends and family as quoted in the biographical sources. Without that, the only image one can obtain is that of thousands of Internet pages dully repeating the same statements about her being pretty and talented, reporting her fairy-tale life and quoting stereotypical phrases.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: The public image of Grace Kelly
1.1. The film Ice Queen
Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Her Serene Highness Princess Grace
2.1. “The Wedding of the Century”
2.2. The Real Grace Kelly
2.2.1. Grace Kelly – a Wife, a Mother-to-be
Chapter 3: Grace – The Heart of Monaco
3.1. Monegasque Red Cross under Grace’s Auspices
3.1.1. Annual Red Cross Ball
3.1.2. “She brought us heart”
3.2. A.M.A.D.E.
3.3. The Princess Grace Foundation
Summary
Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This work aims to move beyond the superficial public image of Grace Kelly by exploring her private life, professional transitions, and her complex role as a member of the Monegasque royal family, ultimately answering the question of who the "true" Grace Kelly was behind the fairy-tale facade.
- The divergence between Grace Kelly's public persona as the "Ice Queen" and her private reality.
- The challenges and personal adjustments required by her transition from Hollywood stardom to royal life in Monaco.
- The role of biographical sources and personal interviews in uncovering her true personality.
- Her significant humanitarian contributions through the Red Cross, A.M.A.D.E., and the Princess Grace Foundation.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2.1. Grace Kelly – a Wife, a Mother-to-be
It gives great joy to the princess and myself," Rainier announced on August 2, "to share this new happiness with you.... In light of this news, so important for me and for yourselves ... I ask you to trust in the choice I have made for Monaco's future, and, also, to remember that the Principality has endured, and will only endure, as long as its Sovereign Prince has full and complete exercise of his power (Lacey 1989: 269).
It was typical of Rainier – the matters of the country were at the top of his priorities, although, as it was mentioned in the previous chapter, he claimed to be ready to become a husband and father at the age of thirty-two. Although he was described as a Renaissance man, well-acquainted with art, education and obviously international politics (Leigh 2007: 146), witnesses of Rainier’s temper outbursts and his infamous lack of self-control felt embarrassed for Grace (Ibid. 147). Judith Balaban Quine acknowledges with bitterness that the film Ice Queen tended to defend Rainer in the early years of her marriage, excusing him: “He’s just frustrated, so many things pressing on him” (Ibid.).
And consequently, the very beginnings of Grace’s life with the Prince “Charming” were to be remembered both by her and her friends as a very painful and disappointing. “The poor girl really had a tough year or so of it out there to start with; it was astonishing, the number of people who gave her a hard time” (Lacey 1989: 272) remembers Maree Frisby Rambo. In addition, Gwen Robyns - the author who became a friend of Grace in the mid 1970s remembers:
Grace told me once how miserable she was in those early months. She used to sit there with her terrible morning sickness, and the Mistral irritating her sinuses to distraction in this gloomy old palace, longing to get cracking and to bring some sunlight into the dust, but being quite sure that everyone was snickering behind her back at her American ideas and her terrible French (Ibid.).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Summarizes the background of Grace Kelly and sets the research objective to uncover the "true" woman behind the public icon through biographical analysis.
Chapter 1: The public image of Grace Kelly: Examines her Hollywood career, early acting roles, and her professional growth under the guidance of directors like Alfred Hitchcock.
Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Her Serene Highness Princess Grace: Details her transition to royal life in Monaco, the challenges of her marriage, and the difficulties of adapting to a new cultural and social environment.
Chapter 3: Grace – The Heart of Monaco: Analyzes her humanitarian legacy, including her leadership in the Red Cross, A.M.A.D.E., and the establishment of the Princess Grace Foundation.
Keywords
Grace Kelly, Monaco, Princess Grace, Alfred Hitchcock, Hollywood, Red Cross, Royalty, Biographical Research, Princess Grace Foundation, Marriage, Biography, Cultural Impact, Monaco History, Acting Career, Humanitarian Work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
This thesis investigates the private life and complex personality of Grace Kelly, moving beyond her public image as a Hollywood star and princess to reveal her true experiences, struggles, and contributions.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The work covers her evolution from a popular actress to a royal figure, the challenges of cultural adaptation in Monaco, and her deep involvement in charitable organizations.
What is the core research objective?
The main goal is to demonstrate how a famous Hollywood star became a complex woman who abandoned her career to serve as a princess, and to analyze the truth behind the "fairy-tale" narrative.
Which scientific method is utilized?
The author employs a biographical research method, relying on interviews, books by various authors, and personal recollections to construct a more accurate and humanized portrait of Grace Kelly.
What topics are discussed in the main chapters?
The chapters address her early film career, the realities and difficulties of her transition to life in Monaco, and her active role in the social and cultural welfare of the principality.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include Grace Kelly, Monaco, Hollywood, Princess Grace Foundation, Red Cross, biographical research, royal life, and cultural adaptation.
How does the author describe the first year of Grace's marriage?
The author describes it as a period of significant emotional strain, characterized by homesickness, difficulties in communication with Prince Rainier, and a sense of being an outsider within the palace.
What was the significance of the Princess Grace Foundation?
The foundation served as a vehicle for her creative interests, supported local artists and craftsmen, and provided humanitarian aid that other charities could not facilitate directly.
- Quote paper
- Marta Zapała-Kraj (Author), 2014, Grace Kelly. Not A Fairytale Life, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/288320
