The Magnificent Maria Montez
“When I look at myself, I am so beautiful I scream with joy!” – Maria Montez
So are the modest words of Maria Montez: Actress, model, author, poetess, gay icon. Her legacy lives on in her images and many of her films have still yet to be released in modern format. She did however, star in a handful of notable, if not credible films in the 1940’s including Arabian Nights, Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves and Cobra Woman. Do you sense a theme here? Just, maybe…
Dominican-born Maria was born in 1912 and died an early death in 1951 after having a heart attack and drowning in her bath, aged 39. I find it a little strange that she is one of the few stars of screen who has not been idolised posthumously, after dying so young. Perhaps it was her lack of credibility in her choice of film roles, her atrocious acting, or that her beauty was somewhat before its time.
To me at least, she was one of the most striking screen actresses of the 20th century.
I’m not sure what kind of bra she’s wearing, but whatever that contraption is, it’s impressive. I particularly enjoy the way the lines of her fringe [bangs] and bustline create a stark juxtaposition next to the curve of her face and body and the jagged lines of the tiger print. A beautiful photograph – Bettie Page eat your heart out!
Maria Montez: “Queen of Technicolor” – in black and white. Surprisingly, there are relatively few photographs of Maria to be found. It’s a crying shame.
This photo is a publicity still from her film, Cobra Woman.
“Give me the cobra jewel!”
A still from Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. Maria bears a close resemblence to the glorious Ava Gardner, yet precedes her by a number of years. I do so enjoy the elegance of the 1940’s.
I think I am correct in saying that the actor pictured is Dennis O’Keefe, but it matters not. This photo still oozes glamour and sex appeal, despite the cheesy posturing.
As a final treat, I have for you a juicy little clip from Cobra Woman, complete with bad acting, beautiful women, a rakish hero and plenty of snogging.
Teehee.
I’d never even heard of Maria Montez until now. She is quite beautiful indeed.
Oh, why did you have to leave us hanging with the clip? I won’t sleep now for wondering what happens after the soldiers get hold of lover boy….
;-)
I promise I won’t mention anything regarding motherships, anal probes and/or robot crocodiles…
Oops, did I say something wrong?
Yeah, I had also never heard of Maria Montez, but I can see why she’s compelling. As exemplified in that quote you posted, she has a natural attitude and charisma that comes through in the photos. She radiates confidence.
Well, she was a dreadful actress, so she had to work her way to the top somehow – and an overblown sense of self will often get you far. Of course, she does photograph extremely well… and I love those old campy movies.
I think I may have seen this one! It’s amazing how quickly hair dried in those days…
Isn’t it just? I want what she’s having. My hair takes forever to dry. It’s the bane of my existance.
If you would like to know more about Maria Montez visit this website:
http://WWW.MARIAMONTEZ.NET