Jean Harlow

Before there was Marilyn Monroe, there was Jean Harlow. In fact, one could say there would be no Marilyn Monroe had there not been a Harlow. Jean Harlow is the original blonde bombshell. She was one (if not THE) top film starof the 1930's. Her trademark platinum blonde hair caused a sensation and soon women were emulating this style. Marilyn Monroe was enamored with Jean Harlow and grew up watching her movies over and over when her mother would leave her all day at the local movie theater. Their acting styles are very different, with Harlow being more sassy and Monroe the soft-spoken sexpot. However, they both exuded an innocence in their demeanor that came so natural and rarely has this combination of innocence and sex appeal ever been so personified as with Harlow and Monroe.

Both stars also succumbed to tragic deaths. Harlow died at the young age of 26 from kidney failure. Harlow was working up until her death and she was the quite the trooper, never missing a day of work. She was working on her last film, Saratoga, with her good friend Clark Gable and he noticed how bloated she was and sweaty during a scene. It was he who insisted they stop shooting and she get rest. A few days later Harlow died in the hospital. There wasn't a sound on the MGM lot for 3 hours it was said after her death was announced. It shocked the nation and was a tragic loss. Fortunately Harlow's vitality and talent lives on in her films. Here are some of my favorite Harlow films:

Dinner at Eight (1933)

Harlow really stole the show in this star-studded film.  Nobody can do a hissy fit and tell someone off like Harlow!  In reality, the star stated that she was actually quite opposite of her screen image, saying she was "handicapped by a very even temperament."  I still like to think of her as having a bit of a temper like in her films though!  Here are a few videos I like capturing scenes from the movie.  I will likely do a few posts on Jean Harlow, as she is my favorite actress aside from Joan Crawford.  

Suzy

This was one of the first (and few) films that Harlow does not play comedy.  I love this film and it showed that she was also a quality dramatic actress.  She was so touching in the film.  Lovely.

 Love this song "Did I Remember?"  Yes, that is Cary Grant as her co-star!

Wife vs. Secretary (1936)  c0-starring Clark Gable and Myrna Loy