In 1929 Norma Shearer read a script called the “Divorcee”, she immediately became interested in the part. The role required her to be a sexy vamp –a modern woman. But at the time Norma was best known for her “all-American girl”. She became ambitious for the role, she wanted to change her image and have the opportunity to play diverse roles. However, when she showed the script to her husband (Irving Thalberg head producer of MGM), he replied “Honey, I don’t think this part is for you. You are not sexy in THAT way.” That really got her upset hearing this from her husband. Norma hired photographer George Hurrell that had previously worked with Ramon Novarro to show her husband she was indeed very sexy and beautiful. She showed the session to her husband and got the part in the movie, later she won an Academy Award for her portrayal.

