Born in Mississippi, raised in Memphis, Tennessee, actress, model, producer, director, and all-around star Stella Stevens died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease in February of this year in Los Angeles, California. I’m a little late with this tribute but I wanted to do it nevertheless because Stevens was always a welcome presence in movies and … Continue reading Stella
Category: 1950s
Calendar Girl: Julie London for May
For May’s Calendar Girl track, Julie London sings wistfully of how “People Born in May” love deeply, consequences be damned. They’re also apparently always searching for someone born in July. Why? Your guess is as good as mine, but it’s another delightful tune made memorable by Ms. London’s trademark smoky, sexy vocals. Her May pinup … Continue reading Calendar Girl: Julie London for May
Queen Bettie’s 100th Birthday
Well, Bettie fans, the day is finally here. If Bettie Page (1923–2008) was still with us, she’d be celebrating her 100th birthday today, April 22. Over the last eight or nine months, during the lead up to Bettie’s centennial milestone, I’ve been blogging regularly about various aspects of Bettie’s iconic life and work while sharing … Continue reading Queen Bettie’s 100th Birthday
Queen Bettie: Bangin’
[Photographer Jerry Tibbs was] the one who got me wearing bangs. For years I had my hair parted down the middle in a ponytail, tucked down around the sides. But he said to me, "Bettie, you've got a very high forehead. I think you'd look good if you cut some bangs to cover it." Well, … Continue reading Queen Bettie: Bangin’
Queen Bettie: The Notorious Gretchen Mol
Gretchen Mol is splendid to behold in every stage of dress or undress. Todd McCarthy, Variety As an actor, how do you play one of the world’s great icons and do it even the tiniest bit of justice? This is a question Gretchen Mol must’ve wrestled with when she took on the monumental challenge of … Continue reading Queen Bettie: The Notorious Gretchen Mol
Queen Bettie: Jungle Girl
During the brief but prolific period of time that Bunny Yeager photographed Bettie Page, the two created an absolutely stunning array of classic cheesecake shots. One outing in particular has become especially popular over the years and that’s the “Jungle Bettie” sessions. In these photos, Bettie sports a scandalously high-cut animal print loincloth while hanging … Continue reading Queen Bettie: Jungle Girl
Calendar Girl: Julie London for April
When Julie London sings “I’ll remember April and I’ll smile,” I can relate. April is an important month to me. Not only does it signal the first real steps towards spring awakening after the winter doldrums have long overstayed their welcome, but it’s also the month I sprung forth into the world. Favorites like Michelle … Continue reading Calendar Girl: Julie London for April






