Well, it's certainly been a little while since I've done a "Fashion Portraits" themed blog post, but here I am, and with some lovely Ted Allan shots from Libeled Lady (1936). Harlow posed for these costumed publicity photos on set during the film's production in summer 1936: This beautifully structured Dolly Tree creation was designed … Continue reading Fashion Portraits: Dolly Tree’s Hostess Slack Suit for LIBELED LADY (1936)
Author: Sophia D'Aurelio Adair
Writer, researcher, and film historian focusing especially on the silent/pre-Code eras
Harlow at Del Monte, 1934
Here’s quite the lovely candid of Harlow: captured awarding the Gold Cup to Marion Hollins and Herman Flodstrom, owner and rider of the winning horse at a 1934 Steeplechase cup race, held on March 18 in Del Monte, California. By the way, this original photograph is from an archived listing--I don't own it. An adorable … Continue reading Harlow at Del Monte, 1934
Release the Horned Toads!
July 11, 1931: Eighty nine years ago today, Jean visits one of her regular haunts, The Ambassador Hotel, to publicize a quaint fundraising event— an early horned toad derby! Harlow is shown raising the barrier for the race finale below. The toads were given names similar to those of their racing horse counterparts. Some of … Continue reading Release the Horned Toads!
Harlow History: July 7 and Max Factor, 1936
July 7, 1936: Ted Allan photographs Jean applying lipstick, rouge, and powder by Max Factor, to bolster an ad campaign promoting the company’s line of “Color Harmony” products. This is one of various promotional shoots Harlow did for Max Factor over the years. She wears a tailored yellow hostess slack suit by Dolly Tree, worn … Continue reading Harlow History: July 7 and Max Factor, 1936
On Studio Business, 85 Years Ago
June 29, 1935: A sunburned Harlow is seen at an MGM sponsored event for the District Attorneys’ Association, who were closing out their 25th Annual Convention held in Los Angeles. From left to right are Irving Thalberg, Jean Harlow, LA District Attorney Buron Fitts, Louis B. Mayer, and Santa Clara District Attorney Fred L. Thomas, … Continue reading On Studio Business, 85 Years Ago
Harlow at Loew’s State with RED-HEADED WOMAN, 1932
June 24, 1932 saw the world premiere of Red-Headed Woman at Loew's State on Broadway in downtown Los Angeles; the film went into general release the very next day, and the rest is history. The movie house where Red-Headed Woman saw its premiere, pictured in its salad years and recently. Photographs courtesy of USC and … Continue reading Harlow at Loew’s State with RED-HEADED WOMAN, 1932
Harlow in the Kitchen With Sweets … and Beets!
Harlow’s kitchen capabilities were well known by the time she had established herself at MGM, as many cast and crew could tell you, but that wasn’t exactly the case early on. The public were primarily focused on Harlow’s hair; as they would be until she broke into better roles later that same year. One of … Continue reading Harlow in the Kitchen With Sweets … and Beets!
Harlow and Bern Get Engaged
Today in Harlow History, June 20, 1932: Jean Harlow and Paul Bern electrify the film colony with a jolt of gossip: they have been spotted together filing their intention to wed at the Marriage License Bureau, located inside Los Angeles City Hall. This photograph taken in 1932 shows the Los Angeles City Hall on the … Continue reading Harlow and Bern Get Engaged
Harlow’s Imaginary Son, Bobby Caldwell
Jean Harlow and Clark Gable hold their movie son, little Bobby Caldwell, in publicity/production stills for Hold Your Man (1933). The purpose of these portraits, along with all numbered stills from MGM, can be determined by examining the photography codes. These are usually found written in one of the bottom corners, as seen here. First, … Continue reading Harlow’s Imaginary Son, Bobby Caldwell
Harlow History: March 26, 1934
March 26, 1934: on a break from filming The Girl from Missouri, Jean takes a stroll on the lot and visits a nearby soundstage. In production was Manhattan Melodrama, starring her good friend Clark Gable, and soon-to-be friend Myrna Loy.Jean makes the rounds, and is snapped chatting with Gable; Leo Carrillo and W.S. Van Dyke, … Continue reading Harlow History: March 26, 1934
