Category: Classic Beauty

Another one of those raving Italian beauties from the 1940s and -50s, Gianna Maria Canale first came to prominence as runner-up to Miss Italy in 1947, at age 20.  Then she went into the movies, making mainly Italian classics (a.k.a. “swords ‘n sandals” in studio jargon) and horror flicks.

Then, in 50s-vintage color:

..and when color film improved:

She retired from moviemaking at age 37, when this pic was taken.

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Now I mentioned above that Gianna Maria was the runner-up in the 1947 Miss Italy competition, leading of course to the question:  who was the winner, then?

Here’s Lucia Bosè:

Fair enough.  All I can say is that I’d hate to have been sitting on the Giuria  back then.  What a choice.

She was so beautiful, she could easily have had a modeling career.

But she didn’t do that, did she?  Instead, she gave us this:

And oh yeah, her color shots were also quite interesting:

She turned 80 this year…

Exquisite, at any age.

To many people born since, say, 1970, Shirley Ross would generate a “Who?” reaction.  But to fans of 1930s-era Hollywood musicals, Shirley Ross would not be unknown at all.  Here she is:

Now let’s see her in action, together with her more well-known co-star (perhaps one of the most poignant “break-up” songs ever performed on screen).  And in earlier, happier times (first video only).

Now can you see why she was so popular?

Like our Beauty from two weeks back, Ruby Keeler was born in Canuckistan and whose family moved to the U.S. when she was still at an early age.  Speaking of early ages, she got her first stage role at age 13 (lying that she was 16), and never looked back.  She married Al Jolson at age 19, divorced him at age 31, married another guy at age 32 and retired from Hollywood later that year to raise her family.

Dancer’s legs, pretty face, extraordinary talent and a devoted mom.  Nothing wrong there.

Loyal Readers may remember Maria Grazia Cucinotta as my companion to take on a leisurely drive along the Mille Miglia course.  So it should come as little surprise that this post should feature her as a modern classic beauty:

You may remember her as Tony’s Dream Girl in The Sopranos:

Of course, the fact that at age 55+ she’s still gorgeous doesn’t affect a thing:

Magnifica.

What kind of woman would sing songs with titles like these?

“It’s All Been Done Before, but Not the Way I Do It”
“I Want Someone to Go Wild with Me”
“Go as Far as You Like” and
“That’s Why They Call Me Tabasco”

Okay, now let me change the question slightly.

What kind of woman would sing songs with titles like these, in the early 20th century?

There’s only one, and not for nothing was Eva Tanguay known as “The Queen Of Burlesque” — or, as she modestly titled herself, “The Girl Who Made Burlesque Famous”.  (Follow the link first, for some shocked laughter.)

(that’s the infamous “penny” dress)

Well, I would have bought a ticket to see her on stage.  I think she’s magnificent.