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Jayne Mansfield
1933-1967
Updated 4/30/2008.
biography
Born Vera Jayne Palmer on April 19, 1933, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Jayne Mansfield became a sexpot of Hollywood and Italian-produced films of the 1950s and 1960s. Married at 16 to high school sweetheart Paul Mansfield and becoming a mother at 17 (to Jayne Marie Mansfield, born in 1950), she started out as a physics major but then switched to drama at the University of Texas and later at UCLA. After she and her husband parted company, Mansfield made the rounds in Hollywood, trying out for bit parts and modeling assignments. Mansfield used her exceptional I.Q. (reportedly 163) to break into movies via a series of incredible publicity stunts, becoming a household name before ever appearing in a film. After bleaching her hair, she did some television work before making her screen debut in the low-budget film noir vehicle Female Jungle (1954; with John Carradine and Lawrence Tierney). The following year she signed with Warner Bros. and was cast in a small role in Pete Kelly's Blues (1955; with Jack Webb and Peggy Lee). However, her contract was dropped soon afterward.
LEFT and CENTER: Mid to late 1950s cheesecake shots. RIGHT: With Sophia Loren
Ironically, Mansfield's big break came by way of the Broadway stage, where she starred in the smash Broadway hit, Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? The sucess of the play landed her a seven-year 20th Century-Fox contract and a starring role in The Girl Can't Help It (1956) opposite Tom Ewell, who had starred with Marilyn Monroe in 1955's The Seven-Year Itch. Following the box-office success of The Girl Can't Help It, Mansfield made the film version of Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? with Tony Randall and Mickey Hargitay, whom she married in January 1958.
LEFT: Mickey Hargitay and Jayne Mansfield in Europe in the late 1950s. CENTER A: Mickey Hargitay with Jayne Mansfield and her daughter, Jayne Marie, in 1958. CENTER B: Photo from their late 1950s nightclub act. RIGHT: Around the time of their 1958 marriage
During their six-year marriage, Mansfield and Hargitay made several films together, including The Loves of Hercules (1960); Promises! Promises! (1963); and Primitive Love (1964). After four films and three children (Miklos, Zoltan, and Mariska), they divorced in August 1964.
the films of jayne mansfield
The Girl Can't Help It (1956)
Mansfield's first starring role came in the 20th Century Fox release The Girl Can't Help It
The Burglar (1957)
From Columbia's excellent film noir entry The Burglar with Dan Duryea
The Wayward Bus (1957)
With Dan Dailey in a scene from the Fox film The Wayward Bus
Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957)
With Tony Randall and Joan Blondell in the Fox comedy Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?
The Sheriff of Fractured Jaw (1958)
With Kenneth More in the 20th Century-Fox western comedy The Sheriff of Fractured Jaw
The George Raft Story (1961)
From the Allied Artists release The George Raft Story. LEFT: With Ray Danton. RIGHT: With Ray Danton and Frank Gorshin
Panic Button (1964)
With Mike Connors in the comedy Panic Button. Shot in the summer of 1962, this film was released two years later
The Fat Spy (1965)
From the low-budget comedy The Fat Spy with Brian Donlevy
Single Room Furnished (1968)
Still from the drama Single Room Furnished, Mansfield's last film
later years
By the dawn of the 1960s, Mansfield was making many low-budget films, including The Loves of Hercules, Promises! Promises!, and Panic Button. After her 1964 divorce from Mickey Hargitay, Mansfield married director Matt Cimber, who took over as her manager during their brief marriage. The couple had a son, Anthony, born in October 1965, and Cimber directed Mansfield's last film, Single Room Furnished (filmed in 1966; released in 1968). Mansfield and Cimber parted company soon afterward. Meanwhile, her film career had taken a turn downward, especially after the death of Marilyn Monroe on August 5, 1962, which ended the era of the blonde bombshell. However, Mansfield kept busy with her successful Vegas act, nightclub performances, and television guest shots.
In the early hours of June 29, 1967, Mansfield, along with her 20-year-old driver and her boyfriend, Sam Brody, were killed when the driver plowed the 1966 Buick Electra in which they were riding into the back of a large truck. Three of her children were in the backseat but escaped with minor injuries.
trivia
Mansfield's daughter with Mickey Hargitay is Mariska Hargitay, an actress who has made dozens of TV and film appearances.
Sadly, Mansfield's famed "Pink Palace" residence was leveled in November 2002, along with two surrounding houses, in order to make way for a new mansion.
This Is Your Life: The Ultimate Collection, Vol. 1 [DVD] DVD
Eighteen episodes--including salutes to Laurel and Hardy, Lou Costello, Bette Davis, Jayne Mansfield, Roy Rogers, Johnny Cash, Milton Berle, Betty White, Bobby Darin, Dick Clark, The Carpenters, Shirley Jones, Jesse Owens, Duke Kahanamoku, Boris Karloff, Vincent Price, and others--are featured in a three-disc set. 8 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Hollywood Rivals [DVD] DVD
Did Bette Davis and Joan Crawford dislike each other? Any bad blood between Pacino and De Niro? This comprehensive five-disc collection spotlights Hollywood rivalries like you've never seen them before! Learn all about the clashes between Bogart and Cagney, Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield, and other celebrities whose similar audience appeal set them against each other in friendly--or unfriendly--competition. 16 2/3 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Kiss Them For Me [DVD](1957) DVD
Frothy wartime comedy stars Cary Grant as a fun-loving naval pilot who finagles a furlough in San Francisco for himself and two other flyboys. But as Grant tries to lead the men on a four-day party in the city by the bay, he finds he must deal with a persistent public relations officer (Werner Klemperer) and a pleasant distraction in the form of a local tycoon's beautiful daughter (Jayne Mansfield). Ray Walston, Suzy Parker, Leif Erickson also star. 102 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital stereo, Spanish Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English, Spanish; photo gallery; theatrical trailer.
Jayne Mansfield Collection [DVD] DVD
Sex, gangsters and rock 'n' roll blend in "The Girl Can't Help It" (1956), one of the '50s best comedies and the film that made Jayne Mansfield a star. Mob boss Edmond O'Brien coerces agent Tom Ewell into making his talentless girlfriend (Jayne) a singing star. With performances by Little Richard, Gene Vincent, and Fats Domino. Next, "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" (1957). Find out in a wildly funny spoof of Hollywood and Madison Avenue. Struggling New York ad man Tony Randall saves his company by convincing sexpot Mansfield to endorse a line of lipstick, only to become a celebrity himself when he's mistaken for her new beau. With Betsy Drake, Mickey Hargitay, and a cameo by Groucho Marx. Finally, a prim English gentleman (Kenneth More) befriends an unruly saloon girl (Mansfield) in the Old West and reluctantly becomes "The Sheriff of Fractured Jaw" (1958). Comedic western also stars Henry Hull, Bruce Cabot, William Campbell. 4 3/4 hrs. total on three discs. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English; newsreel footage; "Biography" episode.
It Takes A Thief [DVD](1960) DVD
A black-wigged Jayne Mansfield leads a gang of crooks in this intriguing crime drama about a failed heist that lands member Anthony Quayle, who hides the money before he's caught, in prison. Upon Quayle's release years later, his former "friends" kidnap his child to pressure him for the whereabouts of the cash. Carl Mohner co-stars. AKA: "The Challenge." 93 min. Soundtrack: English.
It Takes A Thief(1960) VHS
A black-wigged Jayne Mansfield leads a gang of crooks in this intriguing crime drama about a failed heist that lands member Anthony Quayle, who hides the money before he's caught, in prison. Upon Quayle's release years later, his former "friends" kidnap his child to pressure him for the whereabouts of the cash. Carl Mohner co-stars. AKA: "The Challenge." 93 min.
Too Hot To Handle [DVD](1961) DVD
Jayne Mansfield, wearing a see-through sequined net dress, plays a stripper in a seedy club in Soho who informs on her club owner-boyfriend in order to save his life from the violent blackmailers after him. Christopher Lee, Leo Genn, Karl Boehm and Ian Fleming also star. AKA: "Playgirl After Dark." 90 min.
Dog Eat Dog [DVD](1963) DVD
Jayne Mansfield, Cameron Mitchell and Werner Peters star in this Albert Zugsmith production, playing bank robbers who encounter murder and heated passion while on the lam in the Mediterranean following a robbery. 86 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; photo gallery; newsreel footage; theatrical trailer.
Promises! Promises! [DVD](1963) DVD
The luscious Jayne Mansfield dares and bares all in this outrageous sex comedy set on an ocean liner where a sea cruise becomes a bed-hopping mix-up for Jayne, real-life spouse Mickey Hargitay, Tommy Noonan and Marie McDonald. See Imogene Coca as herself! See Jayne in totally superfluous nude scenes! See why this film was (honest!) banned in Cleveland! Uncut, uncensored European version; 75 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; biographies; theatrical trailers; photo gallery.
The Fat Spy [DVD](1966) DVD
A camp classic featuring an incredible cast, this spoof details the efforts of a group of people searching for the Fountain of Youth in Florida, uncovering young rock stars and the buxom Jayne Mansfield instead. Jack E. Leonard, Phyllis Diller, Brian Donlevy and The Wild Ones star. 75 min.
Las Vegas Hillbillys [DVD](1966) DVD
Country bumpkin Ferlin Husky lands in Las Vegas, inherits a dilapidated casino and turns it into a moneymaker with help from Jayne Mansfield and Mamie Van Doren (what a pair!). With Sonny James, Del Reeves and Richard Kiel. Spawned the sequel "Hillbillys in a Haunted House." 90 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English; scene access.
A Guide For The Married Man [DVD](1967) DVD
Gene Kelly directs this delicious farce that finds faithful husband Walter Matthau contemplating stepping out on wife Inger Stevens. To get lessons in infidelity, Matthau consults philandering pal Robert Morse, whose advice plays out in a series of hilarious vignettes, boasting appearances by Lucille Ball, Art Carney, Jayne Mansfield, Sid Caesar, Phil Silvers, Carl Reiner, and Jack Benny; features the hit title song performed by The Turtles. 91 min.
Single Room Furnished [DVD](1968) DVD
Jayne Mansfield shines in her final screen appearance as a full-bodied teenager, left abandoned and pregnant by her loutish husband, who must streetwalk in order to survive. Includes opening tribute to Mansfield by Walter Winchell. 93 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English; scene access.
The Wild, Wild World Of Jayne Mansfield (1968)/The Labyrinth Of Sex [DVD](1970) DVD
It's mondo mania! First, lots of bare-breasted beauties (including Jayne herself) populate this must-see look at the legendary sex goddess. Includes footage of Mansfield and hubby Mickey Hargitay on location in Europe, visiting nude beaches and strip joints and so much more! Then, a shocking film that looks at the roots of sexual deviance by focusing on a number of kinky people and how they got that way. 175 min. total. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; art gallery; bonus shorts; theatrical trailers; more.
Exploitation Classics, Vol. 4 VHS
Amazing array of previews for "C.C. and Company," "Rebel Girls," "Sweet Sugar," "Group Marriage," "Incredible Sex Revolution," "Mondo Balardo," "Mondo Teeno," "It Happened in Athens" with Jayne Mansfield and others.
Sex Kitten Classics, Vol. 1 VHS
Meeeowww, sir, this enticing trailer compilation features three of the screen's sexiest starlets--Mamie Van Doren, Jayne Mansfield and Brigitte Bardot--in "coming attractions" clips from such racy favorites as "Girls Town," "Sex Kittens Go to College," "It Happened in Athens," "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?," "Primitive Love," "School for Love," and others. 60 min.
Twisted Sex, Vol. 13 [DVD] DVD
Trailers for exploitation and softcore delights galore are offered in this softcore "pornucopia." "It Happened in Athens" with Jayne Mansfield, "Hot Pants Holiday," "Taboos of the World," "The Love Merchant," "That Tender Touch," "When Women Had Tails" and "Mondo Freudo" are among the delights. Soundtrack: English.
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filmography
FILM
Single Room Furnished (1968) with Bruno VeSota
The Wild, Wild World of Jayne Mansfield (1968) with Mickey Hargitay
Mondo Hollywood (1967) with Jay Sebring and Frank Zappa
Spree (1967)
Las Vegas Hillbillys (1966) with Mamie Van Doren and Ferlin Husky
The Fat Spy (1965) with Phyllis Diller, Brian Donlevy, and Jack E. Leonard
Primitive Love (1964) with Mickey Hargitay and Franco and Ciccio
Dog Eat Dog (1964) with Cameron Mitchell
Panic Button (1964) with Maurice Chevalier,
Eleanor Parker, and Mike Connors
Homesick for St. Pauli (1963)
Promises, Promises! (1963) with Mickey Hargitay, Tommy Noonan, and Marie McDonald
It Happened in Athens (1962) with Bob Mathias
The George Raft Story (1961) with Ray Danton, Julie London, and Barbara Nichols
The Loves of Hercules (1960) with Mickey Hargitay
It Takes a Thief (1960) with Anthony Quayle
Too Hot to Handle (1959) with Christopher Lee
The Sheriff of Fractured Jaw (1958) with Kenneth More, Henry Hull, William Campbell, Bruce Cabot, and Robert Morley
Kiss Them for Me (1957) with Cary Grant, Suzy Parker, Leif Erickson, Ray Walston, Larry Blyden, Werner Klemperer, and Jack Mullaney
The Wayward Bus (1957) with Joan Collins and Dan Dailey
Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957) with Tony Randall, Mickey Hargitay, Betsy Drake, Joan Blondell, John Williams, and Henry Jones
The Burglar (1957) with Dan Duryea, Martha Vickers, and Mickey Shaughnessy
Female Jungle (1956) with John Carradine and Bruno VeSota
The Girl Can't Help It (1956) with Tom Ewell, Julie London, Little Richard, and Eddie Cochran
Hell on Frisco Bay (1955) with Alan Ladd, Edward G. Robinson, Joanne Dru, William Demarest, and Fay Wray
Illegal (1955) with Edward G. Robinson, Nina Foch, Hugh Marlowe, and Albert Dekker
Pete Kelly's Blues (1955) with Peggy Lee, Jack Webb, and Martin Milner
TELEVISION
The Match Game, July 1964 (daytime; five appearances). Team leader Mansfield matches wits with Orson Bean. This popular daytime NBC game show ran from 1962 through 1969, hosted by Gene Rayburn. The show was resurrected in 1973, enjoying another long run.
Burke's Law, episode Who Killed Molly?, originally aired March 27, 1964.
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, episode Hangover, originally aired 1963.
This Is Your Life, April 1960. Hosted by Ralph Edwards.
jayne links
The Official Jayne Mansfield Web Site
This site is the last word on Jayne Mansfield and contains a lengthy biography, many photos, and more.
This is a great site with tons of rare and original photos of Jayne Mansfield. Also, there's a comprehensive listing of links.
Click on the logo to go back to Brian's Drive-In Theater.
This page premiered March 6, 1998.
Counter reset March 1, 2001.
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