THE SPIRITS SPEAK
This is an interview with the Spirit of Jean Harlow, the actoress known as America's first sex symbol of films. Her words are channeled through Speaker Linda J. Polley.
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1. Is it true your grandfather tried to keep you away from your mother and grandmother because of their Christian Scientist beliefs?
A. Yes, but moreso he felt they might not let me live a normal life and spoil me. He knew I should grow up like other kids.
2. Was it terrible living with your mother and her second husband in your grandfather's house?
A. I don't know about terrible, it was tense. That is all I will say on the matter.
3. Did all this make you prejudice against other religions?
A. When I became older I didn't feel religion was really an important thing in my life because possibly, of my treatment at home. I don't remember being really prejudice, just the usual childhood squabbles with kids of other faiths.
4. How well did you know Charles McGraw before you eloped with him at 15?
A. He was a great friend, my first 'date'. He thought he loved me, and I him. He wanted to take me away from all my troubles. Ah, youth!
5. Is it true your promotion tour for Hell's Angels flopped in 1932 because you were inexperienced in this sort of thing?
A. Yes, definitely! And also a poor advertising campaign and promoting.
6. How did you like being one of the first sex symbols?
A. It was a shock to me, personally. I never considered myself that sexy, and everything happening all at once put my head in the clouds. I didn't like at first, all the attention from the rude and pushy men, but as time went on I got used to it, and learned to take it with a grain of salt.
7. What are some of your true comments on modesty from then and now, and also your opinions on women's equality?
A. A woman must be as modest as possible while expressing herself through her clothing, make up, and hair style as she wishes. I believe women should have equal rights with employment and wages, with men, and the right to express their opinions whenever the need arises.
8. What did you think about several women making themselves look like you?
A. I was flattered, of course, but I tried to promote individuality, in my fans. Each one of us is unique in their own way. They should show it, and not copy others too much.
9. What do you feel now about your parents, and husbands who mistreated and used you?
A. I hold no ill regrets toward any of them, but I still wish my marriages had gone better. But it was not all the fault of my husbands we divorced. A marriage has to work both ways; a partnership. I blew it, as well.
10. When you became ill before you died, why didn't you see a doctor despite your mother's wishes, as you would have done before you moved in with her?
A. I was really sick, but I didn't realize how bad I was. I thought whatever it was would go away, and was probably caused by the alcohol and other poisons I had polluted my body with. At least I was right about the cause. As time went on, I was so sick I didn't care what happened to me, I had medicine, but nothing seemed to improve my condition. I gave up all hope that anything would ever be better in my life, and went back to live with my mother, since I had made my peace with religion, and loved my mom, and wanted her to know this. I thought in some way after all, she, or, God, may be able to at least give me some kind of comfort. I stopped taking the medicine and just kept hoping for a miracle, and got weaker and weaker. It was too late for miracles.
11. Were you as wild as books say?
A. Oh yes, and more so. I wanted to experience it all while I had the chance. I knew my fame and fortune wouldn't be permanent things. All my life was like a big party.
12. What do you do now, in The Spirit World?
A. I am still continuing my profession, and also counselling spirits who have died because of drugs and alcohol abuse, at the hospitals here.
13. Why did you request this interview?
A. To put my two cents in and try to tell young people; anyone, for that matter, to say no to alcohol and drugs. Don't end up like me. Live every moment of your life, don't ruin it, pollute a wonderful body just because everyone else does it, or as an 'escape' from life and its problems. Because these things are an escape to nowhere. You can have plenty of fun without drugs and alcohol!
14. Will you be able to come back and answer more questions later?
A. Yeah, sure! As far as I know I'm going to be here awhile, yet. But I suppose soon I'll be reincarnating. I'll enjoy the challenge. This time I KNOW I'll make it right! I HAVE to!
Robert Trott of Salem, MA asks;
Were the sexy parts you played only play acting, or was this the way you were in real life?
There was somewhat of a middle ground. I wasn't miss goody-goody, no one would believe that. But, neither was I as wild as in the movies, just somewhere about half-way in-between!
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Our next interview will be with the Spirit of comedy genious W.C. Fields. If you have any questions for him, get them in before October 15, to be considered for the November issue.
WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE LACK OF A COVER PICURE THIS ISSUE. Silver Raven, who was supposed to do it contracted pneumonia, and was unable to get one to us in time.
LABOR DAY- Dedicated to those whose blood sweat and tears made America great. Let them not be forgotten.
ADDITIONAL INTERVIEW TOP NEXT PAGE!