31 July 2012

Lauren Bacall: a touch of class

She was named ‘The Look’ after To Have and Have Not (1944), her debut film: she was so overawed during the tests that in order to minimize her quivering she pressed her chin against her chest and she faced the camera with her sultry upward looks, her self-confidence and beauty concealing a lack of acting experience. She was only 19 and she was a model at that time, having recently appeared on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar. She seduced Bogart before she seduced the audience and their great love story began on the set of the film.

Lauren Bacall took the silver screen by storm and was acclaimed on Broadway, winning two Tony Awards for her performances in Applause (1970) and Woman of the Year (1981). She has always exuded a unique grace. She taught Bogie to whistle with two fingers in To Have and Have Not, without sacrificing a drop of femininity. A femininity which was never overshadowed by her slightly boyish looks and always in control of things personality.

With her angular beauty, sharp wit, sensuous locks, her choice of simple, clean lines in clothes and distinctive poise, she emulated elegance and sexiness and the style of the 40s like no other. A great leading lady, at 87, Bacall proves to have liven up so well to one of her favourite quotes: ‘I think your whole life shows in your face and you should be proud of that.’

above: The Look

photos: 1-Louise Dahl-Wolfe, 1943 / 2-publicity still The Big Sleep (1946) / 3-(scanned by me) from the book Bogie: A Celebration of the Life and Films of Humphrey Bogart – still from To Have and Have Not (1944), Warner Brothers/ John Engstead / 4-portrait for Key Largo, 1948, Warner Brothers / 5-portrait of Lauren Bacall, 1940s, via / 7-Jack Mitchell

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16 Responses to Lauren Bacall: a touch of class

  1. A Brit Greek wrote on
    --> 31 July 2012 at 11:13 am

    Not only was she talented, but ultra stylish too! Love the golden oldie movies!
    x.o.x.o

  2. Elisabeth Ruth wrote on
    --> 31 July 2012 at 12:08 pm

    A lovely choice of pictures with Lauren Bacall! Such a stylish and beautiful woman! Her outfits in these pictures seem timeless

  3. Ann wrote on
    --> 31 July 2012 at 1:15 pm

    I love her,
    she and Bogart are inspiring.
    I love how she carries herself,
    so very classy.

  4. LittleRus wrote on
    --> 31 July 2012 at 2:03 pm

    I remember her from How to marry a millionaire… As you can see my knowledge of classic movies is beyond basic. 🙂 Loved learning more about her – thank you for this story, darling! x

  5. LatteLisa wrote on
    --> 31 July 2012 at 3:15 pm

    I love the selection of photographs you chose for this post. As much as I love her in the old films, I’ll never forget her performance in Streisand’s film ‘The Mirror Has Two Faces’. She is such an amazing actress, one that has aged with grace.

  6. Priscilla Joy wrote on
    --> 31 July 2012 at 4:59 pm

    Quite exquisite.
    Have a great day.

  7. amourette wrote on
    --> 31 July 2012 at 7:39 pm

    Stunning!

  8. Mary Jo wrote on
    --> 31 July 2012 at 8:11 pm

    Ada, my first job out of college was as a researcher on the writing staff for HBO and I had to research romantic couples, which included Lauren Bacall. I’ve always thought she was so incredibly beautiful and knew how to wear clothes better than almost anyone. I saw her a few years ago leaving the restaurant at the same time as me, and she was statuesque and still had so much Hollywood glamour about her.
    xo Mary Jo

  9. Meghan @ Wishful Thinking wrote on
    --> 31 July 2012 at 10:38 pm

    It’s so hard to imagine her being overawed and quivery as she exudes such confidence and poise – I think that fact made me love her even more!

  10. design elements wrote on
    --> 1 August 2012 at 8:16 am

    beautiful photos and wonderful title, Ada! A touch of class…

    We are flying today to the Black Sea 🙂

    big hugs

  11. Helen @ TheStyleSchedule wrote on
    --> 1 August 2012 at 10:31 am

    How could I have missed this post! I adore Lauren Bacall… a classy broad if ever I saw one. Statuesque, glamourous, cool and the real deal. Love her! x

  12. Rachel {Little Bits of Lovely} wrote on
    --> 1 August 2012 at 2:29 pm

    Lauren Bacall is one of my favourite fashion icons. She is incredibly elegant, always graceful and of course utterly beautiful. Loved this post Ada! xx

  13. Rochii de seara wrote on
    --> 2 August 2012 at 5:27 pm

    A stylish and beautiful woman! An example for every woman!

  14. Heather wrote on
    --> 2 August 2012 at 5:46 pm

    Oh she was so beautiful! I’ve found her inspirational since I was a kid.

  15. la Vinia wrote on
    --> 6 August 2012 at 8:32 pm

    Wonderful photos! She’s a real lady, iconic and beyond.