Even though only a handful of her films are available in the UK, I will endeavour to watch as many Loretta Young films as I can. After watching her in
Platinum Blonde (1931) I loved her immediately. There was such a sweetness and loveliness about her, but also a real talent as an actress. Blessed with bewitching eyes and a beautiful face, I actually find that Young had one of the most expressive faces of that era. She didn't overact or over-do expressions (which quite a few of her peers would); instead she would convey emotions with a delicate glance or stare, to the point where it seemed as if she had total control over every muscle in her face, and yet her acting never seemed forced or planned, just a natural ability to act wondrously. Not to mention a total ease when infront of the camera.
What struck me too was her beauty, and I consider her to be one of the most beautiful women on film. Radiant, graceful, and mesmerising, if Young is onscreen you won't be able to take your eyes off her. The way Frank Capra lights her in
Platinum Blonde gives her an ethereal glow that creates an angelic quality - especially juxtaposed to her love rival in the film, Jean Harlow. Not only is Young's character more likeable in the film, but the way she is lit is like a big alert to Robert Williams, 'Are you blind? The right girl for you is here!'
Here are some photos of the beautiful Loretta Young, but as for her acting ability and screen persona, you'll have to watch her films yourself to understand why this actress was so wonderful.
She's a knockout. I've only seen two films with her - both featured her playing David Niven's wife: the Christmas movie "The Bishop's Wife", with Cary Grant, and "Eternally Yours", where Niven played a daredevil magician. Loretta Young shines in both of them.
ReplyDeleteHi! Those are definitely on my 'to watch' list. I bet she was even more beautiful in real life.Thanks for commenting Comicbookrehab!
DeleteI've never seen her movies, but I'd really love to see the films she did with Tyrone Power! You MUST read the section on Loretta Young from Jeanine Basinger's "The Star Machine"! I'd love to read a review on this book on your blog, I'm really anticipating every new blog post you release! A recent film I loved is Pablo Larrain's "No" with Gael Garcia Bernal, you gotta see it dear!!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteHey Steph! Aww thanks, yes I need to see more of her stuff but I really like her so far. I am about to start the star machine. If you have time you might be interested in checking out my previous 2-3 blogposts xxx
DeleteCheck out the pre-Code Loretta -- not only was she one of the most ethereal beauties in Hollywood history, but she made an array of wonderful films that sort of run perpendicular to her later prim image. "Employees' Entrance," "Midnight Mary," "Born To Be Bad," "A Man's Castle"; all are solid films with good performances on her part. Aside from possibly Norma Shearer, no actress' reputation was more rehabilitated by the pre-Code revival than Loretta Young's.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendations!
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