Fanny Brice

Fanny Brice (October 29, 1891 – May 29, 1951) was a United States comedian, singer, and entertainer.

Film tributes

A loosely-based Hollywood biopic of Brice appeared in 1939 entitled Rose of Washington Square, starring Alice Faye and Tyrone Power. The title "Rose of Washington Square," came from the title of a song which Fanny popularized by performing it in the Follies.

Related Topics:
1939 - Rose of Washington Square - Alice Faye - Tyrone Power

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Barbra Streisand later starred as Brice in the 1964 Broadway musical Funny Girl, which made Streisand an overnight sensation. In 1968, she won the Academy Award as Best Actress for reprising her role in the film version of "Funny Girl." In 1975, a sequel film, Funny Lady, was produced. Streisand also eventually recorded both "My Man" and "Second Hand Rose".

Related Topics:
Barbra Streisand - 1964 - Broadway - Funny Girl - 1968 - Academy Award - Best Actress - 1975 - Funny Lady

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It should be noted here that these film interpretations of Fanny Brice's life were not always accurate.

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Film stories versus reality

Brice's second husband was gambler Julius "Nicky" Arnstein. "Funny Girl" is a prime example of how films will take liberties with the lives of historical figures and/or events. The Streisand film makes no mention of her first husband at all. It also suggests that Arnstein turned to crime because his pride wouldn't allow him to live off of Fanny; the real Nicky shamelessly sponged off her. The film also suggests Nicky sold phony bonds; he was actually part of a gang that stole $5 million of Wall Street securities. Instead of turning himself in, as in the movie, Arnstein went into hiding. When he finally surrendered, he did not plead guilty, as he did in the movie, but fought the charges for 4 years, taking a toll on his wife's finances. Further, two children were born of the Brice-Arnstein marriage, but only their daughter is depicted in the film.

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After Arnstein served his sentence at Fort Leavenworth (he previously did time at Sing Sing, where Fanny visited him every week), a heartsick Brice divorced him. She later married songwriter and stage producer Billy Rose and appeared in his revue "Crazy Quilt," among others. Unfortunately, that marriage also failed.

Related Topics:
Fort Leavenworth - Sing Sing - Billy Rose

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