Rock Hudsons Classic Hollywood Image :: essays research papers fc

While the Hollywood film industry faced a decline from 1946-1960, Rock Hudson’s star was on the rise. In fact, by 1958, he had arrived. From then, until 1965 Rock Hudson was Hollywood’s golden boy. In 1959 The Hollywood Foreign Press declared Rock Hudson ‘the worlds most favorite male star’ (â€Å"Rock Hudson† 19). In the next five years, Rock would receive this honor four more times. It wasn’t just the Hollywood Foreign Press that appreciated Rock, in one interview Rock accredited his fans for recognizing his talent far before the critics ever did (Hopper A5). While Rock was ‘basking in his own starlight’, Hollywood was struggling to find it’s place in an ever-changing world (Hopper D1). Postwar times found many Americans happily settled in the suburbs, content to be entertained in the comfort of their own living rooms by their brand-new televisions. America’s newly found domestic bliss left the big city life that consisted of theaters and Hollywood glamour behind. Still, Rock managed to find his way into the hearts of millions. Men wanted to be him, women wanted to be with him, he was the face of the American dream. One article in the Los Angeles Times refers to Rocks appeal, stating that â€Å"regardless of personal preference...Rock Hudson passes the standard test with flying colors† (Hopper D1). At a time when Hollywood was desperate to get the public into the theaters, Rock was precisely what the doctor ordered.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hollywood capitalized on the ruggedly handsome actor, and carefully calculated each and every aspect of his persona. It all began when Hudson first arrived in Hollywood, and met talent scout Henry Wilson. Hudson, who was born Roy Scherer Jr., and later had his name legally changed to match his step father’s surname of Fitzgerald, was promptly renamed by Wilson when he arrived in Hollywood (IMDB). It is rumored that Wilson chose the name Rock Hudson after the Rock of Gibralter and the Hudson River, two very internationally powerful images, intended to create one very powerful international image (IMBD). After being renamed, Hudson’s teeth were capped and he was given acting, riding, singing, dancing and fencing lessons; thus finalizing his aesthetic transformation into the American dream(IMDB). His image was twofold on and off-screen, he was a mans-man and a ladies-man all rolled into one. In films he most popularly debuted as either a hero or a roman cer. In his most critically acclaimed role, Hudson was able to display both of the shining sides of his persona.