Happy Birthday: Eve Arden!

Eve Arden (April 30, 1908 – November 12, 1990). Her 60-year career she performed in many supporting and leading roles.

Personal Quote:

"I've worked with a lot of great glamorous girls in movies and the theater. And I'll admit, I've often thought it would be wonderful to be a femme fatale. But then I'd always come back to thinking that if they only had what I've had - a family, real love, an anchor - they would have been so much happier during all the hours when the marquees and the floodlights are dark."

The Star (1952).

The Star(1952). Directed by Stuart Heisler. Cast: Bette Davis, Sterling Hayden and Natalie Wood. Bette Davis received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress.

The story begins when, Oscar Award winning Margaret Elliot, a bankrupt movie star, has to sell all her beautiful possessions at auction. She believes with all her heart, that one good part she can rebuild her career.

After another disappointment, she gets drunk and is arrested for DUI, and spends a night in jail. She is bailed out by Jim Johannsen, a young actor who she helped in the past.

Jim, tries to make Margaret see that her acting days are over. She does manage to get a screen test for a role in a film she’d always wanted to play. She decides to play the part as a sexy young woman but she ends up looking like a fool.

Later, at a Hollywood party, she is offered a role in a new film about a fading star who can’t face when their career is over. Will this script open Margaret's eyes to the truth.

The film, "The Star", is a look behind the scenes of old Hollywood. Bette, gave what I thought to be a realistic performance. Natalie Wood, gave a wonderful, bubbly performance as her daughter.



Classic movie snippets: The Star (1952) , movie review.

Barbara Lawrence (born February 24, 1928). She began her career as a photographer's model and performed in her first film, Diamond Horseshoe (1945). She also performed in the film, Captain from Castile(1947) with Tyrone Power. While finishing her studies at UCLA, she caught the attention of talent scouts and Lawrence was soon co-starring in 20th Century Fox movies: A Letter to Three Wives, The Street with No Name, Thieves' Highway and Here Come the Nelsons.

After her move to MGM, Lawrence starred in, Her Twelve Men. Lawrence, also played the major role in the film, Oklahoma!, in which she gets into a fight with Gloria Grahame.

Happy Birthday: Ann Margret!

Ann-Margret (born April 28, 1941), is a Swedish-American actress, singer and dancer whose first RCA recording was "Lost Love" from her debut album, And Here She Is: Ann-Margret, produced in Nashville with Chet Atkins on guitar, the Jordanaires (Elvis Presley's backup singers), and the Anita Kerr Singers, with notes by mentor George Burns. RCA capitalize on the 'female Elvis' comparison by having her record her version of "Heartbreak Hotel".

Ann's song "I Just Don't Understand", landed 17th on the Billboard Top 40 in the third week of August 1961 for six weeks. The song was later sung in live performances by The Beatles. Her only charting album was, The Beauty and the Beard (1964). She also sang at the Academy Awards presentation in 1962, singing the Oscar-nominated song "Theme from Bachelor in Paradise". Her biggest hit was in 1979 with "Love Rush," which peaked at #8 on the disco/dance charts.

Video: Is from the film Pleasure Seekers(1964.)

Pawsome Pet Picture: Ella Raines.

Triva:

Her second husband, Robin Olds, was a famous fighter pilot. Son of a World War I pilot, Olds was an ace (shot down 5 or more enemy aircraft) in WWII and 4 in Vietnam. They separated in 1975 and were divorced in 1976. Ella moved back to Hollywood and lived in Sherman Oaks until her death in 1988. She is survived by two daughters, Christina Eloise Olds of Vail, Colorado and Susan Olds Scott-Risner of North Bend, Washington and a granddaughter, Jennifer Newman of Santa Monica, CA.

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Thelma Todd

Winslow, the new host for: Pawsome Pet Pictures.

I have had a couple of requests to post my new puppy Winslow's, picture. Here "him" is. :)

When Ladies Meet (1941).

When Ladies Meet (1941). Cast: Joan Crawford, Robert Taylor, Greer Garson, Herbert Marshall, and Spring Byington. The screenplay by S.K. Lauren and Anita Loos was based upon a 1932 play by Rachel Crothers. The film was directed by Robert Z. Leonard, who also co-produced the film with Orville O. Dull.

The story is about, Mary Howard, a novelist with different ideas about love and marriage. Things become complicated when she falls in love with her publisher, Rogers Woodruff. She decides to take him away from his wife. Mary's friend Jimmy, is convinced he's the right man for her and comes up with a plan to end her relationship with, Woodruff.

He invites Mary and Woodruff's wife Claire, to meet at the house of a friend. The two women do not know each other, but during their visits they become friends. When she learns Woodruff is a womanizer, she realizes she does not love him...

Video: When Ladies Meet (1941) -- So You Got Lost?



It is interesting to watch the two different acting styles of Joan and Greer, play off each other. Once again, Spring Byington perfectly plays the ditsy-rich-lady character. I just love her. You may find yourself routing for.. Greer Garson. I also thought the sets were absolutely beautiful..

Beware of these Women: Barbara Stanwyck.

Double Indemnity(1944). Noir, directed by Billy Wilder, co-written by Wilder and Raymond Chandler, and produced by Buddy DeSylva and Joseph Sistrom. Cast: Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck and Edward G. Robinson.

This film noir is one of best murder mysteries of all time. The story begins when Walter Neff, a insurance salesman, returns to his office late one night after he has been shot. He sits down at his desk and begins dictating a memo for his boss Barton Keyes.

The dictation tells how Neff, meets Phyllis Dietrichson at her home to renew a car insurance policy for her husband. Phyllis, asks how she could take out a policy on her husband's life without his knowing it. Neff, realizes she is up to no good.

Neff's, libido quickly takes over and he agrees that together, they will kill her husband. Neff comes up with a plan in which Phyllis's husband will die an accidental death. The couple carry out their plan. Investigator Keyes, has a nagging feeling that Dietrichson and a accomplice must be behind the husband's death.



Fred Murray and Edward G. Robinson give perfect performances, but... it is Barbara Stanwyck, who really makes the film with her talent to exploit men.

Pre- Code: Smarty (1934).

Smarty(1934). Cast: Joan Blondell, Warren William, Edward Everett Horton, Joan Wheeler, Claire Dood and Frank McHugh.

Vicki Wallace, seems to enjoy pushing her husband Tony Wallace, buttons and it isn't long before he smacks her up side her head. Vicki's attorney who is also in love with her, Vernon Thorpe, helps her get a divorce and they marry soon after.

Vicki, loves to wear revealing clothes and inviting her ex-husband Tony to dinner. It is not long before Vernon, has had enough and smacks her one himself.

She goes to her ex husbands apartment, where she finds Tony with Bonnie, who is not too happy with Vicki showing up and moving in. Vernon, shows up with George and Anita. Vicki tells Vernon, that as long as she is going to be hit by a husband, she might as well go back to Tony. Vicki, believes that she and Tony will fall back into a happy marriage, or will they....

Joan Blondell, is very good, in a little different performance than I've ever seen her in before. She plays woman, who loves to provoke men.. until they lash out at her. Claire Dodd and Frank McHugh, play the comic relief. If you are a Joan Blondell fan, you will enjoy this movie.

Edward Everett Horton (March 18, 1886 – September 29, 1970), was a character actor. He had a long career in film, theater, radio, television and voice work for animated cartoons. He is best known for his work in the films of, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. His voice was one of his trademarks.

His first starring role was in the comedy film, Too Much Business(1922). Next, he went on to perform in the film, Beggar on Horseback(1925). Horton, performed in some of Warner Bros.' early talkies, The Hottentot and Sonny Boy.

He is best known, for his work as a character actor in the films: The Front Page (1931), Trouble in Paradise (1932), Alice in Wonderland (1933), The Gay Divorcee (1934), Flying Down to Rio (1933). Which included the popular dance team of Fred Astaire and a 23-year-old Ginger Rogers. It is the first of the series to feature Ginger and Fred as the main attraction. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

He also performed in the film, Top Hat (1935), Danger Love at Work (1937), Lost Horizon (1937), Holiday (1938), Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941), Arsenic and Old Lace (1944), Pocketful of Miracles (1961), and It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963). He last performed in a non-speaking role in the film, Cold Turkey (1971).

Silent Film Star: Edna Purviance.

Personal Quote:

"Mr. Chaplin asked me if I would like to act in pictures with him. I laughed at the idea, but agreed to try it. I guess he took me because I had nothing to unlearn and he could teach me in his own way. I want to tell you that I suffered untold agonies. Eyes seemed to be everywhere. I was simply frightened to death. But he had unlimited patience in directing me and teaching me."

This week on N and C F.

Personal Quote: I was very flattered by the sex-kitten thing because I never thought of myself as that.

Happy Birthday: Ann-Margret (born April 28, 1941) is a singer and dancer . She became famous for her starring roles in Bye Bye Birdie, Viva Las Vegas, The Cincinnati Kid, Carnal Knowledge, and Tommy. Her later career includes character roles in Grumpy Old Men, Any Given Sunday, The Santa Clause 3, and The Break-Up. She has won five Golden Globe Awards and been nominated for two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and six Emmy Awards. On August 21, 2010, she won her first Emmy Award for her guest appearance on Law and Order: SVU.

Gregory Peck, all day on TCM. April 28, 2011.

Happy Birthday: Eve Arden (April 30, 1908 – November 12, 1990). Her almost 60-year career included most genre with supporting and leading roles. Please click picture on side bar to learn more about Eve Arden.

BEWARE OF THESE WOMEN! FESTIVAL Continues, April 1st - 30th. We all know her the woman we love to hate, but secretly admire for her lack of tact, compassion, or both. For the month of April, ALL GOOD THINGS, NOIR and CHICK FLICKS, AND THEN THEY START TO SPARKLE, will share some of our classic favorite "bad girls" with you.

Please click here to view Monty's blog page.

Please click here to view "And Then They Start Sparkling" blog page.

Have a wonderful Easter from all of us here on N and CF..  :)

N and CF sources are listed below:

Pictures from:
doctom666@cfu/tcm
Bing.com

Fun Facts from:
IMDb
TCM

The Strange Love of Martha Ivers(1946).

The Strange Love of Martha Ivers(1946). Film noir. Cast: Barbara Stanwyck, Van Heflin, Lizabeth Scott and Kirk Douglas in his film debut. The movie is based on the short story "Love Lies Bleeding" by playwright John Patrick.

The story begins, One rainy night, when Martha Ivers, a young girl wanting to get out from under her rich, domineering aunt's thumb, is caught trying to run away with her friend, Sam Masterson.

Later that night, Sam comes back looking for her, but hides when he hears her aunt hitting the cat with her cane. When Martha comes to the rescue of her cat, she accidentally kills her aunt. Walter O'Neil, the son of Martha's tutor, sees the whole thing. Martha lies about the accident to Mr. O'Neil, and Walter backs her up. Although, Mr. O'Neil, believes he knows what really happened, tells the police, that some one must have broken in to the house. He then moves into the mansion.

Years later, he blackmails her into marrying his son by forcing her to testify against an innocent man.

Eighteen years later, Walter has become the district attorney. Walter loves her, but she doesn't love him. Sam, now a drifter and gambler, stops in the small town by chance when he has a car accident and has to wait for it to be repaired.

While waiting he meets Toni, who has just been released from jail. She is later picked up for violating her probation. Sam goes to see Walter, to see if he can get her released. Walter believes that Sam has returned with blackmail in mind. Instead.. Walter and Marta, pull Sam into a tangled web of lies.

I enjoyed the film for two reasons, the performance of Barbara Stanwyck, doing what she does best, playing a ruthless woman, who will do anything to get what she wants and the debut of Kirk Douglas.

Lizabeth Scott (born September 29, 1922). Scott movie debut was in the film, You Came Along (1945).

Paramount called Scott "The Threat," in order to create an onscreen persona for her similar to Lauren Bacall or Veronica Lake. Scott's smoky sensuality and husky voice was perfect for film noir genre beginning with, The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946).

Film historian Eddie Muller has said that no other actress has appeared in so many noir movies.

The dark blond actress was initially compared to Bacall because of a slight resemblance and a similar voice, even more so after she starred with Humphrey Bogart in the noir, Dead Reckoning (1947).

She also starred in, Desert Fury(1947) and later was paired with Lancaster, Corey and Kirk Douglas in, I Walk Alone (1948).

She also starred in the film, Too Late for Tears(1949).

After completing the film, Loving You (1957), Elvis Presley's second movie, Scott retired from the screen.

Beware of These Woman: Yo Ho, Yo Ho.. It's A Pirate Life for Me!

 

What is it about pirates that causes "bad girls" to throw away their corsets and live a life as a pirate sailing the seven seas? Is it the action packed life, love or the treasure? Maybe ...we will find out by watching these "Pirate Bad Girls", before they make you walk the plank...

Anne of the Indies (1951). Adventure film. It was directed by Jacques Tourneur and produced by George Jessel. The film stars Jean Peters (the future wife of Howard Hughes) and Louis Jourdan, with Debra Paget, Herbert Marshall, Thomas Gomez and James Robertson Justice. The story was to be based on the true life of pirate Anne Bonny. Susan Hayward was originally to play the lead role, but was replaced by Jean Peters.

This swashbuckler is a surprisingly wonderful film, because of the twist of the film, is that the pirate captain of the Sheba Queen, is a woman. Orphaned as a child, she was raised by, Captain Blackbeard . Among her crew is the ship’s drunken yet good hearted doctor, who is her best friend.

When a young Frenchman, is captured from a English ship, Anne hires him as her navigator. Frenchie, shares with her that he is in search of hidden treasure before being captured by the British...

But Blackbeard, doesn't believe him. Providence and LaRochelle fall in love, although he is already married. When LaRochelle tries to deliver her to the British, she kidnaps his wife and escapes. As for revenge, will she sell his wife on a slave-market...



Anne of the Indies, has many beautiful scenes, some sword fighting, along with a troubled love affair. I think you maybe surprised how good this film really is.

Jean Peters (October 15, 1926 – October 13, 2000). Peters was selected to replace Linda Darnell as the female lead in the film, Captain from Castile (1947) opposite Tyrone Power, when Darnell was reassigned to perform in the film, Forever Amber. Peters spent the next decade performing in period dramas and Westerns. Her second film was, Deep Waters (1948).

Next she performed with Ray Milland in the film, It Happens Every Spring (1949). Afterwards, she starred with Paul Douglas, in the period film, Love That Brute (1950). To prepare for a singing and dancing scene, Peters took a few lessons with Betty Grable's dance instructor.

By 1950, Peters was almost forgotten by the public, even though she was playing several lead roles from 1947. In late 1950, she was even cast in a secondary role as a college girl in, Take Care of My Little Girl (1951). She once became famous for being a small country girl, but as she grew up, the studio did not find her any more suitable roles.

In 1951, Peters, wanted the title role in, Anne of the Indies, which, according to the press, was the film that brought her stardom. Before its release, she was cast in, Viva Zapata! (1952). she was set to play the title role in the film, Wait Till the Sun Shines, Nellie (1952). It was the first time since the beginning of her career that Peters had received this much publicity.

Director Samuel Fuller chose Peters over Marilyn Monroe, for the part of Candy in the film, Pickup on South Street (1953). He thought Peters had the right blend of sex appeal, street smarts he was looking for. Because of the sex symbol status of her character, Peters was not thrilled at taking on this role. She preferred to choose her own roles, as she had done with Anne of the Indies (1951), Viva Zapata! (1952) and Lure of the Wilderness (1952).

Peters and Marilyn Monroe starred together in the film noir, Niagara(1953). In Niagara, Peters replaced Anne Baxter, with whom she co-starred in the film, O. Henry's Full House(1952). In the film Niagara, Peters' character was initially the leading role, but the film became Monroe's film, because by this time she was more popular. Her third film, A Blueprint for Murder(1953), reunited her with Joseph Cotten, with who she had also starred in Niagara with.

Another film starring Peters was the film noir, Vicki (1953). The story of the film, which is a remake of, I Wake Up Screaming. Townsend told that he gave the role to Peters, because she was "one of the greatest sirens he's ever seen." Next, Peters was assigned to replace Crain in the film, Three Coins in the Fountain (1954). The film became a success. Other 1954 films co-starring Peters were the westerns: Apache and Broken Lance.

Following her marriage to Howard Hughes, Peters retired from acting, her final film was, A Man Called Peter (1955).

(Sorry no picture) Hurricane Island (1951). Cast: Jon Hall, Marie Windsor and Romo Vincent. The story begins when a Spanish expedition, led by Jose Ponce de Leon, tries to claim a coastal piece of land. The Spaniards are soon attacked by Indians and Ponce de Leon, is injured by a poisoned arrow. The group leaves for Cuba to look for a Dr. Unfortunately, the Dr. is unable to help Ponce de León, and tells Captain Carlos Montalvo, to take Jose Ponce de Leon to a witch doctor. The witch doctor says that Ponce de Leon is under the spell of "Hurricane," God of the Winds, and that he must return to the god's secret shrine, a golden fountain of youth, for the cure. Meanwhile, Jane Bolton, a notorious and beautiful pirate leader, learns about the Spaniards visit to the fountain of youth and assumes that it must be filled with gold.

Marie Windsor (December 11, 1919 - December 10, 2000). Windsor was an actress known as "The Queen of the Bs" because she performed in so many film noirs and B-movies. Windsor, a former Miss Utah, trained for the stage and after several years as a telephone operator, a stage and radio actress, and a bit and extra player in films, she began playing feature and lead parts in 1947.

The 5'9" actress's first memorable role was opposite John Garfield in, Force of Evil. Windsor also had large roles in film noirs: The Sniper, The Narrow Margin, City That Never Sleeps and The Killing.

QUEEN OF THE PIRATES (1961). Starring: Gianna Canale. Directed by Mario Costa. In 16th century Italy, on the Adriatic coast, Doruzza, is governed by duke Zulian, and his daughter, Isabella. When they try to commit a injustice against one of their people, the naval officer Mirko and his daughter Barbara stop them and are arrested. The count Cesar de Santacroce, Isabella's fiancee, rescue them and they are set free only to be arrested again by Isabella, who puts them into slavery. Mirko, escapes and manages to get control of the ship, to free his daughter, who becomes the "Queen of the Pirates".

Gianna Canale (12 September 1927 – 13 February 2009). Her looks were compared to those of Ava Gardner. She starred in many sword and sandal films, as well as Italian horror and adventure films. I vampiri, was her last film. She retired from the movie industry in 1964.

QUEEN OF THE SEAS (1960). Directed by Sergio Grieco. Mary is a girl who dresses like a man and robs the jewels from the pretty ladies. The King's Guard captures her, and she finds herself in the same cell with Peter Goodwin, a nobleman, who pretends to be a robber like her, to win over her trust. After her escape, Mary becomes a pirate under captain Poof. When the captain dies, the only 'man' aboard who is respected by all the pirates is... Mary.

Lisa Gastoni (born 28 July 1935) Is an Italian film actress. She has appeared in 60 films since 1954.

Please click here to view Monty's blog page.

Please click here to view "And Then They Start Sparkling" blog page.

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn and friend going over the script for Monkey Business (1950)...wonder where's Cary Grant?

They Call It A Sin(1932).

They Call It A Sin(1932). Cast: Loretta Young, George Brent and Una Merkel.

Traveling salesman Jimmy Decker falls in love with Marion Cullen, even though he is engaged to Enid Hollister, his boss's daughter. Marion is a talented composer, after a confrontation with her foster mother, who tells her that she is really the illegitimate daughter of a showgirl, she leaves for New York.

After, she soon realizes that he is not going to break off his engagement with Enid, she and dancer Dixie Dare interview with talent agent, Ford Humphries, who offers Marion a job as a rehearsal pianist. When Marion plays one of her own songs for Humphries, he suggests that she write a song for his show.

One evening at the club, Marion meets, Dr. Tony and they begin to see each other and when Jimmy finds out, he becomes upset. He goes looking for her at one of Humphries' parties and tell Marion, that he still loves her. Humphries, sees them kissing uses her songs without credit to get even with her and Jimmy goes to see Humphries, in her defence. Drunk, Humphries falls off his balcony and later dies. To save Jimmy, Marion takes the blame. Will she ever reveal the truth?

This a wonderful fluffy romance movie, that becomes a little racy at the end.

Helen Vinson (September 17, 1907 – October 7, 1999). Performed in 40 films between 1932 and 1945.

Vinson's screen career often featured her in roles in which she played the other woman or (pre-Code) women with active romantic lives.

Her first film role was, Jewel Robbery (1932).

She performed in the film, The Kennel Murder Case, The Wedding Night (1935).

She played the wife of Gary Cooper, in a story about the tobacco fields.


Another performance was in the film, In Name Only (1939), in which she was cast as the treacherous friend of Carole Lombard, Kay Francis and Cary Grant.

Another stand-out role for Vinson was as an undercover federal agent posing as a femme fatale opposite Richard Cromwell in the film, Enemy Agent(1940) and The Thin Man Goes Home.

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Alice Faye.

Personal Quote;

On Tyrone Power, He was the best looking thing I've ever seen in my life. Kissing him was like dying and going to heaven.

Happy Birthday: Harold Lloyd!

Harold Lloyd (April 20, 1893 – March 8, 1971), ranks up there with Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton as one of the most popular and influential film comedians of the silent film era. Lloyd made nearly 200 comedy films, both silent and "talkies", between 1914 and 1947. He is best known for his "Glasses Character".

Please click here to view more info. on Harold Lloyd.


First of 3 interview Videos.

In Memory: Myrna Dell (March 5, 1924 - February 11, 2011).

I was just informed by Tom from Motion Picture Gems, that Myrna Dell, who was a film femme fatale in the 1940s and 1950s, died in Studio City, California, on February 11, 2011. My condolences goes to her daughter, Laura Patterson.

I re- posted a couple comments left on N and CF a few months ago..

Anonymous said...

I met Myrna years ago in a McDonalds in Studio City, Ca. I was on vacation with my sister and cousin. We didn't have much money so we ate at McDonalds alot that vacation. This woman was sitting there and called me over to her table and we started chatting. She told me who she was but I had no idea. She wrote to me and sent us autographed pictures. She did talk to me about acting because at the time I wanted to be an actress but didn't know how to get started. Well,all said and done, I never fulfilled my dream. Do you know if she ever was married or had children?

October 8, 2010 2:39 PM

Anonymous said...

Hello,

My name is Laura Patterson, and I am the only child of Myrna Dell. She married a handsome actor by the name of Herbert Patterson, and retired from Show Business to raise me in the 1960's


February 21, 2011 1:12 PM

Happy Birthday: Jayne Mansfield!

Jayne Mansfield (April 19, 1933 – June 29, 1967). In 1950, Vera Jayne Palmer married Paul Mansfield, becoming Jayne Mansfield and the couple moved to Austin, Texas. Where she studied dramatics at the University of Dallas and the University of Texas at Austin. Her acting career were temporarily put on hold when she gave birth to her first child, Jayne Marie Mansfield, on November 8, 1950, Mansfield was 17 at he time. After the birth of her baby the family spent a year at Camp Gordon, Georgia, while Paul Mansfield served in the United States Army. Her husband, Paul Mansfield, hoped the birth of their child would change her mind about acting. In 1954, they moved to Los Angeles and she studied dramatics at UCLA. Working as a candy vendor at a movie theatre, she attended UCLA during the summer, and then went back to Texas for the fall quarter at Southern Methodist University. She posed nude for the February 1955 issue of Playboy, which helped launch Mansfield's career.

Mansfield's first movie role was as a dancer in the film, Hell on Frisco Bay, a drama starring Alan Ladd and Fay Wray. Her next film role was as a extra in the newest Jane Russell film, Underwater!. She then played Candy Price, a supporting role in, The Female Jungle. In early 1955, Jayne was noticed by Warner Brothers and signed to a six month contract. She was signed by the studio after one of its talent scouts discovered her in a production at the, Pasadena Playhouse. Mansfield was then given a bit part in, Pete Kelly's Blues, which starred Jack Webb. In 1955, Paul Wendkos offered her the role in, The Burglar. She made one more movie  as Angel O'Hara, with Edward G. Robinson in the film, Illegal.

In 1955, she performed on Broadway then returning to Hollywood on May 3, 1956 she signed a six-year contract with 20th Century Fox and was then given her first role as Jerri Jordan in the film, The Girl Can't Help It (1956).



Jayne then went on to play a dramatic role in the film, The Wayward Bus (1957). In this film, she wanted to establish herself as a serious actress. She won a Golden Globe in 1957 for New Star Of The Year Actress, beating Carroll Baker and Natalie Wood, for her performance in the fim, The Wayward. Mansfield reprised her role of Rita Marlowe in the movie, Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?(1957).

Mansfield's fourth starring role was in the film, Kiss Them for Me (1957) with Cary Grant. Kiss Them for Me, was to be her final starring role in film.

Mansfield was offered a part opposite Jack Lemmon in the film, Bell, Book and Candle, but had to turn it down due to pregnancy. Next, Fox gave her the lead role as Kate opposite Kenneth More in the western, The Sheriff of Fractured Jaw(1958). Despite the publicity and her public popularity, good film roles dried up for Mansfield after 1959.

Fun Facts:

Had five children.

Turned down the role of Ginger Grant in "Gilligan's Island" (1964).

Spoke five languages.

Was a classically trained pianist and violinist.

Claimed to have an IQ of 163, though she didn't have exceptional grades in school.

Her character in the film The George Raft Story (1961) is based on 1940s Betty Grable.