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Harlow

1965, Movie, NR, 107 mins

Harlow: Review

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A rancid screen biography of the 1930s Hollywood sex goddess which tried to capitalize on renewed interest in the star created by a sensationalized, best-selling biography. Lynley is horribly miscast as the starlet discovered by up-and-coming actor Bochner, who spotted her as an extra in a Laurel and Hardy comedy (presumably DOUBLE WHOOPEE, 1928). Bochner arranges for Lynley to have a screen test for director Williams (apparently Howard Hughes), who is thrilled by what he sees and stars her in his next film (in reality, HELL'S ANGELS, 1930). This, of course, catapults her to stardom. Taking full advantage of Lynley's new fame are her mother, Rogers, and her stepfather, Sullivan. Unsatisfied by her stardom, Lynley cannot deal with her feelings of loneliness and despair. She soon falls in love with producer Paul Bern (Hatfield), and the couple are married. Though deeply in love with Lynley, Hatfield cannot overcome his impotence, and the marriage is never consummated. Feeling betrayed by her husband, Lynley has several affairs which cause Hatfield to commit suicide. She attempts another marriage, but it fails also. Seeking to change her life, Lynley moves East to get away from Hollywood and to study acting. Upon hearing that her mother has fallen ill, she returns to Los Angeles and, much to her surprise, is welcomed with open arms by Louis B. Mayer (Kruschen) who wants her to star in his next big project. Her confidence and enthusiasm renewed, Lynley launches headlong into her work and a new romance with popular male star Zimbalist, Jr. (in a strange blending of William Powell and Clark Gable, men who played important roles in Harlow's last years). Just as everything seems to be looking up for Lynley, she contracts a fatal illness and dies. Every aspect of HARLOW is cheap and smarmy. In a rush to get their movie out before Paramount's version of the same material, the producers shot the film in a mind-boggling eight days and used a hideous video-to-film process dubbed "Electronovision." It sapped the life out of the visuals because extremely flat lighting had to be used for the video cameras. leave a comment
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Wire Mothers: Harry Harlow And The Science Of Love
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Platinum Girl: The Life and Legends of Jean Harlow
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