MADGE BELLAMY : RISQUE : PROVOCATIVE : TROUBLED FILM STAR : MISS FIRECRACKER : RPPC

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Postcard 1 is a hand tinted vintage real photo postcard that features Madge Bellamy (1899-1990), an American stage and film actress. She was a popular leading lady in films of the 1920’s and 1930’s. The sound era put the brakes on her career and a romantic scandal in the 1940’s brought it to a total stop. Madge was a Texan. She was born in Hillsboro and was raised in San Antonio and Brownwood. Her father was an English professor at Texas A&M University. As a young child she took dancing lessons but soon, she was interested in becoming an actress. At age 9, she made her stage debut in “Aida”. She and her family moved to Denver, Colorado. She met Carlos Bellamy there and the two married. When Madge decided to leave the state to pursue acting, her marriage ended. Madge went to New York City and worked on Broadway as a dancer. In 1919, she replaced Helen Hayes in Broadway’s “Dear Brutus”, opposite actor, William Gillette. Her career took off thereafter. In 1920, Madge appeared in her first film as a supporting actress to Geraldine Farrar. She then signed a contract with the Triangle Film Corporation. Her “breakout role” was as the title character in Lorna Doone (1922). In 1924 she signed a film contract with Fox Film Corporation. She stayed there five years and during that time she appeared in two films for film director, John Ford. In 1925, she began to have difficulties with fox executives. In 1928, she appeared in Fox’s first talking film, “Mother Knows Best”. In 1928, she married for a second time. The marriage lasted 3 days before she and her husband separated. By 1929, Bellamy’s career entered a tail-spin. She had made poor choices out of her unbridled anger. Fan magazines gave her the nickname of “Miss Firecracker” due to her temperament. In 1929, she also quit her contract with Fox, right after they bought the rights to make a film out of Broadway play. The vehicle was bought with a plan to have Madge be it’s star. Bellamy later admitted she quit over money and added “I got too big for my britches”. She didn’t work again until 1932. She accepted roles in “Poverty Row” (B-movies) films. One of these films was “White Zombie” (1932) in which she appeared opposite Bela Lugosi. Her performance received many poor reviews from film critics. By 1940, Madge basically had no film career. However, she wasn’t done with drama. She was arrested after firing three shots from  a .32 caliber revolver at her former lover of five years. The incident was premeditated. She was angry at her intended victim because he married a model shortly after ending their affair. Fortunately, her aim was poor and she missed. The only casualty was her ex boyfriend’s car which took a couple of shots into it’s body. Bellamy pleaded guilty to a lesser charge (violating gun laws), and received a suspended six month sentence and probation. Madge Bellamy’s IMDb filmography reports 61 credits between 1920 and 1945. This vintage postcard is provocative. This postcard is risque for it’s era. She is showing a lot of bare skin. The postcard was published while Madge was under contract with Fox. Therefore, the postcard is from before 1929. The card was published by J. Beagles and is part of the “Famous Cinema Star Series” (No.210P). (SOLD)

Postcard 2 offers another risque view of Madge Bellamy. Her alluring pose and short skirt qualifies this postcard to be considered provocative. This card was produced while Madge was under contract with Fox Films, sometime before 1929. This postcard was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.3907/2). The postcard is in very good condition (see scans).

Postcard 3 is quite provocative. There are shades of Lady Godiva in this photograph. Miss Bellamy is pretty and scantily dressed. This postcard is risque for it’s era. The postcard was published while Madge was under contract with Fox. Therefore, the postcard is from before 1929. The card was published by Alfred Noyer and is part of the “Les Vedettes de Cinema” (The Stars of Film) series (No.200). This postcard is uncommon. (SOLD)

Postcard 4 is uncommon and provocative. Miss Bellamy is pretty and bare shouldered. Her alluring pose makes this postcard risque for it’s era. The postcard was published while Madge was under contract with Fox (note the logo in bottom right hand corner of the image). Therefore, the postcard is from before 1929. The card was published by Iris Verlag and is part of a series (No.480/2). SOLD

Postcard 5 showcases the beauty of Miss Bellamy. The postcard was published while Madge was under contract with Fox (note the logo in bottom left corner of the image). Therefore, the postcard is from before 1929. The card was published by Iris Verlag and is part of a series (No.480/3). SOLD

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Published in: on October 20, 2026 at 12:30 pm  Leave a Comment  
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PEARL WHITE : AMERICAN STAGE AND FILM STAR : PERILS OF PAULINE : RPPC

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Pearl White (1889-1938) was an American actress of film and stage. She started her career on the stage at just 6 years old in the play, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”. At thirteen years of age she was a bareback rider for a circus. She dropped out of high school to join a touring stage company. Next she worked as a singer in Cuba and South America. She made her appearances in dance halls and casinos. In 1910, her voice began to fail and she began to appear in silent films, including many popular serials. Her nickname was “Queen of the Serials’. She did the majority of her own stunts in these film serials. She is known well for her role in “The Perils of Pauline”. She was often cast in the role of an athletic heroine, rather than the more typical, innocent young woman. As a result of her appearances in “The Perils of Pauline”, she was soon earning $1,750 per week. She increased her star power as she appeared in other serials. In these films she flew airplanes, raced cars, and did other action hero feats. By 1919 White moved on to more dramatic roles. She appeared in ten drama films for Fox Film Corporation. She finished her career by taking roles in European films, and finally, appearing on the European stage. While performing in London, she earned three thousand dollars a week. At the time of her retirement (1924), White had banked two million dollars. She then began investing. Her investments included a hotel, a night club, and a stable of race horses. White was married twice, each time, for short duration to actors. White died of liver failure, possibly due to her history of heavy drinking. Her drinking may have been attributable to her problems with pain stemming from a spinal injury occurring during her stunt days. The IMDb site credits white with 228 film appearances between 1910 and 1924.

Postcard 1 was published by Cinemagazine (Paris Edition). The card is part of the “Les Vedettes de Cinema” (Stars of the Cinema) series (No.,55). White’s postcard photo portrait was taken by the celebrated photographer, Alfred Noyer. (SOLD)

Postcard 2 features White’s beauty. She is wearing a fur. Note her pretty head band.  Although this card is the size of a standard postcard, there is no printing on it’s reverse.  (SOLD)

Postcard 3  This real photo film star photo was published by Pathe Freres Cinema.  (SOLD)

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Published in: on October 8, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  
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LILLIAN GISH : PRETTY SILENT FILM STAR : D W GRIFFITH : RPPC

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Postcard 1 features American actress, Lillian Gish (1893–1993). She is considered one of the pioneering figures in early cinema. Born in Springfield, Ohio, Gish began her career on the stage alongside her sister, Dorothy, but soon transitioned to film, where her delicate features and expressive acting made her a favorite of directors during the silent film era. In 1912, Gish joined legendary director D.W. Griffith, becoming his protégé and collaborating with him on groundbreaking films like The Birth of a Nation (1915), Broken Blossoms (1919), and Way Down East (1920). These films cemented her reputation as a leading lady, often playing roles that emphasized innocence and emotional depth. She was known for her meticulous attention to the art of acting. She helped establish the art of screen acting, emphasizing subtlety and naturalism at a time when film was still evolving away from theatrical exaggeration. She was a versatile actress, adapting well to various roles, from delicate heroines to more complex characters, and her commitment to authenticity often saw her enduring extreme conditions on set, like filming in freezing temperatures and performing her own stunts. When silent films gave way to “talkies” in the late 1920s, Gish transitioned gracefully, though her popularity declined as she aged and Hollywood’s focus shifted to younger stars. Still, she continued acting, taking on character roles and even appearing on television. One of her most memorable later performances was in The Night of the Hunter (1955), a film now regarded as a classic. In addition to her acting career, Gish became a vocal advocate for film preservation and the legacy of silent cinema. She gave lectures on the subject. Her work won her numerous accolades, including an honorary Academy Award in 1971, and she remained active in the industry well into her later years. Gish’s career spanned over 75 years, and she is remembered as an icon who bridged the silent and sound eras, leaving an indelible impact on American cinema. Lillian Gish, though a public figure, led a private and often solitary personal life. She was born on October 14, 1893, in Springfield, Ohio, to James Leigh Gish and Mary Robinson McConnell. Her early life was marked by hardship; her father abandoned the family when she was young, leaving her mother to support Lillian and her younger sister, Dorothy. Her mother opened a candy store in New York City, where the family eventually settled, and the two sisters began acting in theater to help support the family financially. Lillian and Dorothy were close throughout their lives, frequently working together in theater and film. Lillian took on the role of family protector and provider from a young age. Though she later became one of the most celebrated actresses of her time, Lillian remained deeply committed to her family, often prioritizing family relationships over romantic entanglements. She never married and had no children, believing that marriage and family life might interfere with her career. However, she did have close friendships with several prominent figures in Hollywood, including her frequent collaborator, director D.W. Griffith, with whom she shared a professional and deeply loyal relationship. There were rumors of a romance with Griffith, though Gish maintained that their relationship was strictly professional. Other rumored suitors included producer Charles Duell and critic George Jean Nathan, yet she largely avoided the spotlight when it came to romance. She valued independence and often expressed a desire to avoid the constraints she felt marriage could impose on her creative pursuits. In later life, she lived with her sister Dorothy until Dorothy’s death in 1968, a loss that deeply affected her. In her final years, Gish continued to work in the entertainment industry and to honor the legacy of silent cinema. She died in 1993, at the age of 99, leaving behind a remarkable career and a life dedicated to her art, family, and the preservation of film history.

Postcard 1 : The logo for Metro Goldwyn Mayor Films can be seen in the lower right corner of the image. This postcard was published by Ross Verlag (Berlin) as part of a series (No.3784/1). (SOLD)

Postcard 2 : This postcard portrait was taken in 1923. LIllian was 30 years old and the photo shows her as she appeared in the film “The White Sister”. This 1923 silent drama film co-starred Ronald Coleman. The logo for British American Films can be seen in the lower right corner of the image. This postcard was published by Ross Verlag (Berlin), is (844/2) in a series. SOLD

Postcard 3 is a vintage German photo postcard features Miss Gish in costume from the MGM silent film La Bohème (1926), wearing an elaborate bonnet and period dress in a beautifully composed studio publicity portrait. The card was published by the celebrated Ross Verlag of Berlin as No. 3424/1, with the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures emblem visible at the lower right; specialist Ross Verlag references date this issue to approximately 1928–1929. The reverse is extensively handwritten and retains its original 50-para Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes postage stamp, with a clearly visible 1929 postal cancellation. SOLD

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Published in: on October 3, 2026 at 12:30 pm  Comments (1)  
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BEAUTIFUL FRENCH ACTRESS : JANE HADING : BY REUTLINGER & BY BOYER : TWO RPPC’S

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These color tinted vintage real photo postcards feature French actress and singer, Jane Hading (1859-1941). She was born in Marseille, France and was the illegitimate daughter of an actor there at the Theatre du Gymnase. She made her first stage appearance at three years of age. She trained at the local Conservatoire and in 1873 she was hired to perform at  a theatre in Algiers. She then was engaged to perform in Cairo, Egypt, where she played coquette, soubrette and ingenue roles. Returning to Marseille, she did stage acting and she sang in operettas. Her first appearance in Paris was in 1879 at the Palais Royal. In 1884, she married playwright and theatre manager, Victor Koning but the pair were divorced within three years. In 1888 and 1893, she toured America. Later, she toured South America with a theater company. In around 1892 she joined the Comedie Francaise. By this time, she was an established star in France, America, and England. She was also considered one of the prettiest actresses of her time.

Jane Hading’s portrait on Postcard 1 was taken by Leopold Reutlinger (Paris). This postcard was published by SIP. The card is part of a series (No.170/17). This is an undivided card and dates back to circa 1903. SOLD

Jane Hading’s portrait on Postcard 2 was taken by Paul Boyer.  Paul Boyer was a renowned French photographer born in 1861 and died in 1952. Based in Paris, he gained prominence for his portrait photography, particularly of actors, actresses, and other cultural figures during the Belle Époque. Boyer was known for his use of innovative photographic techniques and artistic lighting, which brought a distinctive elegance to his images. The initials of the firm that published this postcard can be found in the cards lower left corner. The initials PMM likely, but not for sure, belong to postcard publisher, “Maurice Manes”. The company, based in Paris, produced postcards during the golden era of postcards (pre 1939) and distributed them across Europe. The postcard is numbered 5316. This postcard’s reverse serves as an advertisement for the appearance of Jane Hading at the Coronet Theatre W. on the 26th of May, in 1902. SOLD

Postcard 3 This postcard was published by G. Piprot,  of “Etoille” or “Star” publishing in Paris. The card is part of a series (No.758).  SOLD

Postcard 4 Jane Hading’s portrait on this postcard was taken by Leopold Reutlinger. Reutlinger was a prominent Parisian photographer born in 1863 and died in 1937. He succeeded his uncle Charles Reutlinger as head of the Reutlinger photographic studio, which became famous for its glamorous portraits of performers, especially actresses, dancers, and cabaret stars. Known for his hand-tinted and artfully composed postcards, Reutlinger helped define the visual culture of the Belle Époque and early 20th-century Paris. His work is celebrated for blending artistic flair with commercial appeal. This postcard was published by the Rotary Photo Co. (London). The card is numbered 227A. SOLD

Published in: on September 21, 2026 at 12:30 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CARMEL MYERS : JEWISH AMERICAN FILM ACTRESS : BEN HUR : RPPC

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These images feature American silent and sound film actress, Carmel Myers (1899-1980). Carmel Myers was an extraordinary actress who captivated audiences during the early years of Hollywood. She had striking beauty, magnetic screen presence, and versatile talent. Myers was born in San Francisco to Jewish immigrants. Her father was a Rabbi from Russian and her mother was from Austria-Hungary. She grew up in a theatrical household and was exposed to the performing arts from a young age. She participated in both school plays and local theater productions. At the age of 16, Carmel Myers made her professional debut on stage, impressing both critics and audiences with her natural talent. It wasn’t long before she gained the attention of film producers. In 1916 she made her screen debut in the silent film “The House of Mystery”. This was the start of a more than twenty year career in the film business. During the silent film era, Carmel Myers became one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood. Known for her expressive eyes, graceful movements, and remarkable versatility, she effortlessly transitioned between comedic and dramatic roles. Her notable films during this period include “Ben-Hur” (1925), where she portrayed the seductive courtesan Iras. Many of her early roles were playing a “vamp”. Carmel Myers was also an early advocate for actors’ rights and was instrumental in establishing the Motion Picture Artists Association. She fought for fair wages, better working conditions, and creative control for performers, contributing to the formation of movie industry unions. With the advent of sound in films, Carmel Myers smoothly made the transition from silent movies to “talkies.” Her resonant voice and impeccable timing added another dimension to her performances. She starred in a range of films throughout the 1930s, including comedies, dramas, and musicals, collaborating with renowned directors and actors of the time. her most popular sound films were “Svengali” (1931) and “The Mad Genius” (1931). Her final film appearance was in the 1945 production of “Blonde Ransom,” marking the end of her illustrious acting career. However, Myers remained involved with both radio and television. Carmel Myers lived a private life outside of the spotlight, rarely divulging details about her personal affairs. She was married three times, first to an attorney and song writer in 1919, in 1929, she married a second attorney, and thirdly, she married a Paramount Pictures executive in 1951. Her first two marriages ended in divorce, and her third marriage ended with her husband’s death. After her husband’s death, she wrote a book about handling grief effectively. After retiring from acting, Carmel Myers devoted herself to philanthropy and community work. She supported various charitable organizations and advocated for social causes.

Image 1 was published by A. Noyer and is of French origin. The card has the MGM logo on it’s front. (SOLD)

Image 2 is a vintage ink blotter that advertises the Frog Switch & Manufacturing Company, located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The blotter has a calendar for January, 1923. The blotter also features a photograph (litho) of Carmel Myers. (SOLD)

Image 3 This press photo shows Myers in a classic glamour pose, her head turned slightly with a dramatic upward gaze that conveys both elegance and intensity. Her dark hair is softly styled with curls around her face, and she is draped in a fur wrap that slips over her shoulder, adding to the sense of sophistication and allure. In the lower left corner appears the photo’s numbering “V111-1”, while the lower right bears the imprint AFEDA, N.Y., the New York studio known for high-quality publicity portraits of stage and film stars of the era. Apeda was a photography studio in New York City. It was founded in 1906 by Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Sr. (1876–1951) and Henry Obstfield.  The studio was known for pursuing two business strategies: shooting original portraiture and reproducing uncopyrighted images by other photographers of newsworthy scenes or celebrities under its own trade name. The second strategy resulted in them being brought to court for copyright infringement. They won the case. Dreyfoos was the head photographer and his focus was on sports, theatre and celebrity portraiture.  (SOLD)

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Published in: on September 2, 2026 at 12:30 pm  Leave a Comment  
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FANNIE WARD : PRETTY STAGE & SILENT FILM STAR : PHOTO BY LIZZIE CASWALL SMITH : RPPC 1905

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These vintage real photo postcards feature pretty American stage and silent film actress and film producer, Fannie Ward (1872-1952). She was also the star of light comedies on Broadway. She began her career in the early 1890s, and appeared in over 100 films between 1895 and 1920. She was known for her roles in silent comedies and melodramas, and was considered one of the most popular actresses of her time. She played starring roles in “Madam President”, “The Shop Girl” and many others. Her screen debut was in Cecil B DeMille’s sexually charged, “The Cheat” (1915). Ward also produced several films, including the 1913 film “The Chink in the Armour,” which was directed by her then-husband, Frank Keenan. She retired from acting in 1920, but continued to work in the film industry as a producer until her death in 1952. In addition, after her retirement from the screen, she opened a beauty salon in Paris called “The Fountain of Youth”. The name of the salon is a bit ironic. Ward was known for her youthful appearance. It was not ununsual for her to play the parts of women one of two decades her junior. Ward held feminist beliefs which she wasn’t shy to talk about. In 1909, she told a reporter that her husband hated her work and then pointed out the hypocrisy of society’s support of men pursuing their interests (ie. art, sports, travel) but not supporting women who did the same. In addition, Ward worked as a film producer, a role not usually populated by women.

Postcard 1 was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.1661A). The firm was located in London. Miss Ward was photographed by celebrated female photographer, Lizzie Caswall Smith. This posted postcard has a 1905 postmark.  SOLD

Postcard 2 was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.1661C). Miss Ward looks lovely in her fur hat and fur stole. The firm was located in London. Miss Ward was photographed by the popular female photographer, Lizzie Caswall Smith. SOLD

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Published in: on August 23, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  
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YVONNE ARNAUD: BEAUTIFUL FRENCH PIANIST, SINGER, AND ACTRESS

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The pretty woman seen in these vintage real photo postcards is Germaine Yvonne Arnaud (1890-1958). She had a noteworthy career as a pianist, singer, and actress. She was most popular in her native France, as well as Britain. Arnaud was brought up in Paris and at the age of nine, she entered the Paris Conservatory where she studied piano. In 1905 she won a major competition for her skills in playing the piano. For the next six years, she performed with many of the leading orchestras in Europe and America. In 1911, at age 21, she began acting on the stage. Her first lead role was in the musical “The Girl in the Taxi”. After an operation damaged her vocal cords, she switched to acting in plays. She began her transition in the hit farce “Tons of Money” (1922). She played a role in the hit, “A Cuckoo in the Nest” (1925). She played in two Broadway productions; “And So To Bed” (1927) and “Canaries Sometimes Sing” (1930). In the 1930’s and 1940’s, she played dramatic roles in films. The IMDb credits her with 21 film roles between 1920 and 1958, Later in her career, she still performed as a pianist. Britain’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre was named in her memory. Arnaud was married to actor Hugh McLellan in 1920. She was president of the “League Against Cruel Sports” from 1948 to 1951. Founded in 1924, the league is Britain’s leading charity that aims to stop the persecution, abuse, and killing of animals for sport. For example, the organization campaigns against Bull Fighting and Fox Hunting. Yvonne Arnaud was very popular; she was a sitter in 80 portraits in the collection of Britain’s National Portrait Gallery. The YouTube video below captures Arnaud playing piano with an orchestra conducted by John Barbirolli. The music was recorded in 1932. She is playing “Valse Caprice Op.76” which was composed by Camille Saint-Saens (1835-1921). The French composer was unique compared to his contemporaries in that he wrote music in many genres including chamber music, opera, symphonies, sacred choral music, concertos, and solo piano. He had many musical talents. evidenced by the fact that he was a composer, conductor, organist, and pianist.

Postcard 1 highlights the beauty of Miss Arnaud. Note her romantic headdress. Her photograph was taken by Lucien Walery, a celebrated photographer who operated a studio in Paris. He was known for his portraits of actresses and cabaret dancers from the city’s music halls. He was well known for his portraits of Mata Hari and Josephine Baker. Much of his work was done in the genre of nude/erotic photography. He photographed the beautiful women of Paris between the early 1900’s and the 1920’s. This hand color tinted postcard is part of a series (no. 5111). It has a postmark of 1907.   SOLD                                                                                                              

 Postcard 2 is also a vintage real photo card portrait of Yvonne Arnaud. She looks beautiful in this color tinted postcard. This postcard was printed in Britain and was part of the Lilywhite Photographic Series (no. L 4, 501F). The publisher, Lilywhite Ltd, Halifax (L.L.H.), was founded by Arthur Frederick Sergeant. He also was the founder of Halifax Photographic Company which was based in Halifax, England. Lilywhite began publishing postcards in 1910; and in the 1920’s, the company took over Arrow Series Postcards. The company then published postcards under both the Arrow and Lilywhite names.  This postcard has a postmark of 1925. SOLD

Postcard 3 is a good illustration of the beauty of Miss Arnaud. Note her large loop earrings. The photograph is a bit risque due to her low neckline. Her photograph was taken by Sam Levin (1904-1992). He was born in the Ukraine but emigrated to France when he was two years of age. He is famous for his stage photographs and his portraits of movie stars. His studio was in Paris. Levin was a film photographer for 75 films. He was arrested by the Nazis during World War II and was sent to a camp. His crime was, being Jewish. The fact that he was sent to a detention camp rather than a death camp, indicates there was a high ranking Nazi official acting as his guardian angel. He photographed nearly all the major French and European movie stars of the 1950’s and 1960’s. He is particularly celebrated for his photos of Brigitte Bardot. Levin did over 180 magazine covers in the United States.  This postcard was published by Editons du Globe (Paris). SOLD

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Published in: on August 17, 2026 at 12:30 pm  Comments (1)  
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BILLIE DOVE: BEAUTIFUL FILM ACTRESS, GIRLFRIEND OF FLORENZ ZIEGFELD : RPPC

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These vintage real photo postcards feature actress Billie Dove. Billie Dove (1903-1997) was an American actress. Her parents were Swiss immigrants. During her teenage years, she worked as a model to support her family. Florenz Ziegfeld hired her as a teenager to appear in the Ziegfeld Follies Revue. She was not a particularly talented dancer or singer, her beauty and acting ability were her major assets. In the early 1920’s she moved to Hollywood and began appearing in silent films. It has been written that Ziegfeld’s wife, actress Billie Burke, helped facilitate Dove’s transition to films. Apparently, Burke was trying to separate Dove from her husband because the pair were having an affair. It did not take long for her to become one of the more popular actresses of the 1920’s. Among her better known films was “The Black Pirate” (1926) with Douglas Fairbanks, and “The American Beauty” (1927). Dove was a ravishing beauty and was very photogenic. She married director, Irvin Willat, in 1923. The marriage had a six year duration. She then had a three year romance with Howard Hughes. Dove’s other interests included being a pilot, painter, and poet. After her last film, “Blondie of the Follies” (1932), Dove retired from films. It is thought that she retired because she was distraught about her role in her last film being “trimmed” by her co-star’s (Marion Davies) influential boyfriend (William Randloph Hearst). Hearst was upset because Miss Davise’s acting was overshadowed by Dove’s acting. Mr Hearst owned Cosmopolitan Productions which produced the movie. After retirement, Dove married oil executive Robert Kenaston in 1933 and the couple remained together until Kenaston’s death in 1970. She had a brief third marriage to an architect. It is interesting to note that jazz singer, Billie Holiday, borrowed Billie Dove’s first name when picking out her own stage name. Miss Holiday was an admirer of Miss Dove. The IMDb lists 50 movie credits for Billie Dove between 1921 and 1962.

Postcard 1 is a profile portrait was published by Cinemagazine – Paris Edition (no.313). (SOLD)

Postcard 2 was published as by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.3687/1).  Billie Dove looks beautiful in this portrait taken by Defina. The logo for First National Pictures can be seen in the image’s lower right corner.  (SOLD)

Postcard 3 features Billie Dove looking beautiful in this provocative portrait. The card is risque, considering Dove’s pose and revealing tight dress. Billie Doves portrait seen on this postcard was taken by Defina. This card was published by Ross Verlag’s Italian Edition (Bellerini & Fratini, Florence, Italy). Casa Editrice Bellerini & Fratini was one of the most renowned Italian publishers. The firm began publishing film postcards in the early 1920’s and later became a distributor for Ross Verlag. As of 1918, the firm was still in existence.  (SOLD)

Postcard 4 accentuates Billie Dove’s beauty and elegance. She is reclining gracefully on an ornate, upholstered sofa. Her expression is soft and alluring, with a slightly playful or flirtatious gaze directed toward the camera. She is wearing a light, likely beaded or embellished, sleeveless gown that exudes 1920s sophistication and glamour. A long, delicate strand of pearls adorns her neck, adding to the vintage style and suggesting wealth or high social status. Her accessories include dangling earrings, a bracelet, and what looks like a feather boa or decorative fur near her arm. Her hair is styled in the characteristic short, wavy fashion of the 1920s. Her makeup is subtle yet elegant, with attention to her eyes and lips to accentuate her facial features. The atmosphere is glamorous and romantic. The soft pose and luxurious backdrop suggest themes of wealth, fame, and vintage Hollywood allure. The sofa has an intricate pattern that matches the era’s lavish interior design aesthetic. The background fabric and curtains complement the overall tone of refinement. This postcard was published by Ross Verlag (Berlin, Germany) as part of a series (no.4305/1).  SOLD

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Published in: on August 17, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  
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DOLORES DEL RIO : BEAUTIFUL ACTRESS : STAR OF AMERICAN AND MEXICAN CINEMA : RPPC

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POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

This vintage real photo postcard features pretty Mexican actress, dancer, and singer; Dolores del Rio (1904-1983). Del Rio’s performing career spanned more than half of a century. She was the first major Latin American actress to become an American film star (1920’s & 1930’s). Del Rio was also a major star in Mexican films. Dolores was known for her beauty as well as for her talent. She was discovered in Mexico and her Hollywood film career started in 1925. She began her career with a number of successful films, including “Ramona” (1928) and “Evangeline (1929). During the silent film era, she was considered the female version of “latin lover”, Rudolph Valentino. Del Rio was one of the fortunate actresses whose career was not destroyed by the advent of sound films. She acted in a wide range of film genres. “Bird of Paradise” (1932) and “Madame Du Barry” (1934) were among her successful films of the 1930’s. In the early 1940’s, her Hollywood career began to flounder sparking Del Rio to return to Mexico to become a major star of Mexican cinema. She continued acting in Mexican films through the 1950’s. Beginning 1960 she acted in both Mexican and Hollywood films. During the late 1950’s through the early 1970’s, Del Rio acted in theater and television. Dolores was born in Durango City, Mexico. Her parents were part of Mexican aristocracy whose lineage could be traced to Spain. Dolores was the cousin of actor Ramon Novarro (another silent film”latin lover”), and of Mexican cinema actress, Andrea Palma. During the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), Dolores’s family lost its fortune. Her family felt threatened by Pancho Villa’s insurgence. It was time to “get out of town”. Her father fled to the United States while she and her mother escaped to Mexico City. Acting was an integral part of Dolores’s getaway. She and her mother felt compelled to dress as peasants to insure safe passage on the train to Mexico City. Her parents reunited there in 1912. Dolores attended a college in Mexico City operated by French nuns. After seeing Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova perform; Dolores decided to become a dancer and took lessons from a well respected teacher. At age 17, Dolores married Jaime Martinez del Rio. He was from a wealthy family and was educated in England. The couple honeymooned in Europe for two years and Dolores formed close relationships with a number of members of European aristocracy. When the couple returned to Mexico, they settled in Mexico City. In 1925, Dolores met American filmmaker Edwin Carewe, and he was spellbound. He convinced Dolores and her husband to move to Hollywood where he promised to make Dolores a star. Her husband hoped to write screenplays there. When they arrived in Tinseltown, Carewe launched a public relations campaign to raise excitement about his beautiful find. He built up her aristocratic background by saying such gems as Dolores was “the first lady of high Mexican Society” and that she had come to Hollywood with a collection of shawls and combs valued at fifty thousand dollars. Dolores made her film debut in “Joanna” (1925), where she played a vamp of Spanish-Brazilian origin. Her first starring role was in the comedy “Pals First” (1926), directed by Carewe. That same year, Dolores appeared in the war film “What Price Glory?”. The movie was a huge financial success and helped Dolores become one of the “WAMPAS Baby Stars” of 1926. Other members of her “class” were Mary Astor, Joan Crawford, Janet Gaynor, and Fay Wray. By then, her film career was rocketing. Her role in Resurrection” (1927), a popular film based on a Tolstoy novel, further propelled her career. While her career was succeeding, her personal life was a “hot mess”. Her marriage to Del Rio ended in 1928. He had much difficulty being in the shadow of his famous and successful wife. Six months after Dolores filed for divorce, Del Rio died in Germany. While dealing with her grief, she had to deal with constant harassment from her discoverer, Edwin Carewe. He wanted to be more than her agent and her director since he had first launched her career. In 1929, Dolores announced to the press, that despite Carewe’s claims, the pair were just friends and business companions. She added that they had no plans for marriage. Soon thereafter, she cancelled her contract with him. The end result was a legal dispute that was settled out of court. Carewe’s anger did not end there. He disparaged her the press and refilmed “Resurrection” starring Lupe Velez, another popular Mexican film star. In 1930, Del Rio married MGM art director, Cedric Gibbons. They became one of Hollywood’s most followed couples of the early 1930’s. In 1932, the film, “Birds of Paradise”, was released to rave reviews. The film starred Del Rio and actor, Joel McCrea. The movie was a South Seas love story. A scandal arose from the film because of a scene featuring the pair swimming naked. Controversy continued in Del Rio’s appearance in “Flying Down to Rio” (1933). In this film, Del Rio was the first actress to wear a two piece bathing suit on screen. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers danced together for the first time on film, in this movie. Del Rio and Astaire also did an “intricate” dance number in the film. Del Rio found herself in political hot water when she and Ramona Novarro and Lupe Velez attended a special screening of a Mexican film which was accused of promoting Communism in California. Del Rio was accused of being a Communist for her attendance at the screening. In 1940, Del Rio began an affair with actor/filmmaker, Orson Welles. The dalliance resulted in Del Rio and Gibbons divorce. In 1954, Dolores was scheduled to co-star in a Spencer Tracy film, but the US government would not give her permission to work in the United States. The government believed she was sympathetic toward communism for attending the aforementioned film screening and for signing a petition supporting a world peace conference. After some time, she was able to remedy the problem by writing a persuasive letter to the US authorities. Later in life Del Rio did express some “political” beliefs. She stated that she wished she could play Mexican roles to show what life in Mexico was really like. She felt such an opportunity could help diminish the ugly stereotypes that existed about Mexicans in American society. She stated that it was her great wish to make fans realize the beauty, wonder, and greatness of Mexicans as a people. She asserted that the great majority of Americans view Mexicans as a “race of bandits, or laborers, dirty, unkempt, and uneducated”. Why do these false negative stereotypes sound so familiar? Del Rio wanted to show “the best that’s in my nation”. It has been pointed out by more than a few writers that Dolores del Rio was no “Latin bombshell”. Instead, she was noted for her elegance. The IMDb reports that Del Rio has 63 film credits ranging from 1925 through 1978.

Postcard 1 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (no.656). The reverse of the card has a gold seal stating “Ross Splendid”. This postcard has a Netherlands stamp and was postmarked in Rotterdam in 1932. SOLD

Postcard 2 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (no.3378/2). SOLD

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

Published in: on August 8, 2026 at 12:30 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MARCELLE LOUYS : MOULIN ROUGE PERFORMER : PARIS, FRANCE : RPPC : (1909)

POSTCARD 1

This vintage real photo postcard features Marcelle Louys, a pretty stage performer at the Moulin Rouge. The venue is located in Paris, France. The cabaret opened in 1889 and is best known as the birth place of the can-can dance. The Moulin Rouge remains in business and is a popular tourist destination. This postcard was published by EPR as part of a series (no.144). The postage stamp on this card is from France and the postmark is from 1909. This postcard is in very good condition (see scans)

This Vintage Real Photo Postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $16.89 or best offer

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336252248981

Published in: on July 28, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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