Jeanne Crain - the white woman who passed as black

Jeanne Crain - the white woman who passed as black
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[@doreensika837]

I wouldn’t consider her passing per say. Cause Lena Horne and other black actress was considered for the role but this was 1949 after all so Darryl F Zanuck the producer had a white woman play it cause he was scared of racial backlash. Jeanne never said she was black or pretended to be either I mean hell, if she did he career wouldn’t have gone as far as it did. And let’s be real who would put themselves through that hard life we people color had at that time? This another example of Hollywood white washing every every character they can find. Great job sympathizing with her.

[@KarineAlourde]

You are spot on! Love this comment cause that’s exactly what it was.

[@makeupboss3568]

I totally agree

[@persebra]

Lena Horne could NOT have passed for white and it makes no sense to cast her as such.

[@incognegress6583]

Black women were NOT hired for leading roles. They were the musical entertainment or (in most instances) cast as the help. It’s just history. You must always consider the time. Not much has changed today. Consider the movie “The Help.” Black women in leading roles are usually those of subjugation and struggle. Tyler Perry’s plays and movies do not do much better and are more allegory than reality. Even Oprah decided to produce the Color Purple with more of the same struggles. Hollywood goes by Hollywood rules. They still do not cast or pay equally and even if you are black with money and run your own studio you still have to pander and suspend ambition. And most of all, actresses of color are never paid on par with white actresses. That’s why the Oscars suck, but if you play in LaLa land and expect to be treated as if you’re the bees knees, you’d be delusional…no matter how talented you are. Sadly, the music industry is even worse!

[@danavixen6274]

​​@@incognegress6583I'd say the music industry is worse now than it was in the latter 20th century when it comes to how Black non racially ambiguous artists are promoted now.

[@Ms.RatherUnique]

Here's a fun fact about Lena Horne since she was mentioned. I picked up her autobiography at a thrift store and read it. She said she was one of the very few black actresses that could pass for white during that era. She used to renounce her black side because she was moving in the realms of what appeared to be the whites only upper echelon society. She did not get treated as a black woman. She was basically doing what she had to do to make it. She said one night she was leaving another whites only club and a man stopped her and said, "Your hair maybe straight as mine. Your skin maybe white as mine, but you're still another n*gga!" Lena Horne said she looked at him and looked around at her environment and realized in a couple of quick seconds that she was living a lie. She smiled and said, "You know what...you're right! Thank you!" She said this was a pivotal moment in her life and afterwards she became the Lena Horne that we know and love today. Sorry for such a long story.

[@letakeokuk5446]

Wow, thanks for sharing that information. I never read that about Lena Horne. 🤎

[@Ms.RatherUnique]

@@letakeokuk5446 Thank you. I always remembered that because she took something that was meant to be degrading and made it a triumph. I also want to correct that it was a biography written about Lena Horne instead of her autobiography.

[@veteranbroad8802]

I'd heard about that with the "Horne". Never cared much for her.

[@user-be7tc2bd6e]

Nothing like getting that wake-up phone call. LOL.

[@moviegirl8648]

I think that you are lying! Name the book. I've read 2 biographies and her autobiography. And don't just take her word for it. NOBODY has ever said that Lena Horne wanted to pass for white.

[@KathleenCalhoun-em6ys]

Jeanne Crain was a beautiful woman.

[@wendypennell9432]

Yes very beautiful

[@AdorzAaliyahSince94]

So many people have never heard of the movie "Pinky" but know all about "Imitation of Life". I was fortunate enough to see it with my mom (RIP) once or twice. She made sure that we watched and appreciated the classics. The character "Pinky" was the complete opposite of the "white-passing" daughter in "Imitation of Life".

[@markjohnson9485]

"Imitation of life is a great movie." A great movie.

[@jaggg.3821]

@@markjohnson9485 both imitation of life's were thought provoking my mom rented both movies so we could watch it together but, also have a conversation about what was going on. My Great-grandmother was born in 1896 same year as Plessy vs Ferguson was decided upon by The Supreme Court that allowed The Jim Crow System to become the law of the land within a South and quiet unspokenly Up in The North. I just see that Period of History in America as It was Hell and every body that had a Pulse was trying too navigate The Hell set up against them someway somehow. It's a wonder that every one at that time wasn't in Some Psych Ward as a Result. Mom Rented Stormy Weather/Cabin in The Sky/The movie Paul Robeson did Emperor Jones/Harry Belafonte & Dorothy Dandridge in Carmen Jones/ St. Louis Blue's The W.C.Handy Story starring Eartha Kitt, Nat King Cole and Pearl Bailey. Now I did see the White Movie S.Francisco Starring Jeanette McDonald? I think I got the opera singer last name wrong that's how I fell in love with Musical's such as Guy's and Dolls/Bye, Bye Birdie/West Side Story Rita Moreno probably The only Puerto Rican cast member in the whole movie I always suspected the other cast members supposed to be Puerto Rico were Romani/Greek/& Italian. Bernardo character was Greek supposed to be Rita Moreno's Beau. O think the summary of Anita experience in West Side Story She finally heard what Bernardo had been trying too say trying too tell her.

[@vendettabannister6021]

E.Waters

[@vendettabannister6021]

Outstanding movie

[@theire483]

My mom was an old movie buff. So, that is all we grew up on. She knew things about nearly every actor. That is still basically only movies I watch. They are so much better than today's movies. I think she did an excellent job in the movie "Pinky." I didn't see a lack of emotion. You are probably referring to the "Imitation of life" movie featuring Lana Turner. The original production with Claudette Colbert is equally good.

[@fortune.]

She is in my top 5 favorite classic actresses. The movie Dangerous Crossing is one of my favorites. She's stunning.

[@MarshaStJohn]

Dangerous Crossing is a favorite of mine, also. Yes, she is beautiful and talented.

[@cocohow9195]

Jeane Crane also was in a movie called " Leave her to Heaven" starring Gene Tierney. She played her cousin/adopted sister.

[@catloverx2]

One of my favorite movies!

[@aimeemetzinger6718]

One of the great classic films.

[@abetteryounow6484]

Her best movie

[@daniyyel1317]

I knew I recognised her, amazing movie - cinematography 👌

[@danavixen6274]

Thanks for acknowledging actresses that are rarely known. Love your mental gem about competition between couples btw.❤

[@KarineAlourde]

Thank you so much sis! You’re always so supportive ❤❤

[@danavixen6274]

​@@KarineAlourdeYou're welcome. 🙏🏾❤️

[@davidfoley726]

She was amazing in Pinky. Let’s not forget HBCU grad Nella Larson was the first to write about passing in her block buster novel Passing in 1929. It inspired the 1939 film Imitation of Life some ten years later. It wasn’t until the early 2020’s Nella Larson’s Passing was turned into a film starring Tessa Thompson.

[@markjohnson9485]

I saw "Pinky"as a child on the late show and fell in love with the movie. It has been a part of my personal DVD collection for years now, Jeanne Craine is a great actress, who played her role to perfection in a great movie that deserves to recognized for what it is...a masterpiece 👏👏👏👏

[@jsrmusic1]

She didn’t pass as black in her everyday life. She only played a role. I disagree with this title.

[@apara2005]

Clickbait

[@marylouleeman591]

Absolutely.

[@karenwright8556]

I really enjoyed Jeanne Crain in anything she was in,Pinky was a wonderful film and said a lot. White and black,Black or white,or Red and Yellow, we've all been through rough times,been oppressed,lied to and manipulated. Life here is a trial and we make mistakes let's start forgiving more and judging less. We're all God's children.

[@michellekirwan-woods7623]

You should do a profile of the film "Imitation of Life". I can't even watch it anymore because it's so heart wrenching.

[@elizabethbrauer1118]

"Walk with me ..." My new invitation to listen and learn! TY Karine - spot on. 'People will Talk' is my fav movie. 👍

[@AngelaGoodwin-fh6fw]

Her and Cary Grant!❤

[@sayitloudblcknproud]

“The Joker is Wild” is a wonderful film and I loved Jean Crain’s role in it. “Pinky” is a great movie as well!

[@AngelaGoodwin-fh6fw]

I loved Jeanne Crain in just about any movie she was in. Whether it was "A Letter to Three Wives", "Leave Her to Heaven", or "Pinky". In the case of "Pinky", as a black woman, I had conflicted feelings about it, but it was a great movie, and it tackled a topic that was taboo.

[@dawnhoward53]

Very interesting story on Jeanne Craine. I just saw the movie A Letter To Three Wives about a week ago. Thanks for featuring her on your channel.

[@aimeemetzinger6718]

Another one of the BEST classic films!

[@andreaberryhill6654]

I find Karine to be a fair commentator in all her videos. Thanks for your hard work v

[@pandora881]

When stars were truly glamorous.

[@theresa42213]

You have a good little channel here Karine! l can tell you work heard on your vids! l LOVED your Debra Paget vid because l'm a Christian, and am always Joyous when someone knows our Saviour! Plus ...like you, l'm a real Ten Commandments nut case! Which reminds me, Easter and Baptisms are coming MY FAVOURITE TIME OF THE YEAR, l always watch it then too. Spring is coming, The Chosen 4th season is out and I AM STOKED! :D _ALL GLORY_ goes to The KING of kings! :D

[@KarineAlourde]

Amen and praise God! I love Ten Commandments so I love when someone is a nut like me lol thank you for watching 💖✨

[@geraldinelafayette1838]

I love the unapologetic Christians especially today! Thank you for your honesty and being true to your faith Karine and OP! And all Glory to our Father and his Son Jesus Christ!

[@janiceskidmore9203]

Hello Karine! I love your channel on all the classic moviestars and legends as well. I wanted to know if you would be interested in receiving some artwork that I do of famous classic actresses as I have been painting some of my favorites thru the years. I can email the photos to you or if you want I can mail you some originals? I am an artist and No charge is necessary but maybe you can share some on your channel. I’ve sent some of my work to some of the actresses as well sometimes and received thank you notes or calls. I’ve been going to the movie theaters since I was 8 and lived in the Bronx near all the old movie houses such as Lowe’s ( don’t know if it’s still there!). Your presentation is fantastic and your voice is very soothing. Also seeing a picture of you ……. You are lovely as well and wouldn’t mind doing a painting of you. Is there is an email I can use to better contact you can you reply to me? Thanks so much for the thorough work you put into your research to make this channel enjoyable and informative!! Jan Skidmore

[@sampa2nyc]

Nina Mae McKinney had a small role, her last in "Pinky".

[@sandieslife438]

Pinky was a great film for its time.

[@KarineAlourde]

It really was.

[@cocoaorange1]

Fredi Washington a light complexioned Black woman played a former nanny who fought for custody of her White charge. I forgot the name of the title, but the film came out in 1937. It was on YT during the pandemic, but I guess it got pulled. Hopefully I can find it online or on DVD.

[@cocoaorange1]

I liked it. A sad, but interesting movie.

[@cocohow9195]

I watched Pinky here on YT. It was a good film. Ethel Waters played Jeane Crane's grandmother.

[@lightningbug276]

Yes and it was remade as I Imitation of Life in the 50s I think

[@ChloeShaliniArt]

Thanks for your beautiful & sensitive work, Karine. Your channel has helped me survive a really tough time, dealing with family care needs these past several months. Love & Gratitude from London UK 💜💙💜 ps your brothers music complements yours so much. I've subscribed to him too. 💙

[@KarineAlourde]

Chloe this was so sweet. Praying for you and your peace of mind. Thank you so much 💜💙💜

[@sherrillsturm7240]

Your background explanations are always empathetic, yet accurate. That makes litening to you a real pleasure.

[@pepperjonesugoChristian]

“Showboat”, the movie starring Paul Robeson, had the same subject. A very nice movie.

[@deborahrichardson2292]

I so appreciate your research & how throughly you present a story. I loved Jeanne Crain & was so happy to see you review her & you told her story excellently, I learned a lot I never knew about her, so thank you. Time well spent!

[@missbiancaleigh100]

I think you are right, Karine; I don't think Jeanne's casting was viewed as appropriation at the time. I prefer the original Imitation of Life because Fredi Washington was in it, but the studios rarely cast such roles with Black women. It was easier to cast one of their white stars than find an actress like Fredi, who could have passed for white, but refused. I think Jeanne did an excellent job. Her scenes with Ethel Waters were particularly good.

[@aimeemetzinger6718]

❤❤😭😭Loved this movie, because of their scenes, and Ms. Barrymore’s.

[@Wyntrborn]

I remember the beautiful Jeanne Crain. I don't know how I missed her movie Pinky. She was Catholic so that explain the seven children and to die two mos after her husband with a heart attack sound like it may have been from a broken heart. RIP Jeanne Crain. 🌺🌷🌻🪻

[@edglebennett6312]

There title is misleading once again. This actress was in a movie with Ethel W called " Pinkey" that's the movie where she was allegedly mixed race.

[@makeupboss3568]

Oh wow … a beautiful Irish Lass ! Jeanne Craine almost reminds of of some of the pictures I’ve seen of some of the women on my Grandfather’s side of the family ( on my Dad’s side.. he was as Irish as all get out ) Jeanne is just as classy as Audrey Hepburn, if not more. I need to see some of those movies , just to see how she was “ stage presence “ .

[@stuartinnes81]

From sarah liverpool uk .Irish heritage originated from the basque country, Middle East and Eastern Europe hence why some Irish look olive skinned with brown eyes .

[@peppermashay1555]

i Totally agree wt. you Karine!! Ava Gardner was cast in Showboat which was suppose to have gone to Lena Horne.

[@californiagirl1579]

Wow! Passing Black that's crazy thank you for covering this on this my first time hearing about her but too play cleo wow

[@meredethenglish1577]

I watched (and enjoyed) 1959 remake "Immitation of Life" and 1960 "I Passed For White". I was perplexed though as I thought that neither of the Mixed Race characters in either movie actually looks Mixed Race. Particularly "I Passed for White" as they tried to alude that because the girl REALLY liked dancing, that suggested she was possibly Black. I was like, "Are you serious?! WTF?! I am White as can be with Irish, British, German roots and I LOVE to dance! Guess it's all that Irish Riverdance and German Polka in my blood!" LOL😆😅🤣😂

[@SinaLaJuanaLewis]

People were up in arms about the little mermaid being black. These same people support people portraying HISTORICAL FIGURE being played by another race. It's giving double standard. It's giving privilege💩

[@mysteryelysian]

The irony Is the book "The Little Mermaid" Written by H.C. Andersen was influenced by African folk tales about Mermaids, which Africans on all coasts of Africa claim they still see Mermaids.

[@Toastymosty69]

You're right. Since when was the queen of England black? Stop wiping out European history.

[@Toastymosty69]

source?

[@Lucy-iy9ni]

​@@Toastymosty69 you need to be quiet instead of looking for problems with all races.

[@Toastymosty69]

@@Lucy-iy9ni yeah… Don’t ever tell what to do 😊

[@lucyalexander3607]

Her husband kind of looked like a young Errol Flynn.

[@ittybittykittymama7582]

Jeanne Crain was the epitome of beauty and grace.

[@anye76]

Pinky was the 1st movie I saw with her in it, then State Fair, Leave Her to Heaven and the Cheaper By the Dozen and it's sequel Belles on their Toes with Debra Paget who you just did. She was a stunning actress and a good one too.

[@AngelaGoodwin-fh6fw]

She was in so many great classics.

[@rkpnet123]

Cant wait to watch☀️🦋

[@carolperdue7534]

I remember Jeanne Craine from State Fair. She was a pretty versatile actress. Thanks for the video. ❤️

[@BeanMacdui]

I just love your videos! I love how real you are and I appreciate your insights. Awesome job! ❤

[@t-babyyupressed2906]

PINKY Was A Really Good Movie 🍿

[@baylorsailor]

At first I was like "who?", but then I realized that she's in one of my favorite movie musicals called State Fair! I've never seen her in anything else. She was a beauty. I find it very interesting that she had seven children considering her career. The majority of actresses are typically afraid to ruin their figure with so many children. Especially during that time.

[@erickcristian9607]

In 1934, Imitation of Life had the same theme of a fair- skinned black woman passing as caucasian. A fair-skinned black actress, Freddi Washington played the character. So why couldn't Lena Horne play Pinky. Pinky was a decade or more after Imitation to Life. Imitation to Life wasn't considered a black film. So no excuse. Elia Kazan should've cast Lena Horne period.

[@riosouma3870]

Unfortunately there were race laws that movie studios had to abide by at the time. They couldn’t display interracial kissing. Pinky shares a kiss with her white husband in the film.

[@lancomenyongo7346]

@@riosouma3870 correct! The set of laws were called Hays Code.

[@taiwoabiose6382]

I've been binge watching this channel since i stumbled upon it. ❤❤❤ Your expose on these icons some of whom i knew absolutely nothing about

[@reign6409]

Great commentary friend ❤

[@KarineAlourde]

Thank you friend 💖✨

[@ckaydw]

You really have the a gifted voice for these documentaries. I love listening to you and I love the fact that you really go out of your way to understand each person you do. Going by your picture . You really do your research on each person and I really appreciate that. When they do a movie about a person life. They put stuff in that are lies. Which upsets me so much. I want the truth about the person. Not half truths. Look at the movie Elvis. I went back and I was shocked to see how many things they turned around. You tell the truth and that’s why I love listening to your videos. Plus you have a nice smooth voice. That makes it even better. Love your channel. ❤❤❤❤

[@ivanawilliams279]

I personally believe she, & others in her position, did in fact, have a choice. And she, like others, chose to play those roles. They wanted fame & notary. She was OFFERED a ROLE & a CONTRACT.

[@aimeemetzinger6718]

Contract players were ‘owned’ by the Studio system, and you could lose everything including your contract, if you tried to buck the system. A couple of stars tried during the ‘30’s-‘50’s, and had to spend all they had in court. Bette Davis was one of them, and she won her case at one point. Eventually, the Studio system with their ‘Stable’ of contract stars, went its way, actors became free agents.

[@shantenafreeman8908]

💐 Thank you for all your dedication to your stories

[@theresamorelli1108]

Thanks for this deep dive. I loved Jeanne Crain in Cheaper By The Dozen.

[@joydavis7462]

I enjoyed this even though I wasn’t familiar with her. Old Hollywood was an even weirder place than now . Heck Liz Taylor played cleopatra, never got that. I remember as a child watching an old western and Ricardo Montabond (sp?) was playing Sitting Bull or Cochise and crying that it wasn’t right. You are always respectful and kind to either side of me coin. I appreciate that 🌺🌸🌼

[@jamesfournier3458]

They used well known stars to play ethnic characters. Box office draw. John Wayne played Genghis Khan. Really?

[@shawnjackson6242]

She one of my favorite old school stars I love old movies from precode film noir I loved her in Pinky, Alonso I think she was in leave her to heaven that’s great movie

[@br1aNm105]

Hey Karine. Hope you doing good❤❤❤❤. Since Beyonce broke the Internet with her country music, can you do a video on Country Blues singer, Linda Martell. Just heard of her and i kindly asking if you can share a light on her before Act ii release. She's alive and i think people deserve to learn of what she endure back in those days...

[@KarineAlourde]

Oh yes that’s a great idea! Definitely will do this before March 29th. 💖💖

[@br1aNm105]

😊😊😊❤❤

[@user-ty2xv6xw8j]

❤❤❤

[@lauravenus9547]

A true beauty 💜

[@marinabrola]

Karine, thank you for making these videos. I've heard you say English isn't your forst language and I find that so impressive because I just love your videos and your personality really shines while you give us so many details and I just appreciate it and you and your work🙏

[@cookie-mi7fb]

Peace and blessing queen🙏❤💪💫

[@garywright4495]

You have the most beautiful voice, it always put me at a place of calm. Thank you! Now that's a GOD'S given.❤

[@user-sb9mn1tw4v]

The main takeaway is that those were different times! You can’t compare today’s society with past societies. She did what she had to do In order to put food on the table, who doesn’t understand that universal way of thinking.

[@ginadee4142]

Now they found out that Nefertiti, was not really king Tut's mom. That's what has been found out.

[@Sunsplash.1217]

Saw her in the film "Pinky" she planned a biracial young woman. Ethel Waters played her grandmother.

[@AussieAngel826]

You are teaching me so much about stars I didn’t know. She is so pretty

[@FIREENGINE3]

She looks white to me

[@albertamathurin7084]

Me too

[@MissNolver]

Yep.

[@Sunsplash.1217]

She is white , she just played a part of a black girl

[@Likelyfairy]

Yeah I’m confused, she can’t even pass as mixed 😭

[@lettiegrant9447]

Ridiculous! She never looked white. She was s light skinned black woman. In all black families there are light skinned ones.

[@LattefahButler]

Thanks for keeping me company on this Mardi Gras day. I have to stay home and study for my A and P classes😢

[@marimarujaa7818]

I had to re-read the title 3 times . Great journalism as always ❤❤❤❤

[@marylouleeman591]

But she didn''t pass. She just played a part named Pinky who did that.

[@alfredbonnabel7022]

Jeanne Crain always gave a good, solid performance. A beautiful woman whose private life wasn't easy. A son died of a drug addiction. Her husband abused her...

[@sexymama1966]

There was another movie that explored interracial theme and passed for Black from the early 60s starring newcomer James Franciscus, a very stunning sexy man. I'll have to finish the film.

[@AngelaGoodwin-fh6fw]

"I Passed for White" is the name of the movie, and it's pretty good.

[@moviegirl8648]

​@@AngelaGoodwin-fh6fwYes. I highly recommend it. If you can imagine Imitation of Life told from Sarah Jane's point of view. It's a low budget B movie, but makes some good points.

[@maryhoggett100]

Pinky was one of my favorite movies. I realize it was just a movie nothing more.

[@tinaapicelli8565]

I'm so happy that people have stood up to these idiots in Hollywood. Alot of these stars back than got the shaft.

[@aimeemetzinger6718]

Jeanne Crane was a wonderful actress, and not just a lovely face. I have loved the movie ‘Pinky’, since I was a child, because she played the part respectfully, and with such feeling. It touched me deeply . The supporting actors were wonderful, including the Greats: Ethel Waters and Ethel Barrymore. This movie has always held a place in my heart, and I’ve seen it a number of times through the years.

[@chynagirl657]

I REALLY ENJOY WATCHING ALL OF YOUR VIDEOS.. IF YOU READ THIS, CAN YOU PLEASE DO A VIDEO ON PHYLLIS DILLER.. 🧡🧡

[@bobbyantonelli7978]

Watch IMITATION OF LIFE, an even better version on that same theme.

[@toniadugger3954]

great job , explaicing the era‼️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@ianedwards4400]

There's no doubt that Jeanne Crain was a beauty in the classical sense. She had a face that was born for the camera. However, I felt that her acting was very affected. I always got the feeling when I saw her on screen that she gave out the same vibe, a sort of touch-me not one. Whether in State Fair or Leave her to heaven or even The Joker is wild, it was the same character, dripping with innocence and sweetness that Crain projected. While Ms. Crain kept playing herself in role after role, it was Jean Peters that I greatly admired. The difference was that Ms.Peters essayed each of her characters differently, bringing a newness to every one of them. She also took pains never to get slotted. Jean Peters was the sweet housewife in "Niagara" and held her own even when pitted with the sexy Monroe; the very convincing, but sexy, slut in 'Pickup on South Street', the murderess in 'A blue print for murder', the aspiring actress, who would go to any lengths to achieve stardom in 'Vicki'. In Vicki, Crain was again dripping honey. In Viva Zapata, Peters played the outlaw's girl, painted dark and disheveled. In 'Anne of the Indies', she was this sword-fencing swashbuckler fighting for her rights, while Debra Paget [another Crain clone], shivered in the backdrop. To Paget and Crain, glamour always come first and acting last. That was their drawback. Jean Peters will long be remembered as a first rate actress of the 50's.

[@rosiebottom3870]

In Niagra I thought Jean Peter's was more attractive than Marilyn. Marilyn looked gorgeous but trashy while Jean had that classic, understated look. Jean beautifully proved the "less is more" advice really works.

[@ianedwards4400]

@@rosiebottom3870 I agree with you Rosie, a 100 %. While Lisa Gaye [Rock around the clock] is my fave female star, Jean Peters was 2nd and Jean Simmons was the 3rd fave. Yes, MM was sexy in Niagara, but I never ever went for such dames. Ms. Peters was the kind one would take home to meet the family.

[@susanjordan6467]

😊 20:47 ​@@ianedwards4400

[@NuNugirl]

Karine can you do a video on Frances Farmer, the beautiful actress who battled the Hollywood system and lost in a very tragic way. Thanks. ❤you.

[@TheReneex]

During the Golden Age (1927-62), Hollywood followed a completely different set of rules, especially under the Jim Crow Laws. The studio execs, who were mostly Jewish, employed dozens of actors from various backgrounds and races, and a good number of them concealed their ethnic heritage. Even Jewish actors. As far as Black actors were concerned, the only roles provided to them were usually secondary roles consisting of domestics, Pullman porters, or some stereotypical demeaning caricature. The role of 1949's Pinky was highly pursued by several fair-skinned Black actresses. Including Lena Horne. Much like Scarlett O'Hara and it didn't matter how talented or how beautiful she appeared, the Big Studios of that era were not going to grant a black actress a leading role in a big-budget film. Even if the role called for a Black character. Racial tensions were so deep back then and the studios were fearful of the backlash they would receive from their bigoted Southern White audience should a beautiful Black actress or a handsome Black actor assume a leading role to upstage a White actor! Nevertheless, the role of Pinky went to White actress, Jeanne Crain. This was also a recurring practice in other films of that era where a non-White character was included in a big-budget film. Only to be portrayed by a White actor. Beautiful Ava Gardner won the role of "Julie" in Show Boat and Joan Collins portrayed a racially mixed character in the 1957 film, Island in The Sun. This offensive practice began in the early days of American cinema. In particular with the first big-budget Hollywood film, the racially offensive, "Birth Of A Nation!"

[@sophiawilson8696]

Joan Collins's character in the role was found out to be a bastard of an affair her Mother had. So the character was relief that child of White Man.

[@samanthacaine5029]

Just browsing KZbin and your channel popped up. Currently bing watching all your videos....very interesting!..New subscriber here!!❤

[@donbrentlinger7617]

She was so beautiful...

[@mentak2593]

Hollywood was strange back then. Having white people playing Asian or biracial characters. Then you had actresses like Merle Oberon, Rita Hayworth and others “passing” as Caucasian.

[@amb7412]

I've always loved her acting and I thought she did a good job in the movie for the times. It was one of my favorites growing up and it was good for times that it was made, even allowing a character such as herself to say what she said to White and Black people on screen was revolutionary. The words still resonate today. The wealthy White woman who was mean to her, that she told off and what about the Black man who tried to sexually assault her. Yes, I thought the movie showed many dark layers to actual things occurring and still occur today in our country that no one wants to discuss. Growing up before I understood the Studios' total control of its actors, I was fascinated that a White woman would take the role, on such a hot bed subject. But "Imitation of Life and Showboat," also dealt with these topics as well. Our cultures dirty like secrets exposed and the inhumane treatment of those through no fought of their own. She was victim of the Studio heads, as were the talented Black actresses not allowed to portray these experiences with the depth and truth that they could most certainly bring to the roles.

[@yolanda9504]

Girl please she know exactly what she was signing up for she is not black!!! STOP it I CAN'T!!

[@ayeshapyesha7301]

Your age is really showing. Cringe at the "I CAN'T!" 💀

[@ronjones8981]

Beautiful lady. May she RIP. On another note, could you do a video on Jeff Chandler? Do you know if he was Black or possibly mixed race?

[@SpiceyKy]

Great commentary as usual! ❤

[@longbranch11207]

Thanks for posting

[@melissamorton1282]

That was very interesting! I had never even heard of her

[@jalycac5206]

🌺🌺Great video. I never heard of her but she had an interesting life.

[@bethpent8851]

She was one of my favorites she was just beautiful

[@saltnpeppanatural1931]

Thanks for pointing out they were under contract with a studio and that studio would loan them out to other studios if they wanted. Actors back then really couldn’t be picky if they wanted to continue to work.

[@imheba]

Been watching for years ty for the videos

[@taranjene4453]

I know Jeanne Crain from Pinky and Take Care of My Little Girl.

[@missywink1504]

I always mix up Jeanne Crain with Jean Simmons.

[@intentionallyleftblank3016]

Me too, and Jean Peters and also Gene Tierney! Too many Jeans!

[@dyonnarlove2424]

In the movie "Pinky", Jeanne Crain played a blac woman passing as white. If you see it as a black person you start to notice the mannerisms of a black woman. It is as if she knew lots of black people. I see how she was nominated.

[@aimeemetzinger6718]

I didn’t see her performance as emotionless, I saw her (as Pinky) being nearly resigned to having to endure the prejudice and mistreatment of that point in time, and I believe they attempted to portray her as trying to come to terms, and eventually stand up for herself and begin to break out of those limits. It would have been a dangerous risk for Pinky’s character to confront Ms. Barrymore’s character the way she did. I felt it was Pinky moving through the circumstances of her life, retaining her dignity the best she could.

[@bindilove3899]

Another great video! I’ve never heard of Jeanne before.

[@elizabethbrauer1118]

Women were excluded from theater for centuries. Woman were also excluded from the audience. Thank god we have advanced since the days of Shakespeare.

[@KRstar78]

How did they make her hair so wavy 🤩

[@KarineAlourde]

She did roller sets a lot 😍

[@grant1088]

Only her hairdresser knows for sure. 13:24

[@sherribaker9135]

Yes she was lovely but I think they should've used Lena Horne for the part. I'm a huge Lena fan anyway.

[@ivycarrano8207]

I never thought Lena Horn was pretty.

[@SassyViolette]

Love Lena as well

[@rodb66]

Hello Karine and commenters.

[@sharcerv74]

I've actually only seen three of her films: State Fair, Pinky, and People Will Talk. She was strikingly beautiful.

[@lovelydiva06]

She didn’t pass as black but reminded us as pinky why some biracial and multiracial people were white passing but the law still declared them colored/negro/black cause of the one drop rule but to me if you mixed but look white, you white with black blood if you mix and look black, you black with white blood of course you can say your mixed cause technically you are but in america you are what you look

[@MichaelSpikes-pv6kl]

Excellent video loved it 👏

[@christyhull4214]

She was always one of my favorites. I loved state fair, Margie and cheaper by the dozen. She was really pretty. 🌹🌻🌸🌺💐🌷🌼💮🏵️

[@aimeemetzinger6718]

As much as I loved Ms. Crane’s performance, I also loved Lena Horne’s beauty and talent. It’s a shame, because this would have been a great vehicle for Ms. Horne to be showcased in a serious acting role, aside from being known for her talent in mostly musicals, at the time.