On June 12, 1933, Harlow arrived in Chicago to attend the Century of Progress International Exhibit; also known as the 1933 World's Fair. Her stay was brief, but a highlight included her visit to the fair's massive horticultural exhibit. The Garden and Flower Show spread over five acres, indoors and out. The show was made … Continue reading Harlow and the Platinum Peony
Author: Sophia D'Aurelio Adair
Writer, researcher, and film historian focusing especially on the silent/pre-Code eras
Remembering Harlean Carpenter, Eighty Two Years On
These are some of my absolute favorite professional portraits of Harlean. Portraits made by photographer Harvey White in Spring 1933, around the time Jean was filming HOLD YOUR MAN (1933). I wish I could voice all of my thoughts and every little bit of admiration I have for this wonderful woman. On this dismal … Continue reading Remembering Harlean Carpenter, Eighty Two Years On
Jean Plays a Round of Tennis in Beverly Hills, December 1932
Here are a variety of portraits and action shots of Jean playing a game of tennis on the courts at the Beverly Hills Hotel on December 29, 1932. With her in this last portrait is professional tennis player Harvey Snodgrass, who was Jean's instructor. He was retired at this point in time. Original press snipe: … Continue reading Jean Plays a Round of Tennis in Beverly Hills, December 1932
Colonel Harlow on KHJ Radio, 1933
Did you know Jean was a Colonel? Honorarily, at least. November 28, 1933: Jean Harlow appears on a variety radio program hosted by KHJ, which featured a company of honorary celebrity “colonels” commissioned by Governor Laffoon of Kentucky. Other colonels that appeared on the program included Clark Gable, Will Rogers, and Mae West. … Continue reading Colonel Harlow on KHJ Radio, 1933
Jean Guest Stars On Hollywood Hotel, August 1935
On August 9, 1935, Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, and Rosalind Russell appeared as guest stars on Hollywood Hotel, a CBS radio program hosted by Louella Parsons and Dick Powell. They performed selected scenes from their new film, China Seas. Funnily enough, this episode of Hollywood Hotel was sponsored by Campbell's Soup Co. The broadcast was … Continue reading Jean Guest Stars On Hollywood Hotel, August 1935
A Quick Little Clipping Surgery
As many readers and collectors know, it can be a real pain to see a gem of an image jammed right in the spine of a movie magazine. I found an example awhile ago while perusing the January 1937 edition of Screenland on archive.org. Fan magazines were usually about three months behind current news; which … Continue reading A Quick Little Clipping Surgery
A Look At THREE WISE GIRLS (1932)
The year 1931 was a mixed bag for Jean Harlow. She had achieved stardom practically overnight and without much thought. On the other hand, this fame didn't necessarily result from hard work or good performances. It was brought on by Howard Hughes' relentless exploitation. After completing Hell's Angels, Hughes found himself without a project for … Continue reading A Look At THREE WISE GIRLS (1932)
Fashion Portraits: Jean Harlow by Ted Allan, October 1936
Jean does a modeling session for photographer Ted Allan on October 21, 1936. Shown below is one outfit out of many that were photographed this day. These fashion portraits were done in between Libeled Lady which was completed the month before, and Personal Property which began production in December. Photos from this shoot appeared … Continue reading Fashion Portraits: Jean Harlow by Ted Allan, October 1936
Fashion Portraits: Harlean McGrew AKA Jean Harlow for the Herald-Express
As part of our fashion portrait theme, here is a very early shot of Harlow modeling a satin gown and large scarf from September 1928. Taken just months before signing on to a five-year contract with Hal Roach, this young model was using her married name of Harlean McGrew II on official documents. Harlow … Continue reading Fashion Portraits: Harlean McGrew AKA Jean Harlow for the Herald-Express
Fashion Portraits: Harlow gets dressed by I. Magnin & Co, 1934
A magnificent Jean Harlow photographed by Clarence Sinclair Bull for a fashion spread, 1934. A few photos from this session appear in the August 1934 issue of Photoplay, and this particular dress is described in it: "Dinner time finds Jean dining out, so she wears a black and white polka dotted gown with a slight … Continue reading Fashion Portraits: Harlow gets dressed by I. Magnin & Co, 1934
