Sophia Loren explains her classic 'side eye' photo with Jayne Mansfield

There are many ways to describe Sophia Loren, among them: film icon; renowned beauty; and, of course, world famous shade thrower.

The latter moniker was earned thanks to a photo taken at Loren's Hollywood 'coming out' in 1957 with fellow actress Jayne Mansfield.

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Loren spoke with Entertainment Weekly about what she was thinking as the camera flashed:

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Listen. Look at the picture. Where are my eyes? I’m staring at her nipples because I am afraid they are about to come onto my plate. In my face you can see the fear. I’m so frightened that everything in her dress is going to blow—BOOM!—and spill all over the table.

Now that's an inner monologue.

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Mike Barry

Mike Barry is the senior editor of audience development and outreach at TheWeek.com. He was previously a contributing editor at The Huffington Post. Prior to that, he was best known for interrupting a college chemistry class.