You Must Remember This

Blacklist Flashback: Howard Hughes + Jane Russell

Apr 19, 2016
Dive into the chaotic world of Howard Hughes as he juggles love, fame, and film. Explore his tumultuous relationship with Jane Russell, marked by obsession and empowerment. Discover how Russell evolved from a timid actress to a Hollywood icon under Hughes's controlling hand. The saga includes firing screenwriters and navigating the Hollywood blacklist. Plus, get a glimpse of Ava Gardner's fiery side and how Russell's physical allure outshined even the mighty Spruce Goose!
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Hughes' Search Creates A Star

  • Jane Russell was discovered via a nationwide search Howard Hughes commissioned to find a new sexpot star.
  • She was signed to Hughes' personal contract at $50 a week and groomed through intense publicity shoots.
ANECDOTE

Obsessive Direction And Costume Tinkering

  • Hughes obsessed over tiny performance details and ordered dozens of takes to capture an indefinable gesture.
  • He even designed a structural bra for Russell to change how her breasts read on camera.
ANECDOTE

The Bra Episode

  • Hughes engineered a custom bra to control Russell's on-screen silhouette and called for more 'production' from her breasts.
  • Russell secretly wore her own bra but hid its seams to placate Hughes without enduring his design.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app