Lana Turner was a Hollywood icon during the Golden Era of Hollywood, known for her beauty, talent, and ability to captivate audiences on the big screen. With a career of over four decades, Turner starred in a wide range of films, from gritty noir dramas to glamorous musicals.
In this blog post, we will take a look at her top five movies, showcasing her versatility as an actress and her enduring legacy in the film industry.
"The Postman Always Rings Twice" (1946) - This film was based on James M. Cain's novel of the same name, and starred Turner as the seductive Cora Smith. The film tells the story of a drifter (John Garfield) who becomes involved in a passionate love affair with Cora, and the two of them plot to murder Cora's husband. Turner's performance in this film was praised by critics and audiences alike, and it cemented her status as a leading lady in Hollywood.
"Ziegfeld Girl" (1941) - This musical drama starred Turner as one of three aspiring actresses who dream of becoming a Ziegfeld girl. The film was a box-office success and featured some of Turner's most memorable musical numbers, such as "You Stepped Out of a Dream" and "You Couldn't Be Cuter." The film also starred Judy Garland and Hedy Lamarr, making it a truly star-studded affair.
"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (1941) - This film retells the classic Robert Louis Stevenson story, and starred Spencer Tracy as the titular doctor. Turner played the role of Muriel Carew, the woman who becomes the object of Jekyll's affections. The film was a critical and commercial success and was nominated for several Academy Awards.
"Imitation of Life" (1959) - This film was a remake of the 1934 film of the same name, and starred Turner as Lora Meredith, an actress who is struggling to make a name for herself in Hollywood. The film also starred Juanita Moore as Annie Johnson, a single mother who becomes Lora's housekeeper. The film dealt with racial, class, and motherhood themes, and Turner's performance was widely praised.
"Peyton Place" (1957) - This film was based on Grace Metalious' novel of the same name, and starred Turner as Constance MacKenzie, the matriarch of the small town of Peyton Place. The film dealt with themes of sex, scandal, and secrets, and was a commercial success. Turner's performance in the film earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
In conclusion, Lana Turner was a talented and versatile actress who left a lasting impression on the film industry. Her performances in these five films showcase her ability to play a wide range of characters and her enduring legacy as a Hollywood icon. Even today, her movies still hold up and are considered timeless classics.
"The Strange Case of Lana Turn..https://archive.org/details/modernscreen26unse/page/n553/mode/1up?view=theater
Lana Turner https://projects.latimes.com/hollywood/star-walk/lana-turner/
Lana Turner, Born in Wallace,.. https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1338&dat=19410515&id=MeJXAAAAIBAJ&pg=7185,3777463