What kind of guitar was Rita Hayworth playing in “Gilda?”

[FLRon]

Funny how time changes ones perspective. When ‘Gilda’ was made I seriously doubt a bunch of guitar weenies(did they exist back then?)sat around talking about the guitar she was holding.
Well, I know for a fact I wouldn’t have been checking out any guitar she was holding.😉

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by Lwilliams

It is funny that in the old days, the Gibson logo is always masked. No other brand was covered.

After noticing that in the Elvis movie, Viva Las Vegas (J-45 on the diving board), I started watching for it on all old movies. You can see Fender and other brands, but Gibson is always covered .

Wonder why that was?

Speaking of Elvis, this shot stunned me. He's playing an Australian made Maton jumbo - I've never even seen one in the flesh down here.

[Wade Hampton]

Finally, the voice of reason speaks up:

Originally Posted by FrankHudson

The voicing she's using in the 3rd picture is interesting, while in the middle picture, it looks like a cowboy G chord is her choice. Definitely looks like she wouldn't like a 1 11/16" neck. I can't see bridge pins she's using. Could it be a pinless bridge? Historically, she must be using Monel strings. Could the fretboard be Richlite? If so, that indicates that she's not a real player. She should really try a casein pick someday too.

My sentiments exactly, Frank! I'm glad to see that at least ONE person on this forum has his priorities straight!


whm

PS: Bronze strings did exist back then, they just weren't as commonly used as Monel and other nickel alloys.

[SpruceTop]

Then in comes his daughter
Whose name was Rita
She looked like she stepped out of
La Dolce Vita

I had to do it because Bob told me to do so!

[jaymarsch]

Originally Posted by AndrewG

Dolly Parton sees to manage somehow! Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mZ-uGBXsHc

Wasn't that nice?

Dolly said that she had to work at her long nail technique as she just did not want to give up her long nails. She played in tunings that minimized what she had to fret and made use of barred chords. Dolly is sure one of a kind and no slouch as a musician.

Best,
Jayne

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by jaymarsch

Dolly said that she had to work at her long nail technique as she just did not want to give up her long nails. She played in tunings that minimized what she had to fret and made use of barred chords. Dolly is sure one of a kind and no slouch as a musician.

Dolly Parton is a genius at everything that she does. I'm a huge fan.

Back in the olden days, when I was still in high school and Porter Wagoner had a syndicated television show that our local TV station carried on Saturday afternoons, I happened to catch it when I was channel-flipping. He was so outlandish with his bleached blond pompadour and suits with wagon wheels and Saguaro cacti embroidered on them that I stopped to watch the show, just to goof on him.

I wasn't a country music fan at that point.

After his opening number, when he introduced "Little Miss Dolly Parton," I saw her and thought:

"Oh, my God, she's a female version of HIM!!"

But all that mockery and sense of cultural superiority of mine INSTANTLY dissipated the instant she opened her mouth and started singing. My Lord, what an incredible talent, and that was as obvious to the snooty suburban 15 year old kid I was then as it is to me now. I couldn't believe how talented she was, and remains.

After that I would attempt to catch the Porter Wagoner show when it aired. Dolly Parton was and remains a phenomenal songwriter, singer and all-around performer. Truly one of the greats.


Wade Hampton Miller

PS: I've also seen her play acoustic guitar with those Fu Manchu-like fingernails, and you're completely correct, she's rock solid on that, as well.

[frankmcr]

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

Dolly Parton is a genius at everything that she does. I'm a huge fan.

Back in the olden days, when I was still in high school and Porter Wagoner had a syndicated television show that our local TV station carried on Saturday afternoons, I happened to catch it when I was channel-flipping. He was so outlandish with his bleached blond pompadour and suits with wagon wheels and Saguaro cacti embroidered on them that I stopped to watch the show, just to goof on him.

I wasn't a country music fan at that point.

After his opening number, when he introduced "Little Miss Dolly Parton," I saw her and thought:

"Oh, my God, she's a female version of HIM!!"

But all that mockery and sense of cultural superiority of mine INSTANTLY dissipated the instant she opened her mouth and started singing. My Lord, what an incredible talent, and that was as obvious to the snooty suburban 15 year old kid I was then as it is to me now. I couldn't believe how talented she was, and remains.

After that I would attempt to catch the Porter Wagoner show when it aired. Dolly Parton was and remains a phenomenal songwriter, singer and all-around performer. Truly one of the greats.


Wade Hampton Miller

PS: I've also seen her play acoustic guitar with those Fu Manchu-like fingernails, and you're completely correct, she's rock solid on that, as well.

There was a lot more to Porter Wagoner than the hair and the suits.

[beatcomber]

Poor Rita Hayworth. Despite her beauty, elegance and fame, she had a pretty miserable life going back to childhood.

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by frankmcr

There was a lot more to Porter Wagoner than the hair and the suits.

I realize that now, but it wasn’t something I had a frame of reference for as a 15 year old kid who hadn’t ever been around country music prior to that.

No, you’re right, Porter Wagoner couldn’t have remained as prominent and successful as he was without a lot of talent. He wasn’t a one hit wonder or flash in the pan.


whm

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by beatcomber

Poor Rita Hayworth. Despite her beauty, elegance and fame, she had a pretty miserable life going back to childhood.

Her later life wasn’t much fun, either: she had early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Plus, before that she was married to Orson Welles for a while. He was a brilliant, exceedingly talented guy, but he couldn’t have been much fun to be married to.


whm

[boldtone]

I don't think Rita handles any guitars in 'Cover Girl', but man does she look good!!