Thanks to Melly for sharing this article on photographer Ellen Graham and Sharon Tate:
http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/4159
Ellen Graham’s eye on the world: Sharon Tate
I first knew Ellen and her husband Ian Graham in Los Angeles where they have a wonderful house in Beverly Hills and often entertain with cocktail parties. Ellen’s fabulous photographs are kept mainly in one large room, a gallery/library. There are so many famous faces in fascinating places that you can’t resist being distracted by them. Many times you’d see the same faces out on the Grahams’ terrace or around the pool during cocktails. In 2004 she published some of them in her “The Bad and the Beautiful” (Harry Abrams) with Christopher Walken on the cover.
Sharon Tate
The photograph (above) was taken in May of 1969. It was a beautiful spring day in Beverly Hills around four o’clock in the afternoon when the light is right, on the lawn of the house on Cielo Drive that she shared with the director Roman Polanski.
She was one of the most beautiful women I ever photographed – one of three at the time – Julie Christie (see NYSD 2.9.08) and Candy Bergen being the other two. Those are faces of perfection, with all the beauty of the old movie stars like Swanson and Garbo – the bone structure, the eyes, the skin.
She was very sweet, very much of a lady, very cooperative and very much appreciative. She trusted me completely but I didn’t have to tell her anything. She knew what to do (and she didn’t have to do anything because she was so beautiful; nobody could look better).
Ellen Graham
She was pregnant expecting her first child. She trusted me completely. I was overwhelmed with her beauty and her kindness. There were no press agents, no handlers, no stylists, no makeup people, unlike today when those people are always around. Without them, you have an intimacy with your subject –there’s no one to get in the way (these people don’t know anything; anyway).
Sharon Tate didn’t need that; she loved the camera and the camera loved her. The session lasted about an hour – I try not to go beyond that because people get tired. She changed her clothes a couple of times. It was a very easy session and she was pleased enough with it that she told me she wanted me to photograph her baby.
Three months later that hideous tragedy which occurred in that very house ended all that might have been for this beautiful woman and her child. When I saw Roman several years later in Paris, I said, “I have some beautiful pictures of Sharon.” He said, “I don’t want to be reminded.”
I understood. But looking back, I now think we should all be reminded.
— Ellen Graham
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Photo Comparison of the Week, Marilyn Monroe and Sharon Tate and more
I found a great photo of Sharon were her hair and make up where done up like Marilyn Monroe:
Both preferred the comfort of being barefoot although of course, they did wear shoes.
Both died on a Saturday. Marilyn died on Saturday night, August 4th, 1962. Although she wasn't declared dead until early Sunday morning, August 5th. Coroner's report as well as the accounts of those present place her as having died around 8 pm in the evening. From the accounts available, Sharon died after midnight, probably between 12:30 am; 1 am early Saturday, August 8th, 1969.
Both were having work done on their homes when they died. Marilyn was having her bathroom re-done and updated. Sharon was working on having the maid's room converted into a nursery.
Both had bad relationships with Elizabeth Taylor. Taylor was never friendly with Marilyn, although now 40 some years later relates an empathy for her in print. When Marilyn was living, Taylor was belittling to her. Once at a party when Marilyn tried to befriend Taylor, Taylor turned to her date and said in a loud voice, "Keep that **** away from me, will ya?" Taylor had Sharon's scenes in "The Sandpiper" cut either over jealousy of the young starlet's beauty or jealousy of her new husband Richard Burton's wandering eye and that he might try to pick up Sharon.
According to the Internet Movie DataBase, Sharon and MM both were around 5' 5' in height.
Both had early bit parts in films where their scenes ended up on the cutting room floor.
CMG now handles both celebrity merchandise legally for Marilyn and Sharon.
Both are burried in California cemeteries.
Both played characters that died in their films; Marilyn Monroe in "Niagara" and Sharon in "Valley of the Dolls."
Both were well known for their great smiles. MM for her open mouthed smile and Sharon for her often described "Mona Lisa" one.
Both were known to wear glasses.
At the time of their deaths both were big box office, MM was even in development for more roles in films like "What a Way to Go!" and "The Stripper." While Sharon was enjoying box office success with "Valley of the Dolls" and the Matt Helm film, "The Wrecking Crew." In addition, Sharon was in development for major films roles as well with "The Story of O","Tess" and an unknown western Polanski had an idea for.
Both have had songs written about them and performed by rock bands and pop singers.
Both were part of Fellini films in some way: MM was referenced in the dialogue of "La dolce vita" (1960), in the context of dieting. And Sharon and Roman were in "Ciao Frederico" visiting the well known director on the set of a 'making of' documentary.
Both have appeared on European postage stamps.
Both have been portrayed by other actress. MM has had many actresses play her while Sharon has so far had at least three actresses play her in biographical type material.
Upon their deaths, rumors were fueled that there was sloppy handling of evidence in both cases.
Both had to do many takes in the movies they appeared in. Marilyn fumbling her lines of dialogue caused many retakes while Polanski--ever the perfectionist--made Sharon do many retakes on her scenes in "The Fearless Vampire Killers."
Both had ties to director J. Lee Thompson. He was suppose to direct Monroe in "What a Way to Go!" (He was on MM's list of approved directors.) He did direct Sharon in "Eye of the Devil."
Thomas Noguchi performed both Marilyn's and Sharon's autopsies.
Both had connections to Orson Welles. In 1947, while briefly involved with Orson Welles, Marilyn joined Welles in his popular magic stage show, The Mercury Wonder Show, being sawed in half by Welles using the "Buzz Saw" illusion he had previously used on both Rita Hayworth and Marlene Dietrich. Meanwhile, one of the major reasons why Sharon wanted to make what would be her last film, "12 + 1" was the chance to work with the legendary actor/director Welles.
Another two bits of trivia: Martin Ransohoff wanted to make her the next Marilyn Monroe. Sharon even played Jennifer North a tragic blonde character not unlike Monroe herself.
Can anyone think of anything else? Add a comment and let me know? It's fun to do comparisons every now and then.
Another great and interesting review of Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby" here:
http://rwufilm.blogspot.com/2009/12/rosemarys-baby_12.html
Speaking of these two beautiful ladies, I found many comparisons that they have in common:
Both were great beauties inside and out. It makes me think of Mia Farrow's quote about Sharon: "She was like a princess in a fairy tale; as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside."
Until people got to know them better, some thought both Marilyn and Sharon were naive and not very bright. Both were more intelligent than what was actually known.
Both began as models and moved on to acting. Likewise, both were also groomed for stardom by the old Hollywood system.
Both had known the Kennedy's: Marilyn knew John and Bobby while Sharon and Roman dined with Bobby Kennedy the night before he was assassinated.
Both adored animals small and great.
Both were also featured nude in Playboy magazine.
Both were well known as hollywood blonde bombshells and sex symbols. Both of them wanted to go on to more serious work and to be looked at as "serious actresses."
Both were in films written by their husbands; Marilyn in "The Misfits" by Arthur Miller and Sharon "The Fearless Vampire Killers" by Roman Polanski.
Both died tragically in the month of August, both were discovered by their maids and both died in their own homes.
Both were Studio Club girls, Marilyn stayed there first then Sharon was there 15 years later.
Both wanted children badly but, for different reasons, were not granted that opportunity. They both had a nuturing nature towards animals and children alike.
Both were in films from 20th Century Fox Studios and Columbia Pictures.
Both had the great William Travilla design clothes for their films.
Both died at an age ending in 6, Marilyn was 36, Sharon was 26. Both are said to be taken 'before their time.'
Both smoked but quit for different reasons. Marilyn because it made her teeth yellow and Sharon because Roman didn't like it and shortly after they were married, she became pregnant.
Both had connections to Jean Harlow; Marilyn idolized her as a child and teen and Jay Sebring (Sharon's ex but still great friend) ended up owning the house that Jean had had when she was married to Paul Bern. Furthermore, when Marilyn married Joe DiMaggio, the couple moved into a home at 508 N. Palm Drive in Beverly Hills next door to Jean Harlow's last home.
Both made motion pictures in London and loved it there.
Both had two siblings: MM had a half brother and sister while Sharon had two sisters.
Both were photographed by Bert Stern in similar poses and camera angles in photo shoots. And both were photographed by many of the same legendary photographers such as Richard Avedon and Philippe Halsman.
Both preferred the comfort of being barefoot although of course, they did wear shoes.
Both married Jewish men in the their short lifetimes.
Both had Sydney Guillaroff do their hair for a movie.
Both had lived at the Chateau Marmont at one time or another.
Both studied under Lee Strasberg and lived in New York at different times.
Both loved the fashion designer Emilio Pucci and both were buried in that designer's clothes.
Both have become legendary and are more known now than ever.
Both were living in similiarly designed homes when they died. Single story two bedroom houses with a maid's room at the other end of the house. Both houses had pools accessed from the master bedroom. In addition, the last houses Marilyn and Sharon lived in had been moved into in February month of the year. Also, both lived in the homes they died in less then six months.
Both died on a Saturday. Marilyn died on Saturday night, August 4th, 1962. Although she wasn't declared dead until early Sunday morning, August 5th. Coroner's report as well as the accounts of those present place her as having died around 8 pm in the evening. From the accounts available, Sharon died after midnight, probably between 12:30 am; 1 am early Saturday, August 8th, 1969.
Both were having work done on their homes when they died. Marilyn was having her bathroom re-done and updated. Sharon was working on having the maid's room converted into a nursery.
Both had bad relationships with Elizabeth Taylor. Taylor was never friendly with Marilyn, although now 40 some years later relates an empathy for her in print. When Marilyn was living, Taylor was belittling to her. Once at a party when Marilyn tried to befriend Taylor, Taylor turned to her date and said in a loud voice, "Keep that **** away from me, will ya?" Taylor had Sharon's scenes in "The Sandpiper" cut either over jealousy of the young starlet's beauty or jealousy of her new husband Richard Burton's wandering eye and that he might try to pick up Sharon.
According to the Internet Movie DataBase, Sharon and MM both were around 5' 5' in height.
Both had early bit parts in films where their scenes ended up on the cutting room floor.
CMG now handles both celebrity merchandise legally for Marilyn and Sharon.
Both are burried in California cemeteries.
Both played characters that died in their films; Marilyn Monroe in "Niagara" and Sharon in "Valley of the Dolls."
Both were well known for their great smiles. MM for her open mouthed smile and Sharon for her often described "Mona Lisa" one.
Both were known to wear glasses.
At the time of their deaths both were big box office, MM was even in development for more roles in films like "What a Way to Go!" and "The Stripper." While Sharon was enjoying box office success with "Valley of the Dolls" and the Matt Helm film, "The Wrecking Crew." In addition, Sharon was in development for major films roles as well with "The Story of O","Tess" and an unknown western Polanski had an idea for.
Both have had songs written about them and performed by rock bands and pop singers.
Both were part of Fellini films in some way: MM was referenced in the dialogue of "La dolce vita" (1960), in the context of dieting. And Sharon and Roman were in "Ciao Frederico" visiting the well known director on the set of a 'making of' documentary.
Both have appeared on European postage stamps.
Both have been portrayed by other actress. MM has had many actresses play her while Sharon has so far had at least three actresses play her in biographical type material.
Upon their deaths, rumors were fueled that there was sloppy handling of evidence in both cases.
Both had to do many takes in the movies they appeared in. Marilyn fumbling her lines of dialogue caused many retakes while Polanski--ever the perfectionist--made Sharon do many retakes on her scenes in "The Fearless Vampire Killers."
Both had ties to director J. Lee Thompson. He was suppose to direct Monroe in "What a Way to Go!" (He was on MM's list of approved directors.) He did direct Sharon in "Eye of the Devil."
Thomas Noguchi performed both Marilyn's and Sharon's autopsies.
Both had connections to Orson Welles. In 1947, while briefly involved with Orson Welles, Marilyn joined Welles in his popular magic stage show, The Mercury Wonder Show, being sawed in half by Welles using the "Buzz Saw" illusion he had previously used on both Rita Hayworth and Marlene Dietrich. Meanwhile, one of the major reasons why Sharon wanted to make what would be her last film, "12 + 1" was the chance to work with the legendary actor/director Welles.
Another two bits of trivia: Martin Ransohoff wanted to make her the next Marilyn Monroe. Sharon even played Jennifer North a tragic blonde character not unlike Monroe herself.
Can anyone think of anything else? Add a comment and let me know? It's fun to do comparisons every now and then.
Another great and interesting review of Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby" here:
http://rwufilm.blogspot.com/2009/12/rosemarys-baby_12.html
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Sharon's Films Remembered and More on Roman Polanski
Judy Garland and Sharon share same outfit for different dress promo photos for "Valley of the Dolls":
Sharon's films are remembered by other bloggers with great photos:
http://neptsdepths.blogspot.com/search/label/Sharon%20Tate
http://whysoblu.com/?p=4713
Polanski's film picked up by 'Twilight' studio:
http://movies.msn.com/movies/article.aspx?news=446778>1=28102
More on Polanski with some interesting links to more articles on him at the bottom of this link:
http://www.accessatlanta.com/atlanta-movies/attorneys-ask-court-to-237758.html
Tomorrow: Photo comparison of the week. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
Sharon's films are remembered by other bloggers with great photos:
http://neptsdepths.blogspot.com/search/label/Sharon%20Tate
http://whysoblu.com/?p=4713
Polanski's film picked up by 'Twilight' studio:
http://movies.msn.com/movies/article.aspx?news=446778>1=28102
More on Polanski with some interesting links to more articles on him at the bottom of this link:
http://www.accessatlanta.com/atlanta-movies/attorneys-ask-court-to-237758.html
Tomorrow: Photo comparison of the week. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Photo of the Week and More
Here is the photo of the week:
Jackie Beat, a drag persona of actor, singer, songwriter and screenwriter Kent Fuher says he always has admired Sharon. "She was, and still is, the most beautiful woman to ever live as far as I am concerned." I bet he's a "Valley of the Dolls" fan huh? But then again, who can blame him?
A good review of Sharon's "Don't Make Waves" film with a poster here:
http://poohtiger-allgoodthings.blogspot.com/2009/12/dont-make-waves-1967-is-frothy-fun60s.html
Also, more on Polanski:
The latest issue of the New Yorker has a interesting article on Roman. In it, Jeff Berg, Polanski's longtime agent says: "He has a world view which has been informed by terrible events, unspeakable events, that have never soured him as a person. There is no bitterness, no anger, though there is memory."
And Peter Gethers, who edited Polanski's autobiography and wrote two screenplays with him adds: "Roman is not defeated by anything. He doesn't regret the things that happen to him, because he understands that things just happen. He is neither in denial not apologetic about his life. He wouldn't use the word, but it's a very existential approach to life."
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/12/14/091214fa_fact_toobin
More recent news on the Polanski case here:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/132/story/1115640.html
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Jackie Beat, a drag persona of actor, singer, songwriter and screenwriter Kent Fuher says he always has admired Sharon. "She was, and still is, the most beautiful woman to ever live as far as I am concerned." I bet he's a "Valley of the Dolls" fan huh? But then again, who can blame him?
A good review of Sharon's "Don't Make Waves" film with a poster here:
http://poohtiger-allgoodthings.blogspot.com/2009/12/dont-make-waves-1967-is-frothy-fun60s.html
Also, more on Polanski:
Polanski seen here with Tennis great Serena Williams.
The latest issue of the New Yorker has a interesting article on Roman. In it, Jeff Berg, Polanski's longtime agent says: "He has a world view which has been informed by terrible events, unspeakable events, that have never soured him as a person. There is no bitterness, no anger, though there is memory."
And Peter Gethers, who edited Polanski's autobiography and wrote two screenplays with him adds: "Roman is not defeated by anything. He doesn't regret the things that happen to him, because he understands that things just happen. He is neither in denial not apologetic about his life. He wouldn't use the word, but it's a very existential approach to life."
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/12/14/091214fa_fact_toobin
More recent news on the Polanski case here:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/132/story/1115640.html
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Roman Polanski & Samantha Geimer Want Case Dismissed Plus More on Sharon Tate
Apparently, both Roman Polanski and Samantha Geimer both are asking for the 30 year old rape case to be dismissed. I have always thought that this case is really between these two individuals and if they both agree it should be dismissed then I think it should. Geimer has already--a few years ago--forgiven Polanski and has since went on to marry and have children of her own. And Roman has since moved on as well, now he is married and has two children.
Here is the latest news on this case:
http://movies.msn.com/movies/article.aspx?news=446434>1=28101&mpc=1
Another blogger comments on Sharon being a inspiration to her and she has some great things to say:
http://aandhblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/09/i-long-to-see-st-judys-comet-sparkle-in-your-eyes/
And more vampires?.... Yes, here are a few more photos of Sharon with Ferdy Mayne:
http://immoraltales.blogspot.com/2009/12/fearless-vampire-killers-1967.html
Sharon Tate with Kirk Douglas and Roman Polanski.
http://movies.msn.com/movies/article.aspx?news=446434>1=28101&mpc=1
Another blogger comments on Sharon being a inspiration to her and she has some great things to say:
http://aandhblog.wordpress.com/2009/12/09/i-long-to-see-st-judys-comet-sparkle-in-your-eyes/
And more vampires?.... Yes, here are a few more photos of Sharon with Ferdy Mayne:
http://immoraltales.blogspot.com/2009/12/fearless-vampire-killers-1967.html
A new photo I found on google of Roman and Sharon in "The Fearless Vampire Killers."
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
British Vogue December 2009: Sharon's friend Joan Collins talks jewelry
There is a unique new article called "The Seven Wonders of Fashion" in the December issue of British Vogue. It includes short articles by the likes of Charlotte Rampling and Helena Bonham-Carter on various fashion pieces that have endured the test of time.
I wanted to start on one called "The Earring" by one of Sharon's friends, Actress Joan Collins, while showcasing our lovely Sharon in some earring fashions to represent it:
Joan Collins: Says good things come in pairs
I believe that earrings are the most flattering jewellery a woman can wear. Nothing looks more glamorous than a pair of glittering diamonds.
My fascination with them started while watching the opulent Technicolor sand n' sandals movies of old Hollywood. The bigger the better--they bobbed and bounced against the leading ladies' powdered cheeks. I would marvel at how gorgeous and exotic the actresses appeared with their gem-encrusted ruby and emerald ear adornments.
I purchased my first--big gold hoops--from a street-market stall at the age of 15, although my father refused to let me wear them because I was "too young." I now posess several hundred pairs, some real, some fabulous fakes. Sadly, because I travel so much, I often find one missing. The Duchess of Windsor always had an extra earring made, so the loss of one wouldn't be so tragic. I have several boxes filled with single earrings because, ever the optimist, I feel they will one day turn up and I can't throw them away.
I love to look at the collection I amassed during my Dynasty days. They were magnificently huge, opulent and massive. Some were so heavy, I could only wear them during the scene and had to remove them when not shooting. Strangely, today, most of these have come back into fashion and don't at all look dated.
I couldn't agree more with the vintage ones on Sharon. ;)
I wanted to start on one called "The Earring" by one of Sharon's friends, Actress Joan Collins, while showcasing our lovely Sharon in some earring fashions to represent it:
Joan Collins: Says good things come in pairs
I believe that earrings are the most flattering jewellery a woman can wear. Nothing looks more glamorous than a pair of glittering diamonds.
Sharon wearing lovely diamond and pearl earrings for "Valley of the Dolls."
Sharon wearing hoop earrings.
I purchased my first--big gold hoops--from a street-market stall at the age of 15, although my father refused to let me wear them because I was "too young." I now posess several hundred pairs, some real, some fabulous fakes. Sadly, because I travel so much, I often find one missing. The Duchess of Windsor always had an extra earring made, so the loss of one wouldn't be so tragic. I have several boxes filled with single earrings because, ever the optimist, I feel they will one day turn up and I can't throw them away.
Sharon wearing more great loop earrings above and here again in "Valley of the Dolls."
Sharon wearing big beautiful earrings for a fashion shoot.
I couldn't agree more with the vintage ones on Sharon. ;)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Nude Photo of Roman & Sharon sells for $11,250.00! Angel Art of Sharon and Emmanuelle Seigner, Elvis Polanski together & More
Polanski nude sells for $11,250
NEW YORK: A nude photograph of film director Roman Polanski and his wife Sharon Tate, taken shortly before she was brutally murdered, sold for $11,250 at an auction on Monday, with the director’s recent arrest fuelling interest. The large-scale print was from an image taken by English photographer David Bailey in 1969, months before Tate was slain by followers of Charles Manson. It was printed in 1988.
More on Polanski and how he is now living:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-fg-polanski5-2009dec05,0,6935446.story

Here are some recent photos of Polanski's son Elvis with his mother Emmanuelle:
http://celebritybabyscoop.com/2009/12/07/emmanuelle-seigner-elvis-polanski-switzerland-stroll
Another nice recommendation for "Valley of the Dolls":
http://rob021c.blogspot.com/2009/12/what-next_07.html
NEW YORK: A nude photograph of film director Roman Polanski and his wife Sharon Tate, taken shortly before she was brutally murdered, sold for $11,250 at an auction on Monday, with the director’s recent arrest fuelling interest. The large-scale print was from an image taken by English photographer David Bailey in 1969, months before Tate was slain by followers of Charles Manson. It was printed in 1988.
I found this beautiful angelic art of Sharon on the internet:
More on Polanski and how he is now living:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-fg-polanski5-2009dec05,0,6935446.story

Elvis Polanski shown here with one of the security guards.
Here are some recent photos of Polanski's son Elvis with his mother Emmanuelle:
http://celebritybabyscoop.com/2009/12/07/emmanuelle-seigner-elvis-polanski-switzerland-stroll
Another nice recommendation for "Valley of the Dolls":
http://rob021c.blogspot.com/2009/12/what-next_07.html
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