Secrets of Beauty (1951) User Reviews

A Fun movie

[CatherineYronwode · 7/10 · 14 October 2006]

Here is an almost indescribable film, combining elements of a classic "women's film" about a failing marriage, a classic "educational film" about the desiderata of mid 20th century American cultural mores, and a classic "Hollywood documentary" featuring behind-the-scenes glimpses of how cinematic technical crew members work their wonders. The two titles under which it was released -- "Beauty Secrets" and "Why Men leave Home" exemplify and pinpoint at least two of the genres this movie is trying to serve.

Ern Westmore plays himself, as one of the famous Westmore Brothers makeup artists, but only in subservience to an actual plot -- and a well-acted one at that -- which comes with a welcome splash of Ida Lupino-like human interest and lack of moralizing about a man and woman whose marriage is coming unglued. Imagine Ida Lupino's "The Bigamist" crossed with a risible educational film about cosmetics and you might have some idea of what this movie is about.

Whether you watch it because you like marriage dramas, get a kick out of the unconsciously funny culturally normative educational-exploitational films of the mid 20th century, or want a chance to see a master Hollywood technical wizard reveal his artistry, i think you will enjoy this film. You will also get the bonus of trying to come up with some way to describe what it's actually all about -- not an easy task, as you can see by reading my attempt to do so!

I Feel Pretty -- thanks to Ern Westmore!

[Lang Jr · 3/10 · 2 February 2008]

I have to admit, "Why Men Leave Home" (aka "The Secrets of Beauty") inspired a new look for me; I have taken Ern Westmore's tips (I'm an oval face) and discovered a lovelier, more confident Lang Jr.. Ern says he can make any woman look more beautiful -- I'm here to say it does the same for men as well. Hats off to Ern!

This run-of-the-mill husband-leaves-home film invokes naps, but has its moments. The "Fat Twins" from Arkansas sing like the Andrews Sisters, but take up more space. Ginger Prince's solo -- The Big Parade -- is fortunately short and unintelligible. Kroger Babb -- the man himself -- makes an appearance as a Hollywood producer. Ern Westmore could have a field day with Krog (a round face). Best part is the introduction at the convention, where the MC announces that Ern Westmore has worked at "Paramount, 20th Century Fox and...Hallmark Films," (Krog's vast cinema empire). Look for Krog's un-subtle pitch for his boozy classic "One Too Many" in Uncle Marty's office. Also, a lady does sit-ups wearing an evening dress.

Krog had success palming off his $1.00 "sex hygiene" manuals during roadshows for "Mom and Dad", but couldn't peddle too many $10.00 make-up kits with this dud. He would never "make-up" his earlier success.

Health, beauty, piece of mind. A mental cleansing for everybody?

[mark.waltz · 2/10 · 9 September 2022]

Laughable in so many ways, this has one of the most miserably dated soliloquy by the annoyingly monotone Jonnie Lee Macfadden who gives a lecture on the responsibilities of the modern women. Richard Denning and Julie Bishop are a married couple having marital issues, dealing with daughter Ginger Prince who is auditioning for a part in a movie in spite of emulating Shirley Temple, and not in a good way. Her screen test is straight out of "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm", and three times as cloying. Prince is determined to help her parents reconcile which leads to Bishop following a beauty regime set up Macfadden.

This film starts off on the right angle but quickly slips into cloying soap opera with tons of cliches and a really annoying performance by young Prince. She's totally exploited by uncle Larry J. Blake. I'm sure that this film (made by a company called Hallmark) had plenty of screening in women's club meetings, but I could not see this being shown in major movie theaters at all. Even with professional actors like Denning and Bishop, this is just hideously written and directed, unbelievable in every aspect. Probably best viewed from the element of unintentional camp. The scene where Prince tells her uncle that she wants a divorce from her parents had me reaching for the remote, as did any scene with Macfadden.