In a tale of starts, studios, and scholarship, Natasha Farrell uses the Gordon's Star-Dust in Hollywood to expose forgotten truths of film history

Where are you from?

I am from St. John’s. I love the Narrows, the first point of arrival for so many immigrants (and in previous centuries the primary port of entry for Irish immigrants to NL).

What do you enjoy doing for fun?

For fun, I love travel, binge-watching, and long walks à la Jane Austen. My happy place is Turner Classic Movies. The fabulous women of classic film are often keeping me company, and as a source of inspiration while I write my thesis.

Why did you choose to pursue a graduate degree?

After working in communications, I was open to new challenges and experiences. Writing, reading literature, and cinema have always been my passions. When I registered, it was also with the intention of improving my French language skills. Dr. Karine Abadie, my French master’s supervisor, became and is a very important mentor. Transitioning to the Department of English to pursue a PhD in American literature and film studies seemed like a possible, albeit daunting, step. I found a home here in the English Department, and their encouragement of my research interests, constant support in the form of teaching fellowships, conference travel funding, and graduate assistantships has had a profound impact. It’s like grad studies in the English Department found me: connecting with the girl who loves books, film, and Bette Davis.

Why did you choose Memorial for graduate studies?

I appreciate the incredibly talented academics and encouraging learning environment. At Memorial, you really do get to know your supervisors and professors. When we support students to pursue their passions, it propels them forward. My supervisors and SGS go above and beyond, helping students apply for research grants, improve their c.v., and navigate peer-review processes. These skills and experiences are vital. I have attended other universities where the learning environment was not as supportive. Being able to work and teach first-year courses while studying was also essential and an invaluable professional opportunity.

What is your thesis about? How do you describe your research to a general audience with no background in the field?

My research focuses on prolific British authors/artists of the Jazz Age, Jan and Cora Gordon, and specifically their 1930 best-seller Star-Dust in Hollywood.  Star-Dust anticipates the genre of the Hollywood exposé, critiques the American Cultural Industry and American Exceptionalism, and offers contemporary readers a reconsideration of the pivotal cultural transition from silent cinema to sound. During an extended stay in LA, they gained unrestricted access to major Hollywood studios such as Paramount, MGM, and United Artists through their friendship with author Lewis Browne and novelist/screenwriter Sam Ornitz. They were even extras in a Hollywood film. Observers par excellence, the Gordons emphasize potential dangers of the rise of mass culture; they predict Cold War-era blacklist campaigns; and, they call attention to sexual harassment and the gendered divide in Hollywood. Despite being prominent figures of the Modern Art movement in Paris during the Roaring Twenties, their work fell out of cultural currency after World War II. My dissertation is a recovery of these overlooked and underappreciated spokespeople on the lure and dangers of the Hollywood dream factory, particularly for women but also other marginalized communities. My work positions the Gordons’ critiques in both American cultural studies of the Great Depression and film studies of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

How would you describe your experience as a graduate student at Memorial?

It’s been extremely positive, but that is not say I haven’t experienced challenges. Graduate school is a huge commitment financially, emotionally, and physically. One of the first people with whom I discussed the Gordons was my English professor, and now my co-supervisor: Dr. Danine Farquharson. From the very early beginnings, she has enthusiastically guided and helped support this research project. I am extremely fortunate to have Dr. Farquharson and brilliant film historian Dr. Dominique Brégent-Heald as my co-supervisors. I have learned so much working with them and am so grateful for their mentorship and generosity, including their help with grant and scholarships applications. Dr. Adam Beardsworth, who is also on my supervisory committee, is another very important mentor. I appreciate his helpful feedback, encouragement, and introducing me to Canadian Association of American Studies (CAAS).

I would be remiss if I did not thank everyone in the English Department for their support. Earlier in the program during coursework, my English professors inspired me in other academic directions, for example mixing performance and scholarship, and capturing my imagination with those original image-makers, the Tudors. I am proud to be part of the amazingly talented community of staff members, faculty, students, scholars, poets, creative writers, actors, and filmmakers.

What scholarships or awards have you received?

I am a current SSHRC CGS-D award holder. Last academic year, my research project on the Gordons received the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement. I am incredibly grateful to SSHRC for all the support. The funding has enabled me to progress with my program, attend international conferences, pursue collaborations, and conduct archival research in the US and the UK.

Recently, my dissertation on Star-Dust in Hollywood was awarded a Harry Ransom Center fellowship 2025-2026. This fellowship assists travel and time in the archives at the University of Texas at Austin.

The School of Graduate Studies has been incredibly supportive throughout my journey. I was especially thrilled to have been awarded the Dr. Noreen Golfman Fellowship for 2023-2024. All these opportunities remind me of the support and generosity I have received at Memorial.

Have you faced any challenges in life that you’ve overcome to pursue graduate studies?

Earlier this year, my father passed away very suddenly, and unexpectedly. Grief is an inherent part of loss. It wasn’t until about a month ago that I let the full force of that grief wash over me. My father, who was a gifted and innovative educator, inspired me. He inspired everyone with his intelligence, energy, and humour. My advice for anyone struggling, or with any challenge that life presents, is to acknowledge it and talk about it with family and friends. Graduate and professional schools can sometimes feel isolating, especially in thesis writing mode. There are also so many professional and student groups on campus to help.

What career path are you interested in pursuing after graduation?

Right now, my main goal is finishing my dissertation, and to become the first female PhD in my family. Thanks to my graduate school experience at Memorial, and all the mentorships, teaching, learning and research opportunities provided, I know that I am on the right path.

What advice would you give to current or future graduate students?

I know it is not always possible (graduate school is hard work!), but try to be more present in those moments when the stars align – like cinema. Take time and enjoy it fully. Prioritize self-care. Listen to the advice of your supervisors and take advantage of opportunities, especially the ones that place you out of your comfort zone. Attend conferences, share your research but also listen, ask questions, and meet new people. One of the best conferences that I attended, early in my PhD, was not directly related to my research interests. Yet, it has opened so many important opportunities.

Anything else you would like to share?

This is one of my favorite quotes about freeing yourself from self-doubts and negative external influences, from a remarkable woman’s lived experience: “No one can you make you feel inferior without your consent” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

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