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The 1958 Oscar Rehearsals: A Behind-the-Scenes Look through Fascinating Vintage Photos

The 1958 Academy Awards were a significant event in Hollywood history. This year marked the 30th Oscars ceremony, and it was the fifth time the awards were broadcast on television. The excitement in the air was palpable as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences prepared to celebrate the best films of the year. What many people don’t see is the hard work that goes into creating such a grand event. The rehearsals for the Oscars give us a glimpse into the preparation and the stars involved.

The Stars of the Show

Hollywood in the 1950s was filled with iconic stars. During the rehearsals, well-known actors and actresses gathered to prepare for the ceremony. Some of the biggest names included Paul Newman, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Kirk Douglas, and Mae West. Each of these stars had different talents, and they were all ready to entertain the audience, both live and on television. With their experience, they could sing, dance, and act, making them perfect for a show like the Oscars..

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Rehearsals are crucial for any live event, especially one as important as the Oscars. They allow the stars to practice their performances and ensure everything runs smoothly on the big night. The Academy wanted to put on a fantastic show, and that meant every detail had to be perfect. During the rehearsals, the actors worked on their timing, practiced their lines, and got comfortable on stage.

Behind the Scenes with Leonard McCombe

During these rehearsals, LIFE magazine photographer Leonard McCombe was present to capture the action. His photographs provide a rare look at the behind-the-scenes moments of the Oscars. McCombe’s lens caught everything from the nervous excitement of the stars to the quiet moments when they prepared for their performances. However, only a small number of these incredible photos were ever published, leaving many of the behind-the-scenes stories untold.

The energy during the rehearsals was electric. Stars were excited to be part of such a prestigious event. They mingled with each other, sharing stories and laughter. This camaraderie was a reminder that, despite their fame, they were all part of the same Hollywood family. The press was also buzzing with excitement as they prepared to cover the event. The star power in the room created an atmosphere that was both thrilling and a bit chaotic.

#1 Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster with choreographer Jack Cole, practicing a mock-bitter song-and-dance number called “It’s Great Not to Be Nominated”; the tune ribbed many of the year’s Oscar contenders.

Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster with choreographer Jack Cole, practicing a mock-bitter song-and-dance number called “It’s Great Not to Be Nominated”; the tune ribbed many of the year’s Oscar contenders.

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#2 Inside Los Angeles’ RKO Pantages theater, home of the Academy Awards from 1949 through 1959, Janet Leigh and Shirley MacLaine practiced a tune.

Inside Los Angeles’ RKO Pantages theater, home of the Academy Awards from 1949 through 1959, Janet Leigh and Shirley MacLaine practiced a tune.

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#3 Zsa Zsa Gabor arrived at the 1958 Oscar rehearsals in pearls and a fur stole.

Zsa Zsa Gabor arrived at the 1958 Oscar rehearsals in pearls and a fur stole.

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#4 Paul Newman appeared to wait for a cue, as fellow Oscar presenter Doris Day consulted with a director (gesturing toward the audience). On the big night itself, Newman’s wife Joanne Woodward won Best Actress for The Three Faces of Eve.

Paul Newman appeared to wait for a cue, as fellow Oscar presenter Doris Day consulted with a director (gesturing toward the audience). On the big night itself, Newman’s wife Joanne Woodward won Best Actress for The Three Faces of Eve.

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#5 Mae West and Rock Hudson rehearsed the flirty pop standard, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” as Academy president George Seaton looked on.

Mae West and Rock Hudson rehearsed the flirty pop standard, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” as Academy president George Seaton looked on.

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#8 Doris Day and Clark Gable prepared to present the winners of the writing awards, 1958.

Doris Day and Clark Gable prepared to present the winners of the writing awards, 1958.

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#9 Bob Hope, who hosted (or co-hosted) the Academy Awards 19 times over his long career, appears to pick something off Betty Grable’s sweater; standing above them on the steps are Shirley Jones —then famous for the movie musicals Oklahoma! and Carousel—and MGM idol Van Johnson.

Bob Hope, who hosted (or co-hosted) the Academy Awards 19 times over his long career, appears to pick something off Betty Grable’s sweater; standing above them on the steps are Shirley Jones —then famous for the movie musicals Oklahoma! and Carousel—and MGM idol Van Johnson.

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#11 Russ Tamblyn (center, in dark jacket and shirt with huge lapels), 23-year-old Best Supporting Actor nominee for Peyton Place, stands in a group with other unidentified young actors; to the lower right of the frame are Rock Hudson and Mae West.

Russ Tamblyn (center, in dark jacket and shirt with huge lapels), 23-year-old Best Supporting Actor nominee for Peyton Place, stands in a group with other unidentified young actors; to the lower right of the frame are Rock Hudson and Mae West.

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#12 Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster checked out the scene from the seats. On March 27, 1958—the day after the Oscars ceremony—their war film, Run Silent, Run Deep, was released.

Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster checked out the scene from the seats. On March 27, 1958—the day after the Oscars ceremony—their war film, Run Silent, Run Deep, was released.

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#13 Shirley MacLaine checked in with the orchestra, 1958 Oscars rehearsal.

Shirley MacLaine checked in with the orchestra, 1958 Oscars rehearsal.

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#14 Just a few months away from the release the Hitchcock classic, Vertigo, Jimmy Stewart (a co-host in 1958) popped up at rehearsals.

Just a few months away from the release the Hitchcock classic, Vertigo, Jimmy Stewart (a co-host in 1958) popped up at rehearsals.

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#15 Top row, from left: Shirley Jones, Van Johnson, Mae West, Rock Hudson, and husband-and-wife dancing team Marge and Gower Champion. Bottom: Janet Leigh, Rhonda Fleming, Bob Hope, and Shirley MacLaine.

Top row, from left: Shirley Jones, Van Johnson, Mae West, Rock Hudson, and husband-and-wife dancing team Marge and Gower Champion. Bottom: Janet Leigh, Rhonda Fleming, Bob Hope, and Shirley MacLaine.

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#16 Bob Hope during the rehearsals for the 1958 Academy Awards.

Bob Hope during the rehearsals for the 1958 Academy Awards.

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Written by Heather Brown

Heather Brown is a writer and historian with a passion for all things vintage. She shares her knowledge of the past through her blog, with a particular focus on historical photos and the stories they tell.

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