Grace Kelly, known to the world as a stunning blonde actress and the Princess of Monaco, is portrayed in a new book, Hitchcock’s Blondes, in a more mischievous light.
Author Laurence Leamer reveals a side of Kelly that many were unaware of, depicting her as a complex and manipulative individual, particularly in her relationships with men.
Leamer paints a picture of Kelly using her charm to captivate various men, including Don Richardson, a teacher at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, where Kelly had once studied.
Despite disapproval from her parents due to Richardson’s marital status and religion, Kelly continued her romantic entanglements with him and other men, like Claudius Charles Phillippe and Aly Khan.
During an intimate encounter with Richardson at her apartment, Kelly flaunted herself in exquisite gowns before revealing a distinctive emerald-laden gold bracelet, a gift she received from Aly Khan.
Recognizing the bracelet’s origin, Richardson ended their relationship by tossing it into a fish tank, leading Kelly to question its significance.
In a swift turn of events, Richardson departed, leaving Kelly to retrieve the bracelet from the water, showcasing her determination and defiance in the face of rejection.
Despite this episode, Kelly went on to achieve success in Hollywood, starring in acclaimed films like High Noon, Mogambo, and The Country Girl, for which she won an Oscar.
Kelly’s collaboration with legendary director Alfred Hitchcock in films such as Dial M for Murder, Rear Window, and To Catch a Thief added to her iconic status before she ultimately retired from acting after marrying Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956.
Their marriage endured until her tragic death in a car accident in 1982.
Leamer’s book delves into the lives of other actresses who worked with Hitchcock, shedding light on the intriguing stories of June Howard-Tripp, Madeleine Carroll, Ingrid Bergman, Janet Leigh, Kim Novak, Eva Marie Saint, and Tippi Hedren.
Hitchcock’s Blondes: The Unforgettable Women Behind the Legendary Director’s Dark Obsession offers a fascinating glimpse into the untold tales of these captivating women.
