Happy 1st of November everyone! I can’t believe how fast this year is flying by! I was looking through some pics of adorable costumes last night and found one I loved…Betty Boop! It made me wonder about where Betty came from so I decided to find out and do a post about her!
“Betty is best remembered for her red-hot jazz baby persona. With a head like a giant peanut, vast mascara’d eyes, too-kissable lips, baby-doll voice (courtesy of singer Mae Questel), flattened marcelled hair, and mere threads of a dress exposing miles of hot flesh, she was the perfect celluloid sex toy.” Betty was popular in a much different time. We have so many regulations about what can be put out there (even cartoons) that it is a wonder she survived in a conservative society. But, we do need to keep in mind that she was popular when gangsters, prohibition, and other illegal activities were prevalent.
“It wasn’t just her flesh, though there was plenty of that; Betty practiced what her body preached. We see her frequently undressing and stealing kisses from clowns and cats and other indeterminate creatures, as well as a more humanish Prince Charming. Not that Betty didn’t have her standards. When the fat circus master in Boop-Boop-a-Doop (1931) runs his hand up and down her exposed thighs, Betty recoils in disgust and sings a mock-lament to the sympathetic circus audience: “Please don’t take my boop-boop-a-doop away.” Now, what could she have meant by that? In Poor Cinderella (1934), dressed in her familiar teensy black bra and shredded skirt, she again bemoans the lack of sex — I mean, romance — in her life as she sings, “Always in the way… I can never play.”
Betty was created by Max and Dave Fleischer, “arch-enemies of the Disney aesthetic and creators of the big-screen Popeye and Betty Boop.” She was and still continues to be a “bad” girl. She is the cartoon version of a sexy pin up girl. No wonder she continues to be so popular! Here are some photos of Miss Boop…enjoy!
Date: Wed, 28
I love her too! I have always wanted to be her for Halloween! Such an adorable costume…Kori xoxo
I love Betty Boop so much. I think I’m going to be her for Halloween next year, so I gotta start looking for her dress.
Boop-boop-de-doop-oop!
She was marketed as a bad girl with a touch of nice to take the edge off. Marketing strategy that paid off, especially for that era.
Thanks so much! Crazy Baby Mama, I will add you later girl..I can’t get on your page at work…Christine, it’s been a while! Hope you are good! SarahDee, thanks girlie…I commented on your post this morning. It does seem like we have a ton in common! Hope you all have a great Monday!!! Kori xoxo
Awesome post, Kori!!!! You and I are definitely on the exact same wave length with our likes 🙂 Hope you enjoy your week, sweetheart!
Loved it when Bela Lugosi is about to ravish Mae as Betty and says,”You haff booped your laaaaast boop!”. Can’t remember where I saw it but it’s a great scene.
Fabulous post !
http://mimietnini.canalblog.com/
i adore betty boop –
i also love your anne taintor pics 🙂 she’s one of my favourites…
Thank you so much Karyn and Tom! I try to change the music often so check back for some of my new favorites! Have a fantastic Monday all! Kori xoxo
Love that Boopsie-Cola ad! That’s a cute, one. Oh, and love to listen to the music in your playlist during my blog reading time. Wonderful selections!
She was such a neat gal, I wonder if her creators had any idea what a beloved culture icon she would go on to be?
Heartfelt thanks for your incredibly kind words, Kori honey. I feel truly honoured to know that you enjoy and draw inspiration from my blog so much. Your words have already ensured my November begins on the best foot, thank you!
Tons of hugs,
♥ Jessica
What an interesting and fact filled post! I have always loved Betty Boop and I loved learning more about her! Thanks for stopping by, I enjoyed my visit with you. Hope you enjoyed your Sunday!!
Love and hugs,
Karyn
i’ve always viewed betty boop as this grotesque cartoon mash-up of sex and innocence…kinda like the Girls Next Door.
I love betty boop…
Thanks girlie! Have a great Sunday..
Lovely post of the original pin up!!!