The Radical Stardom of Clara Bow: The First It Girl 

Every single upload from you is a life pausing moment

I get why she stood out. She was unnaturally natural for silent films. She never overplayed like many contemporaries.

It's stunning how Clara Bow just shines through in movies that are nearly 100 years old - they don't have to define "It" in words, they can just use a picture of her. Or better, a gif.

Given her recent resurgence, a biopic of her life would not surprise me. She certainly deserves one

You know, there's a lot in Clara Bow's expression and movement that reminds me of Natasha Lyonne.

32:48 Clara Bow felt what some of us feel before sending voice notes.

Wow she seems like a pretty dynamic screen presence for someone who was so young

Her gestures and expressions still feel modern and natural, especially in comparison to her contemporaries. Clara truly had 'It"

Clara Bow's life and successes are the embodiment of "Of you've got nothing, you got nothing to lose." Her childhood and family life had been so bad, she had no where to go but "up." It was a good break for her, until life again took up cudgels against her.

One of the few RU-vidrs I will stop what I’m doing to watch any new release! 😂

That criticism of her not learning to grow up at 25, and retiring from movies at 28 really tells you how overworked and commified she was as a person. She was, after all, in the same age group (possibly) as Joan Crawford. Theda Bara had a similiar decline in movies, though not having the mental health issues, her retirement from movies was at least to be the rich housewife/socialite that neither could have been without early beauty and talent.

I knew that "It Girl" came from a Clara Bow film, but I never knew anyone actually tried to define what "it" was.

Her story is so infuriatingly tragic. She should’ve had a career that spanned decades, instead of one that was basically over before she turned 30.

Clara Bow sizzles so authentically on screen. What a lost treasure.

I wish they had treated her more kindly. It’s one of those things, and it has me thinking about people in my own life. Who are not famous (obviously) but who deserve kindness after the ordeal of just living their lives. If I could travel through time and pluck her out to hug her and support her DANG I WOULD!

Wow, I've seen pictures of Clara Bow and thought she was beautiful, sure, but watching her act is something else. She was sensational! Seriously, what an amazing actress. I wish we could bring her back to resume her career in today's world. I think she'd kill it!

Opening RU-vid to see we’ve been blessed with a new BKR is always a treat

I watched her talkie, Call her Savage a few times. She was mesmerizing and no trace of a Brooklyn accent. She was refreshingly natural and vicious in the fight scene.

Be Kind Rewind referencing both Taylor Swift and Karolina Zebrowska in one video is such a treat. ❤❤❤

She really reminds me of Natasha Leon. She doesn't only look like her, but they have a similar energy and mannerisms. Does anyone else see it?

Thank you so much for this fine, insightful tribute to the great Clara Bow. I remember vividly reading about her untimely passing almost 60 years ago (when she was only 60 years of age) and I was sad that I never got to meet her or hear her story from Clara herself. It was very difficult way back then to see her movies and learn much about her that was factual. As a young cinephile, I was captivated by the female stars of the 1920s and 1930s, and I am so grateful that you are illuminating the towering talent of one of the great stars of the screen and the tragic nature of her life.

Clara Bow and Marilyn Monroe are both just so mesmerizing on the screen. Such natural charm and charisma

Clara Bow literally pops from the screen whenever the camera is on her, and in her films that means almost all the time. watch as many of them as you can find. you won't be disappointed.

I think Clara Bow would fit in perfect with the social media landscape of today. Even if she was teleported from 1930 she would still be able to adjust to the present without difficulty.

One of the things I am fascinated by is "How did we get here?" socially. So the books you mentioned I now have in my thriftbook wishlist for when I get a chance to buy more! Thanks for such a thorough deep dive. I knew of her, but I truly feel for Clara personally now.

Be Kind Rewind is better than film courses I have taken. In depth, well-researched, and well produced. As a classic film buff, I am learning a lot from each video. And this history lesson about Clara Bow is an outstanding addition. Not only tracing Bow's biography, but also her impact on life at the time - and continuing to this day, with a look at today's "It girl" appellation. Really fascinating. Odd omission: In discussing the film flapper, it's surprising to have no mention of Joan Crawford. In 1928, "Our Dancing Daughters" made Joan Crawford a star and another famous flapper. It's an interesting contrast to see how Crawford transformed from the frivolous flapper to the hard-working professional girl in "Grand Hotel" in 1932 and the strong, independent woman of "Mildred Pierce" in 1941. Theoretically, Bow could have followed the same path. Or she could have continued in comedy roles, evolving into a Jean Harlow or Carole Lombard. (Imagine Bow instead of Harlow in "Dinner at Eight.") Bow truly has a unique screen presence and I hadn't noticed her physical spontaneity before. A few notes: At 4:05, note Mary Astor as one of the past winners of the talent competition. As mentioned, it's interesting to spot Gary Cooper at 20:52. I understand using contemporary images as chapter headings, but still a bit jarring to see Lisa Kudrow at 7:44.

I've seen her films, but not her talkies. She has such a great voice on top of her expressiveness in her silent features. What a talented lady

Nice to see a shout out to Karolina Zebrowska - her videos are fantastic. Fun and informative.

I can't compliment enough how well researched this documentary is! and can I just say, the women of the silent era were one of a kind stars. I've watched colleen moore and have been captivated by her since, probably because all the resources they had back then was themselves, so every silent film is a spectacle not enough people dive into. I think I'm gonna go on a clara bow film binge right now 😅

Literally every time you post I want to burst into tears because, not only is the topic exactly the thing I didn’t know I wanted to know about, but I know the quality of research and information will be top notch. Dude, I’ve been here since the beginning with Bette and her doppelgänger, and at this point I think I’m actually in love with you. THANK you!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

I'm more a Louise Brooks gal, but I love how she talked about Clara Bow with such respect and love.

My favorite actress. If the scandals had not happened and if the studio had given her better material, she could have easily transitioned from the 'flapper' films into Screwball Comedies that were just about to emerge when she retired. I think she would have been right there with Carole Lombard and Claudette Colbert. Then if she makes it into the 40's, with her tragic background, the emotions she could have drawn on for Film Noir roles. Just imagine.

So happy you made this. Ever since I read "Runnin' Wild" I've been expecting a great biopic of her life. I'm astonished it hasn't happened. ("Babylon" doesn't count.)

Not sure if you’ve ever done a video on Shirley Temple but I’m reading her autobiography rn and I’m OBSESSED

Great mini doc. I wish there were more selent movie era and ladies covered. I'm always scrounging for info. Also thank you for leaving out the gory details of Clara's childhood. We know what can happen to children/women pre and post Hollywood. It's nice to hear someone touch on the subject without exploiting the details. Love this channel !!!

This is a treasure! Love her so much! She really got "IT"! ❤❤❤

First, I can't believe that newspaper article published her address (guess stalking wasn't a thing back then?) and second I can't believe I've walked past that address numerous times! I knew she was from Brooklyn but didn't think she was so close to the Bay Ridge neighborhood. Great video about her.

The beginning of celebrity culture. 100 years later and now its falling

Omg this is amazing because Clara Bow is truly one of the OG-est OG icons of cinema. Also, welcome back! P.S. Essie Davis in ‘Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries’ had the Classic ‘20s Bob.

Thank you so happy you are talking about Clara Bow she needs to be talked about so much more than she is so glad you are have never been so excited to watch a RU-vid video before

this is the best film channel on youtube

You get a true sense of her personality in that short clip at the dinner party. Utterly enchanting 😊❤

I first began to learn about Clara Bow when I read David Stenn's wonderful biography about her life. My fantasy is she could time travel to the future and play Velma Kelly. I would love to hear and see Clara perform "All That Jazz" and "The Cell Block Tango." I would also wish a better childhood for her. Be Kind Rewind is the very best show about Hollywood history on the internet. None of the others come close. Thank you for being on RU-vid!

She’s my muse, I always draw her. she’s so gorgeous- might’ve gotten my hair styled after her too hehe

Oh I can’t wait to watch this video!! She’s among my favorite movie stars ever from the past. Truly THE “ IT “ Girl !

You have very little serious competition as a story teller. And you have made subjects that I had no interest in become something worth watching. Please keep up the good work.

Getting ready for an event i don’t want to go to tonight and needed something good to watch 😭😭😭 perfect timing

48:20-49:02 She is so mesmerizing that I had to rewind multiple times to be able to listen to the words Izzy was saying lol

Glad TTPD made Clara Bow famous again in the limelight. She was the first It girl. Thanks for the video. Her childhood was so sad tho.

Love the Karolina shoutout. You're both two of my favorite creators. 😀

We love you Clara Bow.

Just got recomended this and I can't wait to watch!! The early 1900's, silent movies, actors and fashion from these time periods, and black and white movies are some of my special interests. Clara Bow is one of my favorites!! I know probably more than the average persosn should of her life and stuff so I'm excited to see if theres anything new to know about her in this video!! Even if there isn't I'm just so happy to find youtube videos about her!!

Haha I’m loving the slides in between. Great job! Your editing game is formidable.

Thank you for this insightful video! I’m a Taylor swift fan and this definitely made me understand lyrics like “did you know you’d be picked like a rose.”

Another great video! One note on "flapper" actresses: yes, Colleen Moore was the comic flapper, but Louise Brooks wasn't her contrast. Louise Brooks became the "tragic" flapper when she went to Europe to star in two films directed by G. W. Pabst, PANDORA'S BOX and DIARY OF A LOST GIRL (and neither film made much of an impact in the US because they got lost in the changeover to sound). In most of her American films, she played comedy roles, in movies like LOVE 'EM AND LEAVE 'EM, IT'S THE OLD ARMY GAME, A GIRL IN EVERY PORT. (One of her few dramatic roles was in William Wellman's BEGGARS OF LIFE, Wellman's precursor to his Depression work WILD BOYS OF THE ROAD, and in BEGGARS OF LIFE, Brooks spends most of the film in disguise.)

I think this is your best yet! Thank you for the time and research you put into these. I can just feel your love for classic movies with every video.

Always so excited to see a new video from you, BKR! thank you!!!!

This is the first video of yours I’ve seen, and I’m blown away by the quality. I love the topic, the lens through which you present it, your narration, and your visual editing. Phenomenal work!!

There are few joys more amazing than seeing a Be Kind Rewind video new at top of one’s RU-vid homepage. Thanks boo! You’re the best. ❤️

I’m loving the variety of topics that you are doing as of late. Keep up the good work!!

Karolina is everything! Her videos are incredible! Thank you for including her.

What a yummy topic! Thank you for bringing her back into the contemporary conversation... it's well-deserved.

I'm always so excited when you post a new video.

8:52 MEME MOTHER HAS ENTERED THE CHAT

This was absolutely fascinating. These deep-dives you’ve been doing are FIRE! 💕

Even though I know about Clara, there was a great documentary on the BBC here in the UK, I could never not watch your videos and your own analyses and as always excellent. I would love a video on Louise Brooks.

So cool! I love Clara and her iconic style! Your narration is one of the best of any Documentaries. Your voice is so cool, clear and never loses your interest.

I love this essay giving such a wonderful overview of Clara Bow, even though I do know some film history i didnt know about her until the taylor swift song, and im glad i've learned so much and am eager to learn more.its really good to have this essay on hand and to give context to ppl like myself that are just learning about clara It makes me want to re-listen to the album and think about it in clara bow's perspective too bc there are clear parallels between taylor (and other famous women) and clara and its interesting to see how applicable her life and experiences are to taylors art/perspective as well.

I was desperately waiting for you to make a video on Clara Bow & you lived up to my expectations! Loved it! ❤️ Please make more & more videos on classic Hollywood actresses of the 20s, 30s, 40s & 50s! 🙏☺️

Thank you so much for this. Clara Bow is one of my absolute favorites.

Thank you for uploading this. It's sad that even though she laid such important groundwork as an actress a lot of her work has been lost. I've read about her before and it's heartbreaking just how badly she was screwed over by the industry, by her family and friends, and didn't get the kind of work and respect she deserved. However, she was and remains an icon and an utter joy to watch in her works that remain.

I am delighted every time you post a video! They are always so interesting! :)

always a good day when BKR post! can’t wait til we get the video on Frances McDormmand

So good I adore Clara Bow! I don’t know if u consider requests, but there’s an important actress who really started portraying the flapper image my other fav “Olive Thomas” u played parts of her movie “The flapper” in the video 🥰 a lot of people don’t know of Olive Thomas who was before Clara bow and after Mary Pickford she’s right in between

Ah always a blast seeing a long video!

You express these ideas so exquisitely precisely.

Hooray! A video about Clara Bow!

This is why I stay subscribed, I love these stars

What a great well done video! Thank you!

Wow this is so exciting ive been waiting for more videos about the silent age of films

Saw the Waters exhibit and it was worth it. Thank you for mentioning it and Nebula

Really great episode; thank you for your effort and insight.

Your content is a safe place. Thank you.

Absolutely fascinating recap of an amazing woman. Thank you BKR!

She was so charismatic here! 48:46

There are so many ways to approach Cinema and the people who make it meaningful. I just wish there were a way to thank the luminous souls who gave us so much and often struggled in return. Actually, there is: conveying their talent and hard work to newer generations. Thank you, Ms. BKR, for doing just that in yet another excellent, engaging video. Superb!

Thank you! She's literally is the blue print and she's the definition of an icon.

NOT YOU MENTIONING CAROLINA'S WORK THAT JUST MAKES SENSE I LOVE YOU BOTH

I’m SO glad you found her to be as modern as a girl of today even. Even her looks are quite attractive by today’s standards.

I've watched this three times! Excellent.

Just a shout out to Louise brookes. What an icon and girls girl

Bow's hairstyle is still Iconic, she was ahead of her Time.

Great job on Clara!

This is so perfectly timed, Im doing a project on 1920s cinema for an English project for the Great Gatsby

Remarkable video. As always ❤

Heads up, I have my notifications on for you and RU-vid just hasn't sent them for half a year... 🙃 Thanks for the upload and I'll make sure to regularly check now! 🎀

I cheered so hard at this notification ha. Can't wait to watch

this BE KIND REWIND episode is a keeper!

This was done so well. Thank you. Congratulations on all your hard work with research and editing. You have done Ms. Bow a great service. So sad that Hollywood ate her up and spit her out per usual of strong women of that time. She seemed to be a spitfire/rebel/don't put up with shit kinda gal. She survived some truly awful things. Now I have to read all the books. I like this kind of woman!

Oh God ❤ Oh God! I can't wait to watch this one. Clara deserves you!