Hurrell met Navarro through his socialite friend, Florence "Poncho" Barnes. After successfully photographing Navarro to his satisfaction, Navarro showed the results to Norma Shearer. The actress was immediately impressed and desperate for the lead role in Divorcee, a film her husband was producing, entrusted Hurrell to change her image into that of seductress. With Hurrell's help Shearer got the role and MGM hired the photographer, establishing his Hollywood reputation.