The Radical Stardom of Clara Bow: The First It Girl

[@kristinewatson3702]

I get why she stood out. She was unnaturally natural for silent films. She never overplayed like many contemporaries.

[@Xepscern]

Every single upload from you is a life pausing moment

[@ludicroussealanimations3643]

youre so right

[@miseryfell6417]

So true and based

[@jordana5570]

I second this

[@ultraviolettas]

truly

[@ccdaly2561]

Me, seeing the title: *FULL GASP* CLARA BOW!

[@Dench999or911]

Given her recent resurgence, a biopic of her life would not surprise me. She certainly deserves one

[@Gert-c2b]

Should be a silent that turns into a talkie ❤

[@acat674]

@@Gert-c2bsomebody with money needs to see this

[@cofkavos]

Played by Natasha Lyonne

[@baratheda777]

The biography "Running Wild" is one of the best biographies I've read. I hope if they make it, they do it justice.

[@MariaVosa]

It's stunning how Clara Bow just shines through in movies that are nearly 100 years old - they don't have to define "It" in words, they can just use a picture of her. Or better, a gif.

[@zacharyantle7940]

Legit tho her acting looks super natural and modern, at least when compared to what you normally think of for silent movies haha

[@beth12svist]

​​​@@zacharyantle7940 Her acting reminds me a lot (or, to put it correctly chronologically, the other way round) of the Czech star Nataša Gollová 10+ years later - and Gollová herself comes across as more modern and natural among the Czech stars of the 30s & 40s!

[@cocoaorange1]

It amazes me, how well preserved some of these films are!

[@KingofCrusher]

Seriously i couldn't pick her out of a flapper lineup, they just all looked exactly the same back then.

[@usedscar]

She is shockingly modern.

[@KosOrSomeSayKosmo]

Her gestures and expressions still feel modern and natural, especially in comparison to her contemporaries. Clara truly had 'It"

[@PokhrajRoy.]

32:48 Clara Bow felt what some of us feel before sending voice notes.

[@SkyeID]

I feel that. I don't like listening to recordings of my own voice.

[@EndingSimple]

You know, there's a lot in Clara Bow's expression and movement that reminds me of Natasha Lyonne.

[@ErinM-m2i]

Funny thing about that because she provides the voice of Clara on that episode of You Must Remember This that is referenced here

[@jimkocherful]

For a minute I thought that some of the scenes shown were from a biopic made with Natasha. I was wondering how I missed hearing about that movie.

[@toniantiporda9024]

I was about to say!

[@sandsrising6402]

I was thinking that the whole time!!

[@PogieJoe]

Wow she seems like a pretty dynamic screen presence for someone who was so young

[@pinkimietz3243]

If you grew up in an abusive household the first thing you will learn is how to perform.

[@ultraviolettas]

@@pinkimietz3243 damn. me.

[@msdisco85]

That criticism of her not learning to grow up at 25, and retiring from movies at 28 really tells you how overworked and commified she was as a person. She was, after all, in the same age group (possibly) as Joan Crawford. Theda Bara had a similiar decline in movies, though not having the mental health issues, her retirement from movies was at least to be the rich housewife/socialite that neither could have been without early beauty and talent.

[@walterclapp813]

One of the few KZbinrs I will stop what I’m doing to watch any new release! 😂

[@edvaira6891]

And fascinate me about subjects that I would’ve NEVER thought I would find interesting for a hour

[@rebeccabarnes3381]

Opening KZbin to see we’ve been blessed with a new BKR is always a treat

[@meeeka]

Clara Bow's life and successes are the embodiment of "Of you've got nothing, you got nothing to lose." Her childhood and family life had been so bad, she had no where to go but "up." It was a good break for her, until life again took up cudgels against her.

[@missdenisebee]

Her story is so infuriatingly tragic. She should’ve had a career that spanned decades, instead of one that was basically over before she turned 30.

[@BarryHart-xo1oy]

Very true.

[@Cat-tastrophee]

Wow, I've seen pictures of Clara Bow and thought she was beautiful, sure, but watching her act is something else. She was sensational! Seriously, what an amazing actress. I wish we could bring her back to resume her career in today's world. I think she'd kill it!

[@HeartbeatCN]

Be Kind Rewind referencing both Taylor Swift and Karolina Zebrowska in one video is such a treat. ❤❤❤

[@luigi-1545]

she doesn't like TS tho

[@mortenle]

Clara Bow sizzles so authentically on screen. What a lost treasure.

[@hiyahandsome]

Thank you so much for this fine, insightful tribute to the great Clara Bow. I remember vividly reading about her untimely passing almost 60 years ago (when she was only 60 years of age) and I was sad that I never got to meet her or hear her story from Clara herself. It was very difficult way back then to see her movies and learn much about her that was factual. As a young cinephile, I was captivated by the female stars of the 1920s and 1930s, and I am so grateful that you are illuminating the towering talent of one of the great stars of the screen and the tragic nature of her life.

[@MoonlightAoAO]

I wish they had treated her more kindly. It’s one of those things, and it has me thinking about people in my own life. Who are not famous (obviously) but who deserve kindness after the ordeal of just living their lives. If I could travel through time and pluck her out to hug her and support her DANG I WOULD!

[@meeeka]

Almost 50 years ago, I wrote a paper about for for my silent film history class, sadly NO ONE in my class, aside from the prof, had ever heard of her, much less had seen her onscreen. How could they have missed her?

[@EricaFlipped]

Clara Bow and Marilyn Monroe are both just so mesmerizing on the screen. Such natural charm and charisma

[@rosemaryfranzese317]

All you have written is accurate. Having watched a documentary about Clara I could see why she was such an enormous star. The documentary also revealed that Clara didn’t really enjoy the process of making talkies. Louise Brookes played a large part in Clara’s story. Brookes was furious when film historian, Kevin Brownlow’s book about silent film The Parades Gone By ignored Clara and built up Brookes herself. Her complaints helped a reassessment of Clara’s career after many years of being largely forgotten.

[@WobblesandBean]

I knew that "It Girl" came from a Clara Bow film, but I never knew anyone actually tried to define what "it" was.

[@kellypilon2422]

I watched her talkie, Call her Savage a few times. She was mesmerizing and no trace of a Brooklyn accent. She was refreshingly natural and vicious in the fight scene.

[@kidmohair8151]

Clara Bow literally pops from the screen whenever the camera is on her, and in her films that means almost all the time. watch as many of them as you can find. you won't be disappointed.

[@Emgee78]

I'm more a Louise Brooks gal, but I love how she talked about Clara Bow with such respect and love.

[@DeathMelodies]

One of the things I am fascinated by is "How did we get here?" socially. So the books you mentioned I now have in my thriftbook wishlist for when I get a chance to buy more! Thanks for such a thorough deep dive. I knew of her, but I truly feel for Clara personally now.

[@TsunamiBrook]

She really reminds me of Natasha Leon. She doesn't only look like her, but they have a similar energy and mannerisms. Does anyone else see it?

[@howdy4504]

I've seen her films, but not her talkies. She has such a great voice on top of her expressiveness in her silent features. What a talented lady

[@baratheda777]

"Running Wild" is one of the top 3 biographies ive ever read. I've read it a few times. Clara was the Marilyn Monroe of the silents, down to the tragic, off screen aspect. Clara was a natural actor. You can see the human being in works of fiction. Garbo and Clara Bow made the silent film's less stagey, more real

[@snittykitty1]

First, I can't believe that newspaper article published her address (guess stalking wasn't a thing back then?) and second I can't believe I've walked past that address numerous times! I knew she was from Brooklyn but didn't think she was so close to the Bay Ridge neighborhood. Great video about her.

[@PiscesPower1994]

People weren't so guarded about their homes until fairly recently. When phone books were common, your address was right there too. Before HIPAA, hospitals would put your name and possibly address in the paper so people could visit or send well wishes.

[@snittykitty1]

@@PiscesPower1994 Definitely different times!

[@snittykitty1]

@l.d.8697 Around the 5 minute mark- it lingers on the newspaper article on her win for the contest. In case you still miss it- 857 73rd Street Brooklyn, NY

[@zarathustra642]

Literally every time you post I want to burst into tears because, not only is the topic exactly the thing I didn’t know I wanted to know about, but I know the quality of research and information will be top notch. Dude, I’ve been here since the beginning with Bette and her doppelgänger, and at this point I think I’m actually in love with you. THANK you!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

That vid was also the one that got me hooked on this channel!

[@jlasf]

Be Kind Rewind is better than film courses I have taken. In depth, well-researched, and well produced. As a classic film buff, I am learning a lot from each video. And this history lesson about Clara Bow is an outstanding addition. Not only tracing Bow's biography, but also her impact on life at the time - and continuing to this day, with a look at today's "It girl" appellation. Really fascinating. Odd omission: In discussing the film flapper, it's surprising to have no mention of Joan Crawford. In 1928, "Our Dancing Daughters" made Joan Crawford a star and another famous flapper. It's an interesting contrast to see how Crawford transformed from the frivolous flapper to the hard-working professional girl in "Grand Hotel" in 1932 and the strong, independent woman of "Mildred Pierce" in 1941. Theoretically, Bow could have followed the same path. Or she could have continued in comedy roles, evolving into a Jean Harlow or Carole Lombard. (Imagine Bow instead of Harlow in "Dinner at Eight.") Bow truly has a unique screen presence and I hadn't noticed her physical spontaneity before. A few notes: At 4:05, note Mary Astor as one of the past winners of the talent competition. As mentioned, it's interesting to spot Gary Cooper at 20:52. I understand using contemporary images as chapter headings, but still a bit jarring to see Lisa Kudrow at 7:44.

[@TrangPakbaby]

You get a true sense of her personality in that short clip at the dinner party. Utterly enchanting 😊❤

[@rbfrondoso320]

This is a treasure! Love her so much! She really got "IT"! ❤❤❤

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Omg this is amazing because Clara Bow is truly one of the OG-est OG icons of cinema. Also, welcome back! P.S. Essie Davis in ‘Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries’ had the Classic ‘20s Bob.

[@beth12svist]

Miss Fisher's bob is all Louise Brooks: smooth and straight and tight and short. Clara Bow's is all over the place, and curly and thus longer.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

@@beth12svist Hmmmm interesting

[@RadioactiveKetchup]

this is the best film channel on youtube

[@ErinM-m2i]

Thank you so happy you are talking about Clara Bow she needs to be talked about so much more than she is so glad you are have never been so excited to watch a KZbin video before

[@lindamarshall3485]

Nice to see a shout out to Karolina Zebrowska - her videos are fantastic. Fun and informative.

[@OmaOmanyte]

Love the Karolina shoutout. You're both two of my favorite creators. 😀

[@duanekirbyjensen]

My favorite actress. If the scandals had not happened and if the studio had given her better material, she could have easily transitioned from the 'flapper' films into Screwball Comedies that were just about to emerge when she retired. I think she would have been right there with Carole Lombard and Claudette Colbert. Then if she makes it into the 40's, with her tragic background, the emotions she could have drawn on for Film Noir roles. Just imagine.

[@lou7690]

Getting ready for an event i don’t want to go to tonight and needed something good to watch 😭😭😭 perfect timing

[@KatieLHall-fy1hw]

Hope it was more fun than you were thinking it would be!

[@devaiskander9983]

This documentary made me smile. Thank you 😊

[@anitapg75]

I can't compliment enough how well researched this documentary is! and can I just say, the women of the silent era were one of a kind stars. I've watched colleen moore and have been captivated by her since, probably because all the resources they had back then was themselves, so every silent film is a spectacle not enough people dive into. I think I'm gonna go on a clara bow film binge right now 😅

[@chrisaguilera1564]

I think Clara Bow would fit in perfect with the social media landscape of today. Even if she was teleported from 1930 she would still be able to adjust to the present without difficulty.

[@Malkmusianful]

Somebody needs to make that into a movie Clara Bow finding herself in 2024 and managing to fit in really nicely, even if she initially doesn't know what an iPhone is

[@clairelmao]

Not sure if you’ve ever done a video on Shirley Temple but I’m reading her autobiography rn and I’m OBSESSED

[@RatCityprincess]

Great mini doc. I wish there were more selent movie era and ladies covered. I'm always scrounging for info. Also thank you for leaving out the gory details of Clara's childhood. We know what can happen to children/women pre and post Hollywood. It's nice to hear someone touch on the subject without exploiting the details. Love this channel !!!

[@douglaso6428]

There are so many ways to approach Cinema and the people who make it meaningful. I just wish there were a way to thank the luminous souls who gave us so much and often struggled in return. Actually, there is: conveying their talent and hard work to newer generations. Thank you, Ms. BKR, for doing just that in yet another excellent, engaging video. Superb!

[@tommyvictorbuch6960]

She was extremely charming and very very beautiful. She was indeed IT.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Haha I’m loving the slides in between. Great job! Your editing game is formidable.

[@ramonacunningham5954]

So happy you made this. Ever since I read "Runnin' Wild" I've been expecting a great biopic of her life. I'm astonished it hasn't happened. ("Babylon" doesn't count.)

[@lemorab1]

I first began to learn about Clara Bow when I read David Stenn's wonderful biography about her life. My fantasy is she could time travel to the future and play Velma Kelly. I would love to hear and see Clara perform "All That Jazz" and "The Cell Block Tango." I would also wish a better childhood for her. Be Kind Rewind is the very best show about Hollywood history on the internet. None of the others come close. Thank you for being on KZbin!

[@buzzawuzza3743]

You have very little serious competition as a story teller. And you have made subjects that I had no interest in become something worth watching. Please keep up the good work.

[@geniehossain3738]

Article titles like ‘Why Clara Bow Can’t Stay In Love’ make it all the more obvious why TS feels such kinship with her ❤

[@MasseurDavis]

Bow's hairstyle is still Iconic, she was ahead of her Time.

[@mylifeisaparty]

48:20-49:02 She is so mesmerizing that I had to rewind multiple times to be able to listen to the words Izzy was saying lol

[@mylifeisaparty]

Does anyone have a link to the footage?

[@ggomglol]

This is the first video of yours I’ve seen, and I’m blown away by the quality. I love the topic, the lens through which you present it, your narration, and your visual editing. Phenomenal work!!

[@teddyfurstman1997]

Glad TTPD made Clara Bow famous again in the limelight. She was the first It girl. Thanks for the video. Her childhood was so sad tho.

[@ElizabethMcCormick-s2n]

She was a great actress, it's too bad she couldn't make the transition into talkies!

[@scz1770]

Girl what? Clara Bow has been famous for a century, Taylor Swift using her name on a song is hardly making her famous again when she never stopped being famous.

[@SarahCE96]

@@scz1770let’s not be delusional lmfao

[@scz1770]

@@SarahCE96 please, feel free to start. Taylor Swift didn't make Clara Bow famous now or ever.

[@codeyhumphrey1590]

@@scz1770Taylor swift mentioning Clara Bow has definitely expanded the circle of people who know her outside of film historians / those with a deep knowledge of cinema. It’s a beautiful thing, she definitely hasn’t made her ‘famous’ but she has reintroduced her to a younger generation a century after Clara Bow earned her own fame. It’s great that BKRW has made this video as it will capture those interested because of TTPD and hopefully usher in new Clara Bow admirers ☀️

[@frederickcombs8661]

We love you Clara Bow.

[@afaceinthecrowd3652]

At 4:06 one of the 1920 Fame And Fortune contest winners was Mary Astor! She had a very good career.

[@coda_o7]

When you were talking about her difficult childhood, I was thinking about how Mary Astor described her difficult childhood in her autobiography, then I noticed her name on the page with the advertisement Clara Bow answered. Got me wondering what angle a Mary Astor BKR video would take.

[@jlasf]

I noticed that, too. I wonder what happened to the others winners? I guess they didn't have "it."

[@SuperHappyNotMerry]

having just finished this video, it makes a lot of sense why taylor swift referenced her. if anyone is experiencing a modern version of what clara bow went through in the public eye, it's taylor swift. excellent video, as always. I'm probably going to give It a try. i was genuinely captivated by the clips you showed of clara so i really do want to see her work for myself

[@isolated_bunny]

lmao

[@collinmichaelkahn3918]

There are few joys more amazing than seeing a Be Kind Rewind video new at top of one’s KZbin homepage. Thanks boo! You’re the best. ❤️

[@fantasyfiction101]

Thank you for this insightful video! I’m a Taylor swift fan and this definitely made me understand lyrics like “did you know you’d be picked like a rose.”

[@darylchin53]

Another great video! One note on "flapper" actresses: yes, Colleen Moore was the comic flapper, but Louise Brooks wasn't her contrast. Louise Brooks became the "tragic" flapper when she went to Europe to star in two films directed by G. W. Pabst, PANDORA'S BOX and DIARY OF A LOST GIRL (and neither film made much of an impact in the US because they got lost in the changeover to sound). In most of her American films, she played comedy roles, in movies like LOVE 'EM AND LEAVE 'EM, IT'S THE OLD ARMY GAME, A GIRL IN EVERY PORT. (One of her few dramatic roles was in William Wellman's BEGGARS OF LIFE, Wellman's precursor to his Depression work WILD BOYS OF THE ROAD, and in BEGGARS OF LIFE, Brooks spends most of the film in disguise.)

[@williambobbiestewart9958]

Your content is a safe place. Thank you.

[@aryankhan65]

I was desperately waiting for you to make a video on Clara Bow & you lived up to my expectations! Loved it! ❤️ Please make more & more videos on classic Hollywood actresses of the 20s, 30s, 40s & 50s! 🙏☺️

[@anais9263]

She was so charismatic here! 48:46

[@CrybabyCoven]

Always so excited to see a new video from you, BKR! thank you!!!!

[@GotTheMorbs]

Just got recomended this and I can't wait to watch!! The early 1900's, silent movies, actors and fashion from these time periods, and black and white movies are some of my special interests. Clara Bow is one of my favorites!! I know probably more than the average persosn should of her life and stuff so I'm excited to see if theres anything new to know about her in this video!! Even if there isn't I'm just so happy to find youtube videos about her!!

[@DanteFiceti]

This is why I stay subscribed, I love these stars

[@SkyeID]

Hooray! A video about Clara Bow!

[@deer.4651]

The beginning of celebrity culture. 100 years later and now its falling

[@ExcelsiorElectric]

Thank you so much for this. Clara Bow is one of my absolute favorites.

[@Candy-yb2sw]

So good I adore Clara Bow! I don’t know if u consider requests, but there’s an important actress who really started portraying the flapper image my other fav “Olive Thomas” u played parts of her movie “The flapper” in the video 🥰 a lot of people don’t know of Olive Thomas who was before Clara bow and after Mary Pickford she’s right in between

[@andrewgilmore7669]

I started watching your channel because Clara is one of my favorite actresses. I went from there to watching a lot of your other videos. I’m really impressed. You clearly know what you’re doing, it sounds like you do a lot of research, and your comments are presented in a very thoughtful and entertaining way. Bravo!

[@bobbyantonelli7978]

Oh I can’t wait to watch this video!! She’s among my favorite movie stars ever from the past. Truly THE “ IT “ Girl !

[@thomashavard-morgan8181]

Even though I know about Clara, there was a great documentary on the BBC here in the UK, I could never not watch your videos and your own analyses and as always excellent. I would love a video on Louise Brooks.

[@jsmith034086]

I've watched this three times! Excellent.

[@ChickenxBoneless]

Thank you! She's literally is the blue print and she's the definition of an icon.

[@chetzmom65]

I love SO Much when you cover Silent Film Actors/Actresses. These people are the very reason we love movies today! If you think silent films are too b🎉oring or silly, try watching from a historical view. The objects they use, the clothes, the mechanisms of daily life - like how a cup of coffee was made - are VERY different from now. Clara Bow was a firefly who many aspired to be. She deserves to be remembered! ❤

[@Anynom]

Ah always a blast seeing a long video!

[@alenayushkevich8159]

Karolina is everything! Her videos are incredible! Thank you for including her.

[@AlbyBurton1]

NOT YOU MENTIONING CAROLINA'S WORK THAT JUST MAKES SENSE I LOVE YOU BOTH

[@Jeremiah13tears]

So cool! I love Clara and her iconic style! Your narration is one of the best of any Documentaries. Your voice is so cool, clear and never loses your interest.

[@stephenleblanc4677]

I'm always so excited when you post a new video.

[@ad61video]

She reminds me of Marylin Monroe. Spontaneous, smart, sexy, vulnerable, tragic.

[@kristoferwilson6593]

always a good day when BKR post! can’t wait til we get the video on Frances McDormmand

[@sheren_b]

I love this essay giving such a wonderful overview of Clara Bow, even though I do know some film history i didnt know about her until the taylor swift song, and im glad i've learned so much and am eager to learn more.its really good to have this essay on hand and to give context to ppl like myself that are just learning about clara It makes me want to re-listen to the album and think about it in clara bow's perspective too bc there are clear parallels between taylor (and other famous women) and clara and its interesting to see how applicable her life and experiences are to taylors art/perspective as well.

[@shelleynobleart]

You express these ideas so exquisitely precisely.

[@cooperwesley1536]

What a yummy topic! Thank you for bringing her back into the contemporary conversation... it's well-deserved.

[@shironerisilk]

When I saw Louise Brooks in that interview I couldn't believe she was Bow's contemporary, looking that bright and gorgeous in the 1970s (I suppose judging from her outfit).

[@LeeseePieces]

This is the one you send to Sundance. So good.

[@marcor7044]

This is so perfectly timed, Im doing a project on 1920s cinema for an English project for the Great Gatsby

[@Erindhollis]

Great job on Clara!

[@amberpearce222]

I really admire her

[@sirjhveo]

Thank you for uploading this. It's sad that even though she laid such important groundwork as an actress a lot of her work has been lost. I've read about her before and it's heartbreaking just how badly she was screwed over by the industry, by her family and friends, and didn't get the kind of work and respect she deserved. However, she was and remains an icon and an utter joy to watch in her works that remain.

[@pdzombie1906]

Great as usual!! Thanx!!!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

8:52 MEME MOTHER HAS ENTERED THE CHAT

[@baylorsailor]

😆

[@TalkAsSoftAsChalk]

The Queen has uploaded! Need to put everything else aside.

[@bobbyantonelli7978]

I’m SO glad you found her to be as modern as a girl of today even. Even her looks are quite attractive by today’s standards.

[@brianshaker1885]

Amazing video. In every sense of the word. Clara is flattered and proud... and a huge fan!