Search - The Powder and the Glory on DVD

Great- even for a no-makeup person

A librarian | New Jersey shore | 04/27/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a no-makeup kind of gal, so I was a little skeptical about hearing the story of two women who revolutionized makeup for the modern woman. But the story of two women who built rival business empires and lived their quirky lives just a few blocks from each other (without ever meeting face to face) was irresistable. We all need to know more about women who have "made it" in a man's world. And this video was so masterfully done that by the end I felt I actually knew Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden. I loved the transitional visual, showing a gorgeous face as a blank canvas that changed over the decades as makeup styles changed. The occasional animated sequences were witty and amusing - like little "Betty Boop" interludes. And I learned a lot - a whole lot - about makeup and the whole mystique surrounding it. Hats off to Ann Carol Grossman and Arnie Reisman for putting this fascinating production together."

Hits the Daily Double

BrooklynRocks | Brooklyn, NY United States | 04/26/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If they had only added Max Factor, the filmmakers would have hit the Trifecta with this one. But believe me, I was more than satisfied with just this "Daily Double" - Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden. I felt flooded with memories of that "MadMen" era and beyond, with my mother choosing between her two faves - Elizabeth and Helena. Great attention to detail in the visuals, editing and narrative chosen made watching this an extremely entertaining evening. And, for those of us who enjoyed "Dynasty" in the eighties, what could be more enjoyable than watching two women go at it with each other - if just professionally. I highly recommend."

Needs to be seen more than once

ALG | Newton Centre, MA USA | 04/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Powder and the Glory first aired in Boston as part of the Jewish Film Festival at the Museum of Fine Arts and a few other venues almost a year ago. I saw it then and anxiously awaited an opportunity for a second viewing. This came when it recently aired on PBS. It was even more interesting than before. As with a good book, it holds up well to a second viewing. Many details became apparent that were missed the first time around. Not only does the film address the primary theme of the birth of the cosmetic industry as well as the conflict between Arden and Rubenstein on many levels (some implied) but it puts them into an historical context reminding many of us of events (both politcal and popular culture in nature) experienced by the previous generation or even ourselves.
I found this film to be funny, informative and highly recommend it. I consider it to be an important addition to one's collection. Buy it!!
"

Ballsy babes

B. Alexander | Canada | 11/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not only a story of female cosmetic moguls, but a story of women and history. These ladies gained autonomy as woen gained theirs."