For sale is an original DECEMBER 1944 ISSUE of PHOTOPLAY MAGAZINE from MacFadden Publications. This 126-page magazine features Betty Grable on the cover and features an article ‘Girl of the Moment’ which covers the life story of June Allyson. The magazine is complete and in good condition. The cover has a torn corner and edge wear consistent with age. A worthwhile Hollywood collectible.
Elizabeth Ruth Grable, born on December 18, 1916, was an American actress, pin-up girl, dancer, model, and singer. Grable began her film career in 1929 at age 12, after which she was fired from a contract when it was learned she signed up under false identification. In 1940, she replaced Alice Faye in Down Argentine Way, her first major Hollywood film, and became Fox’s biggest film star throughout the next decade. Her 42 films during the 1930s and 1940s grossed more than $100 million. Throughout her career, Grable was a celebrated sex symbol. Her bathing suit poster made her the number-one pin-up girl of World War II, surpassing Rita Hayworth. Grable’s legs were insured by her studio for $1 million as a publicity stunt.
In 1911, photoplay was founded as one of the first American film fan magazines. Photoplay reached its apex in the 1920s and 1930s and was considered quite influential within the motion picture industry. The magazine was renowned for its artwork portraits of film stars on the cover. In 1934, Macfadden Publications purchased the magazine. In 1937, due to the advancement of color photography, the magazine began using photographs of the stars instead artwork portraits.
