The difficulties and tragedies in actress Jean Harlow's short life are explored in this Intimate Portrait biography. Harlow's childhood with a controlling mother, her many years of illness, several broken marriages, her third husband's suicide, and two abortions "for the sake of her career" are examined - and highlights from her career are presented with the help of clips from her movies, publicity photos, and a radio interview from 1936. Very shy as a young woman, Harlow's acting career began when she accepted a dare (and a bet of $250) to be an extra in a film. During her seven years in Hollywood, she struggled for respect as an actress, and finally received it when her chemistry with Clark Gable - on screen and off - made her famous. Interviews with Harlow's childhood friends, her hairdressers (who take credit for inventing "the world's first platinum blonde"), and her biographer, David Stenn, add further information and insight to this biography.
~ Alice Duncan, Rovi
