I can’t remember which Old Hollywood podcast I was listening to recently (it wasn’t any of the ones referenced below) but in conversation with a guest speaker, the host simply stated “Lana Turner isn’t a household name anymore.” Since this was a podcast about Hollywood’s Golden Age, the statement was definitely said sadness and that’s exactly the emotion it sparked within me. Sadness. Marilyn Monroe, Jean Harlow, Lana Turner, Carole Lombard…these blondes are my household names SO – this one is for you Lana. Inspired by the 1946 film noir, The Postman Always Twice!
I’m obsessed with all of Lana’s looks in the film but this one, well this one makes quite the first impression. I was fascinated to learn the movie adaptation, based on the 1934 novel by James Cain, took a while to come to fruition due to the censorship codes of the time. It’s amazing how this movie was able to abide by the codes without loosing the heaviness of the subject matter. Lana, who plays the role of Cora Smith, wears white the majority of the movie and stuns every time. Angelic femme fatale are words that shouldn’t go together but when it comes to describing Lana’s character in the movie, I can’t find any other words.
If you’d like to learn more about Lana, I definitely recommend the following podcast episodes:
Vanguard of Hollywood Episode 59. Platinum Perfection: A Lana Turner Birthday Tribute
Vanguard of Hollywood Episode 43. Lana Turner, John Garfield and The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)
“You Must Remember This” a Karina Longworth Podcast Episode 67. MGM Stories Part 12: Lana Turner
AND if you’re looking for some Lana inspired headwear, be sure to check out My Retro Palace!
Photography by Shauna Peniche aka Little Photo Fox