The Australian Women's Weekly Icons

Revisit the magic of Hollywood’s golden age with a new Icons issue. From leading lady Lucille Ball’s path to becoming our favourite funny girl to the secret lives of stars including Frank Sinatra, Leslie Caron, Burt Lancaster and more there are 164 page of gripping reads and vintage photos to enjoy.

From the editor

LEADING ladies • Lucille Ball Judy Garland Clara Bow

America’s funny girl • Adored, incomparable comedienne Lucille Ball died more than 35 years ago. Fans clamoured for more of their queen and then – seven years after her death – her children found a dusty box from 1966. And Lucille’s fans heard her laughter again, writes Katie Ekberg.

Beyond the rainbow • Actress and singer, child star and mother – Judy Garland died too young, but lived enough for two lifetimes on her way to a cherished place in popular culture.

The original It Girl • She was America’s sweetheart, the ultimate flapper, and even made the treacherous transition from silent films to talkies. Yet in the end she turned her back on a Hollywood that never cared for her, writes Peter Griffiths.

Stars AT PLAY • Actors & their pets Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

A star’s best friend • Away from the glitz and glamour of the silver screen, the royalty of Hollywood’s Golden Age liked to hang out with some furry friends and animal acquaintances.

Set in stone • Were it not for a man whose name has often been forgotten, the world-famous theatre forecourt may never have seen the light of day.

DYNAMIC duos • Audrey Hepburn & Cary Grant Marilyn Monroe & Jane Russell Elizabeth Taylor & Montgomery Clift

An affair to remember • Together, two of the world’s most iconic actors would create history, finally uniting to make a classic film one of them would declare the last of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Tiffany Dunk reports on the enduring legacy they left behind and the unforgettable friendship that was formed.

Opposites attract • The inspired casting of film veteran Jane and rising star Marilyn in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes created one of Hollywood’s most successful double acts, as well as a friendship that extended beyond the silver screen, writes Bronwyn Phillips.

When Liz met Monty • Blessed with breathtaking good looks, boundless talent and buckets of charm, this duo would see each other through a myriad of ups and downs over the course of a lifelong friendship. Tiffany Dunk reports.

SCANDALS & tragedy • The Thomas Ince affair Alfred Hitchcock Bette Davis & Joan Crawford David Nevin & Primula Rollo

Death on the high seas • When newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst invited the cream of Hollywood on a weekend pleasure cruise, it was meant to be a celebration. Yet after the trip was over, the guest of honour would be dead. Bronwyn Phillips asks if it was natural causes or something more sinister?

Hitchcock & his women • Hitchcock was an obsessive genius who created more than 60 films, many of which live on in popular culture – but his relationships with women were as twisted and menacing as his labyrinthine plots, writes William Langley.

Clash of the titans • It started out as a falling out over a man, but before long the feud between Bette and Joan became the most famous squabble in cinema history, as Tiffany Dunk reveals.

Deadly dinner game • The invitation to a star-packed party signalled that Hollywood newcomer Primula had ‘arrived’. Yet, writes Lisa Sinclair, by the end of the night she would be dead in a silly game gone tragically wrong.

LEADING men • Elvis Presley & Colonel Tom Parker James Dean Rudolph Valentino

The man behind the King • When an ex-carnival worker with a chequered past met a young Memphis singer, they formed quite the formidable team. Toby Creswell...