PORTRAIT OF JEANNE SAMARY :ARTIST MODEL FOR RENOIR :STAGE ACTRESS : CABINET CARD

This cabinet card photograph features a portrait of French stage actress, Jeanne Samary (1857-1890). Samary was born into a family of artists. Her father was a cellist at the Paris Opera and she had two aunts and a grandmother who were actresses at the the Comedie-Francaise. At age fourteen, she entered the Conservatoire and in three years later, won the first prize for comedy. She made her debut at the Comedie-Francaise in 1874. She is not as well known for her acting as for her posing for several portraits by Pierre Auguste Renoir. She was his model between 1877 and 1880. She appeared in Renoir’s painting, “Le Dejeuner des canotiers” (Luncheon of the Boating Party). Samary was an actress who was perceived as a woman “of the people”. She could not get major roles on the stage. She played minor roles and often was cast as a maid. Samary wanted to be a famous actress but instead is famous for being one of Renoir’s models. This photograph of Samary was taken by the W. & D. Downey studio (London).  SOLD

VIRGINIA MAYO : BEAUTIFUL ACTRESS : PICTUREGOER SERIES : WARNER BROTHERS

This vintage real photo postcard features American actress and dancer, Virginia Mayo (1920-2005). Virginia grew up in St. Louis. She began attending her Aunt’s acting school at age 6. She also took dancing lessons. She began her professional acting career after graduating high school. She began acting and dancing at the St. Louis Municipal Opera Theatre. She then toured the vaudeville circuit for three years. She appeared in some short films and then was “discovered” performing at a Broadway area night club, by Samuel Goldwyn. Goldwyn appreciated her for her talent as well as her beauty. He signed her to an acting contract with his company.  In 1941, she appeared on the Broadway stage with Eddie Cantor. Her first starring role occured in 1944 when she appeared in a film with Bob Hope. The IMDb reports that Mayo had 70 film credits between 1939 and 1997. She performed in one Broadway play (1941-1942). This vintage postcard is part of the “Picturegoer” series (No. D 541). She posed for the postcard’s portrait while under contract with Warner Brothers.  SOLD

ARLETTE MARCHAL : PRETTY FRENCH FILM ACTRESS : SILENT FILM & TALKIES : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features French film actress, Arlette Marchal (1902-1984). The IMDb reports that she appeared in 42 films between 1922 and 1951. Marchal was brunette and exotic looking. As a young woman she was very shy and overcame her shyness by entering a beauty contest. She won the contest and one of the judges helped her get a film role. After that appearance, she was in constant demand for both leading and supporting roles in Hollywood silent films. She worked for both MGM and Paramount. She also was a major actress in French and German talkies. Her high in popularity was in the mid 1920’s. The IMDb states that she was most known for “Aux jardins de Murcie” (1923), “Figaro” (1929), “Don Quichotte” (1933), and “The Fighting Pimpernel” (1949). Marchal was noted for her beauty but she also received positive reviews for her acting from American film critics. She retired from acting in 1951 to concentrate on operating her chain of French fashion houses. This postcard was published by Alfred Noyer as part of a series (No.167). Miss Marchal’s photo was taken by the Sartony studio (Paris). SOLD

OCTAVIA HANDWORTH : AMERICAN STAGE AND SILENT FILM ACTRESS : REAL PHOTO POSTCARD

This uncommon vintage real photo postcard features pretty American silent film actress, Octavia Handworth (1887-1978). She was of Danish heritage. She showed much musical talent as a youngster and she was sent to Copenhagen to live with relatives and study music. She returned to the US at age twelve, continued music studies and was hired by an opera company at age sixteen. However, she determined that her real passion was for acting. She was married to Harry Handworth, an actor, producer and film director. Handworth headed Excelsior Feature Film Company. Her second marriage was to actor, Gordon De Main. She began her acting career on stage on the East Coast. She is known for the films “When Fate Leads Trump” (1914), “The Path Forbidden” (1914), “The Great Ruby” (1915), and “Too Much Bull” (1915). Much of her career, she appeared in short films for companies like Pathe, and Lubin. She did however make a half dozen feature films. There was much competition to become a major actress in film, and Octavia failed to reach that status. She retired from acting in 1921 after appearing in the film, “Footlights”. According to the IMDb, Octavia has 61 acting credits between 1910 and 1921. This postcard presents Octavia with a bit of an impish expression. This card was published by Kraus Manufacturing Company (New York) for the Pathe film company. Interestingly, the caption on the front of the card describes Octavia’s appearance. She is said to be blonde, light complexioned, and to have had gray eyes.  SOLD

LOIS MORAN : AMERICAN FILM AND STAGE STAR : AFFAIR WITH F. SCOTT FITZGERALD

This vintage real photo postcard features actress Lois Moran (1909-1990). She was an American stage and film actress.  She was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She lost both her father, and then her step father, at an early age. In 1921, at the age of 12, Moran and her mother moved to Paris, France. She began singing and dancing at the Paris National Opera at the early age of 13 years old. By age 14, she was appearing in silent films. Her debut in a Hollywood film occurred in “Stella Dallas” (1925). Moran’s film experience included musicals. In fact, she appeared with Al Jolson in “Mammy” (1930). The IMDb reports that Moran acted in 39 films between 1924 and 1974. She parlayed her experience in movies to begin acting on the Broadway stage. The IBDb lists Moran as appearing in 3 Broadway plays between 1930 and 1933.  Moran’s personal life included a short affair (1927) with “The Great Gatsby” writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. Interestingly, one of the characters (Rosemary Hoyt) in “Tender is the Night” is said to mirror Moran. In 1935, she married Clarence M. Young, the assistant Secretary of Commerce. This postcard was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.3171/1). In the lower right hand corner is the logo of Fox Films. She was likely under contract with Fox when this photo was taken. The photo was taken by Fox photographer Max Munn Autrey (1891-1971). This vintage postcard is in good condition (see scans).

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5218

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$14.00

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #5218

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$24.00

ELIZABETH MANET : FRENCH ACTRESS : PHOTO BY SAM LEVIN

This vintage real photo postcard features actress Elisabeth Manet. Manet was born in Paris, France, in 1934. She is remembered for “Young Girls Beware” (1957) and “The Mirror has Two Faces” (1958). He IMDb filmography includes six credits between 1955 and 1959. SOLD

ELLALINE TERRISS : PORTRAIT OF A STAGE ACTRESS : NAPOLEON SARONY : CABINET CARD

This vintage real photo postcard features acclaimed theater actress, Miss Ellaline Terriss (1871-1971). Ellaline Terriss was a British actress and singer who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ellaline was the daughter of leading actor William Terriss. He was murdered in 1897 by a deranged actor. She began her acting career in the 1880s. She was best known for her roles in musical comedies and her performances in popular shows such as “The Shop Girl” (1895) and “The Circus Girl” (1896). Terriss was also a talented singer, and her beautiful voice and charming personality made her a popular figure on the London stage. She was considered one of the leading actresses of her day and was known for her versatility, grace, and style. Throughout her career, Terriss appeared in numerous productions in London and on tour in Britain and the United States. She was also the wife of actor and producer, Seymour Hicks, who was a leading man in his own right. She continued to perform and was a prominent figure in the theatrical world until her retirement in the 1920s. Toward the end of her career, Terriss appeared in silent films and made a successful transition into talkies. This cabinet card portrait was taken by celebrated photographer Napoleon Sarony. He was based in New York City. A hand stamp on the reverse of the photograph identifies Siegel-Cooper Company. This firm was a department store in Chicago, Illinois. The store had it’s own photo studio and one wonders if this photograph was an item for sale within that studio. SOLD

VERA VERGANI : ITALIAN STAGE AND FILM STAR (PHOTO BY BADODI)

This vintage real photo postcard features Italian stage and silent film actress, Vera Vergani (1894-1989). The IMDb reports that Vergani had 13 film credits between 1916 and 1922. She retired from acting upon her marriage. She came out of retirement to earn another film credit in 1965.
This vintage postcard is in very good condition (see scans).The reverse of the card has the stamp of Milan photographer Badodi (1880-1967). He was a talented and very successful photographer of European celebrities. His photos immortalized many actors and actresses. He also did portraits of Benito Mussolini. SOLD

OLIVE MAY : AMERICAN STAGE ACTRESS : BROADWAY STAR : SHAKESPEARE : FIVE PHOTO POSTCARDS

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 6 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 7 (SOLD)

This uncommon vintage real photo postcard, (Postcard 1), features American stage actress, Olive May (1871-1938). She was born in New York City. May made her stage debut in 1893 and quickly became a popular leading lady. She appeared in a number of successful plays, including “Arizona” (1900), “The Merry Widow” (1907), and “The Girl from Utah” (1911). She also was noted for appearing in Maude Adams company and for her Shakespearian roles. The IBDb reports that May appeared in 21 Broadway plays between 1894 and 1928. May was also a popular singer. She was married twice. She had a four year marriage to playwright Henry Guy Carleton and a three year marriage to actor John Albaugh Jr. Widowed at 39 years of age, she never married again. Besides being a talented actress, May was known for her beauty. Many consider her to be one of the prettiest of the real photo postcard actresses of her time. Her beauty is evident in this postcard. She appears to be in costume for one of her theatrical roles. Note her intricate headdress. She is posing with a a copy of “The Bystander” magazine. The magazine began publication in 1903 and covered topics such as theater and literay news, politics, and sports. The magazine also included short stories and cartoons. In 1940 the magazine merged with “The Tatler”. This postcard was published by Rotophot and printed in Germany. Also listed as a publisher was Giesen Brothers & Co. (London). The photograph of Olive May seen on this card was taken by Dover Street Studios.  (SOLD)

Postcard 2 features Miss May in costume for one of her theatrical roles. Note her intricate headdress. This postcard was published by Rapid Photo as part of the Silverprint Photographic Series (No.3843). It was printed in Great Britain.  (SOLD)

Postcard 3 displays the beauty of Olive May. The photograph on this card captures her in costume for one of her theatrical roles. Note her long white gloves. This postcard was published by Raphael Tuck (No.1727S) as part of the “Celebrities of the Stage” series. It was printed in Great Britain.  (SOLD)

Postcard 4 features Miss May in costume for one of her theatrical roles. Note her pretty lacey hat and pigtails. This postcard was published by Rapid Photo as part of a series (No.2378). It was printed in Great Britain. The card has a 1905 postmark.  (SOLD)

Postcard 5 features Miss May possibly in costume for one of her theatrical roles. Note her long white gloves. Co-starring in this photograph is an adorable little terrier. The dog is sitting on a high stand and Miss May protectively has her hands lightly wrapped around it. The actress was photographed for this card by the esteemed photographer, Alexander Basssano. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo (No.1727S) and was printed in Great Britain.  (SOLD)

Postcard 6 features May in costume for one of her theatrical roles. Note her pretty lacey dress and hat. Miss May’s pose is atypical. She is sitting on a barrel/table. She has a wonderful smile. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.1727K). It was printed in Great Britain. Olive May’s photograph was taken by Dover Street Studios. (SOLD)

Postcard 7 illustrates May’s beauty. She is in costume for one of her theatrical roles. This postcard was published as part of the “Empire Series” (London).  (SOLD)

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 6 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 7 (SOLD)

GLADYS ARCHBUTT : CHILD DANCER AND ADULT MUSICAL COMEDY STAR

archbutt

POSTCARD 1

GLADYS ARCHBUTT : CHILD DANCER AND ADULT MUSICAL COMEDY STAR : RPPC 1 of 2

POSTCARD 2  (SOLD)

GLADYS ARCHBUTT :CHILD DANCER AND ADULT MUSICAL COMEDY STAR : RPPC   (1906) - Picture 1 of 3

POSTCARD 3

GLADYS ARCHBUTT & HER DOG : CHILD DANCER & ADULT MUSICAL COMEDY STAR : RPPC - Picture 1 of 4

POSTCARD 4  (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature English actress Gladys Archbutt (1889-1968). She began her career as a  child actress and dancer. She then launched a career in musical comedies in both Europe and the United States. She appeared in three Broadway musicals “London Follies” (1911), “The Balky Princess”, and “The Lamb of Delft”. She was sitter for five portraits in the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Archbutt was married to Edwyn Ingram Gibbons in 1909. He was killed during World War I. The photographers of these images include Alexander Bassano, Lallie Charles, The Royal Magazine (1908) ran a story about Miss Archbutt. She tells the story of one of her theatrical career “adventures”. Her company was playing in Wales and their manager departed without warning. The cast did not have the money needed to return home to London and they decided to continue performing. They soon learned that the scenery from the show had been hocked and they had to buy it back. Needless to say, the company eventually earned their way home. She tells an additional story of a time where she was almost guillotined by a falling curtain. Her role in that production required her to faint and drape herself over her fathers “dead” body. Unfortunately, the actor playing her father had fallen dead in the wrong spot on the stage. As the curtain fell, the actors on the stage whispered that she needed to move from her precarious position. Being a dedicated performer, she would not move away because she was supposed to be in an unconscious state. She states she narrowly avoided being badly hurt.

Vintage Postcard 1 was published by Rapid Photo and is part of a series (no.1609).The company existed between 1901 and 1910 and was located in London. The company is best known for their portraits of actresses. The postmark is from York and reveals that the card was mailed in 1906.The writer of the card describes attending a performance of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture”.This vintage postcard is in good condition (see scans). Note the bumping next to Miss Archbutt’s name on the front of the postcard. This portrait postcard is priced accordingly.   

Postcard 2 is hand colored and was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.1762F).    (SOLD)   

Postcard 3  was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.1752C). The postmark on this card reveals that it was mailed in 1906 SOLD                                                                                          

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #3018

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$12.49

   

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #3018

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$20.99

In Postcard 4  Miss Archbutt was photographed sitting cross legged, holding a small dog. Her calves are exposed, or at least they are covered by nude stockings. The exposure of her lower legs make this postcard risque. SOLD

archbutt 2

 

POSTCARD 3

POSTCARD 4