Clara Gordon Bow, destined to become the iconic "It Girl", was born on July 29, 1905, in Brooklyn, New York, amidst poverty and violence. Her often absent and brutish father failed to provide for her, and her schizophrenic mother's attempts to slit her throat when Clara expressed a desire to become an actress only served to fuel her determination. Despite these challenges, Clara won a photo beauty contest, which launched her movie career, spanning an impressive 58 films from 1922 to 1933.
The movie It (1927) defined her career, showcasing her as a shopgirl who captures the attention of her store's owner. As the silent film unfolds, it is clear that Clara is thrilled to be asked out on a date, with her friend eagerly assisting her in preparing for the big night. Clara's character uses scissors to modify her dress, attempting to appear more alluring. This film played a significant role in shifting societal norms, as it was released only a few years after World War I. Clara embodied the concept of flaming youth, rebelling against traditional values and presenting a worldly wisdom that equated sex with having a good time. However, the film should not be misunderstood, as her character slaps her boss when he attempts to kiss her goodnight.
At the height of her popularity, Clara received over 45,000 fan letters per month, but she was also likely the most overworked and underpaid star in the industry. With the advent of sound, her popularity began to wane. Clara was involved in several court battles, including disputes over unpaid taxes and divorce proceedings for alleged infidelity. Following these court trials, she made a few attempts to regain the public's attention. One such attempt was the film Call Her Savage (1932),which was somewhat of a box office failure. Her final film appearance was in Hoopla (1933).
Clara married cowboy star Rex Bell at the age of 26 and retired from the film world at 28. She devoted herself to her two sons, striving to please them at all costs. However, she struggled with weight issues and mental imbalance, which led to her confinement in sanitariums from time to time. She was also prohibited from seeing her beloved sons during these periods. Clara died of a heart attack in West Los Angeles on September 26, 1965, at the age of 60.
Today, Clara Gordon Bow is experiencing a renaissance among movie enthusiasts, who are rediscovering the virtues of silent film. The actress who yearned to be like the lovely young woman from It (1927) has left behind a legacy of films that confirm her status as a wonderful lady and America's first sex symbol.
