Australian Women's Weekly Icons

Revisit the magic of Hollywood’s golden age with a new Icons issue. From leading lady Lucille Ball’s path to becoming our favourite funny girl to the secret lives of stars including Frank Sinatra, Leslie Caron, Burt Lancaster and more there are 164 page of gripping reads and vintage photos to enjoy.

From the editor

LEADING ladies • Bebe Daniels Marilyn Monroe Hattie McDaniel

Good little bad girl • Born to entertain, the actress would win a legion of fans on and off sets with her talent, ability to transform and desire to give back. Tiffany Dunk reports.

The ultimate muse • Nobody could compete with the blonde bombshell when it came to posing in front of the camera. Here in an extract from her revised book, photographer Eve Arnold recounts her time with the star.

The first lady • The beloved star was the first black actress to win an Academy Award, but her historic achievement came at a price, as Genevieve Gannon reports.

Stars AT PLAY • Stars playing piano Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Hitting a high note • Even after reaching peak popularity in the early 20th century, the piano proved a drawcard for the stars of the Golden Age and beyond who caressed the keys on television, in film and at home, to entertain and unwind.

Entertainer’s paradise • In the 1950s and beyond, the hotel was the place to see and be seen. Tiffany Dunk revisits a music lovers’ icon.

DYNAMIC duos • Greer Garson & Walter Pidgeon ZaSu Pitts & Thelma Todd John Wayne & Maureen O’Hara

A dream marriage • They were the epitome of devoted husband and wife in eight films, their on-screen relationship giving hope and heart to a wartime audience. Off screen they were equally compatible – albeit only as firm friends. Sarah Rodrigues revisits a winning combination.

The comedy queens • The first major female comedy team to come out of Hollywood paved a blazing trail. But they would be together for just three short years before the laughs were cut short, as Nicole Hickson discovers.

The Duke & his dame • There was only one woman who could measure up to the ultimate cowboy and she was a feisty Irish beauty. They fought, argued and loved their way through five films and, writes Bronwyn Phillips, their relationship continued long after the cameras stopped rolling.

LEADING men • Marlon Brando Boris Karloff James Mason

A complicated hero • Despite being considered one of the greatest and most influential actors of all time he wasn’t afraid to rail against the media and social injustices, as our journalist discovered in this republished interview from our archives.

The horror icon • After a career-defining performance as Frankenstein’s Monster, it wasn’t long before the softly-spoken actor became the King of Hollywood horror.

Odd man out • With that voice and those looks, a glittering acting career seemed a given. However, it did not come naturally, reports Tim Gill.

SCANDALS & tragedy • Carole Landis Glenn Ford & Rita Hayworth

Death of a bombshell • The beautiful blonde was a rising star during the early 1940s. Yet when she began an affair with Rex Harrison, not long later she would be dead by suicide at the age of 29. Georgia Moore revisits the tragically short life of a girl who looked like she could have it all.

The enduring love affair • Spanning four decades and outlasting nine marriages between them, these five-time co-stars were the definition of star-crossed lovers, Tim Gill reports.

THE TREND setters • Nylons Norman Norell Movie posters

Sheer genius • Born from the desire to create a more affordable and durable variation to silk stockings, nylons would revolutionise hosiery, as Maddy Wilson discovers.

Dean of American fashion • In not...