I know I am getting late in the discussion here, but I agree with others who state that the magic of escapism is destroyed when I know more of the character and personality of the actor than I do the character the actor is suppose to be.
Take Mike Tyson for an example. What makes him different from Ali? Well, one is the culture the two grew up in. I always wanted to see a boxer like Tyson - a complete, unstoppable animal in the ring - when he was young, sort of like trying to box your fridge. But using your argument, who cares about his personal life if he is a great boxer and brings in the cash.
There is a black artist out there today - I forget his name at the moment - but he is not only accused of screwing a young teenage girl but there is a tape to prove it. He is getting an award from the NAACP. I am sorry, but I refuse to subsidize that type of behavior. I never purchased anything by Michael Jackson, even before he freaked out. There was always something there that bothered me about him. Well, I have not purchaed anything by the Beatles for years because of him owning their music. I will not subsidize that lifestyle. I will not subsidize anyone that goes out and badmouths this country. That is their right but it is also my right to do what I do.
Sorry for the late reply. I just found this post.
Watch her early films - those made in the early '30s when she was in her late '20s. If she was, as you claim, a monster then she was the greatest actress who ever lived.
No, I think what happened to her is that she aged badly and was unlucky in her more intimate relationships - a not uncommon occurance. I used the word "monster" loosely - to describe her rather desperate efforts to remain young and beautiful beyond her time.