MovieChat Forums > Platinum Blonde (1931) Discussion > Another melancholy ending for Harlow's c...

Another melancholy ending for Harlow's character

posted 16 years ago by fleurfairy
4 replies | jump to latest

This is one of several films that Harlow starred in in which her character gets a non-happy ending. Wife vs. Secretary, Dinner at 8, Libeled Lady, Red-Headed Woman, Platinum Blonde, etc. All of these films leave Harlow's character in the lurch. I find it very sad and ironic. Almost as if Hollywood knew that her life would have a sad ending as well. Even though she was labeled a "bombshell" her character is always passed over for a plainer brunette by her object of affection. It's strange...

[–] mwmtampa 15 years ago

I agree that it is not only strange, but also to a large extent lame and unrealistic. There is no way she would be passed over for these plainer brunettes in real life time after time, that's a no go.

[–] HarveyManfredSinJohn 10 years ago

But even if the brunettes are 'plainer', in most cases, at least this one, they're nicer, more substantial people.

[–] Howlin Wolf 11 years ago

I thought Loretta Young outshone Harlow here, if I'm honest...

"Your mother puts license plates in your underwear? How do you sit?!"

[–] cyninbend-149-610489 8 years ago

Boy, do I agree with you, Howlin' Wolf! Young was stunningly beautiful while Harlow had a cheap look, her nose too large, her face chubby and pinched. She had charisma and was fascinating, but was not a classic beauty. Her eyes were pretty, but look closely and her eyelids barely showed because the upper lid was so puffy. The studio took surgical of their charge and afterward, her eyelids showed, but her eyebrows were forever gone. Jean Harlow was special--which is better than simple perfection when it comes to a career in show biz. But she was not as pretty as others....