It's one of the most iconic photographs in Hollywood history. Sophia Loren is giving the side eye to Jayne Mansfield. But, what happened? Why was Hollywood's newest inductee giving Mansfield that look?
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Loren describes the evening the photograph was taken. Paramount was throwing her a party. "All of cinema was there. It was incredible," Loren told EW. Then, Mansfield arrived. "She came right to my table. She knew everyone was watching."
Loren explains that her side eye was a reaction to Mansfield's dress. "Look at the picture. Where are my eyes? I'm staring at her nipples because I'm afraid they're about to come onto my plate. In my face you can see the fear. I'm so frightened that everything in her dress is going to blow — BOOM! — and spill all over the table," she told the magazine.
Finally, we have some clarity. And, though Loren admits there are several photographs of this moment between her and Mansfield, the side eye is the accurate portrayal. Of the image, she says, "This is the only picture." (EW)
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