Highest rated as cast or director
The Public Enemy
1931
Dinner at Eight
1933
Libeled Lady
1936
Bombshell
1933
Red Dust
1932
China Seas
1935
Biography
Jean Harlow (born Harlean Harlow Carpenter; March 3, 1911 – June 7, 1937) was an American actress. Known for her portrayal of "bad girl" characters, she was the leading sex symbol of the early 1930s and one of the defining figures of the pre-Code era of American cinema. Often nicknamed the "Blonde Bombshell" and the "Platinum Blonde", Harlow was popular for her "Laughing Vamp" screen persona. Though her screen persona changed dramatically during her career, one constant was her sense of humor. She was given superior movie roles to show off her looks and nascent comedic talent. Harlow was in the film industry for only nine years, but she became one of the biggest stars in the US, whose image in the public eye has endured. Harlow was consistently voted one of the strongest box office draws in the United States from 1933 onward, often surpassing that of MGM's top leading ladies, such as Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford and Norma Shearer. Her movies also continued to make huge profits at the box office even during the middle of the Depression. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked Harlow No. 22 on its greatest female screen legends of classical Hollywood cinema list.
Acted in 55
2020s
- 2022
Becoming Marilyn
(archive footage)
2000s
- 2008
Thou Shalt Not: Sex, Sin and Censorship in Pre-Code Hollywood
Various Roles (archive footage)
1990s
- 1995
The Casting Couch
Movie
- 1994
That's Entertainment! III
(archive footage) (uncredited)
1980s
- 1988
Hollywood Scandals and Tragedies
(archive footage) (uncredited)
- 1986
Marilyn Monroe
archive footage
- 1984
Going Hollywood: The '30s
(archive footage)
1970s
- 1976
That's Entertainment, Part II
(archive footage)
- 1974
That's Entertainment!
(archive footage) (uncredited)
1960s
- 1967
The Further Perils of Laurel and Hardy
Movie
- 1964
The Big Parade of Comedy
Ruby in 'Hold Your Man' (archive footage)
1950s
- 1957
1930s
- 1937
Saratoga
Carol Clayton
Personal Property
Crystal Wetherby
- 1936
Suzy
Suzy
Riffraff
Hattie
- 1935
Reckless
Mona Leslie
- 1934
The Girl from Missouri
Eadie
- 1933
Hold Your Man
Ruby Adams
- 1932
Red-Headed Woman
Lillian 'Lil' / 'Red' Andrews Legendre
Three Wise Girls
Cassie Barnes
- 1931
Goldie
Goldie
Iron Man
Rose Mason
The Secret Six
Anne Courtland
- 1930
1920s
- 1929
New York Nights
Party Guest
Weak But Willing
Blonde Night Club Patron
This Thing Called Love
Extra
Masquerade
Spectator
Thundering Toupees
Movie
Double Whoopee
Swanky blonde
The Unkissed Man
Patient
Close Harmony
Chorus Girl
Why Is a Plumber?
Movie
Why Be Good?
Blonde on Rooftop Bench at Junior's Second Party
Fugitives
Extra (uncredited)
Liberty
Woman in cab (as Harlean Carpenter)
- 1928
Chasing Husbands
Bathing Beauty (uncredited)
Moran of the Marines
Extra (uncredited)
Appearances29
2020s
- 2023
The Love Story of Jean Harlow and William Powell
Self (archive footage)
- 2020
2010s
- 2015
Discovering Jean Harlow
Self (archive footage)
2000s
- 2007
Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema
Self (archive footage)
- 2006
42nd Street: From Book to Screen to Stage
Self (archive footage)
- 2005
Beer and Blood: Enemies of the Public
Self (archive footage)
- 2004
Judy Garland: By Myself
Self (archive footage)
- 2003
Complicated Women
Self (archive footage)
- 2001
Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel
Self (archive footage)
- 2000
Howard Hughes: His Women and His Movies
Self (archive footage)
1990s
- 1999
Clara Bow: Discovering the "It" Girl
Self (from The Saturday Night Kid [1929]) (archive footage)
- 1997
Sports on the Silver Screen
Self (archive footage)
- 1996
Jean Harlow: Platinum Bombshell
Self (archive footage)
- 1995
Betty Boop: Queen of the Cartoons
Self (archive footage)
- 1993
- 1990
1980s
- 1989
Death Scenes
Self (archive footage)
- 1987
James Stewart: A Wonderful Life
Self (archive footage)
- 1986
The Spencer Tracy Legacy: A Tribute by Katharine Hepburn
Self (archive footage)
- 1983
Hollywood Out-takes and Rare Footage
Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
1970s
- 1975
Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?
Self (archive footage)
- 1972
Hollywood: The Dream Factory
Self (archive footage)
1960s
- 1961
Hollywood: The Selznick Years
Self - Actress 'Dinner at Eight' (archive footage) (uncredited)
1950s
- 1955
1940s
- 1945
Screen Snapshots (Series 25, No. 1): 25th Anniversary
Self (archive footage)
- 1942
Screen Snapshots (Series 22, No. 10)
Self (archive footage)
1930s
- 1933
Hollywood on Parade No. A-12
Self
- 1931
Voice of Hollywood (Series 2, No. 3)
Self