Intro: Gilda (1946)

Transcript:

Hi, I'm Harry Marks and this is Let's All Go to the Lobby—your introduction to the film you're about to watch. Up next is Charles Vidor's film noir about a gambler named Johnny…played by Glenn Ford…hired to manage a casino in Buenos Aires, only to learn that the owner's wife is none other than his old flame. I'm talking, of course, about 1946's GILDA, played by the beautiful and talented Rita Hayworth.

The film is best known for two big reasons…the first being Hayworth herself. Gilda is perhaps Hayworth's most recognizable role, no doubt bolstered by her now meme-worthy entrance, as she pops into frame, her long, wavy locks bouncing into place.

That scene was actually filmed twice, with Hayworth wearing two different costumes. One had her in a striped blouse paired with a dark skirt, while the other had her in an off-the-shoulder dressing gown and is the shot we see in the final picture.

Hayworth, born Margaret "Rita" Cansino, had originally been signed with 20th Century Fox, but didn't make much of a splash there. It wasn't until she changed, well, everything, including her hair and her name, AND joined with Columbia Studios when she finally became the star we know today.

But Hayworth was not the woman she portrayed onscreen. In reality, she was quite shy and, according to the actress herself, suffered from quote an inferiority complex.

But she hid that shyness well in her performance. In a scene where Gilda twice slapped Ford, she actually wound up breaking two of the actor's teeth in real life. And Ford toughed it out like a champ until the shot was done.

But aside from Hayworth's electrifying performance, GILDA is also known for its elegant and eye-popping costumes, designed by Jean Louis. The black dress Gilda wears as she sings "Put the Blame on Mame" was actually modeled on the painting, Madame X, by artist John Singer Sargent.

It was quite a feat of engineering, requiring a molded plastic shell underneath the fabric to keep it upright.

Louis went on to design Marilyn Monroe's famous gown, which she wore when she sang "Happy Birthday" to John F. Kennedy in 1962.

As for the role of Johnny, it was originally offered to Humphrey Bogart, who turned it down, believing that with Rita Hayworth playing the title role, audiences wouldn't look at anyone else.

And he was probably right.

So, now that you've gotten a glimpse BEHIND THE SEAMS, enjoy one of the most highly regarded films of 1946, starring Rita Hayworth, Glenn Ford, George Macready, and Joseph Calleia.

Here's…GILDA.