THE WILD WILD WORLD OF JAYNE MANSFIELD

Cinemavixion Review

Charles W. Broun Jr.'s "The Wild Wild World of Jayne Mansfield" offers a candid, if sometimes voyeuristic, glimpse into the whirlwind final tour of a true Hollywood icon. Released in 1968, the documentary captures Mansfield at her most effervescent, traversing the globe from the ancient allure of Rome to the glamorous shores of Cannes and the bohemian spirit of Paris. The film doesn't shy away from the more risqué aspects of Mansfield's persona, featuring visits to nudist colonies and topless clubs, reflecting the era's evolving social norms and Mansfield's boundary-pushing image. While the inclusion of posthumous footage of her family adds a poignant, somber note, the documentary primarily serves as a vibrant, albeit fragmented, celebration of Mansfield's larger-than-life presence. The inclusion of Mickey Hargitay and Rocky Roberts and The Airdales further grounds the film in the unique cultural milieu Mansfield inhabited. It's a fascinating, if uneven, time capsule of a star who consistently defied expectations.