Gene Kelly comes face to foot with Cyd Charisse, “Singin' in the Rain,” 1952.
Glamour depends on mystery, the art of concealment. Hollywood stars of the past and their handlers understood that to maintain the image projected on the screen was a full-time job. Hard working stars like Joan Crawford never appeared in public less than impeccably turned out. Even at their most casual, Hollywood stars of the golden age projected an aura of easy elegance.
The other day I was shopping in Brooks Brothers on Rodeo Drive. A Hollywood star was browsing on the same floor. He was wearing ripped jeans, a stained T shirt, and grimy flip-flops. It’s a sad day in Hollywood when a lowly screenwriter—“shmucks with Underwoods,” said John Ford Jack Warner—presents a more refined image than a million dollar an episode TV star.
Anyhoo, the following pictures stand witness to great stars who, right down to their spectacular footwear, understood and cultivated the art of high glamour.
I'm pretty sure that Paulette Goddard's b. Marion Pauline Levy, (1910 – 1990) legs are the real subject of this photo. But her two-tone pumps steal the show. Goddard's best film is the little-seen “Kitty,” 1945.
Hard at work during World War II, Marlene Dietrich (1901 – 1992) b. Marie Magdalene Dietrich, is never less than beautiful and glamorous in what are probably custom-made ankle strap heels. Said Dietrich: “Legs are nothing special—unless you know what to do with them.”
On the day Jean Harlow (1911 – 1937) b. Harlean Harlow Carpenter and MGM executive Paul Bern (1889 – 1932) b. Paul Levy, announced their engagement in 1932, Harlow's big nod to fashion was her elegantly adorned pumps. Two months after their marriage, Bern was found at home naked with a fatal gunshot to the head.
Ginger Rogers, (1911 – 1995) b. Virginia Katherine McMath, doesn't look like she's breaking much of a sweat on the court. Her tennis shoes are not very practical but they are a cute fashion statement.
Gail Patrick, (1911 – 1980) b. Margaret LaVelle Fitzpatrick, specialized in playing the frosty and controlling rival to the leading lady. Her iconic performance in “My Favorite Wife” opposite Cary Grant and Irene Dunne, is pitch perfect. Whip smart and trained as a lawyer, she was never satisfied as an actress and retired from films in 1948. Patrick became the highly successful producer of the Perry Mason TV series from 1957-1966. Beautiful and stylish it's hard to know whether to look at her lovely face, the pigeons, or the graphic, horizontal-lined heels, total scene-stealers.
Karen and I wish all our friends and relatives a fashionable and inspirational Shabbat.
Ariel Chaim Avrech, ZT'L, May His Righteous Memory be a Blessing.
7 Comments
The fashion bloggers Tom and Lorenzo are forever complaining (rightfully so) about how the male stars of today seem to be turning up for red carpet events looking like they just rolled out of bed. No matter whether it’s the red carpet or simply out and about, what’s attractive in looking like a complete slob? I’m not saying you should be dressed to the nines all the time, but put a little effort in.
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The quote:
Jack L. Warner, not John ford.
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Barry:
Right you are. Thanks for the correction.
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I agree, Bill,
And what’s more, now with twitter, some of these stars give the world access to their petty, narcissistic little thoughts daily, without even the filter of a publicist!
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Maybe I am an anomaly Franny but I don’t care what they want to utter on Twitter!
I think we should both remind Robert – his passage “It’s a sad day in Hollywood when a lowly screenwriter—“shmucks with Underwoods,” said John Ford—presents a more refined image than a million dollar an episode TV star. ”
reminded me that the quality of a movie lives or dies by the “shmucks with Underwoods”
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I am the rare woman who is not “into” shoes–I have a closetful of black pumps with varying heels, a few pairs of black boots, and some beige shoes for summer. When I look at these photos, I think I’m doing it wrong.
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The stars in the past who had mystery and allure is also a subject on another blog – I have felt that the old studio system would make sure the TV star would have been dressed more appropriately?
I think a few stars – like Brando – still knew how to cultivate that mystery – Jack Nicholson?
I remember some 20 years ago sitting at an outside Cafe on Rodeo Drive just watching the sidewalk traffic – saw OJ Simpson (in his better days) strolling by.
I believe – after reading your post and a bit of mulling - the main difference between stars of yesterday and today is that yesterday they had so much mystery people were curious about them – they were the constant subject of conversations – and today – appearing on talk shows and tabloid fodder – there isn’t much mystery about them and they try too hard to get people talking about them.
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