Glamour of Old Hollywood Never Fades

While doing some further research on Rita Hayworth, I stumbled across an article that captured my attention. It is a fascinating piece of journalism that explores why many current starlets are opting for the classic glam look of the 40’s and 50’s rather than some of the fashions that dominated later generations.  While there is no concrete explanation, the author eludes to the fact that in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, styles and fashion were dominated by the feminist ideal of “don’t look at me for my beauty, look at me for my brains, my power.”  The screen sirens’ styles that the author states are being revisited were none other than Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth.  With the Oscars just around the corner, it will be interesting to watch and see which stars follow in the steps of these classic fashion icons.  The whole article can be read by clicking this link.

Revisiting A Sad Day in History

Less than a week ago, January 16th to be exact, marked a very dark anniversary for Carole Lombard fans everywhere.  It was a reminder that seventy years ago, we lost one of the greatest comediennes and actresses that would ever grace the big screen.  As  the majority of people know, the plane that she was returning on following her record breaking sales of war bonds, crashed into “Double Up Peak.”  I wanted to write a tribute to her one the actual date that it happened, but unfortunately, I could not find material quite suitable.  However, after going through some old magazines, I can across an article entitled, “What the loss of Carole Lombard means to Clark Gable.”  The following is the article recreated here, verbatim.  The author was Ruth Waterbury and it is from the Photoplay that was printed in April of 1942.

The Ugly Side of Beauty

One of the most essential components of classic hollywood can be summed up in one word:  Glamour.  Many of the men and women who possessed the big screen appeared almost supra-human onscreen.  They were gods and goddesses that walked among us.  Flaw-less complexions, perfect make-up, hair styles that never fell out of place (never a bad hair-day in the lot), wardrobes fit for kings and queens, and a certain elegance that made them appear all the more ‘perfect.’  However, many of these stars had to go through painful and unpleasant practices in order to maintain the ideal screen presence.

Where Have All the Gowns Gone?

Reference

While flipping through the pages of a Photoplay magazine from November of 1931, I stumbled across a rather intriguing article.  It was entitled, “What Becomes of the Clothes the Stars Wear on the Screen.”  Unlike today, the leading ladies of classic cinema were often encased in the most visually enchanting and alluring clothes that a person could ever dream of.  Studios made it a priority to dress their stars in the best, and make them appear as the epitome of class to the public.  However, where do all of these gowns go after they their purpose for a film has been carried out?  That is what this article seeks to explore.

The Leading Ladies of Hollywood

Reference

When exploring film history and its contributors, it is hard to pick a favorite actor let alone actress.  The men and women of classic cinema bring such an array of talents and characteristics to the screen that it is hard to decipher which are the most meaningful. For me, each individual holds a special place in my heart for a very different reason.  The following will focus just on the actresses for right now.  Otherwise this entry would turn more into a novel than a blog 🙂