Maria Montez, Arabian Nights
The stunningly beautiful actress Maria Montez was born in the Dominican Republic in 1912. She made 28 films in her young career including Arabian Nights, Sudan, Gypsy Wildcat, Cobra Woman, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, and Pirates of Monterey. Her charisma, self-confidence, poise, and talent show up in abundance in each film.
I have to tell you, I love this colorful actress to complete distraction. One of my favorite Maria Montez quotes was one she made about seeing herself on the screen in Arabian Nights (1942): “When I look at myself, I am so beautiful I scream with joy!” It didn’t make her smile… didn’t make her giddy… didn’t make her proud. It made her SCREAM with joy, y’all!
Another favorite Maria Montez quote came after she met Orson Welles, “He is as spectacular as I am!”
Have I mentioned how much I love this lady??
Maria Montez was married to actor/writer Jean-Pierre Aumont from 1943 to her tragic death from drowning in 1951. She was only 39 when she died and, indeed, very, very spectacular.
Maria and Jean-Pierre had one child.
You can find the 1942 film Arabian Nights on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the movie on Prime Video.
Maria Montez, Arabian Nights
I would LOVE to see Maria Montez become better known – she deserves the notoriety… as she would have told you so, herself!