The "Battle of the Blondes" final match is between, two wonderful actresses Grace Kelly and Kim Novak aka, “Hitchcock blondes”. I hope you enjoyed my "Blond Bombsells" tribute as much as I enjoyed putting it together for you.
Without a doubt, the favorite of all the Hitchcock blondes was Grace Kelly, who had the perfect combination of polish and poise with the hidden passion, that Hitchcock was so attracted to.
Kim Novak, was selected as the next Grace Kelly and landed a part in one of my favorite Hitchcock films, the psychological thriller, Vertigo(1958). Which is believed by many to be the film which reveals the most about the director's blonde obsessions. It is also believed by some film critics that Stewart was playing Hitchcock who loved transforming women into his vision, which is exactly what the director did with his "Hitchcock blondes".
One of Grace Kelly's best known performances was in the film, To Catch a Thief(1955). Romantic/Thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Cast: Gary Grant, Grace Kelly. Grace Kelly, was absolutely elegant and at the height of her beauty in this film. Kelly, was dressed by the very talented Edith Head. The movie is set on the French Riviera. On 14 September 1982, Grace Kelly was killed in an automobile accident in Monaco, supposedly on the very same road as her famous chase scene in this film and not far from where she had a picnic scene with Cary Grant. She was 52 years old and lost control of her car after suffering a stroke while at the wheel.
Dial M for Murder (1954). A thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, and Robert Cummings. Kelly plays Margot, a wealthy socialite who is cheating on her retired tennis player husband. As the plot has many twists and turns, Margot's husband becomes involved in a plan to murder her and collect her fortune, Kelly's character manages to save herself.. or does she?
Click here to view a couple of past reviews on the film Dial M for Murder(1954).
Pushover (1954). Film noir best known for being the first film to feature Kim Novak in a starring role, along with Fred MacMurray. It was adapted from two novels, The Night Watch by Thomas Walsh and Rafferty by William S. Ballinger. Please click here to view Pushover (1954) movie review.
Jeanne Eagels (also title The Jeanne Eagels Story) is a 1957 fictionalized biographical, odd little film, of the life of stage star Jeanne Eagels. Please click here to view Jeanne Eagels movie review.
While I love Kim Novak, Grace is my favorite. She excelled in Hitchcock's films.
ReplyDeleteIt is too hard for me to chose.. I think that they are both great actress.
ReplyDeleteGrace is my favorite, but Kim is a great actress, too. Nice post, Dawn.
ReplyDeleteI totally adore Grace Kelly....she is like my 5th favorite actress ever. I've seen all of her movies and have enjoyed every single one of them.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I totally love 2 of Kim Novak's movies. First, Picnic...if there was one scene I could have in a classic movie, it would be the dance scene she has with Bill Holden. Swoon!! Sigh!!! (Of course, Grace enjoyed 2 movies with the gorgeous Mr. Holden, but although there was an out of this world kiss in The Country Girl, there was no fabulous dance.)
I also love Kim in Middle of the Night, with Fredric March. Actually, that is one of my 25 all-time favorite movies.
So, while I'm not a huge Kim Novak fan, I DO love some of her movies.
Thanks for putting this great series together. (Everything you do here at Noir and Chick Flicks is always fabulous!!)
Qualify that...Rear Window is not among my well-liked movies...though I do love Grace in that one.
ReplyDeleteKalli, thank you. I love them both..
ReplyDeletePatti, I have also seen all of Grace's movies. I think my favorite is, Mogambo. I dunno, I also loved her in, Rear Window.
A couple of my favorite Kim Novak's movies are: Vertigo, My Pal Joey and Bell Book Candle.
Thank you for the wonderful compliment. I also enjoy my stay on your blog" "They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To.
While both women are beautiful, I think Kelly was more attractive and Novak was the better actress.
ReplyDeleteMeredith, I agree.. Kelly... was so glamorous.
ReplyDeleteLike you Dawn, I'm a fan of both of these ladies although I'm more familiar with Grace Kelly's work.
ReplyDeleteRear Window is my favourite Grace Kelly flick and I also love Mogambo. Grace and Ava Gardner are incredible!
Paul, It looked like the girls, Grace and Ava Gardner, really had fun together in this film.
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