HILDA HANBURY : BRITISH STAGE ACTRESS : STAGE BEAUTY : CABINET CARD

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This cabinet card (Photo 1) features early British theatre actress, Hilda Hanbury (1875-1961). She is dressed for winter in this portrait. Note her warm looking coat and her hand-warming muff. Her hat is quite elaborate. Hilda’s sister, Lily Hanbury (1874-1908), was also an actress. Lily’s cabinet card photo portrait can be found elsewhere in the Cabinet Card Gallery. Hilda and Lily were cousins to actress Julia Neilson. Hilda began her acting career in the late 19th century and went on to have a successful stage and film career that spanned several decades. Hanbury made her professional stage debut in 1897 and went on to perform in a variety of plays throughout her career, including Shakespearean productions and contemporary dramas. She was particularly known for her performances in the plays of Noël Coward, and appeared in several of his works, including “The Vortex” and “Hay Fever.” Hanbury also appeared in a number of films during the 1930s and 1940s, including “The Ghoul” (1933) and “The Saint in London” (1939). Unlike her sister Lily, her film appearances were often in supportive roles. However, Hilda was considered a “stage beauty” and her image was popular on cabinet cards, cigarette cards, and postcards. Hanbury continued to act into her seventies, and her final stage appearance was in a production of Coward’s “Waiting in the Wings” in 1960. Hanbury was a close friend of playwright Noël Coward, and she appeared in several of his plays over the course of her career. Hanbury was known to be an avid bicyclist and a passionate gardener and was a member of the Royal Horticultural Society. She was a judge at flower shows and often exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show. Hilda married Arthur William Fox (1870-1956) in 1905. After the marriage, she retired from the stage and lived in a sixteen-room house. The couple had nine servants. Hilda and her husband divorced in 1923. The divorce was precipitated by her husband’s adultery. The photograph seen on this cabinet card was taken by the London Stereoscopic Company, located in Cheapside, England. The photo was taken sometime in the 1880’s or 1890’s. Interestingly, there is warning notice on the reverse of the photograph concerning it’s copyright. In addition, there is an advertisement offering photography lessons, on the card’s reverse. There is also an advertisement from H. G. Pearce & Co., a stationer and printer. SOLD

Photo 2 is a vintage real photo postcard featuring Hanbury holding her cute black dog over her shoulder. Note her flat hat. This postcard was published by Stewart & Woolf (London, England). SOLD

PHOTO 1

PHOTO 2

Published in: on May 15, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MADY CHRISTIANS : GAY STAGE AND FILM ACTRESS : POLITICALLY INVOLVED : FBI : RPPC

Mady Christians (1892-1951) was an Austrian-American actress. She appeared in many films and stage productions, both in Europe and the United States. This photograph captures Christians and two dogs in a scene from the silent film “Zoph und Schwert (Braid and Sword)” (1926). Some of her most notable performances include roles in the films “The Great Dictator” (1940) and “The Shop Around the Corner” (1940). She was also a successful stage actress and appeared in several Broadway productions. Christians was forced to flee Nazi Germany in the 1930s and emigrated to the United States where she continued her acting career. She was an active performer between 1916 and 1951. She was born in Vienna. Her father was a well known German actor. The family moved to Berlin and in 1912 they moved to New York City where her father became the general manager of the Irving Place Theater. In 1917, she returned to Europe to study acting under Max Reinhardt. Before the early 1930’s she appeared in several European films. In 1929, she starred in the first full sound film made in Germany. After touring the United States in a play, she was offered a Broadway contract. While appearing in Broadway she became part of a small and influential group of lesbian theater producers, directors, and actors. Christians became involved in political issues. She worked to help refugees, to gain rights for workers, supported Russian War relief, and was involved in other political issues. Her political work brought her to the attention of the FBI and other anti Communist groups, notably the House Committee on Un-American Activities. The FBI investigated Christians when an informant identified her as a “concealed communist”. The investigation virtually ended her performing career. She passed away in 1951 This card was published by Ross Verlag. The firm operated in Berlin, Germany. Note the mention of the German film company Aafa Film-Regie and the film’s director, Victor Janson in the lower right corner of the image.  SOLD

Published in: on May 13, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CARMEN SEVILLA : SPANISH ACTRESS, SINGER, AND DANCER

This vintage real photo postcard features Spanish actress, singer, and dancer, Carmen Sevilla (1930-2023). She started her career in the 1940’s and succeeded in becoming one of the most popular stars of the Spanish cinema until the 1970’s. Among her film roles were appearances in “Imperial Violets” (1952), “Vengeance” (1958), and “Antony and Cleopatra” (1972). She was also a successful singer who’s discography includes fifteen studio albums. Carmen was born in Seville, Spain. Her father was a composer. After the Spanish Civil War, she and her family moved to Madred and her father and grandfather worked as lyricists for major films. As a child, Sevilla enjoyed singing and dancing and made her stage debut at the age of twelve. In the 1940’s she studied at the Conservatory of Music and took dance lessons. She made her film debut in 1946. In 1947, she competed in the Miss Spain contest. Her first leading film role occurred in 1948 and her career quickly blossomed. Her popularity led to her being sought for advertising purposed. She was in Spain’s first Coca Cola commercial. She made her last film in 1978. In 1991 she began a new career as a television presenter. Sevilla was married twice. Her first marriage was to a well known composer / conductor. In 2012, she was diagnosed with Alzheimers. The disease led to her death just seven days before this posting. Sevilla’s photo portrait, seen on this postcard, was taken by the Harcourt studio. The card was published by the Globe (Paris) and is part of a series (No.203).  SOLD

Published in: on May 10, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CLARA BOW : AMERICAN SILENT FILM ACTRESS : “THE IT GIRL” : RISQUE 

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

This uncommon vintage real photo postcard (Postcard 1) features silent film icon, Clara Bow (1905-1965 ). She successfully made the transition to talkies in 1929. Bow appeared in 46 silent movies and 11 talkies. She was known as the “It Girl” during the golden age of Hollywood. She was known for her vivacious energy, mesmerizing on-screen presence, and her impressive talent. She was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up in the borough’s tenements. Both of her parents had mental health issues and she grew up in an unstable and chaotic environment. She was a resilient and determined child and she took on a caretaker role for her younger siblings. She was responsible and mature beyond her years. Despite her humble background, she became a very influential figure in cinema history. Her rise from poverty to stardom, and her groundbreaking portrayals of independent and liberated women, helped her gain an enduring legend of the silver screen. Clara Bow was discovered in 1922 when she participated in a magazine contest searching for new talent. Her photographs were seen by film producer B. P. Schulberg who saw her potential and offered her a screen test. Her screen presence was impressive and she signed a contract with Paramount Pictures. In her earliest films, her versatility was was obvious as she transitioned effortlessly between dramatic and comedic roles. It was the 1927 film, “It” that made Clara Bow a superstar and earned her the nickname of “The It Girl”. She was viewed as modern, charismatic, and sexually liberated. Bow was also successful in “talkie” films, despite her Brooklyn accent. While Bow was successful professionally, her personal life was a “hot mess”. She had a long term troubled marriage to actor Rex Bell (m.1931) and she battled her own mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. In 1933, Bow retired from acting and became a rancher. This vintage real photo postcard was published by Ross Verlag (Germany) as part of a series (No.3394/1). Bow is wearing a grass skirt, a Hawaiian Lei, and holding a ukulele. She is showing her bare legs. The card is risque for it’s era. The logo for Paramount Pictures can be found in the images bottom right hand corner.  SOLD

Postcard 2 was published by Ross Verlag (Germany) as part of a series (No.4480/1). Bow is wearing a short skirt. She is showing her bare legs. The card is risque for it’s era. The logo for Paramount Pictures can be found in the images bottom right hand corner.  SOLD

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

Published in: on May 7, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Comments (2)  
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JULIA JAMES : BEAUTIFUL STAGE ACTRESS : EIGHT PORTRAITS

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 6 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 7 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 8 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 9 (SOLD)

Postcard 1 features Julia James (1890-19F64), a beautiful stage actress. She appears in costume from the show “The Joy Ride Lady”. The play appeared in a London’ West End theater in about 1914.  She sat in 76 portraits that are part of England’s National Portrait Gallery. She is considered by one theatrical writer to be among the top fifteen most beautiful actresses of the 1900’s Edwardian era. She was born in London, England and began her career as a chorus girl at the Aldwych Theatre under Seymour Hicks. She played in “Blue Belle” in 1905. She appeared in productions at the Gaiety Theatre. These plays included “The Girls of Gottenburg”, “Havana”, and  “Our Miss Gibbs”. She performed in Paris in “The Arcadians” (1913). This Rotary Photo postcard was printed in Great Britain. The postcard is part of a series (no.6928F). The photographers of this image are from the Foulsham and Barfield studio.  (SOLD)

Postcard 2 was published by Beagles and was printed in Great Britain. The postcard is part of a series (no.340N). The photographer of this image is esteemed celebrity photographer, Rita Martin.  (SOLD)

Postcard 3 was published by Beagles and printed in Great Britain. The card has a 1917 postmark. The postcard is part of a series (no.340S). The photographer of this image is esteemed celebrity photographer, Rita Martin. (SOLD)

Postcard 4 was printed in Great Britain by Rotary Photo. The card has a 1909 postmark, revealing that Miss James was about 19 years of age when this photo was taken. The postcard is part of a series (no.1984C). The photographer of this image is the Foulsham & Banfield studio. (SOLD)

Postcard 5 This vintage real photo postcard features Julia James wearing a long strand of pearls and a pretty dress. Her dress is low cut for her era, making this postcard risque. She was likely a teenager, or in her twenties, when this photograph was taken. This postcard was published by J. Beagles & Co. and printed in Great Britain. The postcard is part of a series (no.340P). The card was distributed by K. V. M. Sultan & Co. which was located in Singapore. The photographer of this image was female. Women photographers were not very common at the time this postcard was published.  The photographer of this postcard photo was Rita Martin. She was a talented and well known celebrity photographer.  (SOLD)

Postcard 6 features Miss James in a scene from “Sleeping Beauty”. This “Philco” postcard was printed in London, England. The postcard is part of a series (no. 3298C). The photographer of this image is the fabulous celebrity photographer, Rita Martin. She is considered one of the best British photographers of her time. Her studio was in an exclusive neighborhood  She was born Margareta Weir Martin in Ireland.  Margareta “Rita” Martin started her career in photography in 1897 by assisting her elder sister Lallie Charles in running her studio. In 1906 Rita opened her own studio.  Rita had a specialty in photographing actresses including Lily Elsie and Lily Brayton. She was also well known for her child studies which often involved children of well known actresses. Rita’s sister, Lallie Charles was more known as an excellent society photographer. (SOLD)

Postcard 7 is beautifully color tinted image of Julia James. Note her long strand of pearls and her pretty dress. Her dress is low cut for her era, making this postcard risque. She was likely a teenager, or in her twenties, when this photograph was taken. This postcard was published by Philco and printed in Great Britain. The postcard is part of a series (no.3124A).  (SOLD)

Postcard 8 has a message that provides the recipient with birthday greetings. This Rotary Photo postcard was printed in Great Britain. The card has a 1907 postmark, revealing that Miss James was about 17 years of age when this photo was taken. The postcard is part of a series (no.1984A). The photographer of this image is Alexander Bassano. Bassano (1829 –1913) was a leading royal and high society photographer in Victorian London.  (SOLD)

Postcard 9 captures James eating an apple. She is flashing a fine smile. This postcard was was published by the Rival Photographic Series and was printed in Great Britain. The postcard is part of a series (no.R P 1073). The photographer of this image was the talented and famous, Rita Martin.  She was considered one of the best British photographers of her time. She opened her studio in 1906. (SOLD)

POSTCARD 1
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POSTCARD 3

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5

POSTCARD 6 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 7 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 8 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 9 (SOLD)

Published in: on May 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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SUZANNE BALQUERIE : FRENCH OPERA STAR : PHOTO BY HENRI MANUEL : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features French opera singer, Suzanne Balguerie (1888-1973). She is considered one of the best sopranos performing between the two World Wars. She studied singing at the Conservatoire de Paris. Her debut was at the Opera-Comique in 1921. She received rave reviews. She made a career at the Opera-Comique. When the Nazis occupied France during World War II, there was little opportunity for her to work and she became impoverished. She retired in 1950 and in 1953 she became a professor at the Conservatories in Grenoble and Geneva. For an unknown reason, she did not pursue an international opera career. Mlle Balquerie’s photo portrait seen on this postcard was taken by esteemed photographer, Henri Manuel. The card was published by Alfred Noyer (Paris, France).  (SOLD)

Published in: on April 20, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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VERONIQUE ZUBER : MISS FRANCE (1955), MOVIE ACTRESS, AND EX WIFE OF FASHION DESIGNER TED LAPIDUS

This vintage real photo postcard features French actress Veronique Zuber (1936-). Her beauty was recognized when she was selected Miss Paris (1954) and Miss France (1955). She became a movie actress, but her career was short lived. She dropped her career when she married French fashion designer, Ted Lapidus. She later divorced Lapidus and married Prince Georges de Bibikoff. The IMDB lists six films in her filmography. The movies were produced between 1956 and 1959. This postcard was edited by P. I. Kores as part of a series (No. 861). Miss Zuber’s photograph was taken by the Vauclair and Bernard Studio.  SOLD

Published in: on April 13, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MARY MCIVOR : PRETTY AMERICAN SILENT FILM ACTRESS

This vintage real photo postcard features a pretty young actress named Mary Mac Dvor. What can I tell you about Miss Mac Dvor? I’m afraid, not very much. Although her name appears on a few actor/actress postcard checklists, I have been unable to locate any of her biographical information. I can only tell you, judging by this image, she has a beautiful smile. This postcard was published by Nordisk Konst, a large Swedish postcard publishing company. The firm operated between 1925 and 1936. The subject of their postcards included holidays, views, and movie stars. At the bottom left of this image are the words “Triangle-Film”. Triangle Film Corporation was a major American movie studio founded in 1915. It was located in Culver City, California. The company closed in 1922. During it’s reign, Triangle produced films by the likes of D. W. Griffith and Mack Sennet. The IMDB list 289 films produced by the company. Mary Mac Dvor clearly was an actress employed by Triangle Films. She never became a star. This vintage portrait postcard is in good condition (see scans). ADDENDUM : A visitor to this site left a comment (see below) that correctly identifies the pretty actress seen on this postcard. Her name is Mary McIvor (1897-1941) and her name is misspelled on this postcard. She was an American actress who’s career occurred during the silent film era. She was married to William Desmond, a successful film series star. McIvor began her career in Hollywood Westerns for Triangle Films. She became the leading lady opposite William Hart. She married Desmond in 1919 and her acting became secondary to family life. All in all, McIvor appeared in 11 films between 1917 and 1925. McIvor experienced serious health problems beginning about 1930. In 1932 and in 1939, she was reported missing. During the later episode, she was found wandering the streets of Hollywood and experiencing amnesia. It is not clear if these problems were due to mental or physical health issues. McIvor and Desmond remained married until her death from a heart attack in 1941.

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Published in: on April 10, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Comments (2)  
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MAUD HARRISON : STAGE ACTRESS : BROADWAY : CABINET CARD

This cabinet card was photographed by George Rockwood (1882-1911) whose studio was located at 17 Union Square West in New York City. The reverse of the card identifies the subject of this portrait as Maud Harrison (c1856-1907). I have verified that this is indeed Maud Harrison. The corseted Miss Harrison is attractive and wearing a hat, a flower in her hair, and a cross. She is also wearing what appears to be wrist bands. The purpose of these bands beyond fashion, is unknown. Maud Harrison began her career at the Madison Square Theater. The IBDb reports that she appeared in five Broadway plays between 1877 and 1900. These productions include “Pink Dominos” (1877), “French Flats” (1880), and “Naughty Anthony” (1900).The New York Times reports Harrison’s death in 1907. She was found unconscious by a maid in her New York City hotel room. She died shortly after being discovered. Her cause of death was determined to be “Paralytic Stroke”. She had stopped acting in 1902 to care for her sick mother. She was in New York attempting to find a theatrical role to restart her career. For some reason, the Times reports that Miss Harrison was a Christian Scientist. This cabinet card’s photographer, George Rockwood was born in Troy, New York. He graduated from college with a PhD; reportedly either from the University of Chicago, or Columbia University. At 21 years of age, he was a newspaper reporter for the Troy Daily Times and at age 23, he was managing editor of the Troy Daily Post. He began working as a photographer in St. Louis and in 1857 opened a studio with his brother Elihu in New York City. He is credited for bringing CDV’s to America. His obituary in the Washington Post reports that Rockwood photographed more than 350,00 people. This cabinet card has foxing above Miss Harrison’s bust. SOLD

Published in: on April 4, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Comments (2)  
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CARMEL MYERS : JEWISH AMERICAN FILM ACTRESS : BEN HUR : RPPC

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

BLOTTER 1 (SOLD)

This vintage real photo postcard features 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.

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

Blotter 1 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)

POSTCARD 1

BLOTTER 1

Published in: on April 1, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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