Jane Russell was the daughter of an actress, and was trying to break into Hollywood, when Howard Hughes discovered her in his dentist’s office. According to Hughes, he was looking for a woman with an ample “chest” to be cast in his film, “The Outlaw,” in 1943. The film caused a storm of controversy due primarily to the amount of cleavage shown by Russell onscreen, and, after brief releases in 1941 and 1943, it was not officially released until 1950. The controversy brought her much publicity, often in the form of off-color, sophomoric jokes. However, she surpassed her mindless “bombshell” image and went on to perform with versatility in a number of films during the subsequent three decades.
“The Outlaw (1943) faced close scrutiny by the Hays Office (and Joseph Breen), due to its exploitation of star Jane Russell’s prominently-uncovered 38” chest in her debut film by Hollywood huckster Russell Birdwell. Salacious advertising with lines such as: “What are the two great reasons for Jane Russell’s rise to stardom?” added to the lurid sensationalism and kept the film from being widely circulated. In addition, pin-up shots of big-busted Russell rolling around in the hay had the desired effect at the box office (especially among WWII GIs). One of the film’s most vulgar stunts, also orchestrated by Birdwell, was to have skywriting planes fly over San Francisco where they spelled the film’s title followed by two giant circles — each dotted in the center.”
Jane was usually cast as a “tough broad,” or sassy kind of girl from then on. Here are some pics of Jane, including one from the film that caused so much scandal (the pic with her shirt falling off her shoulder). Hope you enjoy! Have a great day!
Russell said that the bra Hughes designed for her – that took up so much of his time and cost so much money to construct — was so painful she substituted a bra of her own with a little adjustment, and he never knew……My favorite movie of her’s was ‘out of the past’ of course, she was great in ‘gentlemen prefer blondes.’
I really loved her look. I think she was different than a lot of the other actresses of the time. Thanks for the comments! Kori xoxo
I’ve seen her in one film, and one film only – Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Loved her in it. She was a classic beauty with Old Hollywood glamour. I believe that most of today’s starlets are missing that Old Hollywood je ne sais quoi that we all loved about the starlets from yesteryear. They don’t have that kitten-like sensuality and sweetness about them. 🙂
Vintage is awesome! I love everything about your blog! I’m so glad I found you 🙂
x
That was weird and wild portrayal of a gorgeous lady. Times have changed for sure.
Thanks for sharing it all with us.
Cheers!!
Thanks for the comments dames and gents! I think that Jane is a true beauty and had acting ability to boot! Glad you enjoyed the post! See you tomorrow! Kori xoxo
Ahem….I’m old enough to remember her. You’re right, she did play the tough girl.
She looks so much like my mom when she was that age. It’s actually uncanny how much mom resembles her.
Of course, I might be biased.
She had such a presence, such a sense of charisma and confidence. I have loved her since the first time I saw Gentlemen Prefer Blondes as a child, preferring her character miles above MM’s in that particular film. A true beauty with amazing talent to boot, love her!
Wishing you an excellent Tuesday, honey!
♥ Jessica
I love your homage to the beauties of the old glamorous Hollywood!
A true beauty! I have always adored Jane Russell…women pay big bucks to have what came naturally to her! Love all the facts…fabulous post!
Love and hugs,
Karyn
Im not really familiar with her, so thanks for sharing.I dont think she is one of the prettiest ones either.But she had a great career so thats the important thing.
love the blog… love the layout.. very, very cool..
Like so many actresses of her day, Jane’s acting talent was overlooked for her physical attributes. I’m glad she was able to go on and create a good career despite the seedy publicity they gave her to begin with.
Hey Kori! Your blog just rocks girl! Thanks for leaving a comment- I am sorry about your team- I LOVE your coach! The Ravens are tough. But don’t worry, they’ll be back against Pittsburgh. Much good luck to you next weekend! Go Brandon Marshall (he’s on my FF team- where the heck was he yesterday, he got me no points! lol!)
Take care! xOxO deb
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes? I love that one! Hey Colette–I can’t find you on the site…I will send you a message on your blog…Kori xoxo
What a beauty! Hope you had a lovely Halloween. Did you start NaNoWriMo? I pretty much dedicated yesterday to it to try and get ahead. If your still doing it you can add me as a buddy on the site: nicoletterenee
love and hugs!
Bonjour! Wow times have changed! I think today’s movies are missing all the glamour and good ole story telling of old Hollywood! I liked her in the movie with Marilyn Monroe they were performers on a cruise ship, but I can’t remember the name right now…
Isn’t that wild?! I do love her movies though.
I know! Is that good or bad? Hmmm..Kori xoxo
oh how times have changed! no one would bat an eyelash at that stuff nowadays 🙂