Becoming Rita: Film Noir UK

After being discovered in a Mexican nightclub, Margarita Cansino went on to become one of the 1940s’ most famous stars and a pin-up icon for World War II soldiers, hailed by the press as “The Love Goddess".

It took a lot to get there; first changing her name to Rita Hayworth, then her appearance - seeming to turn away from her Latina roots in order to become more palatable to white audiences. Though her Latina identity went on to shine in many ways, including her extraordinary dancing.

However, Rita Hayworth went on to stamp her new identity on film stardom, most vividly and dramatically with sultry film noir Gilda, newly restored to mark 100 years of Columbia Pictures.

Join author, critic and film historian Pamela Hutchinson and film critic and journalist Christina Newland for insights into the highs and lows of Hayworth's journey.