The Lives and Styles of Old Hollywood

Joanne Woodward is an Academy Award winning actress, a TV producer, director and actress and was the wife to Hollywood beau Paul Newman for 50 years.

Jetta Gouda is an outlier of some sorts as she is a grand example for image, but also how image can backfire without your own doings, and how the patriarchy and the movie industry in particular held extreme power over women performers.

Ann Sheridan was much more than just Hollywood’s glamorous and sexy “Oomph Girl.” She was also a talented actress who captivated audiences with her vibrant personality and acting style opposite some of the biggest stars of the time like James Cagney, Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, and Errol Flynn.

I got to know Jean Simmons first as Patrick Swayze’s characters mother Clarissa Main in North and South. Later I dreamt about becoming her iconic and flamboyant character in the Cary Grant movie The Grass is Greener.

Maria Montez was a Dominican actress that gained extraordinary fame in Hollywood in the 1940s, she was called „Caribbean Cyclone“ or „Tempestuous Montez“, knew how to behave like a star and became one of the famed „Queens of Technicolor“. One lady you definitely need to know.

Nina Mae McKinney was dubbed the „Black Garbo“ during her days in Hollywood, she was the first African American performer to sign a five-year contract with MGM in 1929

Kim Novak was a major star in the 1950’s and one of Hitchcock’s cool blondes.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating life and career of Tippi Hedren, the Hitchcock muse who became a symbol of both Old Hollywood glamour and personal resilience.

In this episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Deborah Kerr, the British actress renowned for her grace, intelligence, and quiet strength on screen. Best remembered for iconic roles in films like The King and I, From Here to Eternity, An Affair to Remember, and Black Narcissus, Kerr brought a refined elegance to every character she portrayed.

Maureen O’Hara was the first Irish Hollywood superstar, the „Queen of Technicolor“ with her red hair, green eyes and cream complexion, but she was also a bold and outspoken tomboy who could punch you in the jaw and the president of an airline.

Ruth Chatterton was a celebrated stage actress, a successful Hollywood star with numerous Academy Award nominations, wrote several bestsellers, raised French Poodles and was one of the first female aviators of the US and worldwide. This is a woman worth knowing. 

Shirley Temple was the curly-haired child star who danced, sang, and smiled her way into the hearts of millions. From her rise to fame during the Great Depression to her later years as a diplomat, Shirley Temple’s story is one of resilience, charm, and lasting cultural impact.

Joan Bennett made an impact in all three very distinct phases of her career

One of the several successful performers of the Bennett clan

Alice Faye was the female equivalent to Bing Crosby and an influential Old Hollywood actress.

The only other actress besides Bette Davis to receive five consecutive Academy Award nominations.

Joan Blondell was a staple in Hollywood for wisecracking, sexy roles before the Hays Code became enforced.

Jean Arthur was Hollywood’s „everyday heroine“ as well as „the quintessential comedic leading lady“.

Pearl White was dubbed „The Queen of Serials“

Corinne Griffith was one of the most beautiful actresses of the silent screen era.

Eleanor Powell is regarded as the only woman able to outdance Fred Astaire.

Paulette Goddard was the woman at Charlie Chaplin’s side in two of his biggest hits.

Yvonne de Carlo is probably best known for her role of Lily Munster.

John Barrymore is rated amongst the best actors of all times.

Ida Lupino is regarded as the most prominent female filmmaker of the 1950s.