Tag: Clara Bow

The Greatest Generation grew up in Pre-Code freedom and then changed the world, defeating totalitarian fascist thugs.

The modern internet-fueled almost ubiquitous availability of hardcore porn has changed how sexuality enters many peoples lives.

Some but not all earlier times were straight-laced and sexless.

In 1927, Clara Bow became famous as a vivacious, arousing “It girl” in the movie “IT”, released 96 years ago today.

My American cinephile friend writes that British novelist and screenwriter Elinor Glyn had “………  really made the term widely used by the public in the USA and the British Empire, especially. Her books and the movies made from them, were thought to be SHOCKING; however, they were extremely popular.

“IT GIRLS” were not only “sexy”, but had great personalities, were bubbly and very outgoing and could make all men fall for them. “IT” was supposedly a special something, akin to flypaper.”

Colorado journalist Erin Blakemore writes in daily.jstor.org “………. what makes “IT” just as interesting as 50 Shades is the movie’s emphasis on women looking, wanting, and acting with sexual freedom.”

Elinor Glyn herself wrote this about “It”:

“ ‘IT’ is that quality possessed by some few persons which draws all others with its magnetic life force. With it you will win all men if you are a woman—and all women if you are a man. ………. To have “It”, the fortunate possessor must have that strange magnetism which attracts both sexes. He or she must be entirely unselfconscious and full of self-confidence ……..”

Clara Bow works her magic on William Austin in “IT” with words from Elinor Glyn.

God Bless Freedom where we figure out how to be true to ourselves including learning from other eras where pornographic excesses were much harder to find.

And God Bless Clara Bow.

Isn’t she wonderful?

Geoff Fox 19th February, 2023, Down Under