Joie de Vivre
Who Are You, Polly Maggoo? (French: Qui êtes vous, Polly Maggoo?) is a 1966 French film directed by William Klein.
It is a satirical art house movie spoofing the fashion world and its excesses. It stars Dorothy McGowan as supermodel Polly Maggoo being followed by a French television crew. It also stars Grayson Hall as Miss Maxwell, a fashion magazine editor modeled after Diana Vreeland, and Philippe Noiret as the TV reporter and director. Also appearing in the film are Jean Rochefort, Sami Frey and Alice Sapritch.
McGowan, the Brooklyn-born star and one-time Vogue cover girl in 1962, was one of William Klein’s favorite models. After the release of the film, which was McGowan’s first and only film role, she disappeared from public view and apparently neither acted nor modeled again, according to Klein.
William Klein has lived many lives. One of the world’s most influential photographers, he pioneered the art of street photography and created some of the most iconic fashion images of the 20th century. He also made over twenty films, including the first ever documentary about Muhammad Ali and a brilliant satire of the fashion world, Who Are You Polly Magoo?
With a major Tate Modern exhibition currently celebrating his work, imagine… spends time with William Klein to discover the irrepressible, charismatic personality behind a remarkable creative life.
