• Home
    • About Hollywood Yesterday
      • Privacy
    • Old Hollywood Book Reviews
      • Audrey Hepburn in Words and Pictures
      • Ball of Fire (Lucille Ball)
      • I Know Where I’m Going (Katharine Hepburn)
      • In Such Good Company (Carol Burnett)
      • Joan Crawford A Talent for Living
      • Unsinkable (Debbie Reynolds)
    • Contact Joi (“Joy”)
    • Quotes from Old Hollywood’s Stars
  • Actresses
    • Agnes Moorehead
    • Angie Dickinson
    • Ann Miller
    • Audrey Hepburn
      • Audrey Hepburn Quotes
      • Breakfast at Tiffany’s
      • My Fair Lady
    • Ava Gardner
      • Ava Gardner Quotes
    • Barbara Stanwyck
      • Barbara Stanwyck Quotes
    • Betty Grable
    • Carole Lombard
    • Debbie Reynolds
    • Doris Day
    • Dorothy Dandridge
    • Elizabeth Taylor
      • Elizabeth Taylor Quotes
    • Fay Wray
    • Georgia Hale
    • Ginger Rogers
    • Glenda Farrell
    • Gloria Grahame
    • Grace Kelly
    • Greta Garbo
    • Hattie McDaniel
      • Hattie McDaniel Facts
      • Hattie McDaniel Quotes
    • Helen Hayes
    • Ingrid Bergman
    • Jayne Mansfield
    • Judy Garland
    • Katharine Hepburn
      • Katharine Hepburn Quotes
      • Katharine Hepburn: What’s Not to Love?
    • Lana Turner
    • Lauren Bacall
      • Lauren Bacall Facts & Trivia
      • Lauren Bacall Quotes
    • Lucille Ball
      • I Love Lucy
      • Lucille Ball Quotes
    • Marilyn Monroe
    • Maureen O’Hara
    • Marion Davies
    • Mary Pickford
    • Mildred Davis
    • Mitzi Gaynor
    • Olivia de Havilland
    • Rita Hayworth
    • Shirley Temple
    • Vera-Ellen
    • Veronica Lake
    • Vivien Leigh
  • Actors
    • Abbott and Costello
    • Barry Fitzgerald
    • Bob Hope
    • Boris Karloff
    • Buster Keaton
    • Cary Grant
    • Charlie Chaplin
    • Clark Gable
    • Dean Martin
    • Desi Arnaz
    • Dick Powell
    • Edward G. Robinson
    • Elvis Presley
    • Frank Sinatra
    • Fred Astaire
    • Gene Kelly
    • George Sanders
    • Glenn Ford
    • Harold Lloyd
    • Humphrey Bogart
    • James Dean
    • Jerry Lewis
    • James Stewart
    • John Wayne
    • Laurel and Hardy
    • Ray Milland
  • Movie Reviews
    • Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
    • Critic’s Choice
    • El Dorado
    • Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941)
    • Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein
    • Gilda
    • Grand Hotel
    • Lured
    • Rio Bravo
    • Sanctuary (1961)
    • Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
    • The Bat
    • The Haunted Castle (Silent)
    • The Major and the Minor
    • The Naked Spur
    • The Prince and The Showgirl
    • The Stooge
    • The Little Princess
    • The Quiet Man
    • The Violent Men
    • The White Sister
    • Top Hat
    • We’re in the Money

Hollywood Yesterday

Old Hollywood: Movies, Actresses, and Actors

You are here: Home / Archives for Jane Russell

Mean…Moody…Magnificent! by Christina Rice (Fascinating Book about Jane Russell)

November 15, 2021 By Joi

Mean...Moody...Magnificent! by Christina Rice

Mean…Moody…Magnificent! by Christina Rice

Before I go any further…. about the eye-catching title:  This is not an assessment of Jane Russell by the author or publisher! When you see, early in the wonderful book, where the title comes from, you’ll get a kick out of it.

It may seem unusual for someone like me (completely immersed in all things old Hollywood) to say, but Jane Russell is a star I’ve never been particularly familiar with. Naturally, I’ve always known who she was and certainly knew she was very beautiful and very talented.  We simply haven’t crossed paths often as I have not seen many of her films.

After reading Christina Rice‘s (link to the author’s Amazon profile) fascinating biography, however, I plan to see each and every one.

Description

By the early 1950s, Jane Russell (1921–2011) should have been forgotten. Her career was launched on what is arguably the most notorious advertising campaign in cinema history, which invited filmgoers to see Howard Hughes’s The Outlaw (1943) and to “tussle with Russell.” Throughout the 1940s, she was nicknamed the “motionless picture actress” and had only three films in theaters. With such a slow, inauspicious start, most aspiring actresses would have given up or faded away. Instead, Russell carved out a place for herself in Hollywood and became a memorable and enduring star.

Christina Rice offers the first biography of the actress and activist perhaps most well-known for her role in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). Despite the fact that her movie career was stalled for nearly a decade, Russell’s filmography is respectable. She worked with some of Hollywood’s most talented directors—including Howard Hawks, Raoul Walsh, Nicholas Ray, and Josef von Sternberg—and held her own alongside costars such as Marilyn Monroe, Robert Mitchum, Clark Gable, Vincent Price, and Bob Hope. She also learned how to fight back against Howard Hughes, her boss for more than thirty-five years, and his marketing campaigns that exploited her physical appearance.

Beyond the screen, Rice reveals Russell as a complex and confident woman. She explores the star’s years as a spokeswoman for Playtex as well as her deep faith and work as a Christian vocalist. Rice also discusses Russell’s leadership and patronage of the WAIF foundation, which for many years served as the fundraising arm of the International Social Service (ISS) agency. WAIF raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, successfully lobbied Congress to change laws, and resulted in the adoption of tens of thousands of orphaned children. For Russell, the work she did to help unite families overshadowed any of her onscreen achievements.

On the surface, Jane Russell seemed to live a charmed life, but Rice illuminates her darker moments and her personal struggles, including her empowered reactions to the controversies surrounding her films and her feelings about being portrayed as a sex symbol. This stunning first biography offers a fresh perspective on a star whose legacy endures not simply because she forged a notable film career, but also because she effectively used her celebrity to benefit others.

Mean...Moody...Magnificent! by Christina Rice

Mean…Moody…Magnificent! by Christina Rice

As you can tell from the three photos in this post, Christina Rice and Jane Russell spent this past summer with me. We tended to flower beds, herb beds, vegetables, and then we’d crash and escape into the world old Hollywood. It was glorious and they were excellent company.

While I never like to swim in controversial waters… heck, I don’t even like to wade into them… I feel I must get something out of the way. When one Christian (as Jane Russell was and as I am) takes a stance or voices their opinion, that opinion casts a large blanket over all of Christianity and the words tend to stick to all Christians…. as though we had said them ourselves (when, many times, we are as taken aback by the words as anyone). Why is this? I have no idea. It doesn’t happen with… say… Leos, Texans, brunettes, Democrats, Republicans, Australians, Vegetarians, Tree huggers (raises hand), the Keto crowd (guys, how can you live without potatoes?!?) or other groups of people. It seems pretty exclusive to religious groups. I often read something along the lines of, “all Catholics believe….” or “when Christians say…”

Basically, if you want to know what an individual (who happens to live within a particular group of people) believes, you need to get that from them. Not someone else. That’s all.

I want to thank Christina Rice for realizing this. Many authors take what one person believes or says and tattoos everyone else with it. This simply isn’t reality. The author, as any mature individual would do, treats her subject with respect, whether she agrees with everything the legendary star said or not.

That’s class. That’s decency. That’s appreciated.

As someone who wasn’t very familiar with this fascinating star, I was very anxious to meet her and boy did she exceeded my expectations?!  The lady was an absolute joy and what a study in contrasts! If I had had a thought bubble over my head as I read this book, you’d have seen the word “Fascinating!” a million times.

Not only did Jane Russell, herself, leave me gobsmacked, so did the gorgeous photos, the author’s enthusiasm, and the stroll through old Hollywood.

You meet the most wonderful people along the way.

Christina Russell gives more than just a glimpse into Jane Russell’s life and experiences, you also get to know others better through the process.

After reading a book – whether it’s an old Hollywood biography, historical non-fiction, or Agatha Christie mystery – something always, always, always stays with me from the book. If it’s a biography or autobiography, facets from the star’s life or words from their lips stick with me. Often, however, something from the author will also become a lifelong companion. In this case, Jane Russell’s boldness and contrasts will permanently reside in my mind and heart. She truly was a remarkable woman and did a LOT of good that transcends Hollywood.

Something else from Mean…Moody…Magnificent will stick with me and that’s the manner in which the wonderful author, Christina Rice, handled her star – with great, great respect mixed with an understandable level of amusement and enjoyment! She did what any great author should do – she fully told the story of her subject, holding nothing back. A great author is like a great journalist – they give the facts and keep themselves out of the story…. rather, allowing the reader to make up their own minds about events, quotes, and choices.

That’s class. That’s decency. That’s appreciated.

You can find Mean… Moody…. Magnificent by Christina Rice on University Press of Kentucky’s website (if you’re fast, you can take advantage of their great Holiday Sale!). This would be a gorgeous gift idea for any film lover in your life.

You can also find Mean…Moody…Magnificent (Amazon link) on Amazon… where I just saw that Christina Rice has an Ann Dvorak biography?!  (I told Ann I would be right back, and that’s where I’m headed!)

~ Thanks so very much for reading!  Joi (“Joy”)

Mean...Moody...Magnificent! by Christina Rice

Mean…Moody…Magnificent! by Christina Rice

 

 

Filed Under: Jane Russell, Old Hollywood Book Reviews Tagged With: book reviews, Jane Russell, Old Hollywood Biographies, Old Hollywood Book Reviews

Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

August 8, 2021 By Joi

Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell, Gentlemen Prefer BlondesMarilyn Monroe and Jane Russell, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

When I first watched Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (many years ago), I honestly expected Marilyn Monroe to completely steal all of the sparkle and attention from Jane Russell. It was, to be fair, my first Jane Russell film and my millionth (counting first time and rewatches) Marilyn Monroe film – so I didn’t really have anything to draw upon.

I was floored, honestly, by the fact that Jane Russell (literally and figuratively) kept step with Marilyn throughout the entire movie. This isn’t simply a Marilyn Show, it’s a Marilyn AND Jane Show and it is a complete delight. Not just a delight, mind you, a complete delight.

If you’ve never seen this gem, I hope you’ll see it really soon. The movie was directed by Howard Hawks and also stars two of my absolute favorite character actors, Charles Coburn and the wonderful Norma Varden.

You can find Gentlemen Prefer Blondes on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the movie on Prime Video.

Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

 

Filed Under: Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Picture of the Day Tagged With: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe

Happy 100th Heavenly Birthday to Jane Russell!

June 21, 2021 By Joi

Jane Russell, The Revolt of Mamie StoverJane Russell

The wonderful Jane Russell was BOTD 100 years ago in 1921 in Bemidji, Minnesota. She was stunningly beautiful and far more talented than her beauty allowed most people to focus on!

The gorgeous pictures here are promotional photos for her 1956 drama The Revolt of Mamie Stover, directed by Raoul Walsh. The movie also starred Joan Leslie, Richard Egan, and Agnes Moorehead. Many consider Jane Russell to be at her most beautiful during this time and I certainly can’t argue with their sentiments.

Happy 100th birthday Jane Russell!

Jane Russell, The Revolt of Mamie Stover

Jane Russell


Filed Under: BOTD, Jane Russell, Picture of the Day Tagged With: BOTD, Jane Russell, Jane Russell pictures

Welcome to Hollywood Yesterday!

Ann Sheridan, It All Came True

Ann Sheridan
My name is Joi (“Joy”) and I created Hollywood Yesterday as my personal tribute to Old Hollywood. It’s my effort to help keep the stars from Old Hollywood, Classic Television, and Old Radio Shows alive and shining forever. Old Hollywood was positively magical and I see no reason for the magic to ever die.

Be warned, I am (by nature) overtly positive, I never take anything too seriously, I say extraordinary so often you’d think I invented the word, and I overuse exclamation points to distraction. I’m perpetually over-caffeinated.. we’ll blame that.

Read more about Hollywood Yesterday (and see my personal favorites) here!

Old Hollywood Actresses

Lena Horne, Meet Me in Las Vegas

See the Old Hollywood Actresses page for the index of Classic Hollywood Actresses and Classic TV Actresses.

Old Hollywood Actors

Henry Fonda, Behind the Scenes The Grapes of Wrath

See the Old Hollywood Actors page for the index of Old Hollywood and Classic TV actors.

Old Hollywood Book Reviews

Ann Dvorak: Hollywood's Forgotten Rebel by Christina Rice

I love reading old Hollywood biographies and memoirs as much as I love watching classic movies, and that’s truly saying something!

To see my Old Hollywood book reviews, please see the index listed here: Book Reviews.

Pictures of the Day

Maureen O'Hara, The Parent Trap

Maureen O’Hara

The Old Hollywood & Classic TV Pictures of the Day are published as regularly as possible. If I miss a few days, please just know that the husband, daughters, sons-in-law, grandbabies, and/or my cats were demanding my attention. I’ll be honest, nothing comes before any of them! Not even Maureen O’Hara or Henry Fonda.

Priorities, y’all.

Movie Collections on Amazon

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Recent Posts

  • Joan Fontaine Gives One of Her Most Memorable Performances in Ivy (1947)
  • Happy Heavenly Birthday to the Extraordinary Donna Reed
  • Nat King Cole and Ruby Dee, St. Louis Blues (1958)
  • The Spider Woman (1943): Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Gale Sondergaard, and Dennis Hoey
  • Rest in Peace, Beautiful Gina Lollobrigida
  • Beautiful Rhonda Fleming in a Stunning Promotional Photo for The Golden Hawk (1952)
  • The Wonderful Paul Henreid was BOTD in 1908
  • Judy Garland Behind the Scenes of Presenting Lily Mars

Movie Night, ANY Night…

John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, and Arthur Hunnicutt in El Dorado
Have movie night ANY night with Prime Video on Amazon:  Prime Video (Amazon link)

Thank You for Visiting!

Paulette Goddard and Charlie Chaplin, Modern Times
Thank you so much for visiting Hollywood Yesterday! You truly HONOR me with your presence. ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Olivia de Havilland

Olivia de Havilland, The Adventures of Robin Hood

My main goal with Hollywood Yesterday is to keep the names, faces, and films of the stars that mean so much to me shining brightly. When I’m guilty of focusing more time on my personal favorites (such as Olivia de Havilland) than other stars, I hope you’ll forgive me. I am, by all indications, very human!

Also, please know that I try to keep my posts (except for book reviews) short and to the point, so you can enjoy the pictures, grab the information, and get back to your life. I don’t appreciate anything that’s overly wordy, so I don’t want to do that to others. For better or worse, I write as I talk, so if you ever feel like you’re reading the words of someone who’s a cross between Lucy Ricardo, Daisy Duck, and a Jerry Lewis character, that’s just because you are!

Wait. What did I just admit to?? 

Barbara Stanwyck Quotes

Another personal absolute favorite of mine is Barbara Stanwyck. Not only was she beautiful and outrageously talented, she was exceptionally bright, charismatic, and colorful. This growing collection of Barbara Stanwyck Quotes will give you an idea of just how colorful she was!

Old Hollywood Movies

Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire Top Hat Cheek to Cheek

There’s nothing quite like watching a movie from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Whether it’s a Musical, Western, Comedy, Romance, Film Noir, or Drama – if it’s on, I’m not too far away… with popcorn and raspberry tea in hand and a couple of cats nearby.

Below are a few Old Hollywood movie reviews I’ve done on the blog. There are, as you’d imagine, a lot more to come. – Joi (“Joy”)

We’re in the Money (Joan Blondell, Glenda Farrell)

The Naked Spur (James Stewart, Janet Leigh)

The Prince and the Showgirl (Marilyn Monroe, Laurence Olivier)

The White Sister (Helen Hayes, Clark Gable)

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Howard Keel, Jane Powell, Russ Tamblyn, Julie Newmar)

Rio Bravo (John Wayne, Dean Martin, Angie Dickinson, Ricky Nelson, Walter Brennan)

El Dorado (John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, James Caan, Charlene Holt, Michele Carey)

Rio Grande (John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara)

Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein (What is it With Me and These Movies??)

The Stooge (Jerry Lewis’ favorite Lewis and Martin Movie… for good reason.)

Critic’s Choice (Hilarious movie starring Bob Hope and Lucille Ball)

To Please a Lady (Clark Gable and Barbara Stanwyck team up in a fast track movie)

Grand Hotel (Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore)

Hearts Divided (Marion Davies, Dick Powell)

The Quiet Man (John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Barry Fitzgerald)

More Old Hollywood Movie Reviews

Classic Hollywood Books & Biographies (Reviews)

Maureen O'Hara's Autobiography 'Tis Herself

‘Tis Herself by Maureen O’Hara
I Know Where I'm Going (Katharine Hepburn Biography) and Princess

I Know Where I’m Going: Katharine Hepburn

 

Debbie Reynolds Unsinkable
Unsinkable: A Memoir by Debbie Reynolds

 

Ginger Rogers Autobiography - Ginger: My Story

Ginger by Ginger Rogers
Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball

Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball
Vitagraph by Andrew A. Erish
Vitagraph by Andrew A. Erish
More Old Hollywood Book Reviews!

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge Carmen Jones Poster

Getting to Know the Gorgeous and Talented Dorothy Dandridge

My Lucy Obsession

Lucille Ball

Find out just how much I (truly) Love Lucy in the Lucille Ball category. I’m warning you, I call it an obsession for a very good reason…

Legalities…

Aside from pictures of books I review, I do not claim to have taken any of the pictures on this website, nor do I own the pictures – the ones of the stars or the affiliate (product) pictures.  Other, far more talented photographers than me have the credit for the beautiful photos you see. If you would like credit for a photograph or would like one removed, please e-mail me (joitsigers@gmail.com).

Movie posters and promotional photos are used in the belief that they qualify for the Fair Use law. Fair use is a doctrine in the law of the United States that permits limited use of copyrighted material without having to first acquire permission from the copyright holder. Fair use is one of the limitations to copyright intended to balance the interests of copyright holders with the public interest in the wider distribution and use of creative works by allowing as a defense to copyright infringement claims certain limited uses that might otherwise be considered infringement.

When you click through an affiliate (product, book, dvds..) link, I earn a small portion of the money you spend IF you purchase anything. This does not cost you any extra money, of course. This is how I am able to work from home and support my cats! – Joi (“Joy”)

Copyright © 2023 | Audrey Hepburn Posters | Ava Gardner Posters