The Limits of Limelight

Hollywood is a town that can make many dreams come true–or break them. In Margaret Porter’s The Limits of Limelight, readers are transported back to the Golden Age of Hollywood and the excitement of moviemaking during this period.

Porter’s novel, published through Gallica Press, centers upon the story of Helen Nichols, cousin of Ginger Rogers. In this novel, Rogers is portrayed as a budding star, en route to Hollywood with her mother, Lela Rogers. Nichols tags along to also try to start a career in films, taking on a new stage name–Phyllis Fraser–and signing a contract with RKO.

As her journey continues through various ups and downs, Fraser is faced with many decisions that will impact her personal and professional life. Which path will she take?

Overall, Porter’s novel is a fun, engaging read. Fans of classic Hollywood will certainly appreciate indulging in this story, its players, and locations. Her prose is inviting and entertaining, offering a fine nod to both Fraser and Rogers during this intriguing period.


The Limits of Limelight is available for purchase via Amazon.

About Annette Bochenek

Dr. Annette Bochenek of Chicago, Illinois, is an avid scholar of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She manages the Hometowns to Hollywood blog, in which she writes about her trips exploring the legacies and hometowns of Golden Age stars. Annette also hosts the “Hometowns to Hollywood” film series throughout the Chicago area. She has been featured on Turner Classic Movies and is the president of TCM Backlot’s Chicago chapter. In addition to writing for TCM Backlot, she also writes for Classic Movie Hub, Silent Film Quarterly, Nostalgia Digest, and Chicago Art Deco Society Magazine.
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