Note: This post is a part of the sporadic Historical Context series, in which I share excerpts from my collection of vintage magazines, from fan mags to LIFE to mod fashion fare. For more in this series, visit the archive.
LOOK isn’t exactly a magazine known for its movie content, but in most of the magazines in my collection of oldies, there’s at least a little bit of classic Hollywood flare. Here are a few tidbits from the January 21, 1958 issue of LOOK.
In a regular feature offering little soundbites and quips from public figures, two classic actresses were featured:
Eva Gabor expressed her lack of interest in the small screen, quoted as saying, “I’ve found the most divine sleeping pill — television.”
The great Sophia Loren avoided the big screen versus small screen debate and covered another topic altogether: honesty. “I always tell the truth,” Sophia said. “I can’t be bothered to lie — you need such a good memory.”
The “Movie Review” section of the mag shed light on the making of Disney’s sure-to-scar-your-child-for-life classic, Old Yeller. LOOK gave the scoop on the canine star of the film, a rescue dog named Spike who became a “million-dollar mutt” movie star!
For all of the pup’s charms, the mag’s Picture of the Month was The Seven Hills of Rome, starring Mario Lanza. “The fact is that Mario Lanza adds a robust quality to film fare that we’ve missed,” the review reads. “[…] the golden-voiced star of The Great Caruso returns in what struck our eyes and ears as a delightful musical romance.”
The film followed Lanza as Marc Revere, an American TV star traveling by train to Rome in search of his fiance. I haven’t seen the film, but apparently there isn’t much to the plot. The appeal is in Lanza’s musical performances, and the wonderful Italian scenery, according to non-LOOK reviews. Here’s the original trailer, courtesy of Warner Archive:
The issue also features an article on Rita Hayworth, but that’ll be getting a lengthier post of its own — with scans, as it includes quite a few photos! Until then, I hope you’ve enjoyed this brief look at a 1958 copy of LOOK!
The Motion Pictures 