From my collection: A rare behind-the-scenes candid of (L to R) cinematographer George Folsey, director Victor Fleming, Rosalind Russell, and Jean Harlow filming Reckless (1935) on location in Franklin Canyon, December 1934. There are angles of this moment, but this one seems the most elusive. Close-up of Harlow and Russell. Original MGM studio stamp on … Continue reading From My Collection: Harlow in Franklin Canyon (December 1934)
Author: Sophia D'Aurelio Adair
Writer, researcher, and film historian focusing especially on the silent/pre-Code eras
Harlow History with Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt and Jean Harlow celebrating FDR’s fifty-fifth birthday inside the Wardman Park Hotel eighty-six years ago tonight, January 30, 1937. This was just one leg of the festivities, as previously mentioned; FDR’s fourth annual birthday ball was held in numerous hotels throughout D.C. and was being celebrated nationwide. Harlow pairs a white ermine wrap … Continue reading Harlow History with Eleanor Roosevelt
Harlow and Handwriting
Hopping on the “National Handwriting Day” bandwagon as it pertains to the Two Jeans, who are undoubtedly an interesting example of movie star autographs. (I’m glossing over secretarial autographs in this post, but those too exist and are a slightly rarer variant of extant Harlow autographs.) For those unaware, Harlow’s mother handled the bulk of … Continue reading Harlow and Handwriting
From My Collection: Harlow Poolside at Beverly Glen (March 1934)
This poolside March 1934 William Grimes session, and this particular portrait, will probably look familiar to longtime followers as it was my profile picture for quite some time. This, in general, is also one of my favorite Harlow publicity sessions. Grimes was a powerhouse. This March 1934 portrait session, in which Jean modeled a handful … Continue reading From My Collection: Harlow Poolside at Beverly Glen (March 1934)
From My Collection: Harlow on the Reckless Set (Late 1934)
Here’s a pair of reproduction stills, one a closeup, from Reckless (1935) that I love for multiple reasons. Number one: Harlow’s stature is incredibly obvious here and quite endearing. I mean, she’s in heels! Number two: I love the more obscure figures that populated Hollywood, and this is a great look at the extra girls. … Continue reading From My Collection: Harlow on the Reckless Set (Late 1934)
Harlow and Haines
A priceless candid of Jean out on the town at the Troc I can’t help but sharing—even if the quality is a little low. (This is a Lantern scan, and I tweaked the brightness/contrast on this a little bit for ease of viewing). Photo by none other than candid photographer extraordinaire Hyman Fink, whose other … Continue reading Harlow and Haines
Harlow in Hessercolor
Jean Harlow photographed using a resplendent early color process by Edwin Bower Hesser, aptly named “Hessercolor”, 1931: Hessercolor, another tricolor process, first got popular this same year (1931). It was in decline by the time Kodachrome took over after its introduction in 1935. The artsy “glazed” quality you see here was desirable for a little … Continue reading Harlow in Hessercolor
Harlow and Chuck McGrew
Thought about “Chuck” McGrew and his role in young Harlow’s life after noticing an upcoming date: September 21. It seems I have a disease called “remembering Jean Harlow milestones on their anniversaries”, so thought I’d put my thoughts on the blog while they’re relevant. They’re too wordy for social media and too brief for much … Continue reading Harlow and Chuck McGrew
Myths: The Dress Too Tight to Sit
Finally found the probable origin of that B.S. “the dress was too tight to sit down” story in regard to those Dinner at Eight pictures which show Harlow on a leaning board. Now I can close my case. From Schickel’s “The Stars”, 1962: Contrary to popular belief, Harlow could sit down just fine (and was … Continue reading Myths: The Dress Too Tight to Sit
Harlow on the Cover: Movie Mirror, January 1936
I already posted this on the Harlow Heaven social media, but I’m trying to be good and share on a more permanent, paragraph-friendly platform (the blog). There’s so many tangents I’ve gone on that are better suited for here… oh, well. Anyway, here to share another magazine acquisition from my collection: and it’s Harlow in … Continue reading Harlow on the Cover: Movie Mirror, January 1936
