Silver Screen Magic with Rita Hayworth

Born on October 17, 1918, as Margarita Carmen Casisino she became one of the most versatile stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood. American actress, dancer, and pin-up girl Rita Hayworth appeared in 61 films, and the press coined the term “The Love Goddess” to describe her. After actress Betty Grable, she was the second top pin-up girl for GIs during WWII. The actress as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1980 she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and passed away in 1987 at the age of 68.

In 1941, the romantic drama “Blood and Sand” was directed by Rouben Mamoulian. It starred Rita Hayworth and Tyrone Power. The film was based on the 1908 Spanish novel of the same name by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez. The cast included Tyrone Power, Anthony Quinn, John Carradine, and George Reeves.

The plot sees Rita Hayworth in the supporting role of Dona Sol, a seductive and manipulative dancer who becomes involved with a young bullfighter named Juan (Tyrone Power).

In 1944 the musical comedy “Cover Girl” was directed by Charles Vidor.

The plot tells the story of Rusty Parker (Rita Hayworth), a dancer who dreams of becoming a famous Broadway star.

The film includes the classic song “Long Ago and Far Away” and features some of the most memorable musical numbers of the era.

The 1946 film noir “Gilda” was directed by Charles Vidor and explores the themes of love, lust, and revenge. It starred Rita Hayworth and Glen Ford. The film includes choreographer Jack Cole’s staging of “Put the Blame on Mame” and “Amado Mio” sung by Anita Ellis.

The plot is about Gilda Mundson (Rita Hayworth), a beautiful and enigmatic woman who becomes mixed up in a web of intrigue and betrayal in post-WWII Argentina. It explores her relationships with ex-lover Johnny Farrel (Glen Ford) and her husband, powerful casino owner Ballin Mundson (George Macready).

Among the film’s most memorable scenes is Hayworth’s “Put the Blame on Mame” musical number.

The 1947 American film noir “The Lady from Shanghai” was directed by Orson Welles. It starred Rita Hayworth, Orson Welles, Everett Sloane, and Glenn Anders. The screenplay was based on the novel “If I Die Before I Wake” by Sherwood King.

The plot tells the story about Elsa Bannister (Rita Hayworth), the wife of wealthy and powerful lawyer Michael O’Hara (Orson Welles). The film has a suspenseful plot and a series of deceptions and betrayals lead to murder and mayhem.

In 1939 the adventure-drama film “Only Angels Have Wings,” released by Columbia Pictures, was directed by Howard Hawks and starred Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, Thomas Mitchell, and Rita Hayworth.

The plot follows the manager of an air freight company, Geoff Carter (Cary Grant), in a remote South American port town, who is forced to risk his pilots' lives while vying for a major contract. The film sees Rita Hayworth in the supporting role of Judy MacPherson, a singer who arrives in a small South American town. She meets a group of pilots who operate a mail and passenger service.

In 1957 the musical film “Pal Joey” was directed by George Sidney. The film is based on the Broadway musical of the same name and features a number of memorable songs and dance sequences. It starred Rita Hayworth, Frank Sinatra, and Kim Novak.

The plot tells the story of Vera Simpson (Rita Hayworth), a wealthy and glamorous widow who starts a relationship with womanizing nightclub owner “Pal” Joey Evans (Frank Sinatra).

The 1942 anthology film “Tales of Manhattan” was directed by Julien Duvivier. The film is divided into several vignettes, each featuring a different story and a different cast. The film starred Charles Boyer, Henry Fonda, Edward G. Robinson, and Rita Hayworth.

Rita Hayworth played a small role in one of the film segments, “The Follies.” “The Follies” segment is a musical comedy that showcases Hayworth’s talent as a singer and dancer.

In 1941 Columbia Pictures came out with “You’ll Never Get Rich,” an American musical comedy directed by Sidney Lanfield. It starred Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth with music and lyrics by Cole Porter.

The plot sees Rita Hayworth in the lead role as Sheila Winthrop, a dancer who becomes involved with a soldier named Robert Curtis (Fred Astaire) during WWII.

Among the musical numbers is "Since I Kissed My Baby Goodbye," which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.