The cult magazine "People Today" from the 1950s
In the dazzling world of the 1950s, a time of change and new media, there was a small pocket-sized magazine that stirred up emotions and satisfied curiosity: "People Today." Launched on June 20, 1950, this "pocket digest" was more than just a magazine—it was a window into the glamorous and often scandalous world of the "headline people" of the day.
Originally launched by Weekly Publications Inc., People Today quickly found a new home at Hillman Periodicals, which shaped it throughout the decade. For just 10 cents per issue, the magazine offered its readers an exciting mix of exclusive celebrity gossip, juicy human interest stories, and articles that explored the roles of women and money at the time.
What made People Today special was its daring yet charming style. The front pages and inside pages were filled with pictures of icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, Elizabeth Taylor, and many other popular models. It was a kind of precursor to today's tabloid media, catering to the public's desire for insights into the private lives of celebrities, but in a way that was considered exciting and a little rebellious at the time.
Although People Today was still relatively "tame" compared to later publications, it played an important role in shaping the public's perception of celebrities and current events. It was a mirror of 1950s society – curious, optimistic, and eager to take a peek behind the scenes of celebrity life.
A genuine piece of media history that reminds us that the fascination with the lives of "people today" is timeless.
© People Today 1954
