Femme Vivre LaRouge. Photo: DallasPinUp.com. MUA/H: Ladonna Stein

Pin Curl Staff Writer, and resident classic media lover, Femme Vivre LaRouge kicks off her “LowBrow Lowdown” with her favorite finds in vintage themed books, films, and albums.

Femme Vivre Recommends:  The Lowbrow Low Down

Film: Down with Love

Celebrate Singles Awareness Day with one of my favorite films, Down with Love.  With all the style of Mad Men and Pan Am, this picture perfectly captures the sillier side of sixties cinema.  Starring Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor, with eccentric supporting roles by David Hyde Pierce and Sarah Paulson, the film plays humorous homage to the lighthearted sex comedies of the 60s.  In fact, Tony Randall, who played a part in those comedies, alongside Doris Day and Rock Hudson, made his last film appearance in Down with Love.  The wardrobe is fabulous, the repartee is witty, the plot twists and turns like an Olympic gymnast, the editing/effects are clever and kitschy, and overall the film perfectly captures the stylistic essence of mid-century comedy.

See my favorite scene (split screen and innuendo at their finest) here:  Down with Love

Music: Julie London

Calendar Girl, pictured here, is one of my favorite Julie London albums (the cover may have something do with that).  Miss London was not only the epitome of pin up, but the ultimate lounge singer.  With a soft, sultry voice, Julie seduced her audience as she sang along to the smooth jazz that she loved.  An accomplished actress as well, Julie performed in numerous films, and television and radio shows.  Her parents were a vaudeville song-and-dance team and Julie graduated the Hollywood Professional School in 1945- it seems that her path was always set for show business.  Between 1955 and 1969 she recorded 32 albums.  Hear Julie croon, “I belong to the man of the month club” in Time for August

I also recommend checking out the rock n’ roll musical, The Girl Can’t Help It (starring Jayne Mansfield and a top-notch list of musicians) to see Julie London sing her biggest hit, Cry Me a River, in a haunting, yet humorous scene with Tom Ewell.  Even if you’re not familiar with Julie’s repertoire, you may also recognize her recording of the Mickey Mouse March.  When asked, in an interview, how this recording came about, she said, “I was backstage in Australia, and I was rehearsing for a show at a nightclub.  I had my little girl, Kelly, who was just a couple of years old at the time, with me.  She got antsy, so I started to sing the song Mickey Mouse to settle her down or just get her attention.  The guitarist started playing it behind me, and we ended up doing the song in the show that night.  And it went over well.”

Visual Arts: Gil Elvgren

We all know of and love Gil Elvgren, the poster boy for pin up art.  During a career that began in the 1930s and lasted over 40 years, Elvgren painted scads of scantily clad gals, as well as iconic illustrations for Coca-Cola, GE, and several other companies.  A great American commercial artist during the field’s biggest boom, Elvgren did illustrations for all the best magazines, in addition to being a talented photographer, and teacher.  Not only did he produce successful students, but many of his models went on to successful careers too, such as Myrna Loy, Donna Reed, and Kim Novak.

Gil Elvgren combined serious painting with cheesecake, producing more than 500 oil paintings of lovely ladies.  Dallas Art News recently wrote, “Gil Elvgren remains the unchallenged champion of American Pin-Up Art, as evidenced by the $191,200 price realized for his 1956 Fire Belle (Always Ready), one of the master’s greatest works, in Heritage Auctions’ Oct. 22 Illustration Art Signature® Auction, and by the fact that fully six of the Top 10 lots in the auction featured his revered name.”

Aside from Elvgren’s merits as an artist, his pin up portraits stand apart because of his understanding of the genuine joie de vivre that makes pin up such a special and lovable aesthetic.  He said the model “with highly mobile facial features capable of a wide range of expression is the real jewel.  The face is the personality.”  And furthermore, “The head is very important…But especially important is vivacity – being alive.  It shouldn’t be faked but be sprightly and genuine.”

For more information, and nearly 250 full-color illustrations, I suggest the book Gil Elvgren: All his glamorous American pin-ups, by Charles G. Martignette and Louis K. Meisel, which includes a great overview of the history of American illustration and commercial painting, specifically as it relates to glamour and the evolution of the classic American pin-up.  Another great resource is the website, Gil Elvgren. 

Literature: Betty Page: Queen of Hearts by Jim Silke

This book also contains a marvelous account of pin up art, pulp art, and under the counter photos.  It’s also a beautiful elegy to Bettie Page, and details the ‘rediscovery’ of her image, and resurgence of her popularity in the 80s and 90s.  This newfound, over the counter, popularity resulted in Betty Page Comics, The Betty Pages- a small magazine ‘devoted almost entirely to old photos of Bettie,’ and her appearance in The Rocketeer comics by Dave Stevens.  Several other artists began to revisit her iconic image, and for good reason!  As the author, Jim Silke writes, even the most amateur photographer could get great results due to her extraordinary charisma and “…her beautifully designed body.  Simply posed against a nondescript background, there are still enough design elements in her figure to survive the technical incompetence and make a graphically satisfying picture…it is the camera’s affection for Bettie that allows the paper girl to tell us something about the real girl.”  In closing, Silke sums up her enigmatic charm and timeless appeal, “…But no matter how many pictures of her I study, or how many drawings I make, Bettie remains elusive, a whole lot easier to pin up than pin down…Bettie has power that is neither rational nor explainable.  She is a character in tales told by countless imaginations, yet she is real.  She is fact and she is fiction…she is not only an unforgettable image but an individual of such disturbing delight and character that she is a one and only.  Bettie Page.  An American original.”

Herstory of Bettie Page-What Would Bettie Do?

By Hella Goode

What would you do if a random woman walked up to you and asked you if you had found God? You’d probably brush her off. Bettie Page walked the Jesus walk for many of her latter years, unrecognized and hardly recognizable, even participating in the Billy Graham Crusade.  She felt she had quite a bit to reconcile, but nude modeling wasn’t really what she wanted to wash clean.

In fact, Bettie was known to say that nude modeling came naturally to her and that it was only once Adam and Eve sinned that they needed to wear clothes. Bettie did not regret most of her modeling, however, the government probing into Irving Klaw’s photography; accused of being pornographic and derogatory could have made Bettie begin to feel a bit dirty about her work. The photos taken of Bettie in various dominatrix outfits and gear were not blatantly sexual and did not involve nudity, yet filth is in the eye of the beholder. Just as a mother nursing her child in public can be seen as beautiful and natural by some, yet overexposed and even a turn-on by others, the images of Bettie became seen as something to be ashamed of.

Bettie modeled for fun, for the money (which paid better than her prior secretarial work), and for attention. She had never had a stable home life, unconditional acceptance, or stability, and strangely, her modeling-risque at the time, gave her all she sought after.

Bettie Page, born Betty Page on April 22, 1923 to Walter Roy Page and Edna Marie Pirthe in Tennessee, had no idea that her childhood longing for attention and acceptance would help bring about a cultural revolution.

She was the second of six children, and as any innocent child does, she needed attention. She wasn’t getting much of it. Her father wasn’t around much and wasn’t pleasant when he was. He was abusive and in and out of jail. Her mother became so desolate that she sent Bettie and a sister to live in an orphanage until she could afford to have them back. Yet, Bettie kept smiling and enjoying the simple joys of life. She and her brothers and sisters competed at keeping a chicken feather in the air using their breath, and she dabbled in art with the oil from her fingers. Bettie would always find a way.

Then,  in 1950, while strolling along Coney Island, a random photographer snapped her photo. His name was Jerry Tibbs, and he had just discovered black gold. Although yet to have her signature bangin’ bangs that would be emulated for generations to come, she was still pretty and charismatic. The bangs came later as a suggestion to keep her face from appearing too long.

Bettie was a hit! She appeared in numerous magazines including Playboy, a move which would prove unexpectedly helpful later in life. Her career shot as high up as the Rocketeer, whose girlfriend in the movie was inspired by Bettie’s look. This is the part of Bettie’s life, from 1950 to the beginning of the 60’s, that we know the most about.

Then, just as Jesus disappeared for a few years, so did Bettie Page. Until recently, little was known about what she did for so many years. She was often assumed dead. Then she popped up as a Golden Girl of the faith. Turns out that between her three failed marriages she had become part of the Christian faith and devoted herself to God. Also a motivator in her newfound Christianity, her trouble with her temper.  Bettie had been arrested for the attempted murder of her landlady after a fiery dispute. She was deemed mentally instable and diagnosed with schizophrenia. She served out many months in an institution, trying to heal herself.

During these turbulent years she had no way of supporting herself, not realizing that others were rolling in green by selling her images. Yes, the sexual revolution of the sixties and seventies, had Bettie blowing up years and years later. Playboy’s Hugh Hefner extended his hand to Bettie, helping her bring in some profits from her images, most of which she did not own the rights to. After the government’s investigation of Irving Klaw, she was surprised any of the images still existed.

Bettie had no desire to create new images though. She wanted to be remembered even in life for her heyday moments, those glorious images of Jungle Bettie, fetish Bettie and the gorgeous Playboy shot of her, naked hanging the ornament on a Christmas tree. She couldn’t understand why anyone would want to see her growing old. Meanwhile, Bettie was more popular than ever, with countless websites, books (including the great The Real Bettie Page: the truth about the queen of pin-ups by Richard Foster), and movies about her, including 2005’s The Notorious Bettie Page, starring Gretchen Mol.

That’s how Bettie chose to live her last quiet years, with psalms on her lips, her signature bangs (peppery gray) on her face, and memories in her head.  A rarity amongst the legends of her day, Bettie did live a long life. At the age of 85, on December 11, 2008, Bettie Page passed away as a result of pneumonia and a heart attack in Los Angeles.  Impossible to forget, rest in peace, Bettie Page.

So, next time someone approaches you thinking you look like you need a bit of faith in your life, look closely, you never know who you might find.

Have a little extra time on your hands during the cold winter months spent inside? Check out our list of Pin Curl Magazine’s Top Five Vintage Movie Picks for Winter.

Burlesque Undressed­­
2010. Produced by and Starring Immodesty Blaize

The mighty Immodesty Blaize has done it again in her documentary of The Tease Show which was a smashing success in Europe. One of the most famous modern burlesque performers Miss Blaize is featured throughout the film, as well as performances and interviews with the biggest names in modern burlesque including: Perle Noire, Kalani Kokonuts, Dirty Martini, Michelle L’Amour, Catherine D’Lish, and Kitten D’Ville.

Burlesque Undressed chronicles the history of burlesque from its European roots to its American Revival. Also included in the film are interviews with burlesque legends Dixie Evans, Satan’s Angel, Lily Ann Rose, and The First Lady of Burlesque April March.
Burlesque Undressed is now in theaters in Europe, and will be available on DVD there in February. Which begs the question — but what about the American fans? Glad you asked! Dallas will be home to the U.S. film premier! We are proud to announce the U.S. film debut of Burlesque Undressed, as well as live burlesque performances by some of the top stars in the film including Immodesty Blaize will take place in Dallas in March and is presented by none other than Pin Curl Magazine!

Watching all the talent, glitz, and feathers is a high definition spectacle not to be missed (not to mention Immodesty Blaize’s first ever performance in Texas!)

I’m No Angel
1933. Starring Mae West and Cary Grant

Nominated for Best Picture in its day, I’m No Angel may be the legendary Mae West’s best film ever. The story of famous glamorous shimming side show performer turned lion tamer, this is a brilliant woman chasing her dream story. Curveballs are thrown at her when she falls in love with a man, only to have her ex interfere, but she wants it all — and she gets it.

Some Like It Hot
1959. Starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon

This Oscar-winning film, finds two struggling musicians running from the mob. In order to avoid being killed, they dress in drag and join an all girl band, but things get complicated when one of the musicians falls for a female band mate. This comedic thriller is sure to become a favorite!

The Notorious Bettie Page
2006. Starring Gretchen Mol

While Bettie fans give this film mixed reviews, it did earn two SAG nominations and is well worth a watch. This film focuses on a side of Bettie few knew, the innocent, naïve country gals that she was. Chronicling her life from her very first shoot to her legal battle, which all but forcefully removed her from modeling, this film strives to give an accurate pictorial of the Notorious Bettie Page.

**There is also a new Bettie Page documentary in the works. This one claims to be an authorized biography, made with Bettie’s full cooperation. For more info and projected release dates, visit the official site Bettie Page Reveals All.**

A Wink and a Smile
2009. Produced by and Starring Indigo Blue

This film documents the lives of ten ordinary women, as they enroll in and complete Miss Indigo Blue’s Burlesque training course. With performances, clips, and interviews from almost all of the heavy hitters in Seattle’s current burlesque scene, this is a show every fan of neo-burlesque should see.

Notorious Model and Performer Angela Ryan graces the very first Best Of Pin Curl print edition, and sits down with editor Shoshana to discuss fashion, kindergarten, modeling mistakes, and a world without MySpace. Angela Ryan will be signing copies of our inaugural print issue at our Issue Release Party at Gifts and Garters on Dec 5th.

Interview & Photographs: Shoshana of Through the Looking Glass Studio

Q: What’s on your Christmas list this year?

Designer shoes and lingerie will always make me squeal with delight, but on the practical side I would love a new laptop and some new photo editing programs though.

Q: You began modeling before MySpace. How did you get you start?

I started back in 2001 working with a photographer friend and when I got enough photos I started a Yahoo Group. My fan base there grew and I started planning trips to other cities to shoot with well known photographers when I could. I was a cocktail waitress and worked retail and was miserable so I decided that I needed a change. I quit my jobs and started modeling full time in 2004. Luckily, it was the right decision! I love my job now!

Q: How have MySpace/FaceBook/Twitter changed the industry?

I credit MySpace with the real launch of my career. I signed up in 2003 and I don’t know where I would be without it! Social networking sites have changed the way you can promote yourself and make you accessible to millions of people. It’s much easier to make a name for yourself these days. On the down side, since anyone can make a profile claiming to be a “model” it saturates the industry with people who might not take it as a seriously as someone who solely models for a living. You still have to be creative in the way you market yourself to make sure you stand out. Since new sites pop up all the time you really have to be on top of the networking trends.

Q: You refer to yourself as a fetish and pin-up model. There seems there is a lot of crossover between the two in the industry. Are fetish and pin-up completely separate beasts, or do they go hand in hand?

I think for the most part they are separate but they definitely have some common interests. Traditional wardrobe pieces like fully fashioned stockings, garter belts, girdles, and high heels are staples in both
worlds. Many of the top fetish designers now recreate retro looks in latex that many pinup models wear. Bettie Page paved the way to make being both pinup AND fetish more acceptable. I have a love for both and I’m glad I don’t have to choose one above the other!

Q: Who are your favorite fashion designers right now?

For high fashion it’s Alexander McQueen, latex by House of Bias, corsets by Jupiter Moon, and lingerie by Agent Provocateur.

Q: You recently got into the design business yourself, with the Angela Ryan Signature Necklace by Heart Sized Crush. How did this come about. Tell us a little of the design process?

Heart Sized Crush made an adorable necklace for my good friend Devil Doll to sell on her tour. I fell in love with it and she suggested I contact them about making one for me. Since this was my first time designing anything it took a few drafts to come up with the perfect necklace but they were super easy to work with and very patient with me!

Q: In addition to the ton of modeling work, you are also an accomplished performer. How would you categorize your shows?

Burlesque with a fetish twist! I try to blend traditional with modern and always keep it sassy and unexpected! My choreographer Eric Hall works diligently with me on challenging myself technically and creatively and pushing boundaries!

Q: What are the top three mistakes young models and burlesque performers make?

Being unprofessional, caring too much what other people think, and working for less than they are worth. You have to use your mistakes as learning experiences.

Q: What did you want to be when you were in kindergarten?

Madonna. Seriously. That’s who I was every year for Halloween as a kid. I wanted to be a rock star. I still pretend I am sometimes. lol.

For more of the Angela Ryan Interview with tons of unseen photos, grab the Best of Pin Curl 2009 edition. You can purchase in our shop or even better-get an autographed copy at the Issue Release Party on Dec 5th!