Jean Harlow photographed in the sunroom inside her Beverly Glen Mansion circa late 1933 or early 1934: The Detroit Free-Press, July 1934 Seldom talked about, this relaxed, all-white space was profiled by Detroit Free-Press columnist Aileen Spafford in July 1934: “Jean Harlow calls her new home ‘Hollywood’s White House’—not that she has any political inclinations, … Continue reading Jean Harlow’s Beverly Glen Sunroom (1934)
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Was Maisie (1939) Meant for Jean Harlow?
I'm primarily on Substack nowadays, but as this site's blog is still sporadically in use I might as well put it here too (since it is, well, about Jean Harlow). Maisie (1939) is one of the seminal ingredients in Ann Sothern’s saucy filmography, which renders the fact it wasn’t initially planned with her in mind slightly … Continue reading Was Maisie (1939) Meant for Jean Harlow?
Harlow, Small Town Girl, and Love on the Run
In honor of my Substack, where I'm primarily sharing my writing nowadays--not so much out of love for the outlet but out of recognizing many people no longer look at old-fashioned websites--I'm posting this June 2024 article on Harlow and two of her unrealized films that were not made with her in 1936. For some … Continue reading Harlow, Small Town Girl, and Love on the Run
June, not Jean: Harlow’s Nicest ‘Niece’
I'll sound like a broken record, but this is recycled from my Substack, where my best writing now lives. It is best viewed there as well; but as Harlow Heaven drives a formidable amount of web traffic, which I appreciate, I'll crosspost the free Harlow related posts. Consider subscribing if you feel inclined! A particularly … Continue reading June, not Jean: Harlow’s Nicest ‘Niece’
Una Merkel on Jean Harlow (circa 1968)
I was recently regretting the lack of Jean Harlow talk in Patsy Kelly’s later interviews (can’t blame anyone when they costarred but once), but luckily, four-time Harlow costar Merkel WAS asked, by the astonishingly prolific interviewer Richard Lamparski. Lamparski asked Merkel, who worked with everyone from Marlene Dietrich to Burl Ives, about her favorite films, … Continue reading Una Merkel on Jean Harlow (circa 1968)
Brief Thoughts on Harlow: The Blonde Bombshell (1993)
Sharon Stone, who effortlessly embodies the Harlow-deco outline, is a perfect narrator for such a documentary—and she certainly isn’t to blame for the shallow mythology of the script, or the old-timey vaudeville songs it’s read to. Two of my specific qualms with this documentary: 1. There’s the ancient spiel about Harlow longing to be an … Continue reading Brief Thoughts on Harlow: The Blonde Bombshell (1993)
Harlow’s Dolly Tree Costume … in 1974!
An unidentified model wears Jean Harlow’s chiffon negligee from Personal Property and a mask by Richard Bernstein during Diana Vreeland’s Hollywood Costume exhibition at The Met, 1974. Photographed by Francesco Scavullo for Vogue, December 1974—photo courtesy of the Condé Nast Archive. This achingly gorgeous Dolly Tree creation was called ‘dawn blue edged in silver lamé’ … Continue reading Harlow’s Dolly Tree Costume … in 1974!
Frockspotting: From Jean Harlow to Ten Cents a Dance (1931)
In case you're a fresh initiate here (or simply haven't been paying attention---that's fine), you may have noticed I am constantly pointing out frocks, frills, garters, and whatever else caught on in early film fashion for more than five minutes. I reckon I’ll name the activity like the sport it is---and the term ‘frockspotting’ was born. … Continue reading Frockspotting: From Jean Harlow to Ten Cents a Dance (1931)
From My Collection: Harlow and Oscar the Pom (1934)
From my collection: an original 1934 snapshot of Harlow at home with Oscar the Pomeranian, taken in the backyard at Beverly Glen. As per usual, Harlow’s mother signed for her: “Oscar is a toy Pomeranian—seems to like to pose—Jean”. This pose was shot by MGM studio photographer William Grimes, whose camera was at the scene … Continue reading From My Collection: Harlow and Oscar the Pom (1934)
A real “Double Wedding”!
August 31, 1936: Jean Harlow and William Powell—lovers as well as costars—leave the set of Libeled Lady at MGM to attend the wedding of Powell’s lookalike double, Warren ‘Doc’ Dearborn, to Miss Edith Bresnahan. As you can tell, I’m very pleased with myself over the joke in the title; Doc was in that one, too. … Continue reading A real “Double Wedding”!
Harlow Heaven 