Katharine Hepburn's performance in "Sylvia Scarlett" remains a pivotal point in her illustrious career, marked by its daring break from traditional gender roles.
According to People, the book "Moxie: The Daring Women of Classic Hollywood," sheds light on Hepburn's early trials, particularly her challenging role in this 1935 film which stirred ample controversy and speculation about her personal life.
In Sylvia Scarlett, Hepburn portrayed a woman cross-dressing as a boy, not only making a significant acting choice but also reflecting her off-screen persona, which flagrantly disregarded Hollywood’s glitzy expectations. This romantic comedy, filled with cunning tricks and narrow escapes, paired Hepburn with Cary Grant but failed to win over the box office at the time, overshadowing its innovative take on gender norms.
Hepburn herself branded the movie's commercial failure a "real disaster." However, this early setback did little to tarnish her burgeoning career; instead, it highlighted her willingness to challenge societal norms, a trait that would come to define her legacy.
Beyond her bold film choices, Hepburn defined her on-screen style by frequently wearing slacks, challenging conventions for women at a time when such attire was considered unconventional. She embraced a lifestyle that stood out sharply against Hollywood glamor, maintaining her individuality in an industry that prized conformity.
Hepburn’s nonconformist attitude extended into her personal life as well. After divorcing Ludlow Ogden Smith in 1934, she openly lived with a female companion, further fueling the rumors about her sexuality that Sylvia Scarlett had sparked. These aspects of her life added layers to her public persona, making her a subject of fascination and speculation.
The controversy surrounding Sylvia Scarlett intensified with a particular scene where Hepburn's character shares a kiss with actress Dennie Moore. This moment added to the swirling rumors about Hepburn's personal and professional life, marking a significant act of gender and sexual defiance in Hollywood at the time.
Hepburn’s most famous off-screen relationship was with actor Spencer Tracy, a connection that lasted over two decades, from 1941 until Tracy’s death in 1967. Scotty Bowers suggested that their relationship served as a cover for their true sexual orientations, boldly claiming, “They were merely friends … They were not in the bed department at all.”
Their partnership produced a series of successful films and remains one of Hollywood’s most storied alliances. Their chemistry, both on-screen and off, has fueled much discussion, with some believing they cleverly maintained a façade to protect both public favor and privacy in their personal lives.
The book "Moxie" thoroughly chronicles these elements of Hepburn’s personal and professional choices, featuring a foreword by Jane Fonda and exclusive photos from Resnick’s Motion Picture Arts Gallery. It aims to deepen public understanding of Hepburn and other women who dared to challenge the system during Hollywood’s golden age.
The role "Sylvia Scarlett" played in Hepburn's career may have been initially seen as a setback, but it also highlighted her fearless commitment to breaking barriers, a theme that "Moxie" explores in detail. Set for release today by Abbeville Press, this book by Ira M. Resnick and Raissa Bretaña offers a new perspective not only on Hepburn but on other women in Hollywood whose daring choices reshaped their careers and roles within the industry.
Hepburn once expressed in a 1934 interview with Motion Picture Magazine, "I’m not living my life for Hollywood or publicity, and I never will. Why should I have to change my personality?" This statement encapsulates the spirit that drove her both in her career and personal life—a dedication to authenticity, no matter the cost.
"Moxie" thus serves as a testament to the enduring nature of Hepburn’s influence in Hollywood, celebrating an icon who lived defiantly, loved boldly, and left an indelible mark on the cinematic world. Hepburn's trailblazing path is a beacon for all who challenge the status quo, ensuring her legacy endures through generations.
