40 Iconic Images Of Golden Age Hollywood Stars Behind The Scenes

These days, social media provides us with regular, behind-the-scenes glimpses into the lives of the rich and famous. But back in the film industry’s heyday, stars of the silver screen and the sets they worked on were much more mysterious. That being said, the following photos give us a rare insight into what life was really like during Hollywood’s golden age.

40. Greta Garbo and Ramon Novarro in Mata Hari – 1931

When Greta Garbo and Ramon Novarro appeared together in the 1932 film Mata Hari, it was rumored that the dashing actor had a crush on his beautiful co-star. The studio in charge of the movie, MGM, used these whisperings of romance to its advantage. When later asked what his greatest desire would’ve been had he never become an actor, he apparently responded, “Greta Garbo.”

39. Bette Davis in All About Eve – 1950

In this shot, Bette Davis readies herself for her Oscar-nominated performance in All About Eve. All of the film’s female stars were allocated their own dressing rooms for the shoot. While they were far from glamorous, the gesture was apparently appreciated by Davis, who reportedly remarked, “This is all an actress needs – a place to hide while she dresses.”

38. Betty Grable, Lauren Bacall and Marilyn Monroe in How To Marry A Millionaire – 1953

Judging from this picture alone, you might be forgiven for thinking that the three female leads in How To Marry A Millionaire got on like a house on fire. But sparks reportedly flew on set. That’s because, while Lauren Bacall was friendly with Betty Grable, she apparently disliked Marilyn Monroe.

37. Grace Kelly and Carry Grant in To Catch a Thief – 1955

To Catch a Thief may still be viewed as a brilliant thriller, but it seems that things were much less tense when the camera stopped rolling. In fact, rumor has it that director Alfred Hitchcock signed up because he wanted a jaunt on the French Riviera. And looking at this picture of stars Grace Kelly and Carry Grant giggling on set, it would seem that a good time was had by all.