I have to admit that I’ve never actually seen a Jayne Mansfield film, so I’m not at all familiar with her work. When I think of Mansfield, I always think of her iconic photo with Sophia Loren at a Beverly Hills dinner that even got its own Wikipedia page!
I went into this documentary with heightened curiosity as Mariska Hargitay has been in the news about a long-held secret that she revealed here. I wish I hadn’t read about it before watching this, but even going in knowing her secret, there is still plenty to appreciate here. Being that Mansfield was one of the most photographed actresses of her time, there’s a treasure trove for Hargitay to draw from and reference. Mansfield was a 50s sex symbol and was perhaps more famous for her personal life than any of her on-screen roles. In contrast, Mariska has forged a unique career path that differs greatly from her late mother’s. She’s been the lead in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) since 1999 for 26 seasons over 25 years.
Mariska was only three years old when her mother was killed in a car accident. I didn’t realize she and her brothers Miklós Jr. and Zoltán, were also injured as they were in the car with her. Yet all her life, people would send her letters about her mother, sharing tidbits and personal experiences they had with her, which inspired her to finally make this film. What makes My Mom Jayne different from the plethora of celebrity documentaries is that it provides a unique and personal viewpoint through the eyes of the subject’s daughter. Some scenes made me teary-eyed, such as the moment Mariska walked on the ruins of what her mother’s Pink Palace used to be, and her reaction when she received her mom’s old piano.
Rather than just retelling a public life, which is mostly familiar to everyone, the film dives into the personal journey of seeking understanding and connection, especially since Mariska hardly knows her own mother. It’s truly touching to watch her uncover details about her mother’s fight to escape the blond bombshell image. Who knew Mansfield could play the piano AND violin? Though it’s to be expected given the culture of the time, it’s revolting to see a sexist male talk show host telling her, “I don’t care, shut up and kiss me” as she was playing the violin to an audience full of men.
While it’s fascinating to see all the footage and all sorts of photos and videos of Mansfield in her heyday, the most moving moments are the segments featuring Mariska and her family, including Mansfield’s oldest daughter, Jayne Marie. Mansfield’s second husband, Miklós ‘Mickey’ Hargitay, a Hungarian-American actor and bodybuilder, is shown to be a kindhearted man who loves his family. I’m also intrigued by the insights from Mariska’s step-mom, Ellen Siano, who raised Mariska along with Mickey following Mansfield’s death.
As for the big reveal, I won’t spoil it for you in case you aren’t privy to that, but let’s say it’s handled with such grace and warmth, showing what a class act Mariska truly is. I really appreciate how real and down-to-earth the film feels; it’s not glossy or overly polished. Mariska usually shows up in everyday outfits with minimal makeup, as she openly shares her life and some of her most painful memories.
This documentary mainly highlights Mariska’s incredible journey of coming to terms with her past and letting go of a secret she’s held onto for thirty years, but it also serves as a tribute to Jayne Mansfield as a mom, wife, and Hollywood icon. It’s a compelling, eye-opening documentary that connects two powerful women’s stories. The conclusion was a heartfelt letter from Mariska to her mom, following countless years of pain.
I’m glad I got to know more about the real Jayne Mansfield, or at least a more accurate portrait of her than what’s been depicted in the media. I certainly have more appreciation and admiration for Mariska Hargitay as a documentarian and an inspiring individual.
Have you seen MY MOM JAYNE? I’d love to hear what you think!
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FLIXCHATTER FILM BLOG 
This is a film that I want to see even though I haven’t seen anything other than bits and pieces of films starring Jayne Mansfield. Yet, I heard she was an extremely intelligent woman and what happened to her is tragic. I heard this doc was a healing experience for Marisa Hargitay as I hope it did give her some closure.
I haven’t seen anything by Jayne Mansfield either. Somehow I figured you have as you have such a vast knowledge of classic Hollywood. Yeah, just like Marilyn Monroe, Mansfield was an intelligent woman who got boxed in by male studio heads who couldn’t get past their assets. Yeah I think Mariska said the doc was cathartic for her, and it must’ve been a relief to be able to finally share her long-held secret!
I’m still learning when it comes to old Hollywood films as I do know a lot but I still want to know more but with a degree of patience.
There are so many intriguing things about Old Hollywood, that’s why it’s so fascinating to learn about Jayne Mansfield here. It’s also a terrible time to be a woman back then.
I don’t much about Jayne Mansfield either except the fact that she was a sex symbol in Hollywood for a long time and Tarantino was obsessed with her. Not shocking at all there!
But I have had a crush on Mariska since I saw her in a martial arts film called The Perfect Weapon back in the early 90s. After that, I followed her career. I was happy when she got a regular role on ER for a couple of years then got the co-lead role in SVU. Even though I haven’t watched that show in a long time, I’m glad she’s still the lead and the show is still going strong.
Ahah yeah, not shocking that Tarantino was obsessed with her, but I hope he watches this documentary and see that Mansfield was so much more than just a piece of meat. It’s revolting how the studio heads and talk show hosts treat her back then, so extremely sexist and vulgar.
Wow, I haven’t even heard of The Perfect Weapon! A martial arts movie? I’d never imagine she’d be in that. I actually haven’t seen a single SVU episode, maybe a few clips, but somehow I like her whenever I see her in interviews.
The Perfect Weapon was one of those early 90s martial art film that came out during the Seagal and Van Damme fame. It’s the typical white guy who knows martial arts and the actor named is Jeff Speakman. It’s pretty good actually. Speakman never broke out as a star like Van Damme or Seagal but he has a nice career in direct to video movies.
Unfortunately for Mariska, her role in the film were edited out in the theatrical cut and she only appeared in only one scene. The producers wanted the movie to be face pace and get to the action as fast as possible. But when it aired on TV, it was the extended cut and Mariska was in several scenes!
How interesting, thanks for the review, Ruth!
I’ll watch this when I find it streaming.
I have seen several Mansfield movies. IMO she is bigger than the movies she was in.
Interesting that she could play violin and piano. Although women had the vote, it was a very sexist time. (still is, but not as bad) Her body was a double edged sword. It got her opportunity, but it also put her in a pigeon hole.
Which of Mansfield movies would you recommend, Resa? I also haven’t seen most of Marilyn Monroe movies, only All About Eve.
Yes, her body was a double edged sword indeed. It got her foot in the door, but the men just couldn’t get past her um, assets. I admire women who somehow could get serious roles back in the day, like Ava Gardner and even Elizabeth Taylor who were also incredibly beautiful.
I wouldn’t call “All About Eve”a Marylin movie. Lol! Same with “Asphalt Jungle”, although her role is a bit bigger in that. Both fab movies.
Wow! She was in a lot of amazing movies. She is a fabulous performer.
These are 100% Marylin movies. All are fabulous. All must sees.
Seven Year Itch
Some Like It Hot
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Niagara
The Misfits (Her last movie written for her by husband Arthur Miller)
IMO all 5/5
There’s more, but those are the must sees.
Jayne… none of the movies I’ve seen come close to a Marylin movie. None ever gained the critical fame.
Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?
A Guide for the Married Man
&
The Girl Can’t Help It
are the ones I remember seeing.
They’re okay.
Unfortunately she never hit the level of movies that Marylin did. Although when it came to notoriety she was up there.
Thanks for the awesome recommendations, Resa!! Fortunately most of those Marilyn films are available on the streaming services I subscribe to. Y’know what, I actually have seen Some Like It Hot, I like that one, it’s pretty hilarious as it has Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis dressed as women, ahah. Yeah, sounds like Mansfield never got taken seriously in her career, so she always got subpar roles.
Glad The Misfits is on Prime, that one looks good! Especially with Clark Gable AND Montgomery Clift, woot!!
The Misfits is excellent. A bit different from most of her films. It’s a poignant story. She was hoping for something even more of a stretch.
I think it was just that, so the only other thing I can thing of would be like what Theron did in “Monster”, where you mess up your looks.
Beautiful women in Hollywood wanting to be taken more seriously seems an endless theme.
It must have been worse back then.
“Seven Year Itch”is hilarious. xxx
Oh for sure I’ll watch The Misfits, as I also have a huge blind spot on Montgomery Clift.
Hey, there is actually a 2021 movie called the Misfits https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4876134/ starring your silver fox 😉
Have you seen “Suddenly Last Summer”?
Montgomery Clift is terrific in it!
I WILL watch Misfits. My silver ox beckons! xx
Ahah yeah, for sure!! Pierce is also starring in Thursday Murder Club with Dame Helen Mirren (whom I know you love) coming to Netflix on Aug 28 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12001534/ I can’t wait!!
OBOY!
Thanks for the tip! xoxox
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