Happy Birthday Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1905. Who knew how big of a star this little girl named "Lucille" would become? I have to say, Joan had the most amazing style throughout her life, no matter what age she was. Above are some of my favorite photos of her.

Here's some great quotes by Joan:

"If you'e going to be a star, you have to look like a star, and I never go out unless I look like Joan Crawford the movie star. If you want to see the girl next door, go next door."

"Send me flowers while I'm alive. They won't do me a damn bit of good after I'm dead."

"I think the most important thing a woman can have, next to talent, of course, is her hairdresser."

So true.

The Women & The Opposite Sex

I'm not a big fan of vintage films being remade today, but when it's an old remake of an even older movie, well then I'm interested! “The Opposite Sex” was made in 1956 as a remake of the 1939 classic “The Women”. I was really excited to see this film, but other than having a decent cast and some great clothes, it didn't really do it for me. The original was just so glamorous and witty, where I found this remake almost boring at times. Did they really think they could replace Joan Crawford with Joan Collins? Or Norma Shearer with June Allyson? I mean, c'mon, there was really no chance of “The Opposite Sex” even coming close to “The Women”. Anyhow, I thought I would do a little comparison with pictures. Hope you enjoy!

Makeup Style - Joan Crawford

Most Hollywood stars changed their appearance over time, but then there were some who created their own look. Joan Crawfords exaggerated lips are a prime example. Max Factor helped create this look, and by the 1940's you could see it being imitated all over the place. I posted pics of Joan from the 1920's to the 1960's. Which decade has your favorite Joan look? I personally love her in the 20's and early 30's, with her thin eyebrows and lips. Check out the difference in her eyebrows from the first picture in the late 20's to the last picture from the 60's.

Vintage Dress Deja Vu

I watched the movie "The Shining Hour" last night starring Joan Crawford. It was made in 1938. Near the beginning of the film she wears a dress that reminds me of the gold one Marilyn Monroe wears in the movie "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", which was made in 1953. I wonder if the dress designer was inspired by Joan's 1930's dress? I also just found out that Gentlement Prefer Blondes was actually first made as a silent film in 1928! I would love to see it! It stars Alice White and Ruth Taylor in the roles later played by Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe. Sadly the film was lost, but you can see from the photographs this movie had some great 1920's dresses!

How do Vintage Starlets Measure Up?

Which vintage starlet is your height? I was surprised at some of the heights that I found! For some reason I always thought Joan Crawford and Veronica Lake were really tall, but they weren't. Anyways, check out the info I found!

5'1"

-Norma Shearer -Mary Pickford

5'2"

-Louise Brooks -Jean Harlow -Veronica Lake

5'3"

-Clara Bow -Lana Turner -Vivian Leigh -Olivia DeHavilland

5'4"

-Betty Grable -Carole Lombard -Joan Crawford -Bette Davis

5'5"

-Marilyn Monroe -Barbara Stanwyck -Ginger Rogers -Mae West

5'6"

-Myrna Loy -Ava Gardner -Rita Hayworth -Jayne Mansfield

5'7"

-Jane Russell -Audrey Hepburn -Gene Tierny -Grace Kelly

5'8"

-Greta Garbo -Katherine Hepburn -Maureen O'Hara

5'9"

-Lauren Bacall -Carole Landis -Sophia Loren

5'10"

-Ingrid Bergman

What's Your Real Name?

It's interesting that so many classic Hollywood starlets changed their names when they got involved in film. Here are just a few examples of some of the beautiful ladies who were not satisfied with their birth names.

Stage name followed by real name:

Carole Lombard - Jane Peters

Joan Crawford - Lucille LaSueur

Rita Hayworth - Margarita Cansino

Lana Turner - Julia Turner

Marilyn Monroe - Norma Mortenson

Barbara Stanwyck - Ruby Stevens

Bette Davis - Ruth Davis

Veronica Lake - Constance Ockleman

Lauren Bacall - Betty Perske

Ginger Rogers - Virginia McMath

Carole Landis - Frances Ridste

I wonder how different their careers would have been if they had kept their original names...