Diamonds to Dust

Jayne Mansfield was a legend just like Marilyn Monroe. They were both bleached blondes with hourglass figures, were married three times and had numerous lovers, and each appeared in 29 films. The only real difference is Jayne had five children and Marilyn had none. They both died tragically in their thirties...so why is Marilyn Monroe so remembered and Jayne not at all? Jayne Mansfield was an amazing woman with an IQ of 163. She played the violin and piano, had a degree in Science, spoke five languages fluently, and became a celebrity by portraying a dumb blonde. Within one year of moving to Hollywood she starred in her first film. By the age of 23, she was the most publicized Hollywood star in the world. Marilyn Monroe's own studio, 20th Century Fox, signed Jayne Mansfield to an exclusive seven year contract. Jayne starred in four big budget films back to back with Fox which catapulted her career to stardom. When Marilyn settled her legendary dispute with the studio, Jayne abruptly became yesterday's news. Jayne Mansfield spent the next 9 years of her short life searching for highs like she had experienced as a newcomer in Hollywood. When they didn't happen onscreen she turned to the tabloids. Having children, getting married and divorced, and parading the world with scores of lovers took its toll on Jayne. She had become dependent on uppers and downers prescribed by the studio pharmacy during her contract years, and her addictions were fueled by alcohol. After the death of Marilyn Monroe the demand for blonde bombshells dried up, and with that Jayne's opportunity for work. In order to support her large family Jayne turned to TV appearances and nude layouts in Playboy. In 1963 she became the first American actress to appear nude in a feature film. Promises, Promises! was banned by the Catholic Legion of Decency and briefly boosted Mansfield's rapidly declining star.