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Colorized Photos of Classic Stars That Bring Old Hollywood to Life

Robert Redford

Robert Redford

Robert Redford's career spans over six decades as an actor, director, and producer. He is known for significant roles in films like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Sting," and "All the President's Men."

As a director, he received critical acclaim for "Ordinary People," which won an Academy Award. Redford also founded the Sundance Film Festival, supporting independent filmmakers. His work has earned numerous accolades, establishing his importance in cinema.

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Clark Gable

Clark Gable

Clark Gable's career in Hollywood spanned over three decades, during which he became an iconic actor. He is best known for his roles in "Gone with the Wind," "It Happened One Night," and "Mutiny on the Bounty." 

Gable's portrayal of Rhett Butler in "Gone with the Wind" remains one of his most memorable performances. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for "It Happened One Night" and received multiple nominations throughout his career.

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Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe was a prominent actress known for her roles in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," "Some Like It Hot," and "The Seven Year Itch." Her performance in "Some Like It Hot" earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress. 

Monroe became a significant figure in 1950s and 1960s cinema, shaping popular culture and the entertainment industry through her on-screen presence and distinctive style.

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Greta Garbo

Greta Garbo

Greta Garbo was a renowned actress known for her roles in films such as "Anna Christie," "Grand Hotel," and "Ninotchka." Her work in "Anna Christie" earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

She was awarded an honorary Oscar in 1955 for her unforgettable performances and significant impact on cinema. Garbo's career was marked by her distinctive style and strong screen presence. 

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Billie Dove

Billie Dove

Billie Dove was an actress active during the silent film era and early talkies. She starred in films such as "The Black Pirate," "The Painted Angel," and "The American Beauty." Known for her beauty and acting talent, Dove became one of the most popular actresses of her time. 

Her career included numerous successful films, contributing significantly to Hollywood in the 1920s and 1930s. Dove retired from acting in the mid-1930s, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.

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Jean Harlow

Jean Harlow

Jean Harlow was an actress who became a significant figure in early Hollywood. She starred in key films such as "Hell's Angels," "Red Dust," and "Dinner at Eight."

Known for her platinum blonde hair and screen presence, Harlow rose to fame in the 1930s and became one of the top box office draws of her era. Her career, though brief, left a lasting impression on the film industry. 

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Lana Turner

Lana Turner

Lana Turner was an actress who gained fame in Hollywood for her roles in films such as "The Postman Always Rings Twice," "Peyton Place," and "Imitation of Life." Her career spanned several decades, beginning in the 1930s and continuing through the 1970s. 

Turner was known for her versatility, playing a range of characters from femme fatales to dramatic leads. Her performance in "Peyton Place" earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. 

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The Saga of Gosta Berling

The Saga of Gosta Berling

"The Saga of Gosta Berling" is a 1924 Swedish silent film based on the novel by Selma Lagerlöf. The film tells the story of Gosta Berling, a defrocked priest who becomes involved with a series of complex relationships and personal struggles.

Greta Garbo played the role of Elizabeth Dohna, a significant character who impacts Gosta's life. This film marked Garbo's breakthrough, showcasing her acting talent and screen presence. Her performance in "The Saga of Gosta Berling" led to her discovery by Hollywood, propelling her to international stardom. 

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Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn was an actress whose career spanned several decades, beginning in the early 1950s. She starred in notable films such as "Roman Holiday," "Breakfast at Tiffany's," and "My Fair Lady." 

Hepburn's elegance and distinct style made her a significant figure in Hollywood. She won an Academy Award for her role in "Roman Holiday" and received multiple nominations throughout her career. 

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Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth was an actress who rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s. She starred in key films such as "Gilda," "Cover Girl," and "The Lady from Shanghai." Her performances, particularly in "Gilda," established her as a major star in Hollywood.

Known for her dancing skills and screen presence, Hayworth became a cultural icon. Her career included numerous successful films, and she was often cast in roles that showcased her versatility. Hayworth's contributions to cinema made her one of Hollywood's memorable leading ladies.

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Louise Brooks

Louise Brooks

Louise Brooks was an actress known for her work during the silent film era. She starred in notable films such as "Pandora's Box" and "Diary of a Lost Girl," which showcased her distinct style and acting talent. 

Brooks' iconic bob haircut and on-screen presence made her a significant figure in early cinema. Her performances in German expressionist films brought her international acclaim. Despite a relatively short career in Hollywood, Brooks left a lasting impression on the film industry. 

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Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor was an actress whose career began in the early 1940s. She starred in notable films such as "Cleopatra," "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?," and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." 

Taylor's performances earned her two Academy Awards for Best Actress. Her role in "Cleopatra" made her one of the highest-paid actresses of her time.

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Mae West

Mae West

Mae West was an actress known for her work in the early to mid-20th century. She starred in key films such as "She Done Him Wrong," "I'm No Angel," and "My Little Chickadee." West's unique style, characterized by her witty dialogue and bold persona, made her a significant figure in Hollywood. 

Her contributions to cinema included writing many of her own scripts, which helped shape her distinctive on-screen character. West's career in film and theater left a lasting impact on the industry and continues to be influential.

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Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina

The 1935 film "Anna Karenina," directed by Clarence Brown, is an adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's novel. Greta Garbo stars as the titular character, Anna Karenina, a Russian aristocrat trapped in a loveless marriage. 

Garbo's performance was critically acclaimed for its nuanced and poignant depiction of Anna's turmoil, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood's leading actresses of the era.

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Saratoga

Saratoga

Jean Harlow and Clark Gable starred in six films together, establishing a celebrated on-screen partnership in Hollywood. Their collaborations included "Red Dust," "Hold Your Man," and "China Seas." 

Among these, "Saratoga" (1937) holds particular significance as it was Harlow's final film. Despite her untimely death during production, Harlow's performance alongside Gable showcased their remarkable chemistry. The film revolves around a romance set against the backdrop of horse racing, with Gable playing a bookie and Harlow a wealthy heiress.

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Veronica Lake

Veronica Lake

Veronica Lake was an actress known for her work in the 1940s. She starred in key films such as "Sullivan's Travels," "This Gun for Hire," and "The Blue Dahlia." Lake's signature "peek-a-boo" hairstyle became iconic, significantly influencing fashion during that period. 

Her on-screen presence and performances, particularly in film noir, left a lasting impact on Hollywood. Despite a decline in her career later on, Lake's contributions to the film industry remain notable.

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Ann Sheridan

Ann Sheridan

Ann Sheridan was an actress active primarily in the 1930s and 1940s. She appeared in notable films such as "Angels with Dirty Faces," "They Drive by Night," and "Kings Row." 

Known for her versatility and charisma, Sheridan earned the nickname "The Oomph Girl." Her performances were well-received, contributing to her status as a significant Hollywood star of her era.

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Elizabeth Taylor's Early Years

Elizabeth Taylor's Early Years

Elizabeth Taylor was born on February 27, 1932, in Hampstead, London. Her parents, both American, were art dealers. The family moved to Los Angeles in 1939, where Taylor's striking beauty and talent quickly attracted attention.

She attended the Hawthorne School before beginning her acting career at a young age. Taylor's first significant role came in 1944 with "National Velvet," which launched her into stardom and set the stage for a prolific acting career.

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Lillian Gish

Lillian Gish

Lillian Gish was a pioneering actress whose career spanned over 75 years. She gained fame in silent films, notably starring in D.W. Griffith's "The Birth of a Nation," "Intolerance," and "Broken Blossoms." 

Gish's emotive performances and delicate beauty established her as a leading figure in early Hollywood. Her work in "The Wind" and "Way Down East" further solidified her status.

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Betty Compson

Betty Compson

Betty Compson was an actress prominent in the silent film era and early talkies. She starred in notable films such as "The Docks of New York," "The Barker," and "The Great Gabbo." Her versatility and emotional depth earned her critical acclaim and a lasting place in Hollywood history.

Compson received an Academy Award nomination for her role in "The Barker." Despite the challenges of transitioning to sound films, she continued to work steadily, leaving a significant mark on the film industry.

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Renée Adorée

Renée Adorée

Renée Adorée was a French actress known for her work in silent films during the 1920s. She starred in significant films such as "The Big Parade," "La Bohème," and "Excess Baggage." Adorée's expressive performances and striking looks made her a popular figure in Hollywood.

Her role in "The Big Parade" remains one of her most celebrated achievements, showcasing her talent and cementing her legacy in early cinema. Despite her untimely death at a young age, Adorée's contributions to film continue to be recognized.

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Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando was a pivotal actor in Hollywood, renowned for his method acting. His breakthrough came with "A Streetcar Named Desire" (1951), followed by iconic roles in "On the Waterfront" (1954) and "The Godfather" (1972).

Brando's performances were marked by their intensity and authenticity, significantly influencing acting styles. He won two Academy Awards and left an indelible mark on the film industry with his innovative approach and unforgettable characters. 

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James Dean

James Dean

James Dean was an American actor whose brief career left a lasting impact on Hollywood. Best known for his role in "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955), Dean also starred in "East of Eden" (1955) and "Giant" (1956). 

Despite his untimely death at the age of 24, Dean's work continues to influence actors and filmmakers. He was posthumously nominated for two Academy Awards, cementing his legacy as an iconic figure in American cinema.

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Ginger Rogers

Ginger Rogers

Ginger Rogers was an accomplished actress and dancer, best known for her partnership with Fred Astaire in a series of successful musicals, including "Top Hat" (1935) and "Swing Time" (1936).

She demonstrated her versatility in dramatic roles such as in "Kitty Foyle" (1940), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress. Rogers left a significant mark on Hollywood with her dynamic performances and contributions to the Golden Age of cinema, influencing both dance and acting in film.

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Vera Cruz

Vera Cruz

In the 1954 film "Vera Cruz," Gary Cooper stars as Benjamin Trane, a Civil War veteran who becomes entangled in a mercenary mission amidst the Mexican Revolution. His portrayal added depth to the character's moral complexities.

Sara Montiel plays the role of a Mexican countess, providing a strong female presence and adding layers to the storyline. The film is significant for its gritty portrayal of the Old West and its influence on the Spaghetti Western genre. 

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Ingrid Bergman

Ingrid Bergman

Ingrid Bergman was a Swedish actress who made a significant impact on Hollywood with her versatile performances. She is best known for her roles in classics such as "Casablanca" (1942), "Gaslight" (1944), and "Notorious" (1946).

Bergman's ability to portray complex characters earned her three Academy Awards, including Best Actress for "Gaslight" and "Anastasia" (1956), and Best Supporting Actress for "Murder on the Orient Express" (1974). Her contributions to film were marked by her naturalistic acting style. 

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Merle Oberon

Merle Oberon

Merle Oberon was a British actress known for her striking performances in classic Hollywood films. She gained prominence with her role as Cathy in "Wuthering Heights" (1939) and continued to captivate audiences in films like "The Dark Angel" (1935) and "That Uncertain Feeling" (1941).

Oberon's career was marked by her ability to portray complex characters with elegance and depth. Despite facing challenges due to her mixed heritage, she left an indelible mark on the film industry and remains a celebrated figure in classic cinema.

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Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich was a German-American actress and singer known for her magnetic screen presence and distinctive voice. She gained international fame with her role in "The Blue Angel" (1930) and continued to captivate audiences with performances in films like "Shanghai Express" (1932) and "Destry Rides Again" (1939).

Dietrich's career was marked by her ability to portray enigmatic and strong-willed characters. She was also known for her androgynous style, which influenced fashion. 

(kate gabrielle/Marlene Dietrich/CC BY 2.0 DEED/Flickr)

Gene Tierney

Gene Tierney

Gene Tierney was an American actress renowned for her work in classic Hollywood cinema. She is best known for her roles in "Laura" (1944), "Leave Her to Heaven" (1945), and "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" (1947). 

Tierney's performances were marked by her striking beauty and the emotional depth she brought to her characters. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in "Leave Her to Heaven." 

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Gloria Swanson

Gloria Swanson

Gloria Swanson was an American actress renowned for her work during the silent film era and early sound films. She gained significant acclaim for her roles in "Sadie Thompson" (1928), "The Trespasser" (1929), and "Sunset Boulevard" (1950), which earned her an Academy Award nomination. 

Swanson's career was marked by her ability to portray complex characters and her transition from silent films to talkies. Her performance in "Sunset Boulevard" remains iconic, solidifying her legacy as one of Hollywood's enduring stars.

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Ava Gardner

Ava Gardner

Ava Gardner gained prominence with her performance in "The Killers" (1946) and continued to captivate audiences with roles in "Mogambo" (1953), for which she received an Academy Award nomination, and "The Night of the Iguana" (1964).

Known for her striking beauty and strong screen presence, Gardner's career spanned several decades, leaving a lasting impact on the film industry. Her versatility and talent secured her place as one of Hollywood's legendary leading ladies.

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Gary Cooper

Gary Cooper

Gary Cooper was an American actor renowned for his natural and understated acting style, which made him a quintessential leading man in Hollywood. He gained fame with roles in films like "Sergeant York" (1941), for which he won an Academy Award, and "High Noon" (1952), which earned him his second Oscar.

His career, spanning over three decades, left a significant impact on the film industry, establishing him as one of Hollywood's enduring legends.

(kate gabrielle/Gary Cooper/CC BY 2.0 DEED/Flickr)

Sara Montiel

Sara Montiel

Sara Montiel was a Spanish actress and singer who became a prominent figure in Spanish and international cinema. She gained fame with her performance in "El Último Cuplé" (1957), which was a massive box-office success and marked a turning point in her career. 

Her transition from acting to a successful singing career showcased her versatility and left a lasting impact on Spanish cultural history. Montiel's legacy endures as one of Spain's most beloved entertainment icons.

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Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine

Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine

Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine were sisters and acclaimed actresses who left a significant mark on Hollywood. Olivia de Havilland gained fame with roles in "Gone with the Wind" (1939) and "The Heiress" (1949), winning two Academy Awards. Joan Fontaine is best known for her performances in "Rebecca" (1940) and "Suspicion" (1941), earning an Oscar for the latter. 

The sisters had a well-documented rivalry, both professionally and personally, which added a dramatic layer to their storied careers. Despite their differences, their contributions to cinema remain influential, and they are remembered as two of Hollywood's most talented and enduring stars.

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Elizabeth Taylor in the '60s

Elizabeth Taylor in the '60s

Elizabeth Taylor's career in the 1960s was marked by significant achievements and high-profile roles. She starred in iconic films such as "Butterfield 8" (1960), for which she won her first Academy Award, and "Cleopatra" (1963), a monumental production that became one of her most famous roles. 

During this decade, she became both a celebrated actress and a prominent public figure, impacting Hollywood with her performances and off-screen life.

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Eddie Fischer

Eddie Fischer

Eddie Fisher was an American singer and actor who gained prominence in the 1950s with hits like "Oh! My Pa-Pa" and "I'm Walking Behind You." His career intersected notably with Hollywood when he married Elizabeth Taylor in 1959, following his highly publicized divorce from Debbie Reynolds.

During his marriage to Taylor, Fisher's career faced turbulence, though he continued performing and recording music. The relationship, marked by intense media scrutiny, highlighted Fisher's personal life more than his professional achievements. 

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Vivien Leigh

Vivien Leigh

Vivien Leigh was a British actress renowned for her roles in classic cinema. She gained international fame with her portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone with the Wind" (1939), earning her first Academy Award.

Leigh's performance in "A Streetcar Named Desire" (1951) also garnered critical acclaim and a second Oscar. Her career, characterized by a blend of stage and screen roles, left a significant impact on both Hollywood and British cinema. Despite personal struggles, Leigh's talent and contributions to the film industry remain influential.

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Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford was an American actress whose career spanned several decades and genres. She achieved stardom in the 1930s with roles in films like "Grand Hotel" (1932) and "The Women" (1939). 

Crawford's performance in "Mildred Pierce" (1945) earned her an Academy Award, cementing her status as a Hollywood icon. Known for her versatility and strong screen presence, Crawford's work had a lasting impact on the film industry. Her career, marked by numerous accolades and a wide range of roles, remains influential in the history of American cinema.

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Bette Davis

Bette Davis

Bette Davis was a highly influential actress in Hollywood, known for her strong performances and pioneering roles. Her career spanned over five decades, with notable films like "Jezebel" (1938) and "All About Eve" (1950).

In 1962, Davis starred in "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" alongside Joan Crawford, delivering a compelling and chilling performance that launched the "psycho-biddy" horror movie genre. 

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Doris Day

Doris Day

Doris Day was an American actress and singer known for her wholesome and cheerful screen persona. She gained widespread recognition in the 1950s and 1960s with films like "Calamity Jane" (1953) and "Pillow Talk" (1959), earning an Academy Award nomination for the latter.

Day's career also included a successful recording legacy, with hits such as "Que Sera, Sera" becoming iconic. Her contributions to Hollywood and the music industry were significant, making her one of the most beloved and enduring figures in American entertainment history.

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