Old Hollywood Connections in Mad Men
After re-watching the last two seasons, I realize that there has been a lot of Old Hollywood references from both the show and magazines (aka TV Guide's allusion to the admen as the Rat Pack). So I thought it'd be fun to collect all of them, compare and contrast, maybe even suggest some other character's possible likeness to famous starlets. I got stuck on a couple of them- so if anyone has any ideas, I'd be glad to hear them.
2.03: Jimmy: By the way, I loved you in Gentlemen's Agreement.
2.09: Jimmy: Well, if it isn't The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit.
Don Draper as Gregory Peck: In terms of physique, charm and looks, it's a pretty accurate choice. More importantly, Peck's two famous roles in Gentlemen's Agreement and The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit reflect similar issues and themes that are tied to Don Draper. In Gentlemen's Agreement, Phillip Green keeps his original identity a secret and researches what its like to be Jewish (Don's research for Israel tourism). In The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit, Tom Rath searches for the meaning of life, makes it big in the business world, commits adultery and has a housewife named Betsy.
3.01: Shelly (stewardess): Lorelei thinks you look like Ty Power. Remember him?
Don Draper as Tyrone Power: Both are "tall, dark and handsome" types, who play "the chivalrous romantic hero" by default in the day but play the field by night and gain a reputation for it. I also find Tyrone's quote, "the secret of charm is bullshit" hilarious and pretty much sums up the whole character of Don Draper.
1.09: Jim Hobart: Anybody tell you you're a deadringer for Grace Kelly?
Francine: Carlton calls you Grace Kelly.
Betty Draper as Grace Kelly: This one is pretty obvious- in terms of looks, she's the spitting image. Both women had a career in modeling, married their own "prince" but did not live happily ever after, were involved in car crashes and have a nickname that refers to them as birds- Graciebird and Birdie, symbolically caged birds.
2.06: Sal: I would say you're more classical. Helenic.
Don: Irene Dunne.
Peggy Olson as Irene Dunne: Other than looks and faith, I'm not sure of the connection between the two. Dunne was mostly known for her love of music, comedic timing and her memorable performance as a compassionate mother in I Remember Mama. In contrast, Peggy is more of a serious workaholic who chooses to indulge in her independence instead of becoming a mother.
2.06: Paul: Marilyn, Jackie, Marilyn. Well Marilyn's really a Joan, not the other way around.
2.09: Joan: I feel like I'm stuck somewhere between Doris Day in Pillow Talk and Midnight Lace when I need to be Kim Novak in just about everything.
Carol: You're prettier than Kim Novak.
Joan Holloway as Marilyn Monroe/ Kim Novak: At first glance, the three women have the following things in common: voluptuous figures, sex appeal and risque affairs. As individuals, their differences set them apart- Monroe was known for her innocence and vulnerability, Novak was seen as mysterious and lonely while Joan is more discreet and professional. But as a goal, they all want stability and seek a man to be loved and happy.
1.12: Paul: You're not going to call me Orson Welles again.
Paul Kinsey as Orson Welles: Apart from looks, these two are linked by aggression, ambition and artistic temperament. Both have a certain vision they want to express through writing, been involved in politics and dated outside their own race.
Joan Holloway as Rita Hayworth: Now this isn't a direct reference but probably a common comparison- as two redheads, looking for love only to experience some sort of abuse in their relationships. Besides they were involved with their own "Orson Welles" and left them- Joan left because of his "big mouth" and Rita left because of his "genius"/cold behavior.
2.10: Pete: Of course, lounging at the pool. They'll think you're a young Barbara Stanwyck.
Trudy Campbell as Barbara Stanwyck: Honestly, I see more of Natalie Wood in Trudy- sweet, elegant and vivacious with sincere concerns to start a family. This was an odd reference and I can't really think of anything to connect the two but if anyone was going to be Barbara Stanwyck, it would be Peggy.
Pete Campbell as Robert Wagner: I think these two have a couple of things in common- both have that distinct preppy frat-boyish look, born within wealthy families and were determined enough to go after what they wanted. They were also overshadowed by their older experienced peers at work and in jealous times, acted out rashly- Pete blackmailing Don and Robert intending to kill Warren Beatty for being with Natalie.
Pete/Trudy as Natalie/Robert: Maybe it's too early to tell but I think there might be something there. What with Pete and Trudy cutting a rug and looking pretty damn happy.
Rachel Menken as Joan Crawford: Specifically, I see it the eyebrows and sharp bone structure of their faces. Both are independent trailblazers, who worked to make a name for themselves (the rags to riches story) and challenged "the system" to take them seriously. Plus there's also Don's line to Betty in 1.06, which I now find pretty amusing and ironic- "Well, some men like eyebrows and all men like Joan Crawford."
Salvatore Romano as Rock Hudson: This one was an easy connection- known for their good looks and style, decided to get married to hide their homosexuality and both are greatly accomplished in their work.
Kitty Romano as Doris Day: Even though, we've seen very little of Kitty- she seems to share the same image that Doris Day is always linked to; straight laced, cheerful and patient- America's sweetheart. I also think Sal/Kitty resemble a similar chemistry to Rock/Doris- and both females had no idea about their homosexuality.
Ken Cosgrove as Van Johnson: In a similar fashion, Ken seems to reflect that image of "the-boy-next-door"- something which Van Johnson is known to play in most of his roles. Both hold a certain wholesome appeal, sensitivity and easy going attitude.
Roger Sterling as Cary Grant: At first, I thought Sean Connery reminded me of him... but I think Cary Grant is more fitting. Besides James Bond was created with Cary in mind. To sum it up, they are both charming, suave men who dictated their own businesses as professionals and share a similar wry humor.
The characters I was stuck with: Harry Crane, Bobby Barrett and Duck Phillips.