The Jayne Mansfield Story

The Jayne Mansfield Story is a biographical television film released in 1980 which brings vividly to life the fascinating and turbulent story of Jayne Mansfield, portrayed exquisitely by Loni Anderson. Regarded as one of Hollywood's original blonde bombshells, Mansfield's life was as dramatic offset as on, and this movie takes on the ambitious task of bringing her story to the screen.

Loni Anderson dons the role of Jayne Mansfield, rising to the task impressively. She captures the vivacious charisma and sensuality that made Mansfield a household name, while also depicting the depth and vulnerability of the woman behind the glamour. Anderson's depiction of Jayne is nuanced and thoughtfully conceived, providing a humanizing portrayal of a star too often trivialized by her own fame and attractiveness.

The movie deliciously summarizes the glamour of the '50s and '60s, recreating this era down to the finest detail - nostalgia drips from each scene, with sumptuous costumes, hairstyles and the physical aesthetics that transport the viewers back in time. It provides an intimate look into Mansfield's early life, her rise to fame in the glamorous but cut-throat world of Hollywood, her tumultuous personal life, and her tragic, untimely death.

Arnold Schwarzenegger puts in a stellar performance as Mickey Hargitay, Jayne's second husband. Although it's not the muscle-flexing action role that one often associates Schwarzenegger with, he portrays the character with a surprising depth, effectively showing the charm that won over Mansfield as well as the pain of their rock-and-roll relationship. Schwarzenegger’s performance is endearingly authentic as he ably portrays Hargitay's strength, machismo, and growing frustration with the couple's star-crossed marriage.

Ray Buktenica takes on the role of Bob Garrett, a diligent and determined publicist who managed to handle the high voltage personality of Mansfield with grace and sincerity. Portraying the character with finesse and a sense of genuineness, he shows how Bob navigates the tumultuous waters of high-stakes PR flanked by the Hollywood life.

The Jayne Mansfield Story isn't merely about fame and the growth and decay of a Hollywood golden girl. It showcases what lies beneath the glittering surface, peeling back the layers of the hard-emotional truths and insecurities. It provides insight into the stark reality of being a woman in Hollywood, including the intense pressures and double standards that Mansfield dealt with consistently.

Elements of humor, drama and romance are deftly intertwined with the narrative, providing a balanced portrayal of Mansfield's life that refrains from resorting to either melodrama or hagiography. It is a compassionate exploration of a woman who was so much more than her persona and sheds light on the fragility that often lies behind the most brilliant façades.

On technical grounds, the movie is a clear winner due to its striking cinematography and compelling screenplay. Coupled with a powerful background score that correctly sets the mood for presenting this multi-layered narrative, The Jayne Mansfield Story is a treat for fans of Hollywood's golden era.

While The Jayne Mansfield Story offers plenty of shine and sparkle suitable for a biopic on one of Old Hollywood's most glittering stars, it also extends beyond the superficial to delve into Mansfield’s personal life and psyche. Each actor, especially Anderson, brings a level of soul and authenticity to their performance that shines brightly, adding depth and resonance to this cinematic story.

The Jayne Mansfield Story is an homage not just to Mansfield's glamorous life and tragic end, but also to a time when Hollywood was in its prime, full of hope, heartbreak, ambition and resplendent stardom. Those in search of displaying the golden era of Hollywood, humanizing Mansfield beyond her bombshell image, and unpacking the highs and lows of her personal and professional life will find this movie both enlightening and engaging.

The film sensitively handles the legacy of Mansfield, rounding out her narrative with dignity and respect without shying away from her complexities. It is an impactful biographical film that accurately depicts the rise and fall of Mansfield, highlighting the struggles endured during her remarkable but short-lived career. Without giving away all the precious gems this movie holds, one can confidently state that The Jayne Mansfield Story asserts itself as a distinctive portrayal of one of Hollywood's famous starlets in the years of her utmost glory and eventual downfall.