Rita Hayworth: And Men Created a Goddess is a documentary film that delves into the remarkable life and career of Hollywood icon Rita Hayworth. The film features rare footage, photographs, and interviews with those who knew and loved Hayworth, as well as experts in the entertainment industry. The documentary begins by exploring Hayworth's origins as a shy, Spanish-speaking girl named Margarita Carmen Cansino, born in Brooklyn in 1918. Her father was a Spanish dancer, and from a young age, Hayworth was trained to dance and perform. She began her career in Hollywood in the 1930s, performing in small roles in films before catching the attention of Columbia Pictures head Harry Cohn.
Cohn saw potential in Hayworth and set about transforming her image into that of a glamorous, seductive leading lady. He had her hairline raised, her hair dyed auburn, and her name changed to the more American-friendly Rita Hayworth. With Cohn's marketing savvy behind her, Hayworth became a sensation in films such as Gilda (1946) and The Lady from Shanghai (1947). She was dubbed the "Love Goddess" and became one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood.
However, the documentary doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of Hayworth's life. She was married five times, including to Orson Welles and Prince Aly Khan, and her personal life was often turbulent. Hayworth also struggled with alcoholism and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in her later years. The documentary explores the toll that the Hollywood machine took on Hayworth, and how her image was carefully crafted to appeal to male audiences.
Despite these challenges, Hayworth remained a beloved figure in Hollywood and beyond. The documentary examines her impact on popular culture and how she paved the way for other actresses to challenge traditional gender roles. She was a trailblazer in many ways, and the film celebrates her legacy as an actress, dancer, and icon.
Overall, Rita Hayworth: And Men Created a Goddess is a fascinating look at one of Hollywood's most enduring and beloved stars. The film does an excellent job of balancing the glitz and glamour of Hayworth's career with the more complicated aspects of her personal life. It's a must-watch for fans of classic Hollywood, and for anyone interested in the legacy of Rita Hayworth.
Rita Hayworth: And Men Created a Goddess is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 52 minutes.
