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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EDITH TALIAFERRO : REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM : REAL PHOTO POSTCARD : (1914)

This vintage real photo postcard features actress Edith Taliaferro (1894-1958). She was an American stage and film actress in the late 19th and early 20th century. She was active on the stage until 1935. She played roles in three silent films. She is most famous for playing the role of Rebecca in the stage production of “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm” (1910). Edith was born in Virginia. Her parents were theatre workers and her sister, Mabel, also became a stage actress. Edith made her stage debut at age two and by the time she was ten, she was performing in productions of Shakespeare. During her career, she performed in more than thirty stage productions. She appeared in sixteen Broadway shows.  (SOLD)

Published in: on March 31, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CAMILLA HORN : GERMAN ACTRESS AND DANCER : NAZI FOE : HOLLYWOOD : RPPC

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature German dancer and film star of the silent and sound era, Camilla Horn (1903-1996). She also was an internationally known actress, starring in several Hollywood films of the late 1920’s as well as a few British and Italian productions. Her father was a civil servant working in the Railroad Industry. She was born in Germany and educated in Germany and Switzerland. Horn was educated to work as a dressmaker. She went to Berlin where she trained as an actress and dancer. She next became a cabaret dancer. In 1925, she worked as an extra in a German film. Her big break came in 1926 after she replaced Lillian Gist in the UFA production of “Faust”. In 1928 she left for Hollywood where she played opposite John Barrymore in “Tempest” and “Eternal Love”. She became romantically involved with film director, Joseph Schenck. She returned to Europe (upon the advent of sound film) and in the 1930’s got in trouble with the Nazis and was prosecuted for an alleged financial offense. During the war years, she was too outspoken against the Nazis. The regime investigated her. She tried to escape unsuccessfully to Switzerland. Thereafter, she kept a low profile. After the war, she was convicted by a British tribunal and sentenced for three months of jail due to some minor offenses. It was also reported that post war, she worked as an interpreter for occupying American forces. Horn was a screen star from 1930 until her retirement in 1953. Horn was married four times during her life. Interestingly, in about 1972 Bruce Springsteen wrote a song about her. Camilla Horn was quite beautiful. She had blonde hair, slanting brown eyes and classical features.

Postcard 1 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.4123/1). The logo for “United Artists” can be seen in the lower right hand corner of Horn’s image. This postcard has a 1930 postmark. (SOLD)

Postcard 2 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.7348/1). The card has a Latvian stamp and postmark.  (SOLD)

Published in: on March 30, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CLAIRE ROMMER : FILM ACTRESS :SAVED FROM NAZIS BY ARISTEDES De SOUSA MENDES

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature German film actress, Claire Rommer (1904-1996). Her filmography on IMDb credits her with 49 film appearances between 1922 and 1934. She made her film debut at the age of eighteen. She also began her career as a soubrette appearing in operettas and comedies on the Berlin stage. However, her fame came from her film work. She played both leading and supportive roles. She played in silent films and made a successful transition to sound films. She even sang in some of her talkies. She was married to a prosperous Jewih man, named Adolf Strenger. Because of her marriage, in 1938 she was banned from any participation in the German film industry. It was thought that she was probably not Aryan like her husband. The rise of the Nazis forced the couple to leave Germany and emigrate to the United States via Portugal.The pair left Europe with the assistance of Aristedes de Sousa Mendes. He was a Portuguese Consular stationed in France. Mendes defied orders from his government and issued thousands of visas to Jews, allowing them to escape with their families and their lives. He was a hero for his work as a Holocaust rescuer. Ultimately, Mendes was severely punished for his defiance. After leaving Germany, Rommer’s film career ended. In the US, she divorced her husband and married a meat industry multi-millionaire.

Postcard 1 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.1933/1). Claire Rommer’s photo portrait was taken by celebrity photographer, Alexander Binder. This vintage photo postcard is in excellent condition (see scans). (SOLD)

Postcard 2 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.1933/2). Claire Rommer’s photo portrait was taken by celebrity photographer, Alexander Binder. This vintage photo postcard is in very good condition (see scans). (SOLD)

Postcard 3 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (no.3010/1). Miss Rommer’s portrait was taken by famed celebrity photographer Alex Binder, who operated his studio in Berlin. The postcard was postmarked in 1928. (SOLD)

Published in: on March 29, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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EVELYN HOLT : GERMAN ACTRESS : BANNED FROM FILM BY THE NAZIS : RPPC

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

Evelyn Holt (3 October 1908 – 22 February 2001) was a German actress. Her father was a journalist. Her film career began with UFA, a German film company. It did not take long for her to become a film star. She was popular in the 1920’s and early 1930’s. Holt was blond and blue eyed. In 1931 she became a soubrette at the Grosses Schauspielhaus (a popular theatre) in Berlin. Her film career came to an abrupt end when the Nazis’ took power. It was alleged that Holt was half Jewish, and she was banned from films. The ban was based on her being born with a Jewish sounding last name. Holt married Jewish publisher Felix Guggenheim (1904-1976) in 1936. Two years later the couple emigrated to Switzerland, then England, then the United States. She remained in the U.S. and never returned to acting.

Postcard 1 reveals that Evelyn Holt was quite pretty. She looks very confident in this image. Her dress is shiny. Is it silk? This postcard was published by Ross Verlag, a firm located in Berlin. The card was part of a series (no.6509/2). The photographer of this portrait is Walther Jaeger and the photograph was taken in Berlin, Germany. (SOLD)

Postcard 2 was published by Iris Verlag. Iris Verlag in Vienna was the most important Austrian publisher of film star postcards.  The logo for “Lux Film” can be seen in the lower left hand corner of  the image. The company was an Italian Film distribution and production company. This card is part of a series (no.946).  (SOLD)

Postcard 3  was published by Ross Verlag, a firm located in Berlin. The card was part of a series (no.3553/1). The photographer of this portrait is Ernst Schneider and the photograph was taken in Berlin, Germany.  He was considered to be one of the most celebrated studio photographers in Berlin during three decades (1900’s, 1910’s, 1920’s). He photographed many celebrities from the world of theater, opera, circuses, and film. He was also one of the most prominent fashion photographers in Berlin. In addition, he was well known for his nude photography, and he published books showcasing his work in this domain. Sometime around 1908 Schneider began working with postcard publishers “Rotophot” and “Neue Photographische Gesellschaft” (NPG). In 1919 he began working with Ross Verlag. The card was postmarked in 1928 in the city of Riga, Latvia.  (SOLD)

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

POSTCARD 3

Published in: on March 28, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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DOROTHY DANDRIDGE : AFRICAN AMERICAN ACTRESS & SINGER & ACTIVIST : TAMANGO : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features African American actress and singer, Dorothy Dandridge (1922-1965). She was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Her mother was an entertainer and her father was a cabinet maker and Baptist minister. Before Dorothy was born, her parents separated. Ruby’s mom built a song and dance act for Dorothy and her sister. Her mom’s lover managed the act and it is written that the children were given abusive discipline. They toured continuously for five years and they barely attended school. When the depression hit, Ruby moved her girls to Hollywood, California. Before long, the sisters teamed up with school mate Etta Jones to do a dance act called “The Dandridge Sisters”. The act did well for several years and played in venues such as the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater. Dorothy’s first screen appearance occurred when she was 13 in an episode of “Our Gang”. This was followed by a number of other screen roles including an appearance in “A Day at the Races” (1937) with the Marx Brothers. Her firs credited film role was in 1940. Her film roles were limited because she rejected many stereotypical black roles. In the 1940’s she appeared in both film and on the stage. She also performed as a singer in films with Count Basie and Louis Armstrong. Her first starring role was in “Bright Road” (1952) where she played opposite Harry Belafonte. In 1954, she starred in “Carmen Jones”. She received great reviews and the movie made her one of Hollywood’s first African American sex symbols and she was featured on a number of national magazine covers. In addition, she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. In 1957, she appeared in the film “Island in the Sun” in which she was involved in an interracial love affair with a white man. The script had to be revised a number of times because of the Motion Picture Production Code. The movie was controversial but received positive reviews and was successful. The IMDb credits Dandridge with 39 films between 1935 and 1962. She was politically active and was involved with the National Urban League and the NAACP. Dandridge was married and divorced twice and had a four year affair with director, Otto Preminger. Toward the end of her career, she discovered that her financial advisors had stolen much of her money and she owed over 100,00 dollars in back taxes. Her finances were in shambles and she had to move into a small apartment. In 1965, she had a phone conversation with a friend in which she made cryptic remarks intimating that her time left on earth might be short lived. The next day she was found dead in her apartment. There were two investigation into the cause of her death. One concluded she died of an accidental overdose of an anti-depressant. The other investigation determined she died of an embolism. This postcard features Dorothy Dandridge in the film “Tamango” (1959). The film tells the story of a rebellion on a Dutch slave ship. The actor standing behind Dandridge is Alex Cressan, who played the leader of the rebellion. Cressan only appeared in this one film. When he was cast in the film, he was a medical student in Martinique. Cressan received good reviews for his acting in this film. How he lived his life after this film is unknown. This real photo postcard was published by Progress Starfoto. (SOLD)

Published in: on March 27, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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NATALIE WOOD : AMERICAN FILM AND TELEVISION ACTRESS : MYSTERIOUS DEATH : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features pretty American actress, Natalie Wood (1938-1981). She had both talent and charisma. She was a successful actress and was known for being glamourous but also for her personal problems. Wood started acting in films as a child. One of her first notable roles was in the classic Christmas film “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947). As a teenager, she starred in films like “Rebel Without a Cause” (1955). She played alongside James Dean in a role that solidified her status as an actress perfect for playing wholesome and innocent young women. Through the late 1950’s and into the 1960’s she appeared in numerous successful films where she showcased her versatility in genres ranging from drama to comedy. Wood’s personal life was good fodder for sensationalized headlines. She was married three times. She had a tumultuous relationship with actor Robert Wagner. Despite her success as an actress, she struggled with insecurity and inner turmoil. She struggled with anxiety and depression throughout her adult life. In 1981, she drowned under mysterious circumstances while on a boating trip off the California coast. Speculation and controversy about the events surrounding her death continued for years after her death.  SOLD

Published in: on March 24, 2024 at 12:32 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CHRISTINE NILSSON : SWEDISH OPERA STAR : CABINET CARD PORTRAIT

This cabinet card features Swedish opera star, Christine Nilsson (1943-1921). She was known for her pure voice, graceful appearance and her stage presence. She was a leading international singer during her twenty year career. She retired in 1888. Some believe that she and diva, Adelina Pattie, were rivals. Nilsson was the youngest of seven children belonging to a very poor family. She showed musical talent when she was young but her family lacked the funds to get her proper training. She would perform at local fairs to make extra money. At age 14, she was “discovered” at a market fair by a wealthy judge. He became her sponsor and bankrolled her professional vocal training as well as music theory, foreign language, and musical instrument instruction. At age 17, she made her professional debut in concerts in Stockholm. She then received further training in Paris and began performing there. Her London debut occurred in 1867 and she had her American debut in 1871. An American tour brought her much financial success and acclaim. In 1883. she performed in “Faust” at the opening of the Metropolitan Opera House (New York City). That same year, she sang at the White House in front of President Chester A  Arthur. Her final US appearance was in 1884. She returned to Europe and performed and toured there. Nilsson never made a recording. When technology would have allowed her to make a record, she thought her voice had started it’s decline so she had no interest in making a recording.  SOLD

Published in: on March 15, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CORINNE GRIFFITH : AMERICAN FILM ACTRESS, PRODUCER, AUTHOR, & BUSINESSWOMAN

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

This vintage real photo postcard features Corinne Griffith, an American film actress, producer, author, and businesswoman. Besides being talented, she was considered to be one of the most beautiful actresses of the silent film era.

Postcard 1 was published as part of the Picturegoer Series (No.97). This postcard has a crease in it’s top left corner and is in overall fair condition.  (see scans).

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5356

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$11.85

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) 5356

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Postcard 2 was published by Ross Verlag. Miss Griffith’s photo was taken by Defina. The logo for “First National Pictures” is located on the bottom left hand corner of the image. First National Pictures was an American motion picture production and distribution company. The company was founded in 1917 as a theater chain. It then began distributing movies and in 1924 it began producing films. In 1929 the company was absorbed by Warner Brothers. Griffith was under contract with First National between 1923 and 1932.  (SOLD)

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

Published in: on March 9, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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