Photos: John Kobal’s Portraits of Hollywood’s Golden Age

A look back at iconic images of Hollywood's golden age

Like the residents of ancient Greece and Rome, 20th-century Americans had their gods too. Fiery, tempestuous deities of impossible beauty and power who could capture the hearts of mere mortals with the flick of an eyelash or a furrowed brow. The Hollywood star is still worshiped today, but their sheen somehow seemed brighter in the period from 1920 to 1960--an era chronicled in a new book, "Glamour of the Gods." All of the book's photos come from the important archive of Hollywood photography and cinema expert John Kobal, who died in 1991. Kobal's collection includes Dietrich, Garbo, Bogart, Chaplain, Hepburn and many others who defined an era. Join us as we venture back to a lost golden age.

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Posted By: Simon Crocker @ 08/28/2008 8:58:57 AM

Not sure what your point is. I have pictured edited over 42 books on Hollywood photography and think this illustrative selection - from an exhibition of over 100 images and a wonderful book - Glamour of the Gods (published by Steidl) - of over nearly 200 images - is perfectly fine. This is, after all, a book on photography and not on cinema. Simon Crocker, The John Kobal Foundation
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Posted By: Murray Garrett @ 07/30/2008 3:27:26 PM

Having authored two books on Hollywood, I respectfully disagree with the selection of photographs,, not the
the stars, you've selected to depict "HOLLYWOOD'S GOLDEN AGE.
Murray Garrett
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Posted By: Murray Garrett @ 07/30/2008 3:24:08 PM

Every one has their own two cent evaluation of Hollywood's Golden era. I, respectfully disagree withthe evaluation in this current issue.
Murray Garrett