Hollywood Takes A Dip!
In a previous post discussing my tour of Paramount Studios in Hollywood, I mentioned that I bought a book called “Hollywood Poolside” by Frans Evenhuis and Robert Landau.
This book is full of fun, beautiful portraits of golden age stars lounging around the pool, and how these waterside images affected American ideas of wealth and status. Need I mention to all my fellow fashionistas, it’s a great way to see the evolution of swimsuit styles? This book has inspired this post, which not only shows stars by the pool, but shows them rocking their stylish swimsuits anywhere, and is in a way a tribute to the pin-up.
Jane Russell models a cute 50s style powder blue one piece on the diving board.
Ginger Rogers models a 1940s style halter bikini
Jean Harlow modeling the popular black Jantzen one-piece of the 1930s. It had a very demure front, but a revealing back, adding a subtle sex appeal. One of the most popular swimsuits amongst Hollywood’s elite in the 1930s.
Joan Crawford spices up her white one-piece with strappy heels, ca. 1930s
Rita Hayworth in a nautical-themed pin-up shot.
Virginia Bruce models a demure skirt ensemble, ca. 1930s
Grace Bradley in a flattering one piece and chic cape-style coverup, 1936
Una Merkel (cheesy pose!) models a black one-piece and some cute sandals, 1934
A very early photo of Rita Hayworth (socks and sneakers with a swimsuit?), 1938
Marilyn Monroe is very famous for her swimsuit pin-up photos. August 3, 1951
A beautiful candid shot of Monroe laughing, July 1, 1952
Merle Oberon models a cute suit on a diving board, 1939
Who else rocked a swimsuit (and synchronized swimming) better than Esther Williams? January 21, 1948
Although strictly for modeling, Ginger Rogers’ coin suit from Gold Diggers of 1933 is the height of swimming couture!
Yay! A man! Maurice Chevalier (my newest crush) sports a popular men’s swimsuit from the 1930s (men wore it without the shirt as well).
Marilyn Monroe in a cheescake pin-up, July 2, 1953
Grace Kelly and her family on vacation, 1954
Marilyn Monroe in a bikini, May 26, 1952
Claudette Colbert looks adorable in this patterned swimsuit! With Gary Cooper in Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife (1938)
Marilyn and a chihuahua, May 17, 1950
The famous shot of Elizabeth Taylor on the set of Suddenly, Last Summer (1959)
Liz in an adorable polka-dot one piece, July 4, 1956
Ellen Drew, Susan Hayward, and Betty Grable, 1939
Ava Gardner in a…straw bikini? Yep! ca. 1950s
Jane Russell’s bikini looks like an optical illusion! 1950s
Elizabeth Taylor (only 17 years old here) and (hairy) fiance William D. Pawley Jr. relax poolside, August 25, 1949
What’s more fashionable: Marilyn’s swimsuit or heels? January 25, 1952
Marilyn having fun on the beach, ca. 1950s
Maurice Chevalier with an unknown actress in Innocents of Paris (1929). Her polka dot suit is tres chic!
Ann Rutherford sunbathing in a cute swimsuit, 1937
Ann Blyth (in a fashionable swimsuit) and Farley Granger in Our Very Own (1950)
Esther Williams teaches Mickey Rooney a thing or two in Andy Hardy’s Double Life (1942)
William Holden rocks patterned trunks in a scene from the greatest Hollywood-themed film, Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Esther Williams in a sequined swimsuit in Million Dollar Mermaid, 1952
Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot (1959)
In a barely there swimsuit in Something’s Got To Give
Rita Hayworth playing cards on the beach (with herself?) ca. 1940s
Cary Grant and Grace Kelly lounge on the beach in To Catch A Thief (1955)
Cary Grant relaxes in some sporty summer clothing poolside
One of the famous Cary Grant and Randolph Scott portraits, ca. 1930s
Cary Grant checks out Marilyn Monroe, ca. 1950s
Clark Gable and Joan Crawford in the pool in Chained (1934)
Clark gets ready to dive in; from the same scene of Chained (1934)
Ida Lupino lounges around in a bikini and wedges
A lovely one-piece worn by Virginia Grey
Yvonne deCarlo wears a bikini in this pin-up photo
Evelyn Keyes in a sporty black one-piece
Very stylish, Johnny Mack Brown!
Ann Rutherford in a fashionable one-piece
(Blonde) Evelyn Keyes hangs out on the diving board
I must say, my favorite swimsuit pictures are Bette Davis’. There is something so effortless about the way she wears them!
Dorothy Lamour in a cute skirt ensemble
Paulette Goddard models a darling white one-piece!
Here’s a cute style, modeled by Rita Hayworth
Loving Ann Baxter’s suit!
The always-cute Joan Blondell in an adorable swimsuit
Betty Grable in a striped bikini
Sonja Henie, not on ice!
Ann Francis’ swimsuit is CUTE!
Scratch that. THIS is the cutest swimsuit ever created! Modeled by Dorothy Sebastian
Una Merkel in a conventional 1930s one-piece
Paulette Goddard in a wraparound swimsuit
Lookin’ good, Alan Ladd!
Joan Crawford is goddess-like in this white one-piece
Thank goodness Cyd Charisse is modeling a simple black suit here!
Cyd Charisse in a cute halter bikini
A very young Lana Turner in a diving board pin-up
Elizabeth Taylor’s swimsuit is to die for!
Jane Russell in a ruffly one-piece
Ann Blyth modeling an interesting one-strap suit
Ann Harding is 30s chic!
An early Ida Lupino in a patterned one-piece
Another classy Ida Lupino photo
Ava Gardner is gorgeous in this beachfront photo
Ramon Novarro is mighty, mighty fine…
An early Ronald Reagan in a lifeguard suit!
Mamie Van Doren in a pastel pink one-piece
Here she is again in a patterned one piece
Ann Sheridan in a ruffly pink bikini (shoes don’t match!)
LOVE Ann Sheridan’s bikini here!
Betty Hutton in a swimsuit, carrying an umbrella (?)
Jean Harlow in a low-cut swimsuit? Every man’s dream!
Jean Harlow working on her swimsuit body
This I LOVE. It’s glittery!
This one is adorable too!
Jean always looked fashionable
Fooling around in a standard 30s swimsuit
Joan Crawford and Dorothy Sebastian accessorize their swimsuits with cool headscarves, 1925
Joan looks gorgeous in this publicity shot, 1926
Famous photo of Joan with husband Douglas Fairbanks Jr, August 22, 1929
I simply adore this swimsuit!
Joan and Doug im 1931. The men’s swimsuits make me laugh
Joan with Franchot Tone in Dancing Lady (1933). The black fringe is so chic!
Multitasking sunbathing with answering fan mail
I love Joan’s 1940s swimsuits. Here’s my favorite
Another fave
This one is HILARIOUS. Gloria Swanson in the 1920s
Gloria Swanson looking a bit more…normal. She was always quite trendy
Jane Powell in an itty bitty bikini
Debbie Reynolds goes for a demure look here
But vamps it up here!
Pulling off a classic pin-up pose
A young Doris Day. Love the bikini, not digging the sandals
Bette Davis is so cute here!
Bette Davis in a swimsuit, and Joan Blondell modeling the beach pajama, a 1930s casual beachwear trend
Mary Astor and Manuel de Campo in Hawaii
Tyrone Power always looked good in those tiny swimsuits!
Tony Curtis brings in some much-needed hairy man leg
.jpg)
Oh my God. Rudolph Valentino is SEXY.
Gary Cooper in one of those things…
A (not so good) photo of Johnny Weissmuller and George O’Brein
LMAO who can guess what’s wrong with the above photo of Philip Reed?
Surf’s up with Henry Fonda!
Laurence Olivier in his God-given birthday suit! Thankfully, that strategic shadow blocks everything
Color photo of Laurence Olivier kissing Vivien Leigh
How adorable is Vivien here?
Vivien is gorgeous in this pin-up photo
One of my faves. Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh on vacation in Australia
Larry checks out Vivien
Larry and Viv at the beach
Al Jolson relaxing by his pool (the lounge chair is too small hahaha)
Johnny Weissmuller and his brother in identical swimsuits
Paulette Goddard in a black one-piece. Nice background!
Jeanette MacDonald is cool in a white one-piece, sunglasses, and a headscarf
Jeanette MacDonald enjoying the beach
Errol Flynn…what a hottie
Jane Russell in a GORGEOUS gold number!
Susan Hayward, a beautiful, popular pin-up
Susan Hayward flirts with the camera
A fun bikini modeled by Susan Hayward
Olivia de Havilland looking lovely, as usual (LOVE her shoes!)
Olivia de Havilland goes for more natural scenery
Rocking a patterned bikini
Ginger Rogers caught off-guard at the beach
Loving Ginger Rogers’ swimsuit!
Loving this one, too!
Fellow Brooklyn dame Barbara Stanwyck rocks a bikini!
Gene Tierney in an amazing leopard print suit
I say, Brooklyn girls wear swimsuits the best! 
Clara Bow
Clara Bow looking shipshape
And cute!
With her dog
Clara Bow in the sand with heels? And a two piece in the 1920s to boot!
Myrna Loy lounging poolside in that backless swimsuit I spoke about earlier
Dolores Del Rio in a one-strap bikini
.jpg)
A pin-up era Lucille Ball modeling a gorgeous strapless one-piece
A very young (and still brunette) Lucille Ball in a cute patterned swimsuit and a killer hat!
Esther Williams in a simple black one-piece. She has her own (ADORABLE!) swimsuit line today.
Wearing a tie-front bikini
The always gorgeous Norma Shearer lounging poolside
The lovely and talented Ruby Keeler
Al Jolson with his wife, Ruby Keeler. Nice rubber swim cap!
Claudette Colbert looks glamorous in this one-piece
And even more glamorous in this vintage bathing costume! With actor John Payne
Joan Blondell models an early version of those cutout swimsuits so popular today
Claudette getting some sun, sand, and surf
Here’s a rare one: Greta Garbo!
Greer Garson looking statuesque in a metallic swimsuit
Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster, either before or after that famous scene from “From Here To Eternity”
A colorized photo of Carole Lombard in a glamorous swimsuit and heels
Leggy Lombard was a great pin-up
In a shiny one-piece
Joan Fontaine and Joseph Cotten in September Affair (1950)
Kirk Douglas and Brigitte Bardot on the beach
Color photo of Betty Grable in a yellow bikini (with a polka dot pillow)
Ava Gardner in a pinstripe one-piece
In a black tie-up bikini
And in a polka dot bandeau bikini
Humphrey Bogart looking cool in swim trunks and flippers
Hedy Lamarr in a gorgeous one-piece
Veronica Lake in a black tie-front bikini
Maureen O’Sullivan in a knit one-piece and cute sandals
Maureen O’Hara in one of my favorite designs: the skirt ensemble
Grace Kelly in an elegant black one-piece
That thing on Gene Tierney’s swimsuit is a cover-up…I hope
I love this swimsuit that Grace Kelly wore in High Society!
Kelly looking great in a white ensemble
Yep, Dick Powell was the Jantzen guy at some point
Why, Rock Hudson? Whyyyy???
The most famous, greatest swimsuit photo of all: Betty Grable’s leggy 1940s pin-up shot, quite popular with American World War II soldiers.
Carole Irene
Baby Jean
Wow that’s pretty interesting CI! A few observations:
1. That picture of Cary and Randolph is doing nothing to quench those suspicions…
2. Ida Lupino is GORGEOUS.
3. Jean Harlow was a showoff.
4. Gloria Swanson reminds me of a peacock.
5. Gabe was tubby!
6. Larry was surprisingly ripped.
7. Gary Cooper and Rudolph Valentino look like Ethiopians.
July 13, 2011 at 6:05 am
Thaaanks!
1. Yeah I know but Cary is hawt so I had to put it in.
2. She’s ok but there are others prettier than her, in my opinion.
3. With a body like hers, why not?
4. I love Gloria Swanson. She was so glamorous and over-the-top.
5. GABE IS HAWT!!!!!!
6. Yeah he was…I read he used to work out often to keep up a good figure for the theater.
7. Lol what? How do you look like an Ethiopian anyway? Rudy was hawt, so zip it! Gary Cooper just looks dumb.
July 13, 2011 at 7:14 am
1. Randolph thought so too
2. Pish! There are not!
3. Modesty
4. I’ve only seen her in Sunset Boulevard
but I love that movie!
5. In a chubby sort of way
6. Yes I read that too :’D he went mad working out for Othello. Ralph Richardson found it hilarious.
7. They look like skeletons!
July 13, 2011 at 9:27 am
1. Hahahaha!!!! Did you see the whole series of Cary/Randolph portraits? They definitely lead people like us to conclusions!
2. Yeah there are! We have totally different ideas of beauty. You like those classic, mainstream beauties: Lupino, Gardner, etc. I like the different, bold, quirky beauties: Crawford, Bow, Harlow, etc
3. It’s dead
4. I’ve only seen her in that film too. I’m dying to see her with Valentino in Love on the Rocks.
5. I don’t care. I adore that little baby fat
it’s so cute, and proves that he is a human being and not some angelic otherworldly creature 
6. Can’t believe I’m saying this, but Larry was hawt.
7. Ohhhh heheheh. But come on, Rudy was ripped!
July 13, 2011 at 11:42 am
1. I love the one of them working out :’D
2. Lupino and Gardner were GORGEOUS. Crawford I’m indifferent to, Bow I’ll refer to later and we all know my thoughts on Baby
3. :O
4. Just imagine William Holden as a pink rabbit in S.B and you get Valentino :’D
5. Clark ‘Podge’ Gable :’D
6. *eyes go wide as I remain motionless*
7. Ripped compared to a straw perhaps!
8. Garbo should NEVER wear swimming caps :’D
9. Joan Blondell can swim with me whenever she likes
10. I wish Tony Curtis’ hairy legs had gotten soaked and he’d drowned.
11. Clara Bow is ugly!
12. Hedy Lamarr <3
July 13, 2011 at 12:13 pm
1. I like the one when they’re lighting each other’s cigarettes :’D
2.*gets sad* you ain’t gonna find me pretty at all then
I’d have to probably go through 65 plastic surgeries to even slightly resemble Lupino or Gardner. I think Crawford is the one I resemble the most, but you don’t even have an opinion on her. I know I’m damn ugly, but I’m uglier than I thought :’(
3. Well, it is and you know it!
4. Haha very funny
5. He’s so sexy. leave him alone!
6. He was on my boyfriend list, remember?
7. You’re jealous of him
8. AH-GREED! She’s beautiful, but in that photo…not so much
9. She’s really pretty
but I like her frequent co-star, Ruby Keeler, just a tad bit more.
10. Naw, would you like someone to wish that on your hairy legs?
11.
She’s ADORABLE! She has such a baby face!
12. She’s pretty, I agree.
July 13, 2011 at 1:51 pm
1. Verdict: Probably gay.
2. You are not! You’re my exotic Theda Bara and I think you’re just beautiful! The only reason I have no opinion on Crawford is because I know what she looked like when she was old.
3. I’m sure Baby was modest.
4. *considers self to be a hoot*
5. :’D
6. *drops dead on spot*
7. Bah! I am not!
8. She was quite fetching!
9. :O
10. No but I’m not a bad actor or an unwanted preacher.
11. Yes she does, but HER HAIR!
12. More than pretty!
July 13, 2011 at 6:59 pm
1. I just read that Randolph Scott admitted that they were gay…MY CARY!!!!! WHY????
2. No I’m not beautiful. You like sexy bombshells. You’re going to be physically repulsed by me :’(
3. I think she was too
4. Not when it comes to hating on Rudy!
5. STAAAHHP.
6. Oh stop acting all shocked, you commented all over that post, once upon a time!
7. Then why you be so nasty?
8. She was voted most beautiful woman who ever lived.
9. C’mon Ruby Keeler was so cute!
10. But still, you have hairy legs too
11. It’s so real and amazing! Kudos to her for leaving it natural and not sweating her ass so much over it!
12. If you put her and Vivien Leigh side by side, you wouldn’t be able to tell them apart
July 13, 2011 at 8:23 pm
1. Well they were bisexual. Cary clearly enjoyed the company of women.
2. I like bombshells, yes. But I love you <3
3. And oh so cute!
4. Oh please! He was a powder puff!
5. (Hollywood, 1937)
Joe: Say Pete, you feel the ground shakin' or am I goin' screwy?
Pete: Yeah sure I feel it Joe! Probably an earthquake! Gee, it seems to be getting closer!
*Gabe waddles on by*
Gabe: Hiya fellas!
Joe and Pete: Hiya Mr Gable!
*Gabe waddles off into the distance*
Joe: Say, those tremors are stoppin'!
6. *stiff as a board*
7. Because he is rake thin!
8. *scoffs* I beg to differ!
9. So was Joan! Cuter even!
10. Not so much!
11. It looks like a hedgehog has rested on her head!
12. Vivien had a quality all her own!
July 13, 2011 at 9:52 pm
1. But Cary is as manly as you can get
2. How the fuck am I supposed to live up to that?! I look like a fucking piece of shit compared to them.
3. The shape of my lips is startlingly similar to hers. And my hands are the exact same size as hers. I measured at Grauman’s
4. No he wasn’t! I love him.
5. LMAOOOOO!!!!! :’D :’D :’D you’re hilarious
6. I’m gonna dump you for Larry if you don’t quit it!
7. He’s no rake, puh-leez!
8. Oh EXCUSE ME. Then who else deserves that title?!
9. But Ruby had this childlike quality to her, and a very sweet smile. Joan was more of a slick city dame.
10. I bet they’re three times as hairy as Tony’s!
11. No it doesn’t! She has thick hair, big deal! Men always make things so difficult.
12. I like her more than Hedy. Sorry Hedy.
July 13, 2011 at 10:29 pm
1. Oh yeah, Mortimer Brewster was a real man of action! :’D
2. No you do not! I fell in love with you for who you are. Seeing you can only enhance that love!
3. *swoons*
4. He loves men :’D
5. I was worried that would annoy you.
6. :’D have fun with his tomb!
7. He was a stringbean!
8. You
9. Like you are <3
10. I bet they are not!
11.
July 14, 2011 at 2:17 am
1. Mortimer Brewster was a film character that has no connection to the actor’s personal life.
2. Sure, sure. Easy to say. Once you see me, you probably wouldn’t even want to touch my little finger.
3.*tries to wake you up*
4. No he doesn’t! I bet if I didn’t like him, you wouldn’t be making this much fun of him!
5. It was so funny :’D
6. Thank you, I will be sure to!
7. So are you!
8. Psshh no. That’s awfully sweet of you to say, but it’s very untrue.
9.
10. I bet they are too!
11. That’s my opinion. I’m allowed to have one, aren’t I?
July 14, 2011 at 7:46 am
1. WELL! A thousand humble pardons o wise queen!
2. You’re right there. When I see you I’ll be too busy filled with the desire to kiss you to worry about your little finger!
3. *has big grin on face, though remains unconscious*
4. Probably not
5. You’re so sweet!
6. You don’t know where he’s buried do you
7. :O I am not! I am the picture of masculine physiques!
8. *refuses to believe otherwise*
9. Moll
10. No times a billion!
11. Not if it’s contrary to mine
July 14, 2011 at 9:48 am
1.
2. You wouldn’t want to kiss me
3.*tickles*
4. Leave him alone
5. You just make it easy for me to be that way
6. Actually, I have no idea :/ I bet he’s cremated and his ashes thrown on the Globe Theatre or something.
7. You’re a beanpole!
8. You’re too kind.
9.*shrugs shoulders*
10. Fine. They’re more hairless than Baby Jean’s!
11. Shut up with your airs of masculine superiority!
July 14, 2011 at 10:46 am
1. <3
2. Honey, there's nothing I want more!
3. *laughs*
4. You're so cute that I just can't refuse you!
5.
you angel
6. He's buried in Westminster Abbey
7. My shoulders are too broad
8. I'm too right!
9. *shoulders hardened through the concrete jungle*
10. Maybe that's going a bit far
11. :O
July 15, 2011 at 1:05 am
1. <3 <3
2. Whatevs. You'll take back your words soon enough.
3.*tickles more* come on! Wake up for me.
4. Thank God!
5. I wish I was half as angelic as you
6. How do YOU know?
7. Fine. You win.
8. Oh shut up
9. Whaaaaa…
10. Maybe I'm right
11. Don't give me that face! It's 110% true!
July 15, 2011 at 7:09 am
1.
darling!
2. I will not! I love you!
3. *eyelids begin to flicker*
4. *thinks you’re irresistible*
5. I’m no angel!
6. I read it
7.
as usual!
8. Never!
9. I’m being poetic
10. You can think so if you please
11. *picks up and puts over my knee and spanks soundly*
12. Sorry I haven’t been on much recently. I’m over my monthly quota
July 17, 2011 at 10:03 am
1. You flatter me
2. You have no idea how much I love you
3. *kisses them*
4. I know I am. God blessed me with that
5. A 1933 film starring Mae West and Cary Grant
6. Oh yeah, you read his biography, filled with serious childhood photos of him
7. Ew no!
8. Now THAT’S something you usually do…never shut up
9. Oh, you see, I don’t understand poetry. Never have, never will
10. I don’t want to think about it anymore. Man legs are gross, no offense
11. *flips over and bites your fingers*
12. It’s okay love
July 17, 2011 at 10:44 am
1. I love you
2. About half as much as I love you
3. *giggles and cuddles*
4. He sure did <3
5. Which isn't that great in my opinion!
6. Thrilling life that I lead and all
7. Um, yuh-huh!
8.
9. Sure you will <3
10. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA :'D
11. :O *grabs and holds FIRMLY and spanks*
12. In one hour and 25 minutes I have my first class
July 18, 2011 at 5:50 pm
1. You’re the love of my life <3
2. How could you say that?!
3.*Snuggles into you*
4. I'm only like that because of you
5. Not even Mae West's spider dress? :'D
6. I think it's thrilling <3 I think you're the coolest guy ever!
7. Nuh-uh!
8. You're the only person that I actually want to keep on speaking to me without shutting up
9. Many have tried to get me to like it. But my brain fails to comprehend it
10. What's so funny? They are gross!
11.*kicks*
12. Good luck!!!!!!! I'm sure you're gonna do great! You have to tell me all about it when you get the chance. Love you xxx
July 18, 2011 at 6:25 pm
1. You’re the love of mine as well <3
2. Because I love you more than could be measured
3. *smooches*
4.
you're wonderful
5. :'D maybe that redeems it!
6. *blushes furiously*
7. Yuh huh!
8. That may be the nicest thing you've ever said to me
9. I don't go much on it.
10. What's wrong with them?
11. *continues to spank*
12. I'm loving it so far! I've learnt so much already and I've even made some friends
13. Did you hear about Gabe's "grandson" being arrested for shining a laser light at a police helicopter? :'D
14. The saddest thing happened the other day. Gramps
July 31, 2011 at 10:05 pm
Epic fail.
Anyway, Gramps, my uncle, Dad and I went to the movies to see Captain America. Then when Dad and I took Gramps home and I was saying goodbye he started to cry and gave me a hug and said that I was the best grandson he could ask for. When I got home I cried and cried. It’s breaking my heart seeing him like this :’(
July 31, 2011 at 10:10 pm
1. I love you, I love you, I love you!
2. I feel the same for you
3. Yummy
especially yummy since my cousin stole my jalapeno chips and I was hungry 
4. You make me that way. You’ve melted my formerly cold heart
5. Questionable fashion choices always make for an interesting film
6. I bought a copy of A Confederacy Of Dunces yesterday because you told me it was your favorite book *looks down sheepishly*
7. Nuh uh!
8. I give creative compliments
9. Yes you do
I like that about you. It means you’re smarter than me 
10. They’re ugly!
11. Aren’t you tired of spanking me already?
12. Didn’t I tell you? I’m SO glad my love, I can’t even put it into words
13. Yep! P4 broke the news to me, believe it or not. And you still don’t believe that’s his grandson, huh?
14. I’m sorry love :’( I know it’s a terrible feeling. But he seems to be feeling better, since he’s out of the hospital, right? You are the best grandson, truly. He’s lucky to have you by his side. Try to make things as enjoyable and as pleasant as possible for him, as you have been doing, I’m sure. People feel better much more quickly when surrounded in a positive environment.
July 31, 2011 at 10:45 pm