MRS KENDAL : ENGLISH STAGE ACTRESS AND MANAGER : SHAKESPEARE PLAYER : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features English Victorian and Edwardian actress, Dame Madge Kendal (1848-1935).  Her photograph was taken by the Johnston and Hoffmann studio. The postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no.197 B). The postcard is in excellent condition (see scans). She appears to be in a stage costume. Mrs Kendal was most well known for her Shakespeare and English comedy roles. Along with her husband, she became a major theater manager. Madge was the product of a theatrical family. Her father ran a chain of theaters. She made her stage debut in London at the age of four. As a teenager she played with major stars in Shakespeare in West End theaters. At 21, she joined the Haymarket theater. She met actor W H Kendal and married him while in the Haymarket company. The pair often played in the same productions and became known as “The Kendals”. After much success in English productions, the couple successfully ran the St James Theater between 1879 and 1888. In the late 1800’s and early 1890’s the couple went of a US tour that played in more than 40 cities. They returned to act in Britain for more that a decade before retiring in 1908. Madge was known for her success at playing comic roles.. She had more mixed reviews when performing in serious parts. She and her husband worked hard to make acing a more socially respectable profession and she became known as “the matron of the English theater”. She was also active in charitable causes. 

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5300

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$19.00

 

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$29.00

Published in: on December 10, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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ANNY ONDRA: BEAUTIFUL AND TALENTED ACTRESS AND WIFE OF BOXING CHAMPION MAX SCHMELING

POSTCARD 6 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5 (SOLD)


POSTCARD 1  (SOLD)

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POSTCARD 2  (SOLD)

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POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

ANNY ONDRA: BEAUTIFUL & TALENTED ACTRESS : WIFE OF BOXING CHAMP MAX SCHMELING - Picture 1 of 3

POSTCARD 4

 This risque vintage real photo postcard (Postcard 1) features actress Anny Ondra. The postcard was published by Iris Verlag. The photograph is by Verleih Norbert & Co.. The postcard is part of a series (no. 5446). The photo seen on this postcard captures Ondra in a scene from the movie “Blackmail” (1929). This particular postcard is rare. I have searched extensively and have not been able to locate this particular image elsewhere. Anny Ondra (1903-1987) was a Czech film actress. She was born in Tarnow, Galicia, Austria-Hungary (now Poland). She was active in the movie industry between 1914 and 1957. She acted in Czech, Austrian, and German films in the 1920’s. She appeared in some British dramas, most notably, Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Manxman” (1929) and “Blackmail” (1929). The IMDb credits Ondra with over 90 acting credits between 1914 and 1957. She appeared in more than 40 films in the sound era. However, her career in British films was hurt by her thick accent. Check out the youtube video below. In this “test film”, Hitchcock “interviews” Ondra and makes her visibly uncomfortable and embarrassed by asking her very personal questions. She was married to German boxing champion Max Schmeling between 1933 and 1987. Schmeling was the world champion between 1930 and 1932. He is  well known for his fights with African American fighter, Joe Lewis. Ondra’s father was a Czech, Austro-Hungarian military officer and she grew up in Tarnow, Pula, and Prague. At the early age of seventeen, she acted in the theater as well as in a film. When her family learned that she had acted in a film, they were extremely angry. In fact, she reported that she was given a beating by her father. Post World War I was a time, for many people, that being an actress was akin to being a prostitute. Ondra began to live with her boyfriend (her debut film’s director) but after some time, the relationship ended because she wanted a family and he wanted nothing to do with marriage. In 1933, after a three year romance, Anny married Max Schmeling. She had been in a film with the boxer (“Knock-Out”, 1935). It was a “happy” marriage and the couple remained together until her death in 1987. Ondra and Schmeling were hot names in Nazi Germany. German fascists tried to exploit them in order to popularize their movement. Schmeling was seen as a German superman while Ondra represented the blonde Aryan type. The two celebrities refused to collaborate. Schmeling turned down honors and even helped hide two Jewish children, saving their lives. However, because of Nazi propoganda, many believed that the couple had collaborated. As a result, Schmeling and Ondra suffered financially for their fictional cooperation with the Nazis. Ondra was portrayed in two modern day movies, “Ring of Passion” (1978) and Joe and Max (2002).  (SOLD)

Postcard 2 was published by Ross Verlag. The photograph is from the Hammerer studio.  The logo for UFA, a German film company, can be seen in the right hand bottom corner of the image.   (SOLD)

Postcard 3 is risque for it’s time. The postcard was published by Ross Verlag. Ondra’s photograph is from the Schlosser & Wenisch  studio. (SOLD)

Postcard 4 is an uncommon vintage real photo postcard is of Dutch origin and was published by  Remaco. The photograph shows Anny working in a tailor shop. She is pressing a shirt and smiling while she works. This photo likely captures a scene from one of Ondra’s films. Note the other woman in the photo busy at work on their tailoring tasks. This postcard is in very good condition. See Scans.

Postcard 5

Postcard 5 was published by Ross Verlag. The photograph is by Alexander Binder. The postcard is part of a series (no. 5769/2).  (SOLD)

Postcard 6 features Ondra playing the piano. She is displaying a beautiful half smile. The postcard was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.6740/1).The logo for UFA, a German film company, can be seen in the right hand bottom corner of the image.  (SOLD)

 

Published in: on November 29, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Comments (2)  
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GARNETT AULAS : PRETTY PERFORMER : HAPPY NEW YEARS : BY REUTLINGER : RPPC 1910

This hand tinted vintage real photo postcard features a pretty performer named Garnett Aulas. This obscure actress/dancer has a dearth of biographical information on the internet. The caption in the card’s top right corner provides Happy New Years greetings (Bonne Annee). This portrait of Miss Aulas was taken by Leopold Reutlinger’s studio in Paris, France. This postcard was published by 
Societe Industrielle de Photograpie (SIP) of Rueil, France. It is part of a series (no.1429). Reutlinger was a very popular celebrity photographer.  SOLD

Published in: on November 24, 2024 at 12:20 pm  Leave a Comment  
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HELENA MODJESKA : POLISH AND AMERICAN ACTRESS : SHAKESPEARE : CABINET CARD 1889

This cabinet card photograph features Polish actress, Helena Modjeska (1840-1909). She was known for her Shakespearean and tragic roles. She began her career on the Polish stage and after emigrating to the United States in 1876, she was successful on both the American and British stage. She is considered the greatest actress in the history of the Polish stage. After marrying Count Karol Bozenta Chłapowski, Modjeska emigrated with him to the United States in 1876. She initially attempted to establish a utopian agricultural community in California. However, the colony struggled, and she turned back to acting to support the venture financially. Modjeska achieved remarkable success on the American stage, learning English and debuting in San Francisco in Adrienne Lecouvreur. She quickly became known for her elegance, refined acting style, and powerful performances in Shakespeare’s plays, such as As You Like It and Othello, which she toured extensively across the U.S. and England. She played twelve Shakespearean parts in this country in addition to other classic and contemporary roles. In 1883 she appeared in America’s first professional appearance of Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House”. This cabinet card was published by Newsboy as a premium for their tobacco products. Miss Modjeska’s photograph was taken by esteemed celebrity photographer, Benjamin Falk in 1889. Some may consider this photo risque because of Modjeska’s low cut dress.  SOLD

Published in: on November 22, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CAROL DEMPSTER : AMERICAN SILENT FILM ACTRESS : D W GRIFFITH : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features American silent film actress, Carol Dempster (1901-1991). She was born in Minnesota. Her father was a captain on a ship that travelled on the Great Lakes. The family moved to California when her father switched careers. She was spotted dancing in a school program by noted dancer Ruth St. Denis. St. Denis recruited her for her own dance school. Griffith discovered her at the St. Denis school. Dempster began her film career as a protege of film director extraordinaire. She was one of a number of actresses he collected for his “stable”. Others included Lillian and Dorothy Gish, Miriam Cooper, and Mae Marsh. These other actresses were said to detest Dempster because she mimicked their acting styles. Dempster was given her first role in the 1916 film, “Intolerance”. She played a harem girl along with teenage newcomer, Mildred Harris. Dempster was just 15 years old. She became one of Griffith’s favorites and appeared in nearly every one the films he directed through the 1920’s. Their relationship became a romantic relationship during the arly 1920’s. Dempsters last film appearance was in 1926. She retired that year to marry a wealthy banker. Dempster was not seen as a great actress by critics. She was overshadowed by Lillian Gish. In addition her animated acting style and physical appearnce were considered relatively ordinary. The IMDb reports that Dempster appeared in 19 films between 1916 and 1926. This vintage postcard offers a closeup view of Miss Dempster She looks pretty and glamorous. The card was published by Cinemagazine (Paris Edition). The postcard dates back to the 1920’s and is in very good condition (see scans).

carol dempster

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carol dempster

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Published in: on November 11, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MARISA ALLASIO : ITALIAN FILM ACTRESS : SEX SYMBOL : RISQUE : BIKINI : LARGE POSTCARD

This vintage risque postcard features a bikini clad Marisa Allasio (1936- ), a renowned Italian actress and a popular figure in 1950s cinema.  Known for her beauty and charm, she became a prominent “sex symbol” of Italian film. Allasio starred in nearly 20 films between 1952 and 1958, often embodying lively, youthful roles in comedies that resonated with audiences of Italy’s post-war economic boom. Her most famous performances include roles in Poor But Beautiful (1957) and Pretty But Poor (1957), both directed by Dino Risi, as well as Seven Hills of Rome (1958) alongside Mario Lanza. Her film career ended abruptly in 1958 when she married Count Pier Francesco Calvi di Bergolo, a member of Italian nobility and the grandson of Italy’s King Victor Emmanuel III. Post-marriage, she left the film industry and focused on family life, becoming the Countess of Bergolo. Despite her brief career, Allasio remains a nostalgic icon of Italian cinema from that era, remembered for her vivacious on-screen presence and embodiment of 1950s Italian glamour​. This vintage postcard is larger than the standard postcard. This card measures about 5.75 x 4.00 inches. This postcard was published by Rotalfoto. The firm was based in Milan, Italy. The postcard was published in the 1950’s and is in good condition (see scans). 

7749_0001

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$12.00

7749_0001

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$22.00

Published in: on November 8, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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HENRIETTE WATSON : PHOTO BY LALLIE CHARLES : IN THORNTON WILDER PLAY : RPPC 1909

This vintage real photo postcard features British actress, Henriette Watson (1873-1964). Watson was born in Scotland. She made her stage debut at age seven. At sixteen, she was trained and practiced enough to take “second lead” in comedies and modern dramas. As she grew older, larger parts came her way. After appearing in a number of touring and London theater engagements, she joined a touring company on a six month tour of Australia. In 1892 she toured Australia again with the “Mrs Bernard Beere Company”.  She appeared in “As in a Looking Glass” with the company.. She toured Australia again in 1899. She later acted in Thornton Wilder’s play, “The Merchant of Yonkers”. Watson’s photo portrait was taken by the celebrated celebrity photographer, Lallie Charles. She was known for her talent as well as the fact that she was a female photographer, an unusual phenomenon for her era. The card is part of the Rival Photographic Series and it was manufactured in England. The postcard was postmarked in 1909. Note the chip on the right border of the card. Accordingly, this postcard is in fair condition (see scans).

henriette watson_0001

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5293

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$19.95

Published in: on November 5, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MARCELLE YRVEN : FRENCH STAGE AND FILM STAR (1904)

This vintage real photo postcard features French stage and film star, Marcelle Yrven (1877-1954). Miss Yrven is pretty and photogenic. Her IMDb filmography reports that she was in thirteen films between 1925 and 1942. She also appeared in many theater productions between 1898 and 1935. This postcard is hand colored. The card was published in Germany by NPG (Neue Photographische Gesellschaft) as part of a series (no.435/3). A. G. Steglitz is also listed as a publisher. The postcard is an “Oranotypie” and was published in 1904. An oranotype is a trade name for a type of glossy real photo postcard published by NPG. The company was a leading bromide photo printing company for many years.at the beginning of the 20th century.  SOLD

Published in: on November 3, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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DEBORAH VOLAR : IN MERVEILLEUSES (THE MARVELLOUS WOMEN) AND IN ALADDIN : RPPC

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature singer and actress, Deborah Volar. Navy and Army magazine (1905) has an article about the performer in which she is described as a young “prima dona” (she was 21). The article reports that Volar was appearing at the Apollo Theater, and that she had made her debut two years earlier in “The Country Girl” at the Daly Theater.

Postcard 1 shows Volar in costume for her role in “The Merveilleuses”. The title can be translated as “The Marvellous Women”. Historically, these women lived at the end of the 18th century and were known for their outrageous style of fashion and behavior. Their fashion style was neo-classical and naked legs and toes challenged the mores of the day. These women were expressing their freedom through fashion.  “The Merveilleuses” was a musical play that can be categorized as a love story. Twelve photographs of Deborah Volar can be found in Great Britain’s National Portrait Gallery. This vintage postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.1730G). The card was printed in England and is in fair condition (see scans).

Postcard 2 shows Volar in costume for her role in “Aladdin” at the Prince’s Theatre in Bristol, England. Twelve photographs of Deborah Volar can be found in Great Britain’s National Portrait Gallery. This postcard is dated 1909. This vintage postcard was published by W.H.S. & S. B. (W. H. Smith & Son) as part of the Grosvenor series (No.10). The firm was located in Bristol. The card was printed in England. SOLD

Buy this Real Photo Vintage Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5037

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POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

Published in: on November 1, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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THELMA TODD : FILM ACTRESS : LUCKY LUCIANO : SUICIDE : PICTUREGOER : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features American actress, Thelma Todd (1906-1935).  She rose to prominence during the 1920s and 1930s as a comedic actress in both silent films and early talkies. Todd became known for her beauty, talent, and comedic timing, appearing in over 120 films throughout her career. She was nicknamed “The Ice Cream Blonde” and “Hot Toddy”. Todd began her entertainment career as a teenager, winning several beauty pageants before making her way to Hollywood. She started in the film industry as an extra and later secured minor roles in silent films. Her breakthrough came when she signed a contract with Hal Roach Studios, where she starred alongside comedy legends like Laurel and Hardy, Charley Chase, and Our Gang. In the late 1920s, Todd successfully transitioned into “talkies,” showcasing her ability to deliver comedic lines with charm and wit. Some of her notable films from this period include “Monkey Business” (1931), “The Maltese Falcon” (1931), and “Horse Feathers” (1932). Despite her success on the silver screen, Todd faced personal challenges and setbacks. She had a tumultuous love life, including relationships with prominent figures such as director Roland West and gangster Lucky Luciano. Her relationship with West, who was married at the time, was marred by rumors and scandals. Tragically, on December 16, 1935, Thelma Todd’s life was cut short under mysterious circumstances. Her body was found in her car, parked in the garage of her café, the Thelma Todd’s Sidewalk Café in Pacific Palisades, California. While the exact cause of her death remains uncertain, it was officially ruled as accidental carbon monoxide poisoning due to a faulty garage heater. However, some speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding her death have persisted over the years. This postcard was published as part of the “Picturegoer” series (no.413). SOLD

Published in: on October 30, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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