Jean Harlow Part II
Her funeral service was an elaborate Hollywood production. Jean wore a pink silk negligee that had been one of her costumes from Saratoga. Jeannette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy sang one of her favorite tunes, Indian Love Song. William Powell was inconsolable; he sobbed throughout the entire service. Prodded by Mother Jean, Powell bought crypt for himself, Jean and her mother. Though he was later buried elsewhere, Jean and Mother Jean are now there together. The marker reads, "Our Baby".
MGM made plans to recast Saratoga, but Jean's fans demanded to see her final performance. The movie was completed with stand-ins. It was the biggest hit of 1937.
Jean Harlow has influenced nearly every sexy, funny lady on the screen since her reign as the most popular star in Hollywood. Though she struggled to find respect, in life and in her work, the movies she left behind are a pleasant reminder that she succeeded in many of her roles. Her prominent place in movie history is richly deserved.
Books to Read
Bombshell, David Stenn
Platinum Girl, Eve Golden
Both of these books are well written and informative. Golden's book has lots of anecdotes, while Stenn's story tends to be more straightforward.
Movies to See
Red Headed Woman (1932)
Red Dust (1932)
Hold Your Man (1933)
Bombshell (1933)
Dinner at Eight (1933)
Girl From Missouri (1934)
Libeled Lady (1936)
AVOID: Harlow: an Intimate Biography, Irving Schulman
This book is a fictionalized account of Harlow's life. Schulman based his characterization on Harlow's racy screen persona, not the actual fun-loving woman. Many of the scandalous and false claims in this book are still accepted as truth today.
Thanks to www.silverscreensirens.com for permission to use the gorgeous photos.
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