Jayne Mansfield Story

Average customer rating:

Jayne deserved much better than that...
THE OTHER BLONDE BOMBSHELL...
Entertaining, sad true story of Jayne Mansfield!
Man, oh, man, oh... Mansfield!
simply divoooon ......

The Jayne Mansfield Story
Starring: Loni Anderson , Lewis Arquette , Nora Boland , Ray Buktenica , and J.P. Bumstead
Manufacturer: Direct Source Label
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000BO0LF4
Release Date: 2005-12-13

Customer Reviews:

Jayne deserved much better than that..........2006-06-07

Of all the movies made about movie-stars,this one would have to be one of the worst.
I find that the disrespect that Jayne Mansfield suffered from during her short life is showing again in this film.
The costumes that Loni wears were obviously done on the ''cheap'',and her acting abilities are just as low as anything else she has done.Incredibly,Arnold is much more credible as the ''mimbo'' Mickey Hargitay was.
The only scene that i found interesting is when Jayne learns that Marilyn has died.According to my research,she really believed that this was a chance for her to finally get the roles that she could not get when Monroe was still alive.Only problem was,Jayne was (in 1962) an has-been,with a drinking-problem,and was perceived by Hollywood as a loose-cannon,a mess,and someone that belonged in the yellow-press of the time.The only reason she continued accepting roles after 1959,was to keep up with her high overhead,and lifestyle.The Jayne Mansfield Story in his treatment and el-cheapo production values is an insult to the legacy that Miss Mansfield has left us with.If you are interested by Jayne,you would be much better off purchasing 'The Girl Can't help it' or 'Will success spoil Rock Hunter'(in her best,and biggest budget films),and to see the contrast in her career,get 'Promises,Promises'(1963),and finally 'Single Room Furnished'(1966,but released in 1968) to see what Hollywood,and all that over-exposure did to her,and her spirit.
I am not saying that The Jayne Mansfiel Story is mean-spirited,I am sure they meant well,but it is so incomplete,and cheaply-made,that it does not deserve to be called HER Story.
Jayne Mansfield deserved MUCH more than a made-for-TV movie,and we might see it ...eventually.My suggestion for the role of Jayne ? ANNA NICOLE SMITH who is basically doing the same schitck...50 years later.She would be FABULOUSSSSSSSS as Jayne,hopefully with some $$$ spent on a wardrobe deserving of Jayne (Let's not forget that in 1956,35,000$ was spent on Jayne's wardrobe in 'The Girl Can't Help It' alone.Translate this to 2006 dollars,please)

THE OTHER BLONDE BOMBSHELL..........2006-06-05

This film recounts the life of Jayne Mansfield and her transformation from a blooming Dallas high schooler to a platinum blonde bombshell who rose to prominence in the Hollywood of the 1950s. Starring Loni Anderson as Jayne and Arnold Schwartzenegger as her one time husband and true love, Mickey Hargitay, a former Mr. Universe and bodybuilder turned business man, the film is mildly entertaining. Her story unfolds through his eyes.

Hers is the sad story of an intelligent, beautiful woman who initially chose to be viewed as a dumb blonde sex object in order to jump start her career as a film star, but who would later want to be given the opportunity to be considered as a serious actress. In her heyday in the 1950s, Ms. Mansfield was the toast of the town with fans up the wazoo.

Unfortunately, that was to be somewhat short-lived. Jayne Mansfield was never able to get over her stereotypic portrayal of a bimbo, so Hollywood never gave her serious consideration as an actress. In the battle of the dumb blondes, Ms. Mansfield ran a distant second to Marilyn Monroe. This relegation to the back of the pack would always stick in Ms. Mansfield's craw.

By the time the 1960s arrived, she, instead, courted cheap publicity, drank too much, and ended up a faded, buxom has been, as well as a divorcee with three children to whom she was a devoted mother. She was now a relic from a bygone time, as tastes changed with the advent of The Beatles and a new, exciting pop culture was emerging. With Marilyn Monroe already having met her maker, Ms. Mansfield's death from a tragic car accident, at thirty six, was to herald the end of an era.

Loni Anderson does an excellent job in the starring role, imbuing the role with enough intelligence, as well as pathos, to be compelling, though somewhat predictable . Surprisingly enough, Arnold Schwartzenegger does a credible job as Mickey Hargitay, painting a sympathetic portrait of Jayne's much beleaguered, one time husband and father to her two boys. Ray Butenika, as Ms. Mansfield's long time agent, Bob, gives a good performance. All in all, the film has an excellent cast that does its best with the somewhat mediocre script and is, at least, worth a rental.

I actually remember seeing Jayne Mansfield, when I was a young girl. In those days, theatres in Manhattan, such as the RKO, would often times showcase films in which the star of the film would make a guest appearance. The theatre would literally role out the red carpet and oftentimes a band, as well as a host of majorettes (of which I was one), twirling batons in unison, would greet the star as she stepped out of her limousine, larger than life. The star would also to be met by a throng of cheering fans outside the theatre. Then, she would be whisked away to the theatre, where she would go on stage and say a few words, only to disappear as quickly as she had arrived. This practice has now been consigned to the darkest recesses of the memories of those who participated in these theatrical welcome wagons.

Entertaining, sad true story of Jayne Mansfield!.......2006-05-26

I have watched this movie many times on TV, Im so happy they finally put it on DVD, the quality is excellent. The casting couldnt have been more perfect Loni Anderson as Jayne and Arnold Schwarzenegger as the handsome Mickey Hargitay, what a perfect couple they were. The movie starts with Jayne as a young single mother and Hollywood starlet. Her "blonde bombsell" looks, Playboy and publicity stunts become her ticket to stardom. Jayne in reality was no dumb blonde at all. Jayne lands a big part in a broadway play "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter". Then Jayne stars in several big movies, and becomes sterotype as a ditzy blonde and the studios answer to the next Marilyn Monroe, but as Marilyn, Jayne also longs for more serious roles. But she becomes trapped by the Hollywood system and the blonde over the top image she so masterfully created. Along the way she falls in love with a young handsome body builder nice guy named Mickey, who struggles to make Jayne happy. They have 3 children together and live in a beautiful pink palace. But as Jaynes career slides into mismanagement and cheaply made B- movies, she turns to comfort in a bottle and their relationship crumbles. The 1960's hippy culture has little room left for a 50's blonde tease pin up girl. Jayne ends up touring clubs with a comedy stage act just before her tragic death in a car accident on June 30th 1967 , she was 34 years old. My favorite line in the movie is when Jayne tells the press "Micky has a 53 inch chest and mine is 42 inch, our arms are short so it makes dancing very difficult" lol!! In my opinion Jayne was a great comedian, a wonderful mother, and animal lover, a lover of life, truely a lady with a big heart. If she had lived she would have still been a legend of the 50's and played Vegas! I wish she had never left Mickey, he really loved her and I believe many of the other men in her life used her. It is also stated in the Jayne bio book by her good friend May Mann, that Jayne only went to the church of Satan as a gag & publicty stunt, knowing Jayne that sounds like her lol. She was a Christain woman by all accounts. To see the best of Jaynes movies I would recommend the great comedy 1956 "The Girl Can't Help IT" and 1957 "Will Sucess Spoil Rock Hunter". And the last film "Guide to a married Man", small part but very funny.

Man, oh, man, oh... Mansfield!.......2006-02-26

I had the opportunity to view this movie recently, and I feel that it did a relatively decent job relating the story of Jayne Mansfield, although there are a few artistic license moments, but they seem to work overall.

Loni Anderson personafies her relatively well, even though she is a bit more angular than the original more curvacious and softer Mansfield, a cartoon cutie to be sure, with that little girl face and entirely womanly body. She works the bubbly charm to the hilt, eclipsing her contemporary Monroe in several ways, many times with a much more pre-meditated exagerrated effervescence, arousing men in her pink field of influence to feats of lustful ennervation, while at the same time either motivating and otherwise disturbing other females in the area. The erotically-powerful 'witchy' dynamics of a bombshell.

Early on, she discovers the formula for success, and by The Art of Deception, utilizes her assets to gain fame and fortune.

Arnold Schwarzenegger portrays husband Mickey Hargitay, a well-meaning man who is remembered primarily for his exceptional physique, which Schwarzenegger actually decreased in bulk for since attaining the Mr. Universe and Olympia titles two years previous. As her husband and confidant, he also becomes among other things, her father-figure and virtual baby-sitter towards the end of their marriage and career, while she became counter-productively selfish and obsessed with being in the limelight at all costs, even accepting roles that he and her agent felt were beneath her, such as sexploitation film roles to stripping gigs at redneck bars, much of which was attributed to alcoholism in the film. This presentation seems to attempt to portray Mansfield as uncontrolled and desperate, although source materials will attest to the opposite - she knew exactly what she was doing, and knew how to get it.

By that obsession and despite such alleged foibles, she made herself a star, establishing her iconographic prominance. It seems that to her, this was all part of the plan; she loved being on stage, in the spotlight, soaking up that raw sexual energy, and really living life to the fullest, following her passions and bliss. She created The Pink Palace, her own total environment, enjoyed being driven around in her Pink Cadillac, all while attired in her inimitable personal style, with all the shwa d'vive of a glamorous Hollywood Babylon Goddess.

Self-made, Mansfield was a sex-bomb, mother, and business woman.

The film begins and ends with the scene of the 'accident' - the infamous mosquito-spraying truck collision, although the vile and literally accursed Sam Brody is not mentioned by name; and there is no mention of Dr. LaVey being her lover and mentor here, perhaps as a result of the limited information at the time the film was released.* With the exception of one or two, several documentaries fail to mention the LaVey connection entirely, which may be chalked up to the dreaded 'S' word and Satanophobia.

Some women are just so voluptuous, that it cannot be contained within the confines of puritanism, and to deny such innate sensuality would be a tragic waste of enormous salacious potential, which she did not squander, but knew how to wield well, for her own benefit, and that of her admirers.

~~~~~~~~~
* For those unaware, Ms. Mansfield was a member of The Church of Satan - there are even photographs and letters attesting to that fact. In brief, LaVey placed a Death Curse on Brody, and unfortunately, Jayne was on ground zero when it manifested, despite The Black Pope's warnings for her to remain distant. Also not mentioned is LaVey's successful Compassion ritual for Jayne's son Zoltan, who recovered after a mauling by a lion at the zoo.

{For much more, see 'The Secret Life of A Satanist' by Blanche Barton for the full story}.

simply divoooon .............2006-02-17

Here is a film about the life of my beloved Jayny baby!!!I loved the film !!And Lony is doing a great job !! But i think it did not happen the way this film wants you to believe . And some very important things of Jayne 's life they forgot to film .
But it is still a GREAT film ,as i said Lony is beautiful in the role of Jayne and also Schwarzeneger is acting great !!!!!
Now i hope there will be another film about Jayne sometime with more likeness in all ways!
If you like the 50's and the blonde sexpotts you will love this movie ( i do ) So just enjoy this picture ......

Average customer rating:

Robert Altman's Masterpiece
Eerie and Intense!
Lonely Bird
Vintage Film
invaluable to anyone who wants to know more about James Dean

The James Dean Story
Starring: Martin Gabel , Arlene Martel , Marcus Winslow Jr. , Ortense Winslow , and Jerry Luce
Director: Robert Altman , and George W. George
Manufacturer: Good Times Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

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ASIN: B00005LKHT
Release Date: 2001-05-01

Amazon.com

Shortly after James Dean died in a car crash, Robert Altman and George W. George (son of Rube Goldberg) set out to document the young star's brief life. The results are mixed. The narration (written by Stewart Stern, who wrote Rebel Without a Cause and befriended Dean) tries to get beyond the public image of Dean as the cool rebel to show the lonely young man underneath. It's a bit overwrought, but that's understandable, given the strong emotions Dean elicited from those who knew and loved him. But Martin Gabel is all wrong as narrator; his stentorian delivery turns the hot-blooded musings of youth into ponderous, pompous pronouncements totally lacking in humor. The most interesting element is the people of Fairmont, Indiana, where Dean grew up--straightforward, direct, and proud of Dean not for the fame he attracted but for who he was.

The Bells of Cockaigne is an early appearance from Dean's days in television in New York. He plays the father of a sick child who gambles his week's pay to try to earn enough to take his son "somewhere warm and dry." Gene Lockhart is the stubborn old Irishman who ultimately gives up his own dreams to help Dean. This half-hour program (complete with ads) was live TV; the kinescope is of questionable quality, but already Dean shows some of the talent and charisma of his later work.--Geof Miller

Description

ACADEMY AWARD® nominee Stewart Stern (Teresa; Rachel, Rachel), who scripted James Dean's Rebel Without a Cause, also wrote this 1957 documentary about the young star's tragically short life and career. Narrated by actor Martin Gabel, the film was directed, produced, and edited by fellow nominee Robert Altman (M*A*S*H, Nashville, The Player, Short Cuts) and screenwriter George W. George (Desert Sands). It follows Dean from his humble beginnings on a farm in Fairmount, Indiana, to his OSCAR®-nominated roles in East of Eden and Giant, which was nearing completion when he was killed on September 30, 1955. Included are his traffic safety film for television and East of Eden test, while Altman later explored his enduring appeal in the Broadway play and movie Come Back to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean. Black & White 79 Minutes

Customer Reviews:

Robert Altman's Masterpiece.......2006-12-22

THE JAMES DEAN STORY is a powerful movie. It is an intimate story of Dean told in the simplest of images and wonderful narration. A simple homage to an American icon who's effects of his brief time here still linger.

Eerie and Intense!.......2005-03-24

This film has no actors in it but instead it has real people who knew James Dean. Among them are his aunt and uncle, his drama teacher, and many New York friends. There are numerous rare anecdotes and hundreds of stunning photographs shown in the film. Also, there are many rare film clips of him, including a short one of him at a car race, a clip of him with Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo, and even a recording of him talking with his grandparents! The most eerie and memorable clip was an outake from "East of Eden" showing James and Dick Davalos talking about Adam Trask. James does a spectacular job in this scene and it is very moving! This, to me, was the best part of the movie. If you are a devoted fan of James Dean, don't miss this rare treat!

Lonely Bird.......2004-03-01

The depictions here are the only accurate substantial accounts of Jimmy Dean's life. There are no bios that can even scratch the surface about him. All of them (authors) put their ideologies above the truth of who Jimmy was. It's too bad that the only truth about this man can never be fully told even by "some" who "claim" they knew him. Christy White is the only one and maybe Bill Bast who appear to be faithfull to his past. The other closest is "maybe" the movie made by TNT in 2003.

Peace..
rj

Vintage Film.......2004-02-20

This film is a must-see for anyone wanting to know more about James Dean. It was released in 1957, over a year after Dean died, and we get to see and listen to family members who are no longer living. We hear from other citizens of Fairmount, Indiana, who knew "Jimmy." We also see and hear show business friends and acquaintances. It also includes alot of great still photographs.

Please remember this film was made in the late 50s, and its dated. It sort of depressed me watching it because it really brought home the fact that "Jimmy" has been dead almost 50 years. But I would think this film would be a necessary part of anyone's collection of James Dean films.

invaluable to anyone who wants to know more about James Dean.......2003-09-24

the information from this documentary is invaluable and the insight from his family and the people who saw him on a regular basis gives a glimpse of Jimmy that not many people saw. it is one more facet of a brilliant diamond that shone for too brief a time.one word of caution to anyone with asthma,high blood pressure,heart disese,or tramatic stress disorder,the reenactment of his fatal car crash combined with pictures from the actual crash site are a little too graphic for some.watch at your own risk.

Average customer rating:

Robert Altman's Masterpiece
Eerie and Intense!
Lonely Bird
Vintage Film
invaluable to anyone who wants to know more about James Dean

The James Dean Story
Starring: Martin Gabel , Arlene Martel , Marcus Winslow Jr. , Ortense Winslow , and Jerry Luce
Director: Robert Altman , and George W. George
Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Release Date: 1999-06-01

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Robert Altman's Masterpiece.......2006-12-22

Eerie and Intense!.......2005-03-24

Lonely Bird.......2004-03-01

Peace..
rj

Vintage Film.......2004-02-20

invaluable to anyone who wants to know more about James Dean.......2003-09-24

Average customer rating:

Robert Altman's Masterpiece
Eerie and Intense!
Lonely Bird
Vintage Film
invaluable to anyone who wants to know more about James Dean

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

( J ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

James Dean
Real James Dean: From Indiana Farmboy To Hollywood Legend Documentary
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ASIN: B0009X77GS
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Amazon.com

Description

THE JAMES DEAN STORY The Life and Death of an American Legend James Dean's death fifty years ago on September 30, 1955, robbed the screen of the fast-rising young star who would receive OSCAR® nominations for East of Eden and Giant. Dean's tragically short life and career are recalled by those who knew him best in this in-depth documentary, featuring his traffic safety short for television and East of Eden test. The film features the work of two fellow nominees: Stewart Stern (Teresa), who scripted Dean's Rebel Without a Cause, and director Robert Altman (The Player, Gosford Park). Narrated by actor Martin Gabel, it follows Dean from his humble beginnings on a farm in Fairmount, Indiana, to his role in Giant, which was nearing completion when he crashed. Written by STEWART STERN Narration by MARTIN GABEL Titles Designed by MAURICE BINDER Musical Score by LEITH STEVENS Directed, Produced, and Edited by GEORGE W. GEORGE and ROBERT ALTMAN OSCAR? is the registered trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Approximately 79 minutes Black and White

Customer Reviews:

Robert Altman's Masterpiece.......2006-12-22

Eerie and Intense!.......2005-03-24

Lonely Bird.......2004-03-01

Peace..
rj

Vintage Film.......2004-02-20

invaluable to anyone who wants to know more about James Dean.......2003-09-24

Average customer rating:

Robert Altman's Masterpiece
Eerie and Intense!
Lonely Bird
Vintage Film
invaluable to anyone who wants to know more about James Dean

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

( J ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

James Dean
Real James Dean: From Indiana Farmboy To Hollywood Legend Documentary
James Dean - Sense Memories (American Masters)
James Dean - Forever Young
James Dean: Hill Number One/I am a Fool

ASIN: B0000897CR
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Amazon.com

Description

THE JAMES DEAN STORY
Produced by Robert Altman, this highly acclaimed biography tells the story of an American legend.

THE BELLS OF COCKAIGNE
This one-hour TV drama is about a man who comes to the aid of a poor family. Includes an introduction by Tony Curtis and the trailer for Rebel Without A Cause.

Menus: English • Spanish • Chinese • Japanese
Subtitles: Spanish • Chinese • Japanese

B&W
Running Time: 131 min.

Customer Reviews:

Robert Altman's Masterpiece.......2006-12-22

Eerie and Intense!.......2005-03-24

Lonely Bird.......2004-03-01

Peace..
rj

Vintage Film.......2004-02-20

invaluable to anyone who wants to know more about James Dean.......2003-09-24

Average customer rating:

Robert Altman's Masterpiece
Eerie and Intense!
Lonely Bird
Vintage Film
invaluable to anyone who wants to know more about James Dean

The James Dean Story
Starring: Martin Gabel , Clark Gable , Ronald Nelson , Jayne Mansfield , and Emma Dean (II)
Director: George W. George , and Robert Altman
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( J ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

James Dean
Real James Dean: From Indiana Farmboy To Hollywood Legend Documentary
James Dean - Sense Memories (American Masters)
James Dean - Forever Young
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ASIN: B00004CZV8

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Robert Altman's Masterpiece.......2006-12-22

Eerie and Intense!.......2005-03-24

Lonely Bird.......2004-03-01

Peace..
rj

Vintage Film.......2004-02-20

invaluable to anyone who wants to know more about James Dean.......2003-09-24

Average customer rating:

Robert Altman's Masterpiece
Eerie and Intense!
Lonely Bird
Vintage Film
invaluable to anyone who wants to know more about James Dean

The James Dean Story [Region 2]
Starring: Martin Gabel , Clark Gable , Ronald Nelson , Jayne Mansfield , and Emma Dean (II)
Director: George W. George , and Robert Altman
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD