It was just a timely coincidence that after finishing
Elyce Rae Helford’s book What Price Hollywood? Gender and Sex in the Films of George Cukor that the next morning Turner Classic Movies presented a five-pack of Cukor’s films. Screening was The Women, The Philadelphia Story, A Woman’s Face, Gaslight and The Actress. All five of these classic films and more directed by Cukor are now spotlighted in a new and inventive way in Helford’s book. She analyzes sexuality, both heterosexual
relationships and films with gay and lesbian subtones prevalent within the confines of the studio system while Cukor was directing these films as they were created. Not only that, Helford explores how film historians and the critics of the era reacted. After reading each chapter, there is cause for reflection and a deeper understanding of Cukor’s films. Oh, did you know George Cukor was gay and when
he was tagged a “women’s director” he disliked that moniker? Cukor was an actor’s director and a very fine one at that. From What Price Hollywood in 1932 to A Star is Born in 1954 or A Double Life in 1947 to Born Yesterday in 1950 … he had a finesse and an eye to create memorable and long-lasting performances out of the stars he directed. This is his eternal gift of talent. He also had a tremendous collaboration as director and friend with Katharine Hepburn. Each of these facets of his career are brought to light in Helford’s finely researched and thought-provoking book. From female friendships, to the role of masculinity and use of alcohol in his films or his 1940s films and his picking of films that appealed to him to direct, it’s very crystal-clear that he had a remarkable talent in both subject matter and what mattered to him. To quote Cukor, “Heaven knows, everyone has his limitations. But why make them narrower than they are?” Elyce Rae Helford also brings to the table of thought
in Cukor’s use of drag, gender and camp. She titled Chapter 7 … Queer Musical Excess. Cukor won his only Oscar as director for My Fair Lady and it really is a revelation as Helford discusses all the dialogue and situations overlooked in this award-winning and timeless musical. She also touches on his directorial work for Let’s Make Love starring Marilyn Monroe and Les Girls. Needless to say, if you want an authoritative and fresh look at Cukor’s films … look no further than What Price Hollywood? Available Now
BOOK IT! August 2020 | @theragemonthly 17
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