WOMEN, THE (1939) Feminine battle of the century ends

[Los Angeles: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1939]. Vintage original 4 1/2 x 6 3/4″ (12 x 22 cm.) black-and-white glossy silver gelatin photo, with blank margins around, mimeographed text and ink still number on verso. There are creases along the right and left side edges, about fine.

The still photography released for the “fight” sequence between Rosalind Russell and Paulette Goddard appear to have been made while the actresses were enacting the scene. Typically, still photographs are posed and taken after the director, motion picture cameraman and crew have finished the last take, to represent the action and the story. For this series of photos — which the original typed blurb on the verso describes as “the feminine battle of the century” — the ladies appear to give it the full action.

In image coded 1091-148 it is Paulette Goddard who has gotten the best of Rosalind Russell, who sits and throws a tantrum on the ground. Mary Boland, Norma Shearer and Joan Fontaine are a bit worse for the wear, too. Of course, Roz’ traveling suit by Adrian takes a beating as well, but other star actresses are decked out in the dude ranch wear they traveled to Reno with, all looking to apply for divorces.