Rosemary’s Baby (1968): A Psychological Horror Classic

Rosemary’s Baby is a psychological horror film directed by Roman Polanski, based on the novel by Ira Levin. Starring Mia Farrow as Rosemary Woodhouse, the film follows a young woman who becomes pregnant under mysterious circumstances and begins to suspect that her neighbors are part of a satanic cult plotting to use her unborn child for dark purposes.

Praised for its slow-building tension, eerie atmosphere, and disturbing themes of paranoia and control, the film is considered a landmark in horror cinema. Its unsettling tone and iconic performances helped redefine the genre, making Rosemary’s Baby one of the most influential horror films of the 20th century.

These behind-the-scenes photos offer a glimpse of Mia Farrow on set during the filming of Rosemary’s Baby in 1968.

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Photographs of Young Jerry Hall on the Catwalk in New York City in the Mid-1970s

Jerry Faye Hall (born July 2, 1956) is an American model and actress. She began modeling in the 1970s and became one of the most sought-after models in the world. She transitioned into acting, appearing in the 1989 film Batman.

Her journey to fashion icon began somewhat serendipitously. In the early 1970s, while sunbathing with her twin sister Terry on a beach in Saint-Tropez, France, she was discovered by fashion agent Claude Haddad. This chance encounter quickly propelled her into the Parisian fashion scene.

Hall soon moved to Paris, where she famously shared an apartment with fellow aspiring models Grace Jones and Jessica Lange. Her striking looks – tall, with a distinctive long blonde mane, incredibly long legs, and sharp bone structure – quickly made her a favorite among designers and photographers.

Her career truly took off in 1975 when she graced the cover of Roxy Music’s album Siren, famously depicted as a mermaid. This iconic image not only showcased her beauty but also led to a relationship with the band's lead singer, Bryan Ferry, further raising her profile in the rock-and-roll world.

By 1977, Jerry Hall was a global sensation. She had appeared on over 40 magazine covers, including prominent titles like Italian Vogue and Cosmopolitan, and was earning an astonishing $1,000 a day (a significant sum for the time). She became the face of major campaigns, including Yves Saint Laurent’s provocative Opium perfume and Revlon Cosmetics.

Hall was a fixture on the runways of the most prestigious fashion houses, walking for Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Chanel, Thierry Mugler, Kenzo, and more. Her confident walk and ability to embody the opulent and glamorous spirit of the 1970s made her a muse for many designers.

Her personal life also became intertwined with her public image, particularly her high-profile relationship with Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, which began in 1977 after she left Bryan Ferry. Together, they became the epitome of rock-and-roll chic and were regular fixtures at legendary nightclubs like Studio 54, embodying the disco-glam look of the era.

Jerry Hall’s modeling career in the 1970s was characterized by her captivating presence, versatility, and ability to effortlessly exude the confidence and extravagance that defined the decade’s fashion and culture. She laid the groundwork for the supermodel phenomenon that would truly explode in the 1980s.

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40 Amazing Photos of the Construction of the Paris Métro (1899–1911)

The building of the Paris Métro, officially known as Le Métro de Paris, began in 1899 and continued until 1911. This major infrastructure project marked the beginning of one of the most iconic urban transit systems in the world.

The work was led by French civil engineer Fulgence Bienvenüe, who is often referred to as “Le Père du Métro” — The Father of the Paris Métro. His vision and leadership were key to creating a fast, efficient, and modern subway system that would serve the growing needs of Paris’s population.

Thanks to his efforts, the Paris Métro became a symbol of innovation and urban mobility, setting the standard for public transportation in cities around the globe. Here’s a remarkable set of photos documenting the construction of the Paris Métro between 1899 and 1911.

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In 1956, Mercedes-Benz Constructed Its Renowned “Death Curve” Test Track for Evaluating New Vehicles

In 1956, Mercedes-Benz was actively developing and testing vehicles at its Untertürkheim plant in Stuttgart. While the iconic 90-degree banked curve (often called the “death curve”) was largely developed and revealed in its extended form in 1967, the first phase of the test tracks at Untertürkheim was completed and went into operation around the turn of 1957, with the planning application submitted in January 1955 and the board giving the green light in July 1956.

This initial phase in 1956 already included a “skid pad” with concentric circles of different road surfaces (like blue basalt, concrete, slippery asphalt, and cobblestones) and an integrated sprinkler system for wet-surface testing. While it was a significant step forward, engineers soon realized they needed more extensive facilities for high-speed, endurance, and rough-road testing, leading to the later expansions.

Therefore, in 1956, the Mercedes-Benz test track in Stuttgart would have been referred to as the Daimler-Einfahrbahn at the Untertürkheim plant, or simply the test track within the Untertürkheim factory premises.

While much of the original track is no longer in active use, some sections remain. The Untertürkheim site continues to serve as a technical center for Mercedes-Benz vehicle development.

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Woody Allen Walking With Tamara Dobson in New York, 1971

Woody Allen walking with Tamara Dobson on 57th Street Bridge, New York, 1971. Photographed by Bruce Laurance.

When the photo was taken in 1971, Woody Allen (5’5″) was 35 years old and had just released Bananas, his third film after What’s Up, Tiger Lily? (1966) and Take the Money and Run (1969). Tamara Dobson (6’2″) was 24 and had just began a modeling career a few years earlier. The following year, in 1972, she would start a new career in the movie industry and would quickly become known for her main role as a kung-fu agent in the Blaxploitation films Cleopatra Jones (1973) and Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold (1975).

Bruce Laurance shot the photo for Harper’s Bazaar fashion magazine as part as a promotional assignment for Woody Allen’s upcoming film Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask) (released in August of 1972). The photo took an entire page of the magazine. The exact publication date is unsure, but is believed to be November 1971.

“At that time, Woody Allen always seemed to be chasing after a girl,” said Laurance. “I thought it would be a good idea to use one in the photos. I had worked with Tamara a couple of times previously and thought it would be hysterical to shoot her next to Woody Allen. I was sure something funny would happen.”

“When we showed up at the publicity agents apartment, they were totally surprised to see a 6’2” gorgeous black girl, as part of the photos. I told them I planned to shoot the pictures in the street, Woody said ‘NO!,’ he was concerned about crowds forming around us. I said I didn’t think we’d have a problem and he agreed to give it a try, but he was not a ‘happy camper.’

“We shot in Central Park for about half an hour and nothing great was happening. I don’t think he was really into it. We had couple of almost funny pictures, but nothing like I was hoping for. As we were walking back to the apartment, Woody was having a chat with Tamara (she’s gorgeous!) and I was walking behind them. I had my camera ready and I called: ‘Woody!.’ He turned around and gave me that look. I’m sure he knew what he was doing. That was it! The photo I was hoping for.

“Who was it who said?…‘I’d rather be lucky than good.’”

Here’s another photo showing Woody Allen and Tamara Dobson as they face Laurance’s camera during a promotional photo assignment for Harper’s Bazaar, in New York, in 1971:

(Photos by © Tamara Dobson, via Aphelis)

Beautiful Photos of Life in Rural Cuba in the Mid-1950s

In the mid-1950s, life in rural Cuba was marked by simplicity, hard work, and deep ties to the land. Most countryside residents were farmers or agricultural laborers, working on sugarcane, tobacco, or coffee plantations—industries that dominated the Cuban economy.

Despite the island’s glamorous image in Havana, rural areas often lacked access to electricity, healthcare, and education. Many families lived in modest wooden homes, relying on traditional farming methods and close-knit community life. Daily routines were shaped by the seasons, harvest cycles, and local customs.

While rural Cuba was rich in culture and resilience, poverty and inequality were widespread, contributing to the social tensions that helped fuel the Cuban Revolution just a few years later. These beautiful photos by Orpha Leatherman offer a rare glimpse into rural Cuban life in the mid-1950s.

Boy and woman drawing water from well, Cuba, circa mid-1950s

Children and pigs, Cuba, circa mid-1950s

Cuban children seated outdoors, Cuba, circa mid-1950s

A typical Cuban school, Cuba, circa mid-1950s

Caritas in Rancho Veloz, Cuba, circa mid-1950s

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20 Wonderful Color Photos of Olivia de Havilland in the Mid-20th Century

Olivia de Havilland (1916–2020) was a celebrated British-American actress whose career spanned over five decades, establishing her as one of the leading stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Born in Tokyo, Japan, on July 1, 1916, to British parents, Olivia Mary de Havilland was the elder sister of actress Joan Fontaine, with whom she had a famously tumultuous relationship. Her family moved to California when she was young. De Havilland’s early talent for acting was evident in school plays, leading to a role in Max Reinhardt’s stage production of A Midsummer Night's Dream (1934) and subsequently, the 1935 film adaptation, marking her screen debut.

She quickly rose to prominence at Warner Bros., often paired with Errol Flynn in swashbuckling adventures like Captain Blood (1935) and The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), establishing them as a beloved on-screen duo. However, it was her iconic portrayal of the gentle and unwavering Melanie Hamilton Wilkes in Gone with the Wind (1939) that earned her widespread recognition and her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Frustrated with the limited ingénue roles offered by her studio contract, de Havilland famously sued Warner Bros. in 1943. Her landmark victory in 1945, known as the “de Havilland Law,” significantly weakened the studio system’s restrictive contract practices, granting actors greater freedom.

After her legal battle, she took on more challenging and dramatic roles, earning two Academy Awards for Best Actress: for her performance as an unwed mother in To Each His Own (1946) and for her nuanced portrayal of a shy heiress in The Heiress (1949). She also received critical acclaim for her role in The Snake Pit (1948), which bravely explored mental illness.

De Havilland continued to act in films and television throughout her later years, with notable appearances including Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964) and the miniseries Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna (1986), for which she won a Golden Globe.

She resided in Paris, France, from the 1950s onward. Throughout her life, de Havilland received numerous accolades, including the National Medal of Arts, the Légion d’honneur, and was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire at the age of 101.

Olivia de Havilland passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Paris on July 26, 2020, at the age of 104, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as a talented actress and a courageous figure who fought for artistic freedom in Hollywood.

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