Cary Grant and Orry-Kelly: A Tale of Love, Fame, and Identity

Ninety years back, the iconic Cary Grant supposedly cohabited with an Australian man in Greenwich Village, who later became a three-time Oscar winner.

This intriguing revelation is brought to light in the documentary “Women He's Undressed,” which delves into the life of renowned costume designer Orry-Kelly.

Released on August 9 via DVD and video on demand, this documentary offers a fresh perspective on Grant's sexuality, adding a captivating layer to the ongoing speculation surrounding his personal life.

Through the lens of the film and Kelly's recently unearthed memoir, “Women I've Undressed,” a vivid portrayal emerges of Grant as a determined young vaudevillian immigrant who underwent a radical transformation, ultimately concealing his true identity in an era of rampant homophobia within the entertainment industry.

Australian director Gillian Armstrong, the mastermind behind the documentary, highlighted the societal pressure Grant faced to conform to conventional norms, evident in his four unsuccessful marriages to women.

Armstrong emphasized Kelly's refusal to mask his sexuality through a sham marriage, showcasing his unwavering personal integrity and courage.

According to Kelly's memoir, he first encountered the struggling performer Archibald Leach, who later adopted the name Cary Grant, just before Leach's 21st birthday in January 1925.

Facing eviction due to unpaid rent, Leach sought refuge at Kelly's art studio in the West Village, marking the beginning of their companionship.

Film historian William J. Mann, featured in the documentary, asserts that Kelly and Leach were unequivocally a couple, navigating a milieu in which openly embracing one's identity was far more commonplace than in their native lands.

Kelly recounts in his memoir the challenging initial phase of their shared living arrangement, as Leach battled an undisclosed illness, with Kelly shouldering the burden of his medical expenses.

Despite Leach's financial struggles, attributed to sporadic gigs as a carnival barker and part-time escort, the duo collaborated on a tie-making venture initiated by Kelly, cementing their bond.

Expanding their endeavors, the pair briefly operated a speakeasy in Manhattan and ventured into a short-lived casino enterprise in Nevada, abruptly halted by menacing gangsters seeking extortion.

The memoirs and documentary shed light on the turbulent, intermittent relationship between Kelly and the actor over three decades.

While Kelly refrains from explicitly labeling Leach as his romantic partner, insinuations in both accounts suggest a tumultuous emotional journey for Kelly, marked by heartbreak and discord.

Anecdotes of physical altercations between the men underscore the complex dynamics prevalent among homosexual individuals during that period, reflecting a blend of self-reproach and inner turmoil.

By 1931, both men embarked on their Hollywood pursuits, with Grant securing a lucrative contract at Paramount and Kelly assuming a prominent role at Warner Bros.' costume department.

As their professional trajectories unfolded, conflicts arose over Grant's romantic entanglements and financial disputes, prompting Kelly to facilitate Grant's relocation to another acquaintance, Randolph Scott, a fellow Paramount contractee.

Grant's ambiguous s-*ual orientation remained a subject of speculation, particularly regarding his intimate cohabitation with Scott in Malibu, captured in a series of iconic photographs portraying them in domestic settings.

Grant's tumultuous romantic history, including his marriages and rumored liaisons, intertwined with his evolving friendship with Kelly, characterized by periods of estrangement and reconciliation.

The complexities of Grant's public image and private struggles are encapsulated in his interactions with Kelly, culminating in a poignant reunion in the late 1950s.

Kelly's narrative hints at Grant's apprehensions regarding revelations about their relationship, alluding to a desire for secrecy that underscored their final encounter.

Grant's enigmatic persona and multifaceted relationships, including his interactions with Russell, illuminate the dichotomy of his public image versus private vulnerabilities.

The contrasting facets of Grant's character, marred by instances of disappointment and detachment, reveal a man grappling with self-identity and societal expectations.

Despite the ambiguity shrouding Grant's personal life, his unspoken connection with Kelly endured, symbolized by his participation as a pallbearer at Kelly's funeral, underscoring a bond that transcended societal norms and public scrutiny.

In reflecting upon the legacy of Cary Grant and Orry-Kelly, their intertwined narratives epitomize a convergence of love, fame, and internal conflict, offering a glimpse into the complexities of human relationships and self-discovery amidst the backdrop of a changing society.

Grant's enigmatic presence in Hollywood, tinged with hints of vulnerability and resilience, continues to captivate audiences, preserving his status as an enduring icon of the silver screen.