Sharon Tate Compared to Jean Harlow, Kerstien Matondang and New Video, Rare Sharon Photo, Sharon's Style and More on Polanski

I haven't done one of these for awhile so I thought I'd do another comparison article on Sharon and Jean Harlow:

Jean was born at 5: 40 pm-CST time while Sharon was born at 5:47 pm-CST time (close), but on a different date.

Both were part of the studio system and were designed to show off their sex appeal even though they really could act and do more if the role called for it. 

Both were very close to their mothers who were in turn, very protective of their children.  Their mothers were never the same after their children's deaths.  In addition, both had their mother's laid to rest with them.


Both had kind natures and would give you the shirt off their backs if you needed it.


Both were generous to fans, happily signing autographs and answering fan mail--sending autographs.


Both worked for MGM and 20th Century Fox studios.


Harlow dated Max Baer, Sr while Sharon dated Max Baer, Jr though the second couple were actually more like good friends.

Other sex symbols/blonde bombshells have followed (including Sharon and Marilyn Monroe), but it is Jean Harlow who all others are measured against.


Both adored animals and had dogs.

Both were beautiful and married older men.


Both have been mentioned in song, for instance, Harlow was mentioned in Madonna's 'Vogue' song and Sharon was mentioned in The Aluminum Group song "Miss Tate."  Others have mentioned them in their music as well.


Both starred in bit parts in movies eventually leading to larger roles.


Harlow's first film, "Hell's Angels" was shot twice. Once with another actress as a silent film, then with Harlow as a talkie film.  Sharon had a similiar incident with her first major film when, Kim Novak backed out of filming "Eye of the Devil" and it had to be shot twice, the second time with Deborah Kerr in Novak's role.


Both displayed a talent for comedic performances and had a great sense of humor off camera as well.


Both were continuously on the ascendant in their careers, parts were starting to get better and show more range.


Neither wore underwear; Jean never did and Sharon stopped because she said Polanski didn't want the mark lines to appear on her beautiful body.  In addition, both were photographed in the nude.


Both smoked, Harlow's brand was Fatima while Sharon preferred Tareyton.

Both also appeared in fashion magazines and were cover girls on many of them.

Both lived at a time at the Chateau Marmont, the famous Los Angeles Hotel.  And both lived on Easton Drive in Benedict Canyon: this is where Harlow's husband Paul Bern committed suicide and years later, Jay Sebring bought the house and supposedly Sharon had a premonition there according to this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ow3uOnkwcg

Both died tragically at the age of 26 and were buried in California. 

At the time of their deaths, everyone commented on how loved they were by so many and that neither had any enemies.

Do you have any to add?  Feel free to comment.

Kerstien's new video is ready!  Exciting! Here it is...

http://www.kerstien.se/sharoninart.htm

A rare lovely new photo of Sharon here:

http://rubenigga.tumblr.com/post/519070089/bohemea-sharon-tate

Sharon's style:

http://www.polyvore.com/sharon_tate/set?id=17972654

And can't Polanski have a nice afternoon with friends without being critized for it?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1267240/House-arrest-looked-better-Shamed-director-Roman-Polanski-enjoys-sunny-lunch-friends.html

Rare French Sharon Tate Article Translated, Chuck Norris and "The Wrecking Crew" and that particular song by the Beatles...

Here is one of the translated articles I had done recently.  It looks to be from a French magazine but not sure which one.  It must be around the mid sixties.

I was sad for Kim Novak...

 

The other day when I was talking about Sharon Tate, one of my friends told me:  She would make a perfect Juliet, don't you think?  I'm not sure of her talent as an actress yet but she does have the body to bend over a balcony!

Anyway, Miss Tate didn't wait for that role but she has had a nice career so far.  Just after finishing the film "13",  she began work on her new thriller, "The Fearless Vampire Killers."

She discussed this and more when I interviewed her at the Ritz.  Miss Tate is an outstandingly beautiful girl with big brown eyes wide open like radars, with long blond hair and legs that won't quit, she appears ready for anything. 

Since our last meeting, I notice that her voice seems to be lower and the bottom part of her skirt seems to be higher.

"It's true," she answered.  "I'm taking voice lessons and it has become deeper now but as for my skirt," she says, jumping to her feet and turning to look at herself in the mirror, "I have many more that are way shorter."

"They're going to arrest you," was my reply.

"Not me," Sharon said, "I'm an Aquarius and Aquarian's get along with everyone."

I said, "I'm pretty sure you were engaged to someone the last time I saw you."

"With Jay Sebring," was her answer.  (Mr. Sebring is 33.  He's a Hollywood hairdresser who get paid 15 pounds for a haircut.)  "Now it is finished.  He was trying to dominate me too much.  When I was filming a nude scene in 'The Vampire Killers' he telephoned me and tried to dispute it.

"However, we have stayed friends.  I called him the other day to find out how he was doing.  He told me that now he was going out with a 15 year old girl.  I found that totally immature.

 

"I told Jay he should be ashamed--a 15 year old! When I was 15 I was still looking for red and white striped flannel nightgowns.  I was dead scared of men.  Jay told me, 'But she's very much advanced for her age.  She knows just about everything.' "

Miss Tate sighs thinking of the strangeness of life as she emptied her cup of coffee in one shot.

"I'm dating Roman Polanski now," Sharon said.  "I have to admit that I never thought that one day I would date someone so intelligent.  He is teaching me a lot of things and shares confidences with me."

She starts biting her nails with an absent look and suddenly she notices what she is doing and looks guilty.

"I should stop doing that.  It's edginess or something like that.  I have a mass of energy inside me that I'm not using."

Do you feel you have gained some maturity in dating Polanski?

"Oh yes, absolutely.  When I arrived in London last year I was terribly shy.  Leslie Caron invited me to a party and I was thinking: What can I say to people that would be interesting?"

"I feel a lot better today.  I'm taking new vitamins from America.  They are big green ones. They're fantastic.  Without them I couldn't make it."

The nude scene that you and your exfiance got into an arguement about, was it really necessary?

"Absolutely, there isn't just one in the movie but three.  I had nothing on me but bubbles (from a bubble bath) but they covered me.  We even evacuated the stage.  The technicians are not peeping toms.  Roman told me: 'You could walk all nude in front of these men and they would not be embarrassed.  They would be embarrassed only if you are yourself.' "

And you were not?

"Exactly," she answered. 

Have you seen any shots of your first movie, "13"?

"Only a few shots," she said.  I felt disappointed for Kim (Novak) that she had to leave the film."  (Novak was replaced by Deborah Kerr in the middle of shooting because of an accident.)

"That (role) would have opened a new door for her career because she can't play an innocent girl anymore and here she had a fantastic role that was made for her.  But at the same time, it hurt her to play a mother when she used to play the type of role I was playing now.  In the beginning she didn't know I was going to be playing in the movie.  She had made herself a star playing these kinds of roles and seeing me now doing them instead of her made her sad.  A few times I noticed she was looking at me and I felt embarrassed.  However, she was always very nice to me.  I really loved her.  Her accident happened at a very bad moment."

I left her on the corner of the street and saw Sharon walking in the direction of the Piccadilly.  Her black eyeglasses on and showing her blonde hair.

--By Roderick Mann

 

Happy belated birthday to Chuck Norris who turned 70 yesterday.  He was an extra in "The Wrecking Crew" and good friends with Bruce Lee.  Here is an article on him:

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/popcandy/post/2010/03/norris/1

 

What do you think of when you hear the song "Helter Skelter"?  I agree with this man's quote:

http://www.crawdaddy.com/index.php/2010/03/09/opening-the-book/

When I listen to the song “Helter Skelter”, I do not think of Sharon Tate or her murderers; in fact, I try to not think at all—thinking is the road to ruin when it comes to art. If I end up thinking while listening to “Helter Skelter”, it’s usually of Bono with his perennially open yapper telling the crowd he’s stealing the song back from another crazy asshole rotting away in prison. The thing is, that song was never stolen. Maybe it was given up by Beatle fans distraught over the news that day, but it can’t be stolen—only abused and poorly adapted.

America's Answer to Brigitte Bardot: Sharon Tate Article and How Polanski Spent New Years

A nice short article with new quotes from Sharon:

Grand Hotel June 18, 1966 Italian magazine

Sharon Tate will be the BB "Made in USA" by Gio Dragone

She will be the revelation of the year, the most sensational explosion in movies since Ursula Andress.  Sharon Tate, "built" very carefully by experts in Hollywood, is conscious of the enormous responsibility that is about to be put on her shoulders.  But she is prepared to bear the brunt of worldwide popularity.  Think of the wonderful career that awaits her but it has not gone to her head.  She says: "Even if I end up making as much as Liz Taylor I will not do crazy things.  I'll build a ranch were I will live very isolated.  I'm used to loneliness. For three years I was locked away like in a cocoon.  Now I am opened up to the world in a more fascinating way than any woman could wish for. But I hope to stay as I am now, no nonsense and no false pretense." While filming a movie in France with David Niven and Kim Novak, Sharon responded to a reporter: "There is a desire that I will try to fulfill: to have a fast sports car, when I have the money. Who knows when that will be?"  This demonstrates another aspect of her character--tenacious and patient. 

Sharon Tate, 19 years old, blonde, is the American BB. She has not yet appeared on the movie screens but she is already in motion by the massive publicity machine of Hollywood.  Discovered by Samuel Goldwyn, she was immediately hired and put on a contract lasting seven years. For three years, Sharon has done nothing but study.  When she was deemed ready, she had a great beginning: she starred opposite Kim Novak and David Niven in "The Devil's Eye." Sharon Tate speaks and writes fluent French and Italian. She was insured for a million dollars. In the picture we see in the middle she is with David Niven.
 
Here is how Polanski spent New Years:  http://blog.taragana.com/e/2009/12/31/roman-polanskis-not-so-rocking-nye-75594/

WASHINGTON - Roman Polanski will have a lack lustre new year party with only his family and few friends attending.

The Rosemary Baby’s director is presently serving house arrest in his luxury ski chalet in Gstaad, Switzerland, in connection with a three-decade-old child sex case.

“His wife, Emmanuelle Seigner, has been spotted out in the town shopping for his favorite food and cheeses, while the champagne and wines have been delivered to the house. He’s planning a small family dinner for New Year’s Eve with possibly one or two other friends,” the New York Post quoted a source, as saying. (ANI)

New Vintage Article on Sharon and her first big feature: Plus more Sharon Tate links!

Melissa from Canada has been so kind to send me a few articles she has on Sharon from Newspapers.  Here is the first one of the series:

TriCity Herald Richland Washington Sunday September 5, 1965

Former Tri-Citan to Star in Movie with Kim Novak

One-time Richland High School beauty Sharon Tate has begun a film career by co-starring with Kim Novak.

According to movie columnist Shelia Graham, blonde, blue eyed, 22 year-old Sharon will co-star in Producer Martin Ransohoff's newest production, "13."

Sharon is no stranger to spotlights.  At the age of 16, while a student at Columbia High, she was chosen both Miss Richland of the 1959 Atomic Frontier Days and Miss Autorama of 1958-59.

In 1959, Sharon followed her family to Italy, where her father, Maj. Paul J. Tate had been reassigned after his tour of duty at Camp Hanford.  While in Verona, Italy, Sharon met actor Richard Beymer, who was on  location in the Italian city.  Beymer said she should be in modeling or acting, and asked her to look him up if she got to Hollywood.

Sharon explained to Shelia Graham how she met producer Ransohoff: "My father was transferred to Los Angeles, but Richard was in New York, so he put me in touch with his agent.  I was going to be a model because I always looked pretty.  The agent took me to Mrs. Ransohoff to do some commercials.  Instead, Mr. Ransohoff put me under contract for seven years and decided to groom me for stardom."

Between her first meeting with Ransohoff and her part in "13," Sharon had two years of study, hard work and relative obscurity.  She got acting experience in television's "The Beverly Hillbillies," as secretary to Jane Hathaway, who, in turn, is secretary to the banker, Mr. Drysdale. 

She also has been tagged to play the part of Jane in a new series of Tarzan films to star veteran Los Angeles Rams line backer, Mike Henry. 

News on Polanski:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/6781770.html

Another Sharon fan shares a great photo of her along with some other great film stars:

http://chizwa.blogspot.com/2009/12/la-vraie-beaute.html

And Kerstien has added her great short films to You Tube here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfzCiZqTJ_o&feature=channel

About helping Kerstien:  Be sure to bookmark her You Tube site and look for more updates! Please also let her know what you think? She says any comments or even critisms help her for future projects. :)

Breathless Article on Sharon Tate Plus Fearless Vampire Always a Top Ten Favorite, Polanski sequel? Photos & more

Here is another great article and interview with Sharon from Stars and Stripes Military Newspaper.  I dedicate this one to Rossman, a wonderful fan of Sharon, I think he will get a kick out of it ;)  :

Sharon Tate Leaves You Breathless

Read her exciting story here:

By Robert Musel

For some years now a certain producer of television commercials in Hollywood must have been wondering what happened to the teenage blonde who arrived to audition for a cigarette advertisement.  They gave her a cigarette, she inhaled deeply with the proper look of ecstasy on her fabulous features--and passed out cold on the floor.

Well, time has turned that young blonde into a ravishing 22 year old.  Her name is Sharon Tate and she has been studying hard ever since in as concentrated a campaign for film stardom as any in the recent annals of the movie industry.  Now, after all the acting lessons, the dancing lessons, the singing lessons, the vocal lessons, the moment of truth has arrived. 

She is starring in her first film "13" in a cast headed by David Niven and Kim Novak.  And producer Marty Ransohoff may win what amounts to a $50,000 gamble that she is star material.

She showed up at her first ever interview to tell all.

"Where do I begin?" she asked, trying to pull down a skirt short even by the latest Paris standards.

She was advised to start at the beginning and this is the biography that emerged:

She is 5 feet 5 1/2 inches tall, a natural blonde with hazel eyes that change color.  She weighs 112 pounds.  She was born in Dallas but has never lived long in one place because her father, Maj. Paul Tate, now of San Pedro, California, is a career soldier.  They were stationed in Verona, Italy, when a friend in television suggested she ought to try Hollywood.  And there she went after an unsuccessful attempt to study as a beautician in Houston, Texas.

"You must remember," she said continuing this breathless tale, "that I was shy and bashful when I reached Hollywood.  My parents were very strict with me.  I didn't smoke or anything.  I only had just enough money to get by and I hitchhiked a ride on a truck to the office of an agent whose name I had.  That very first day he sent me to the cigarette comercial job.  A girl showed me how it should be done, you know taking a deep, deep breath and look ecstatic."

Miss Tate demonstrated the deep, deep breath.  At this point the waiter, who was serving tea, apologized for rattling the cups but there may be no connection between these two events.

"I tried to do as she said," Miss Tate explained, "but the first breath filled my lungs with smoke and I landed on the floor.  That ended my career in cigarette commercials."

Miss Tate, who smokes quite expertly now, said her agent later decided she needed experience to overcome her shyness and took her along for a minor role in the 'Petticoat Junction' tv series.  Enter fate in the form of Ransohoff, who is producer of the series. 

"Marty saw me there," Miss Tate recalled, "and he said 'Baby'--you know how Marty talks--'Baby, we're going to make you a star.'  He took me to his legal department and he said, 'Sign this girl.'  I'd only been back in the states for three weeks when all this happened.  What do you think of that?"

We agreed that America is the land of opportunity and Miss Tate went on:

"Up until then, I had been living on a tight allowance from my folks and what with my sheltered life and all I had never even driven a car.  But when I signed with Marty the contract provided for a car and that was the first thing I got.  That and a dog.  These little things count you know.  The very first night I got the car I wrecked it.

"Later I was on a bus and a boy of about 16 said to me, 'There's been a terrible crash on Sunset Boulevard.'  I said, 'I know, it was me.' He looked at me.  Suddenly he kissed me and jumped off the bus."

We agreed this was an encouraging display of initiative by American youth. 

Just when she thought she could really act she played a test with Steve McQueen, the first time she had ever appeared with an actor of his power.  "I was in shock for three days afterwards," she said.  "But he taught me a lot.  He showed me how to really act."

Miss Tate's boyfriend is a Hollywood hairstylist.  Her hobby is people.

"They'd have flipped in Hollywood if they knew what I was doing for amusement," she said.  "About once a month I'd have an 'experience.'  By that I mean I would go somewhere on my own and just look at and listen to people.  I went to a bar once at midnight and a woman said to me, 'Why drink here when you could have men buy you drinks for nothing at other bars?'

"I used to do the same sort of thing in Italy by taking different trains.  Once I met six men from Moscow, Russia.  They were fascinating too."

'13' is the screen version of the novel The Day of the Arrow.  Ransohoff is so sure of his protege he has already cast her for a comedy.

I never knew Sharon studied to be a beautician in Houston, Texas.  I have heard that she had family there so I would suppose she stayed with them possibly? 

I bet it was funny when she demonstrated that 'deep, deep breath' she used for the commercial and the waiter was taken aback and accidently rattled the cups he was filling.  Somehow, I can see a connection between the two, can't you? ;)

And that young man who kissed Sharon?  I imagine he quite enjoyed that kiss with a beautiful stunner like Sharon! :)

Onto other news:

Even though Halloween has past there is still talk of Vampires on the web.  Maybe it's because the Twilight New Moon sequel is coming out on the 20th?  

Anyway, here is another top ten list that includes "The Fearless Vampire Killers."  It seems that Polanski's film is always showing up on these:

http://www.filmshaft.com/martyns-top-ten-vampire-films/

A sequel to Polanski Unauthorized?  um... apparently:

http://www.mmdnewswire.com/polanski-unauthorized-6209.html

More great stuff from Keith on his blog here:

http://lotsofsugarandspice.blogspot.com/2009/11/sharon-tate-is-all-american-beauty.html

Sharon Tate had to remake "Eye of the Devil" after Novak's departure and more

Here is another article I found on Sharon.  It is American but I do not know what newspaper it is from?  It looks to be about 1965-66:


She Gets Break in Remake: Same Role Twice for Sharon Tate

Hollywood-- (UPI) The opportunity of an actress' lifetime has befallen a fragile, blonde beauty who co-starred in her first movie with David Niven and Kim Novak and now must do it all over again.

She is Sharon Tate, 23, who spent three months filming "13" in London and France after which Kim Novak injured her back and was unable to continue.  Producer Martin Ransohoff was forced to start from scratch with Deborah Kerr replacing the ailing Novak. 

Sharon is now in the process of redoing all her scenes for the second time allowing her to correct the mistakes and awkward moments of the first time around.

* * * *

"I'm really lucky," she said on a brief trip to Hollywood.  "The first time my attention and concentration were easily diverted.  I was destracted by the mechanics of the camera and moves I had to make.

"Now I am much more at ease.  I've been taking voice lessons and I have more confidence in myself.

"The most important thing is working with Deborah Kerr.  I learn something new everyday just watching her perform.  And Mr. Niven goes out of his way to make me feel comfortable."

Few screen performers in history have been able to run through the same role twice, and when it happened, the actor has the advantage of having seen himself in the first version.

Not so for Sharon.

"I haven't seen a single foot of the first film," she said.  "I don't want to because I'm sure it would make me self-conscious.

"But there's no question in my mind that doing the picture a second time will improve my performance 100%.  What's more, they've enlarged my role."

Shron is the daughter of a career army officer and is engaged to be married to Jay Sebring, the man who restyled the Hollywood haircut.  She's also under long term contract to Ransohoff who signed the slender beauty when she read for a role in one of his television shows. 

* * * *

Her previous acting experience was limited to three small roles in sequences of "The Beverly Hillbillies."

"Mr. Ransohoff came on the set, saw me and said, 'Sign that girl!'  I thought he meant somebody else.  I could not believe he was talking about me.  I looked so awful.  I was wearing an orange dress with big patch pockets and my hair was all over the place.

"I still can't believe all this is happening to me.  It seems like a dream," she said.

Okay so was she doing a cigarette commercial or trying out for a part on one of Ransohoff''s tv shows?  I've seen it printed both ways? 

I didn't know that Sharon's part was enlarged when she had to remake "Eye of the Devil."  It looks like Sharon took everything in stride and was thankful for what she had.  A very admirable trait in a girl so young.  But then again, I wouldn't expect anything less from Sharon. And I bet Sharon looked exquisite in that orange dress. ;)

In other news, I've been linked now by another blog.  I have linked others but have not been linked by another blog until now.  The great thing is that it is a nice and fair blog that has many articles on Roman Polanski.  Here is the link:

http://dankprofessor.wordpress.com/2009/11/09/roman-polanski-on-sharon-tate/

Thanks to dankprofessor for this! :)

Photo Comparison of the Week and German Translated Article

Here is our photo comparison of the week.

Kate Hudson reminds me a little bit of Sharon here:

And her is a German article I had translated.  I don't what magazine it came out of but I would say it was in 1965-66:
Sharon Tate

If Sharon Tate really gets ahead, then she owes this entirely to the American producer Martin Ransohoff. Sharon Tate was 22 years old when she went to the producers for the first time on the road. Ransohoff decided to make this unknown girl into a world star. First, Sharon Tate was completely isolated from the outside world. During this time she took acting and dance classes--perfecting her walk and her attitude, she had many such courses to attend.


Whether the optimism of Martin Ransohoff comes true, will show in the not to distant future. Ransohoff has gotten Sharon Tate a role in the film "13" on the side of Kim Novak and David Niven. We'll see if it's followed by other film roles?

More News on Polanski here:

http://www.thewrap.com/ind-column/will-polanski-walk-do-math-9023

http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre59m1al-us-polanski/

Want to rent something great for Halloween, try Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby".  Here is a review:

http://www.norwichbulletin.com/entertainment/x1136017744/Video-Vault-Rosemarys-Baby-creepy-from-start-to-finish

Another blog remembers Sharon with some lovely photographs:

http://vintagebelles.blogspot.com/2009/10/remembering-sharon-tate.html

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

The French Called Her the American Brigitte Bardot and More

I have had another article translated on Sharon.  I also have seen a mention of her a few times in French magazines whereas the press called her "The American Brigitte Bardot."  I will try to have articles translated as I can.

Cine Tele-Revue November 25, 1965 (author name not listed)

A 'Brigitte Bardot' for America?

The United States always tries to come up with their own version of 'Brigitte Bardot.' They have been trying for years now. Hollywood has now found that girl in the person of the young American Sharon Tate. Three years ago, she signed a seven-year contract to Samuel Goldwyn. Since then, she has been kept underwraps waiting for a role that was worthy of her. Thus, she began filming three months ago, a film called "Eye of the Devil" also starring Kim Novak and David Niven.
 
Here is a photo of this girl of 22 years. You'll see many more in the upcoming months. The money to advertise her is important. Being faithful to her image, as she is being shown publicly now, we show her in a tight-fitting sweater and a very short mini skirt. She says she is finally happy to be shown to the world. For that past two years, she had to train and work without ever having been photographed for public view.
 
During her training she learned everything from how to do comedy to how to walk in a sexy way. She also has her own personal recipe for beauty. She covers her whole body with oil. No special type of oil, but the kind she also uses for her salads. She gets this wonderful milky white skin from doing this and this key beauty tip will likely be part of her success...
 
For this photo she reads a book enititled 'Love'. 
 
Here is the photo in the magazine for your viewing pleasure. ;)
 
 

 
Also be sure to check out some great photos on these two blogs:

http://www.funnyadult.net/sharon-tate-is-so-beautiful/

http://lotsofsugarandspice.blogspot.com/2009/10/sharon-tate-is-so-beautiful.html - BTW--this blog includes a photo of Bardot.  What a coincidence! :)