Posts in Category: Collection Spotlight
Jane on Location
Year of Jane Russell: Day 239
Here’s a charming shot of Jane on location in Arizona for Foxfire. It looks like she is posing for the little boy who appears to be holding a large format camera that’s almost half his size!
Daring Subject Matter
Year of Jane Russell: Day 238
Foxfire’s exploration of interracial relationships and prejudice against Native Americans is unusual for the time, as is its (Production Code–approved) handling of the subject of miscarriage.
Music by Mancini, Vocals by Chandler
Year of Jane Russell: Day 237
Foxfire included a title theme song written by Henry Mancini and sung by Jeff Chandler, Jane’s costar in the film.
Written by Women
Year of Jane Russell: Day 236
Foxfire was truly written by women. The film was based on a novel by Anya Seton and the screenplay was penned by Ketti Frings who would go on to win a Pulitzer for the play Look Homeward, Angel.
Designs by Bill Thomas
Year of Jane Russell: Day 235
Jane made Foxfire during a rare break from being under contract to Howard Hughes. She welcomed the opportunity to work with costume designer Bill Thomas who steered clear of the strapless frocks she usually wore in Hughes’ films.
That Technicolor Pop
Year of Jane Russell: Day 234
Foxfire takes place in a small mining town, but the Technicolor cinematography of William H. Daniels helps to make it a visually stunning film.
On Location in Foxfire
Year of Jane Russell: Day 233
Foxfire was shot on location in Oatman and Kingman, Arizona, as well as the Apple Valley Inn, a once-trendy resort that closed in 1987 but in past years has been undergoing renovations.
Going Independent with Foxfire
Year of Jane Russell: Day 232
In between Howard Hughes contracts, Jane launched Russ-Field Productions with her husband. She wanted to use Jeff Chandler in a film, so Universal Pictures, the studio he was under contract, asked Jane to do Foxfire with him in exchange.
End of the Movie Line
Year of Jane Russell: Day 231
After Underwater! wrapped, Jane would sign a third and final contract with Howard Hughes that lasted TWENTY years. However Underwater! was the last film she made for him.
Underwater! Premiere…Underwater
Year of Jane Russell: Day 230
When Underwater! premiered in Silver Springs, Florida. It was projected on a screen that was literally underwater. Here’s Jane and Richard Egan donning SCUBA gear and being good sports during the festivities.