The Belle, Jane Russell:
Once A Dreamboat Turned into a Devotee
Begum
Para, a Bollywood actress who was quite popular in her heyday, might be
unfamiliar to younger audiences. She was renowned for her striking beauty and
figure. However, given the extremely conservative standards of the Indian film
censor board dur seeing that era, many aspects of her on-screen persona and the
roles she could play were often restricted.
Begum
Para was renowned for her curvaceous figure, which was considered quite
provocative by the standards of her time. In a particular scene of one of her
films, despite her being fully clothed, the Indian censor board found her
portrayal too suggestive and halted the film's release. Undeterred, Begum Para
confronted the censor board members directly. In a bold and defiant act, she
tore open her blouse in front of them, revealing her chest, and challenged
their decision. She famously declared, 'Nature has given me this form, so what
objection do you have?
Begum
Para's bold and fearless stance left even the hardened censors speechless. It
was a similar story across the ocean in Hollywood around the same time, in the
glamorous 1940s. Jane Russell, a captivating beauty who would later be
overshadowed by the iconic Marilyn Monroe, was the reigning sex symbol. The
renowned filmmaker Howard Hughes signed her to a seven-year contract and
produced the daring film, 'The Outlaw.' This western, completed in 1941,
stirred up controversy not for its violence, but for its portrayal of Russell's
breathtaking beauty. A scene showing her blouse slipping from one shoulder, and
the resulting posters, caused a sensation. The censors, both in India and
America, found themselves grappling with the timeless question of art, beauty,
and societal norms.
In the
1940s, America was much more conservative than it is today. When actress Jane
Russell was just 19, she caused a big stir with a movie that showed a lot of
her body. People were shocked by how curvy she was, and many thought it was too
much. Government censors and even the Catholic Church didn't want the movie to
be shown because they thought it was too suggestive. Russell herself even
talked about her measurements to prove how real her curves were. Despite all
the controversy, the movie was eventually released, but it took a long time.
Even though it wasn't a great movie, Russell became a famous star because of
one scene where her top slipped off her shoulder.
Born on a
sunny June day in 1921, in the heartland of America, North Dakota, was the
enchanting Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell. Known fondly as Jane, she was a
blend of her Canadian grandparents' heritage and her American upbringing. Her
father, a distinguished First Lieutenant in the US Army, and her mother, a
talented actress, formed the bedrock of her life. It was in the embrace of the
American dream that young Jane was brought into the world, her destiny
intertwined with the stars and stripes. The family's journey led them to the
sun-kissed shores of Southern California, where they settled in the idyllic San
Fernando Valley, a place that would forever hold a special place in Jane's
heart.
Jane
Russell's mother enrolled her in a music school to learn the piano. While
studying music, Jane also started participating in school plays. At the time,
she was still in high school. Initially, she aspired to be a designer. She
began her career as a receptionist. Afterward, she ventured into modeling. At
the age of 19, while working at a doctor's office, she met Hollywood producer
Howard Hughes. He offered her a role in the film 'The Outlaw'. Her iconic scene
in the film, where her blouse slipped off her shoulder, made her a notorious
star. Subsequently, she worked with the famous comedian Bob Hope. Her image
from that film became extremely popular among American soldiers, who would hang
it in their rooms and bunkers.
Afterward,
she graced the silver screen in nearly two dozen American films, enchanting
audiences with her presence in classics such as 'Paleface', 'Son of Paleface',
'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes', and 'Two Little Girls from Little Rock'. Her films
often had a melodious touch, hinting at the musical journey that awaited her.
In the glittering city of Las Vegas, in 1957, she made her solo musical debut,
captivating hearts with her enchanting voice. Her songs became beloved on the
radio waves, and she even had the privilege of recording duets with the
incomparable Frank Sinatra.
Jane
Russell, having graced the silver screen as a sex symbol, embarked on a
remarkable journey towards faith and philanthropy. Despite her glamorous
Hollywood career, she found fulfilment in motherhood, adopting three children
and establishing the 'World Adoption International Fund' to help other families
find their own.
Later in
life, she became a devout Christian, founding the Hollywood Christian Group to
offer spiritual guidance to her peers. She even hosted a religious program,
'Praise the Lord,' on Christian television. Her transformation from a Hollywood
starlet to a dedicated philanthropist and religious leader was nothing short of
extraordinary.
A strong
supporter of the Republican Party, Russell was a vocal advocate for her
beliefs. Her life took a profound turn as she embraced sobriety, overcoming her
past struggles with alcoholism. In her autobiography, she candidly revealed
that she had chosen to retire from acting, feeling that Hollywood had outgrown
her. It's a testament to her character that a former sex symbol could become
such a devoted servant of God and humanity.
When Jane Russell passed away on February 28, 2011, at the age of 89, in Santa Maria, California, Hollywood once again turned its gaze to the iconic star whose career had been marked by controversy and censorship. As the world mourned her loss, the industry paid tribute to her enduring legacy. Her hand and footprints were forever preserved on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a fitting tribute to a woman who had left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
No comments:
Post a Comment