Australian Women's Weekly Icons

Revisit the magic of Hollywood’s golden age with a new Icons issue. From leading lady Lucille Ball’s path to becoming our favourite funny girl to the secret lives of stars including Frank Sinatra, Leslie Caron, Burt Lancaster and more there are 164 page of gripping reads and vintage photos to enjoy.

From the editor

LEADING ladies • Sophia Loren Greta Garbo Rosalind Russell

Made in Italy • It was the role that would win her an Oscar – a first for an actress in a non-English speaking film – and would prove to the world that she was far more than just a beautiful cinematic face. Yet, writes Samantha Trenoweth, Two Women almost never came to pass.

The divine enigma • Her star blazed brightly but briefly, leaving a mystique that persisted long after she turned her back on Hollywood.

The perfect choice • She was a tall, elegant beauty who studios kept casting in a slew of “other woman” roles. But when Howard Hawks chose her for his new film – one which the best comedic actresses in town had walked away from – a star was born. Georgia Moore reports.

Stars AT PLAY • Stars & their dogs The MGM backlot

Four-legged fan club • STARS & THEIR DOGS Whether they’re relaxing at home, or on the publicity trail, Hollywood’s hottest stars make sure their furry friends, both big and small, are part of the fun.

Land of make-believe • THE METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER BACKLOTThe hallowed turf where, as MGM put it, “there were more stars than there are in heaven”, the studio’s backlot was the place movie magic was made.

SCANDALS & tragedy • Rita Hayworth & Prince Aly Tab Hunter Gloria Grahame

The prince and the goddess • It was the first time a Hollywood star married royalty, but their union was far from a fairytale, as Nicole Hickson discovers.

The fall guy • While studios were happy to make money from their talented yet closeted gay stars, when it came to the crunch one matinee idol would prove dispensable, writes Tim Gill.

Family secrets • With natural beauty and a mother as an acting coach, Gloria was on a certain track to Hollywood success. Yet while her roles were getting her the right kind of attention – including an Oscar – her love life, as Kylie Walters discovers, became the trash talk of Tinseltown.

LEADING men • James Dean Robert Taylor James Coburn

A true genius • His first interview with Hollywood gossip maven Hedda Hopper led to a scathing article in his wake. Yet, Hedda wrote in The Weekly close to a decade later, the real Jimmy Dean was a far gentler soul than he appeared on screens.

The romantic lead • Broodingly handsome, the Magnificent Obsession and Quo Vardis star was one of MGM’s most popular stars.

The tough guy • At the height of his film career, he was the ultimate macho man. He loved fast cars and beautiful women, and hung out with tough guys like Steve McQueen and Bruce Lee. But, as Dann Lennard reveals, the actor was also deeply spiritual and battled an illness that almost ended his career.

Fearless TRAILBLAZERS • Florence Lawrence David O. Selznick Billie Holiday

The first movie star • She’s the actress you’ve likely never heard of. Yet the woman once known as “The Biograph Girl” would kick off the start of the Hollywood star system. Not only that, writes Tiffany Dunk, she’d also change the world of motoring in her spare time.

The prized producer • He built an empire while discarding people in his wake. Yet despite his off-screen excess, the Oscar-winning talent forever shaped the movie-going experience and left an immense legacy, writes Tim Gill.

The voice of change • Influential, innovative, inspiring – Lady Day made her mark on the world one defiant step at a time, reports Tim Gill.

THE STYLE makers • Irene Sharaff Lee...