Historical Photos That’ll Blow Your Socks Off n°23

Journey through the eras with this captivating pictorial chronicle, featuring iconic moments from Hollywood’s golden age to the swinging sixties. From Veronica Lake’s hair hazard to Sophia Loren with Josip Tito, each scene tells a tale.

Veronica demonstrated potential hazards for women working in factories.

Veronica Lake – Hair Hazard (1943)

Actress Veronica Lake, known for her iconic “peek-a-boo” hairstyle, demonstrated the hazards her long locks posed in factories during WWII, inspiring female workers to safely tie up their hair and prevent tragic accidents.

Charlie Chaplin & Bebe Daniels' 1928 table tennis fun!

Chaplin, Daniels Play (1928)

Charlie Chaplin and Bebe Daniels, both Hollywood icons, showcased their friendly bond in 1928, as they engaged in a spirited game of table tennis, merging leisure with timeless star power.

Hollywood bombshell Jayne Mansfield visited Dutch newspaper in 1957.

Jayne Mansfield at De Telegraaf (1957)

In 1957, Hollywood bombshell Jayne Mansfield visited Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, causing a media frenzy. Her charisma and sex appeal captivated the Dutch press, further cementing her status as a 1950s icon.

Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell immortalized their fame in 1953.

Monroe & Russell Handprints (June 26, 1953)

Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell immortalized their fame on June 26, 1953, by imprinting their handprints in wet cement at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, celebrating their successful partnership in the film “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”

Iconic Chinese actress Ruan Lingyu tragically ended her life at age 24.

Ruan Lingyu’s End (1930s)

Ruan Lingyu, a renowned Chinese actress of the 1930s, captivated audiences with her emotive performances. Tragically, intense media scrutiny and personal struggles led her to commit suicide at age 24, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

Martha O'Driscoll - kissing a soldier goodbye in Los Angeles, 1941.

Martha O’Driscoll Kisses Soldier (1941)

In 1941, actress Martha O’Driscoll bids farewell to a soldier in Los Angeles, showcasing her support for the troops during World War II and capturing a poignant wartime moment for posterity.

Anita Louise, a prominent 1930s actress, portrayed Queen Titania in 1935.

Titania Anita Louise (1935)

Anita Louise, a prominent 1930s actress, brilliantly portrayed Queen Titania in Max Reinhardt’s 1935 film adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, captivating audiences with her ethereal presence and glamorous style.

Women's swimwear was prohibited from being over 3 inches above the knee.

Myrna Ross – Bathing Suit Check (1933)

In 1933, Redondo Beach police enforced a dress code ordinance banning women’s bathing suits rising over 3 inches above the knee. Policeman Chuck Peyton checked actress Myrna Ross’ attire, exemplifying strict moral conduct rules of that era.

Ida Lupino - Actress & World War 2 Lieutenant in women's Defense corps.

Ida Lupino at Switch (1942)

Ida Lupino, a renowned actress, served as a Lieutenant in the Women’s Ambulance and Defense Corps during WWII, showcasing her dedication to civic duty by operating a telephone switchboard in Brentwood, California, on January 3, 1942.

Brigitte Helm's 1st role - iconic robotic Maria in Metropolis movie.

Brigitte Helm Cools on Set (1927)

Actress Brigitte Helm endured a grueling filming of Metropolis (1927), often wearing a constricting robot costume. Amidst challenging conditions, she took breaks to cool off.

First celeb hair-washing photo, 1925.

Pickford Hair Wash (1925)

Mary Pickford, renowned silent film actress and co-founder of United Artists studio, was known for her long, golden curls. In 1925, photos of her hair washing ritual captivated audiences, showcasing the intimate side of Hollywood’s glamour.

The iconic Kiss of Death: Actress' embrace before racer's death.

The Kiss of Death (May 12, 1957)

The Kiss of Death(Cavriana, May 12, 1957). It shows Mexican Actress Linda Christian kisses F1 Driver Alfonso de Portago at a brief stop during the 1957 Mille Miglia race in northern Italy. Portago was killed moments later while taking a curve at 150m/h in Guidizzolo, Cavriana.

The tragedy of a rising star: fame at 18, paralyzed at 24, dead at 31.

Susan Peters (1941)

Susan Peters, a promising American actress, soared to fame at 18 but tragically became paralyzed at 24 from a duck hunting accident. Despite her paralysis, she continued to act, but sadly died at 31 from pneumonia exacerbated by anorexia in 1952.

Yugoslavia's president Tito & Sophia Loren mingle posing in 1969.

Josip Broz Tito & Sophia Loren in Brioni (1969)

Actress Sophia Loren and Yugoslavia’s lifelong communist president Josip Broz Tito pose for picture at the VIP island resort of Brioni/Brijuni in 1969. Tito’s wife Jovanka is sitting in the back, next to Sophia’s husband Carlo.

Richard and Pat hosted young Carrie Fisher and her mother Debbie Reynolds.

Nixon Meets Stars (1973)

President Nixon and First Lady Pat hosted a White House gala on February 25, 1973, which was attended by Debbie Reynolds and her daughter, Carrie Fisher, both renowned Hollywood actresses. This showcased the Nixons’ connection to popular entertainment.

Robert Mitchum & Lila Leeds faced 60-day jail - 1949 Hollywood scandal.

Robert Mitchum & Lila Leeds (1949)

Actor Robert Mitchum, center right, and actress Lila Leeds, left, are sentenced to 60 days in jail on charges of conspiracy to possess marijuana cigarettes in Los Angeles, February 9, 1949.

Winters lit love's flame, temp union '51-'54.

Winters-Gassman (1951)

Shelley Winters, a prolific American actress, ignited a cigarette for renowned Italian actor Vittorio Gassman in 1951. The couple married in 1952, but divorced within two years due to irreconcilable differences.

Beauty micrometer Invention aids Hollywood beauty in 1930s.

Dorothy Wilson – Beauty Micrometer (1930s)

Max Factor used his innovative beauty micrometer on actress Dorothy Wilson in 1932, measuring facial dimensions to create precise makeup applications, enhancing her natural features for the Hollywood screen.

Rex Harrison and Samantha Eggar watch World Cup final with Chee-Chee.

Dolittle Cast World Cup (1966)

British actor Rex Harrison and actress Samantha Eggar, with chimpanzee Chee-Chee, sit down to watch the Football World Cup final between England and West Germany during filming of “Doctor Dolittle” at Castle Coombe, Dorset, on July 30, 1966 –

Mother-daughter duo on set of musical film

Liza Minnelli and Judy Garland (1950s)

Young Liza Minnelli with her iconic mother, Judy Garland, on the set of 1950’s “Summer Stock,” witnessing firsthand her mom’s captivating talent, strong work ethic, and the complexities of Hollywood stardom at a young age.

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