Buzz
Stars rise and fall in popularity, just like the magazines that cover their lives. Take a look at these 11 nostalgic celebrity magazines, which featured movie, music, radio, and television icons of their time.
1. Confidential // 1952–1978
Confidential was one of the pioneers in exposing celebrity gossip, scandals, and sensational stories. In 1954, its exclusive report on the breakup of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio’s marriage dramatically increased its circulation. Publisher Robert Harrison would later claim a readership surpassing 4 million.
As the sensational magazine gained traction, both celebrities and film studios grew increasingly concerned about the negative press it was generating. In 1957, California lawyer Jerry Giesler filed a lawsuit, declaring, “The smut is going to stop.” Libel cases began to pile up. Celebrity witnesses, including Mae West and Liberace, testified before a grand jury against the publication, but the jury could not reach a verdict, leading to a mistrial. However, the legal pressure was too much for Harrison, and he ultimately shifted the magazine's focus away from celebrity scandals, resulting in a dramatic drop in circulation.
2. Motion Picture Magazine // 1911–1977
Motion Picture Magazine is regarded as the very first fan magazine dedicated to cinema. It featured short adaptations of hit movies and included photo spreads that took readers behind the scenes of the movie industry. Additionally, Motion Picture Magazine introduced a column called “The Answer Man,” which was written by a woman and answered readers’ questions about the film world.
3. Photoplay // 1911–1980
Joan Crawford featured on the cover of Photoplay | George Hurrell, Wikimedia Commons // Public DomainPhotoplay, founded in 1911, reached the height of its success in the 1920s and '30s. The magazine dedicated itself to the movie industry, working hand-in-hand with major studios to cover their leading stars. Photoplay outpaced its competitors not only by printing flattering stories from the studios but by including its own distinct editorial voice, which it claimed spoke for the movie-going public.
The magazine was so influential that in 1921, it introduced one of the first major annual film awards: the Photoplay Magazine Medal of Honor. The top Producer of the Year received a medallion crafted by Tiffany & Co., with past winners including All Quiet on the Western Front
4. On the Q.T. // 1955–1964
On the Q.T. (short for “on the quiet,” meaning secretly) was published with the tagline, “The CLASS magazine in its field.” Despite this, it was primarily known for spreading tantalizing celebrity gossip. Sensational mid-century headlines included “The Secret Disease That Killed Monroe,” “What’s With ‘Call Me Mr.’ Sinatra?” and “Those Jayne Mansfield Unfit Mother Charges.”
5. Modern Screen Magazine // 1930–1985
Lana Turner was famously seen reading an issue of Modern Screen Magazine in the 1933 film Dinner at Eight. Founded in 1930, the publication quickly rose to fame with its blend of celebrity interviews and photo spreads, becoming one of the most beloved movie magazines in America. It later broadened its coverage to include music and television stars. However, by the 1980s, general celebrity magazines like Us Weekly took over, and niche movie magazines like Modern Screen saw a decline in readership.
6. Broadway Brevities and Society Gossip // 1916–1925 (revived 1930–1933)
Known as Broadway Brevities, this magazine is considered the first weekly tabloid in America. Initially focused on society and theater gossip, it eventually expanded to cover scandals. Its publisher, Stephen G. Clow, was indicted for “using the mails to defraud” after running the publication as a blackmail scheme, according to media scholar Will Straw. Clow allegedly threatened to expose harmful stories about businesses or individuals unless they purchased advertising in the magazine. He and two associates were convicted.
7. Laff // 1940s and ‘50s
Billed as “The Humorous Picture Magazine,” Laff was a mid-century publication featuring celebrity photo spreads. A standout issue was the January 1946 edition, which included an early photo of a rising Marilyn Monroe in a bikini, captioned “Norma Jean Daugherty.”
8. Picture Play // 1915–1941
Norma Talmadge on the cover of Picture Play | Ann Brockman, Wikimedia Commons // Public DomainOriginally a weekly movie magazine, Picture Play is best remembered for its elegantly illustrated covers, often showcasing stars like Carole Lombard, Norma Shearer, and Marlene Dietrich in captivating poses. Later editions featured cover photography that highlighted stars like Vivien Leigh and Joan Bennett at their most flattering. Inside, the magazine mostly focused on retelling the plots of the latest films and publishing glowing articles about the stars. Gossip was avoided in favor of studio-approved updates, ensuring that any potential scandal was glossed over.
9. TV-Radio Mirror // 1933–1977
TV-Radio Mirror was a monthly magazine that offered coverage of radio, movie, and television stars. It featured interviews, behind-the-scenes photos, and “at home with the stars” stories. The magazine also published articles that were purportedly written by the celebrities themselves, providing a glimpse into their luxurious lifestyles.
10. Teen Beat // 1967–2007
Teen Beat, which became a cultural phenomenon in the 1980s and 1990s, catered to girls aged 12 to 16. It featured countless full-color posters of popular teen idols, which readers could tear out and decorate their rooms with. Iconic cover stars included New Kids on the Block, Tom Cruise, Molly Ringwald, and the two Coreys.
11. Picturegoer // 1911–1960
Picturegoer was one of the most beloved British magazines for movie enthusiasts. Unlike today's UK entertainment magazines, which are often targeted at a male audience, Picturegoer was written with women in mind. It featured the latest film releases, along with interviews and photographs of some of the biggest stars of the time, such as Clark Gable, Bette Davis, and the notorious Richard Burton.
