life:

Ah yes, Cynthia. The object of every mans affection. No really, the object.

In 1937, LIFE Magazine launched the career of an up-and-coming starlet in a multiple-page photo spread that, overnight, made “Cynthia” a household name. In very short order she became an A-list celebrity; was given her own television talk show and starred on the silver screen; was sent jewels and dresses by top fashion houses; was briefly engaged to one of radio’s biggest stars; hobnobbed with the former king of England; and became one of the most recognizable faces in the fashion world.

Intrigued? Or… don’t believe us? See for yourself.

This story is amazing. How did this ever happen?