Reading about Marsha Hunt's experience made me laugh. I was once talked into dying my blonde-ish eyelashes dark brown. I don't recommend this unless you are going for the racoon look. Took about three weeks to wear off. No one could listen to me without furrowing their brow and staring at my eyes with a concerned expression.

Marsha Hunt was a beauty.

Great picture of Vivien Leigh.

" ... mercilessly plucked eyebrows ... "

today,
this happens often as a result of chemotherapy

there are permanent eyebrow tatoo treatments available

classic, custom tattooing, any style or color

or,

for those whose complexions go well with it,
henna

an unusual side-effect of this,
is that,
as the eyebrows look 'real'
and they are also wearing wigs,
and expect the hair to grow back,
and don't bother with a
'custom human hair sheitel'
for something this temporary,

they are occasional mistaken as being Orthodox ...

Interesting discussion. I had always been upset that my mother's eyebrows don't exist, sacrificed to "merciless plucking," as you say, and in their place is a brown line drawn in with some kind of pencil. It always looked terribly artificial and strange to me, even a little grotesque. Now I know where it comes from--the thirties and forties look. We are all slaves to the styles of the past. I wouldn't dream of parting my hair differently than I always do, although I recognize the style in movies from the fifties and the sixties.

"Bollywood actresses are known for a certain look: dark, flowing hair, crimson lips -- and soaring, perfectly arched eyebrows. How do they create those face-framing curves? Most rely on threading, a popular Indian and Middle Eastern depilatory technique that's becoming increasingly available at salons around town."

Can you imagine if Hollywood of the thirties and forties had caught on to this technique?

Thanks for those beautiful photos of actresses of yesteryear.

Perhaps Groucho's eyebrows were in direct response to these women of that era.

Thanks for this post, Robert (and for the lovely picture of Gloria Swanson). I'd never heard of Marsha Hunt's book, but I'll have to order it today.

And wouldn't it be wonderful to ride in the back of that Cord with Miss Hunt and C.B., just to spend time with them?

Alice:

Funny you should mention The "racoon look." I'm planning a photo essay on that specific style.

Exdem:

Yes, I've seen this look in the Oncology wards in LA and NY.

Barz:

It's true that we are all slaves to fashion. But some of us are much more conscious of it than others.

Pearl:

Thanks so much for the fascinating information about Bollywood make-up. Glad you enjoy the pics.

If I may request....how about one on Esther Williams? No pressure. : ) I was just watching "That's Entertainment" and was reminded of how zany and amazing some of those big water numbers are.

Cruisin' Mom:

I was actually going to post a pic of Groucho and his massive eyebrows, but then decided it wasn't fair. He is, after all, male.

Christopher:

I would love to be seated in that Cord. Boy, they don't build 'em like they used to, do they?

Enjoy Hunt's book. It's brilliant.

Alice:

Do I have to actually sit down and screen Million Dollar Mermaid?

Oy-vey.

The things I do for my readers:-)

I heard that Lana Turner quote attributed to Rita Hayworth, saying, "Every man wants to go to bed with Gilda, but they wake up with me."

And my sincerest condolences on the loss of your son. Alav ha-shalom.

Bill:

Yes, I've heard that Gilda quote too. And I've heard almost the same quote attributed to Cary Grant remarking on his multiple marriages.

I think almost every Hollywood star can relate.

Thanks so much for the words of nechama, comfort. Knowing that others care helps more than you could imagine.