Harlow (II) (1965)

Loosely based biography of 1930s star Jean Harlow as she begins her climb to stardom.

Director:

Alex Segal

Writer:

Karl Tunberg

Stars:

Carol Lynley, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Ginger Rogers

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Carol Lynley	...	Jean Harlow
Efrem Zimbalist Jr.	...	William Mansfield
Ginger Rogers	...	Mama Jean Bello
Barry Sullivan	...	Marino Bello
Hurd Hatfield	...	Paul Bern
Lloyd Bochner	...	Marc Peters
Hermione Baddeley	...	Marie Dressler
Audrey Totter	...	Marilyn
John Williams	...	Jonathan Martin
Audrey Christie	...	Thelma
Michael Dante	...	Ed
Jack Kruschen	...	Louis B. Mayer
Celia Lovsky	...	Marie Ouspenskaya
Robert Strauss	...	Hamk
Sonny Liston	...	First Fighter

Storyline

One of two "Harlow" film biographies that appeared in 1965, this one stars Carol Lynley in the title role that begins as Jean Harlow, a bit player in Laurel and Hardy comedies, is invited to test for director Jonathan Martin for the lead in Howard Hughes's "Hell's Angels." She is an instantaneous sensation, and in a series of films devoted more to her body than her talent, she becomes Hollywood's "Platanum Blonde."

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Plot Keywords:

blonde | director | husband wife relationship | music box | suicide | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 May 1965 (USA)

Also Known As:

Blonda bombnedslaget

Company Credits

Production Co:

Theatrofilm

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Before Carol Lynley landed title role, Dorothy Provine and Diane McBain were mentioned as possible leads.

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Goofs

When Harlow falls ill in middle of shooting scene on a movie set there are (probably for budgetary reasons) less than a handful of studio employees in attendance; in reality, a set of a major picture is teeming with dozens of creative and technical staffers.

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Soundtracks

"With Open Arms"
Written by Al Ham, Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman
Vocal solos and obligatos by Mary Mayo

User Reviews

"Harlow": Rare and enjoyable!

This version of "Harlow" used to be a staple on local television until the mid-1970's. Then it suddenly vanished. It was nice to finally catch up with this film again. It has generally been acknowledged as a slipshod filmization of the life of Hollywood's Blonde Bombshell, Jean Harlow. Apart from the film mixing fact with fiction, it's really not a bad movie. It was shot in just eight days, and it looks like a live TV show. But that's fine! The inexpensive process used for filming the movie ultimately creates an appropriate atmosphere for the film. Carol Lynley is good as Jean Harlow. Had she been given more than three weeks rehearsal, she might have given a stronger performance. Ginger Rogers (who had only a couple of days rehearsal after being chosen as a fast replacement when Judy Garland quit the production) simultaneously gives a bravado performance and shows her unmistakable star quality as Mama Jean. Hurd Hatfield, ever a fine actor, is very moody as producer Paul Bern. Lloyd Bochner has an ongoing role throughout the film as a Hollywood big shot. Undeniably low-budget, this production of "Harlow" is much more enjoyable than the alternate version made the same year. I'd seek this one out. It works better as entertainment on all levels.