Back in the day when The Platinum Page was just getting started the only photos I had to add to the site were in black and white, just like Jean's films. Who among us didn't watch her on screen and wonder what she looked like in real life?
Early on I met the very talented artist and fellow Harlow fan Victor Mascaro who felt the same way, and had begun to colorize her images.
A lot has changed on the world wide web and in digital image technology since then. What hasn't changed is Victor's love for Jean, as evidenced in each new amazing image he shares with her fans on his website Celluloid Legends In Color. It currently boasts six huge galleries devoted to The Baby.
For a bit of history on Victor and his work, be sure to read the past blog entries on the Colorized Images tag page. And check out his Platinum Page gallery, new items added this week!
Victor is my favorite Harlow color artist (I own several of his prints) and a true pioneer of this technique, and he remains the leader. One can hardly look at a YouTube video tribute to Jean without seeing his handiwork. (Please & thank you for remembering to credit him if you do use his images!)
Thanks to Victor and his lifelike colorization skills, we now have a better idea of just how lovely Jean looked in person. That's what I call Hollywood magic!
This Day 2 post for the Centenary Blogathon, hosted by The Kitty Packard Pictorial, is brought to you in conjunction with the fabulous new book Harlow In Hollywood: The Blonde Bombshell in the Glamour Capital, 1928-1937 by Darrell Rooney and Mark Vieira, from Angel City Press. Get your copy today!
She is perfectly fabulous in black & white. Color doesn't need to be a reason to bring her to life. We appreciate her for who she was in her time.
Posted by: dgb | December 13, 2012 at 12:01 AM
I am astounded! Two years ago, I looked for Harlow sites, and they were few. You have done a fabulous job remembering her. Thank you.
Posted by: dgb | December 12, 2012 at 11:54 PM
WOW! This really brought her to life for me. It's amazing what a difference there is from black and white to color!
Posted by: Alycia | March 01, 2011 at 10:24 AM