Lessons from the Women of Old Hollywood
By Kate England
In a culture that ridicules femininity, many Americans can’t help but reminisce on a time when it was celebrated. As the film industry churns out leftwing, feminist movies, we fondly recall how femininity was romanticized in old Hollywood. From Elizabeth Taylor to Grace Kelly, many talented actresses and models of elegance and modesty once graced our nation’s screens.
Modern film-making brought bolder storylines and exciting CGI improvements, to be sure. However, something very valuable was lost in the transition.
From Casablanca to Breakfast at Tiffany’s, many old films featured glamorous, classy, and dynamic women. They were presented respectfully. Compare that to today, when the film industry consistently debases women in scenes of nudity and sex.
The third and fourth wings of feminism assert that a woman must wield and wave around her sexuality to be empowered. Many women believe that they can accomplish this by flaunting their bodies and participating in hookup culture. Modern feminism has permeated into today’s films, where women are often portrayed in a sexually explicit manner that demeans the sacredness of the female body. What should be regarded as a divine gift from the heavens, that can create and sustain life itself, has been degraded and belittled by the media.
This is devastating to the first-wave feminist movements of the early 1900s. They advocated for equality and respect for women in the US. Audrey Hepburn, Taylor, and Kelly, three stars of Hollywood’s golden age widely respected for their talent, acted with poise not only on-screen, but off-screen. While the trio never outright supported feminism, they advanced the cause of women in a way that is actually productive. They were living examples of feminine grace.
Kelly moved with elegance and authenticity. After she married Prince Rainier III of Monaco, Kelly was often expected to maintain relationships with dignitaries and royals from around the world.
“Princess Grace organized soirées, balls, and charity events that united luminaries across the political and artistic spectrums, creating an atmosphere with meaningful exchanges that bridged diverse perspectives,” according to the Grace de Monaco Foundation. “Her skillful hosting, a blend of sophistication and inclusivity, is a guide to true hospitality.”
Kelly had great sophistication and intellect while facing the monumental task of uniting different cultures and backgrounds in a royal setting. The world watched her every move as she delivered the most important performance of her career: being a princess.
Hepburn, one of the most iconic actresses of all time, had talent on the big screen and quintessential style. However, her humanitarian work set her apart from the other members of Hollywood’s elite. Hepburn joined the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (or UNICEF) in 1988. She was involved in various vaccination, education, and nutrition projects all over the world. Not only did she dedicate many years to caring for impoverished children, she also devoted herself to helping underprivileged women receive an education. Her altruism was a manifestation of her femininity.
Taylor is widely regarded as one of the most charismatic and alluring actresses due to her iconic violet eyes and captivating performances on-screen. Seen in Cleopatra and BUtterfield 8, Taylor’s had a palpable magnetism. This was despite a turbulent private life filled with child abuse, drug abuse, and various health issues. She had a certain resilience in the face of personal tragedy.
As the House of Taylor notes, “…[Elizabeth] played legendary female characters who embodied strength, integrity, and unapologetic femininity”.
Taylor was also an incredibly sharp-witted businesswoman and was renowned for her activism and charity work. For her, charity also began at home. “…[Taylor’s] greatest joy in life was her family of four children, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren,” the House of Taylor said.
While Taylor experienced various hardships and trials in her life, she never let it harden her heart. She is another fabulous role-model for young women searching for something better than the corrupted film industry. While modern Hollywood pushes the leftist agenda upon new generations, we can find hope by looking to the Golden Age of cinema that treasured romanticism, femininity, and clean content.
In a society where femininity is derided as regressive and stodgy, the talented heroines of old movies can inspire Americans to value refinement once more.
Based in Lake Chelan, Washington, Kate England is a university student currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing at Utah Valley University. She is an aspiring writer and creative, and can be found on Instagram at @kaate.england.
