Dorothy Dandridge beauty was indeed phenomenal. She was called “the black Marilyn Monroe” and had flawless, radiant skin the black press referred to as “honey” and “cafe au lait.” But being a black actor in the 1950s meant playing savages, slaves, and mamies — debasing roles that Dandridge refused on principle. In the films where she did get to play a a non-servant, non-exotic, non-savage, she was not allowed to do more than kiss, as the idea of a black woman in love was altogether too dangerous for the screen.
Lovely gal for a better time.
ReplyDeleteNice gams, too!
ReplyDeleteNice everything!
ReplyDeleteDorothy Dandridge was the first black woman to grace the cover of Life Magazine.
ReplyDeleteHowever, when Dorothy Dandridge past to the other side she only had $2.14 in her bank account
Dorothy Dandridge beauty was indeed phenomenal. She was called “the black Marilyn Monroe” and had flawless, radiant skin the black press referred to as “honey” and “cafe au lait.” But being a black actor in the 1950s meant playing savages, slaves, and mamies — debasing roles that Dandridge refused on principle. In the films where she did get to play a a non-servant, non-exotic, non-savage, she was not allowed to do more than kiss, as the idea of a black woman in love was altogether too dangerous for the screen.
ReplyDeleteI will play with Dorothy Dandridge this weekend
I came across the same beer ad. I tucked it away for a future episode of Sex in Advertising.
ReplyDeleteThe proto Halle Berry!
ReplyDelete