Includes Bergman's own quotes about her upbringing, films, and relationships. Includes a bibliography for further reading. Includes a table of contents.

"Be yourself. The world worships the original." (Ingrid Bergman)

A lot of ink has been spilled covering the lives of history's most influential figures, but how much of the forest is lost for the trees? In Charles River Editors' American Legends series, listeners can get caught up to speed on the lives of America's most important men and women in the time it takes to finish a commute, while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known.

Since the early 20th century, film has been embraced as arguably the preeminent international art form. Not only is Hollywood cinema immensely popular around the world, but other nationalities (Bollywood being the greatest current example) have their own thriving industries. Major actors and actresses are not only icons in their parent countries but reach tremendous international fame.

However, most actors who become internationally famous do so via the success of the films they make in their native lands, without actually leaving their countries. One of the most famous early examples is Charlie Chaplin, who reached incredible fame in Asia and Western Europe during the silent cinema era, despite having never left the confines of Hollywood.

Chaplin's example illustrates how the vast majority of film stars who reach international fame do so through the global success of the films they make within a given industry. This dynamic highlights the uniqueness of Ingrid Bergman's career and her significance as an international film star. Not only were films like Casablanca (1942) famous around the world, but she made films in five different languages and film industries.