This sepia-toned, real photo postcard features the glamorous silent film actress Alma Bennett (1904-1958) in a striking, risqué pose. Published by Iris Verlag of Austria, this collectible is numbered 5234 and credits the prominent studio Pathé as the photographer—known for its high-quality film stills and star portraits during the silent era. The image captures Bennett draped in a sheer, flowing fabric that barely conceals her chest. With her hands placed carefully to cover herself, the pose is both sensual and elegant—clearly intended to appeal to fans of 1920s starlets and risqué glamour. Her expressive face is tilted upward in a dramatic fashion, with her dark, wavy bob framing large, expressive eyes. Her parted lips and gaze suggest a moment of theatrical longing or awe, characteristic of the silent film aesthetic. This postcard falls squarely into the risqué category due to its suggestive styling and scant coverage, though it retains a refined and artistic tone rather than being overtly provocative. Alma Bennett was an American silent film actress who appeared in over 60 films between 1919 and 1931. Known for her beauty, versatility, and ability to play both dramatic and comedic roles, she became a recognizable face during the peak years of silent cinema. Bennett began her career in Hollywood in the late 1910s, likely transitioning into film from stage or local beauty contests, as was common during the period. Her breakout years came in the 1920s, with notable roles in films such as: “Orphans of the Storm” (1921, uncredited, directed by D.W. Griffith), “The Prairie Pirate” (1925), “A Woman Against the World” (1928), “The Night Flyer” (1928). and “The Arizona Kid” (1930). Alma’s personal life was somewhat tumultuous, mirroring that of many silent-era actresses whose careers were overshadowed by the transition to sound films. She was married to Fred Bennett, though the marriage reportedly ended in divorce. Little is documented about her life after retiring from film around 1931, and she never returned to the screen during the sound era. (SOLD)
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