The National Portrait Gallery in Washington is currently showcasing a collection of stunning black and white images that capture the essence of Hollywood’s golden age. The exhibition, titled “Star Power,” features iconic actors such as Marlene Dietrich, Johnny Weissmuller, and Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson, among others.
Photographer George Hurrell is credited with revolutionizing the portrait of film actors in the 1930s with his use of dramatic lighting and evocative poses. His images, acquired by the museum, showcase the glamour and sophistication of Hollywood’s leading stars during the Depression era.
One particularly striking portrait by Chinese-born director and cinematographer James Wong Howe perfectly illustrates his signature style of low light and deep shadows. The images in the exhibition capture the actors in a way that is both elegant and dynamic, with many looking off to the side as if engaged in something unseen by the viewer.
The portraits also evoke a sense of female sexuality, with actresses like Marlene Dietrich and Claudette Colbert exuding a mix of icy allure and angelic beauty. Greta Garbo, with her tight curls and chandelier earrings, oozes sophistication as she gazes beyond the frame, while Jean Harlow strikes a poignant pose next to a stuffed polar bear.
Not all the portraits are as sensual, though – Johnny Weissmuller, known for his role as Tarzan, is captured in a more muscular but somewhat silly pose, while Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson seems poised for a dance on a small staircase.
Overall, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the elegance and glamour of 1930s Hollywood, with George Hurrell’s photography capturing the wit and sophistication of the era. The “Star Power” exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery is a must-see for fans of classic cinema and photography enthusiasts alike.
(Source: The Washington Post. Photos: National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution)