Jean Style

I love Jean Arthur because she is real. There was (and still is) such a slew of big-eyed, perfectly-complexioned and other-worldly looking actresses in Hollywood, that I always find it refreshing when somebody with a simple beauty and big personality makes an appearance. Jean Arthur comes across onscreen as a "normal" person, and I just love that. She was blessed with an amusing, bird-like voice, blonde hair that looked most comfortable when it was all flyaway, and a pixie grin that came naturally and often.

Despite the false eyelashes and other staples of 1930s glamour, Jean is the girl-next-door, dressed in  clothing that any woman could wear and completely in her element in any setting. The flowing, feminine blouses (see above), polished wool skirts, high heels and strong shouldered jackets of the era look as natural on her as a sweater and a favorite pair of trousers (see below).

An interesting little bit of trivia: despite being paired as a couple in two films,  James Stewart and Jean Arthur didn't get along so well together off-screen. Jean even turned down the role of Mary Hatch in It's A Wonderful Life because she didn't want to work with Jimmy again. This role went to Donna Reed, and (obviously) the film became an iconic Christmas classic.

What do you think about Jean versus Donna as James Stewart's co-star? I personally don't see how any one could dislike hanging out with Jimmy Stewart, but there it is. For his part, he had the grace to call Jean "the finest actress I ever worked with." 

Regardless, I think they made wonderful couples in both Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and You Can't Take It With You. If they didn't have brilliant chemistry, they knew how to time their scenes just right. Check out this amusing dialogue between them in "Mr. Smith."

Am I ever glad that I'm not in Washington! ;) I hope you all have a fabulous week...

P.S. For all of you who suggested I do a Jean Simmons post, I offer my sincere apologies! I did discover a whole lot of lovely images of her online, but couldn't find any films of hers that I was interested in seeing. And, if I haven't seen her in a movie, I didn't know how I would be able to write about her accurately! If anyone has a JS movie they highly recommend, let me know. Suggestions for other classic stars are also welcome, although I think I've got a few of my own favorites lined up. ;)