Alice Faye (born Alice Jeanne Leppert; May 5, 1915 – May 9, 1998) was a major Hollywood musical star and singer, often called the “Queen of Fox” at 20th Century-Fox during the 1930s. She rose from Broadway chorus girl and radio performer to one of the top box-office draws of the era, starring in hits like George White’s Scandals (1934), On the Avenue (1937), Alexander’s Ragtime Band (1938), and In Old Chicago (1938).
She started with a break in 1934 replacing Lillian Harvey in the film version of George White’s Scandals, where she performed with Rudy Vallée (a connection from her radio and Broadway days). Studio head Darryl F. Zanuck became her mentor and shaped her image. She transitioned from brassy, wisecracking showgirl roles to more wholesome, youthful, and sometimes “motherly” parts.
She was hugely popular for her warm contralto singing voice, girl-next-door charm mixed with glamour, and reliable box-office success—her films rarely lost money. She introduced many hit songs and became a top-10 draw by the late 1930s.
Early in her Hollywood career (mid-1930s), the studio initially styled her as a platinum blonde Jean Harlow type—with very light hair, pencil-thin eyebrows, and a bolder, brassier look (common in Pre-Code Hollywood). Zanuck soon gave her a softer makeover for broader appeal. Warmer, more natural blonde shade (less harsh platinum). Softer, more mature makeup instead of extreme glamour. A wholesome yet glamorous "girl next door" vibe that suited Technicolor musicals and romantic leads.
She typically had soft, styled blonde hair (often with waves or curls), elegant 1930s fashion (bias-cut gowns, tailored suits with emphasized shoulders, glamorous evening wear), and a sunny, approachable beauty that contrasted with edgier stars. Her look evolved across the decade from Harlow-inspired to a polished, elegant Fox musical star ideal—think luminous skin, defined but natural brows, and romantic appeal.
She remained active into the early 1940s before stepping back for family, but the 1930s marked her big rise to stardom. Vintage portraits from the era highlight her as a classic Golden Age beauty.
0 comments:
Post a Comment