The Powder and the Glory DVD

A surprisingly intimate, fun and informative look at the two powerhouse women who created the cosmetics industry as we know it, there's nothing made up here. Filmmakers Arnie Reisman and Ann Carol Groman manage to get beneath the surface and show the warts-and-all rise from rags to riches of the world's first two leviathans of lipstick. Using knowledgeable and witty interviews, clever animation and historical footage, the film doesn't just cover cosmetics, but gives you a glimpse into an entire era, touching on cla, religion, feminism and society at large. Interspersed with the experts, it's fun to see Twiggy all grown up, and Kitty Carlyle Hart (in what must have been her last appearance on film) as enchanting as ever. It's a charming film and it would be a shame to mi it.

The Powder and The Glory is one of the most entertaining documentaries ever! It is informative without being dry, as all of the featured experts are animated speakers, clearly interested in their subject. And speaking of animation, Grossman and Reisman cleverly use animated sequences to illustrate some of their story. Most importantly, the stories of Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden are compelling, as well as instructive for anyone considering becoming a marketing genius. This film is definitely worth watching more than once. Buy it!

NPRs Says You! resident genius/funnyman Arnie Reisman made this wonderful documentary about two of Americas most improbable, enduring icons, Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden. Like most things that Mr. Reisman touches, Powder and the Glory is chock full of Wows and I-Never-Knew-Thats. Even if you rarely give a thought to make-up or fashion, youll be hooked by the profound cultural influence these two women (who never acknowledged or spoke to each other) had and still have on our nations zeitgeist. A truly great Only in America story. With Twiggy, Kitty Carlisle Hart and Jane Alexander.

I saw this doc on PBS Channel 13. It told the history of the two woman, Elisabeth Arden and Helena Rubenstien, who were pretty much the creators of the modern cosmetic industry. As a guy I didnt think Id be much interested in the subject but my wife was and she had control of the channel changer at the time so we watched. What I found was a documentary surprising in its humor, unique in its use of animated sequences illustrating the rivalry of these businesswomen, and a clever use of a very pretty model in make-up style changes bridging the decades these two moguls battled each other throughout their existence. The interviews were substantive and the interviewees fascinating. Most compelling to watch were two women creating corporate empires during a time when empire building was an exclusive mens club. Got a copy for my DVD library.

Fun and entertaining, this film not only gives you the facts (interesting in themselves) but also conveys the atmosphere of the era of their reign. You wont find a better example of woman as powerhouse. Plus you get to see models and makeup. What could be better?

Im 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 mans 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.

A very fun DVD about the beauty industry and two of the women who were at the forefront of it. Like ships passing in the night, almost neighbors who never met, each VERY aware of the other. Well done DVD

They help creat an industry and many jobs.

This book is an example of the power that women have when they decide to become successful in a field of beauty, exercise, posture and health for females.In reality, these women could have been just as successful in a total male environment of the same desires as females if the times were right for the era. They would be now! This was a marvelous book!