Clara Bow: Discovering the It Girl

Watch Clara Bow: Discovering the It Girl

"With scenes from more than 25 films, a documentary portrait of the screen's first sex symbol"
  • NR
  • 1999
  • 57 min
  • 7.4  (248)

Clara Bow: Discovering the It Girl is a 1999 biographical documentary film about the life of one of Hollywood's most iconic stars, Clara Bow. The film is directed by Hugh Munro Neely and features interviews with various notable figures in the entertainment industry, including actress Courtney Love, author David Stenn, and screenwriter Budd Schulberg.

The documentary begins with a brief overview of Bow's early life, growing up in poverty in Brooklyn, New York. We learn about her tumultuous family life and her early struggles to break into the film industry. However, despite the odds against her, Bow was able to make a name for herself as a silent film star in the 1920s.

Much of the film is devoted to examining Bow's status as the "It Girl," a term coined by writer Elinor Glyn. Glyn, who wrote the novel upon which the film It was based, identified Bow as the embodiment of the elusive quality that she described as "It." The documentary delves into the cultural significance of this concept and explores how Bow came to be seen as the archetypal flapper and the personification of the Roaring Twenties.

Throughout the film, we hear from a variety of experts on Bow's life and work. David Stenn, author of the biography Clara Bow: Running Wild, provides valuable insight into Bow's personal life and her struggles with mental illness. Budd Schulberg, who wrote the screenplay for A Star is Born, speaks about Bow's talent as an actress and her contributions to the film industry. These interviews are complemented by archival footage of Bow and a range of film clips from throughout her career.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is its exploration of Bow's legacy. Despite her enduring popularity in the 1920s, Bow's star faded rapidly in the 1930s. She struggled to adapt to the new era of talking pictures and was plagued by scandal in her personal life. Nevertheless, it is clear that Bow had a lasting impact on Hollywood and on popular culture more broadly. Her image as a carefree, independent woman set the standard for generations of aspiring actresses, and her influence can be seen in everything from Marilyn Monroe to Madonna.

Courtney Love, who provides the voiceover narration for the documentary, is a fitting choice to tell Bow's story. Like Bow, Love has been both celebrated and criticized for her unconventional approach to fame, and her own experiences with mental illness give her a unique perspective on Bow's life. Love's narration is both impassioned and thoughtful, and her personal investment in the story adds a poignant dimension to the film.

Overall, Clara Bow: Discovering the It Girl is a deeply researched and moving tribute to one of the most influential women in film history. The film sheds light not only on Bow's life and career but on the broader cultural currents that shaped her era. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Hollywood or the evolution of gender roles in the 20th century.

Clara Bow: Discovering the It Girl
Clara Bow: Discovering the It Girl doesn't appear to be available from any streaming services.
Add this movie to your Watchlist to get notified when it's available.
Description
  • Release Date
    1999
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    57 min
  • IMDB Rating
    7.4  (248)