LILLIAN GISH : PRETTY SILENT FILM STAR : D W GRIFFITH : RPPC

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

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 1

POSTCARD 2

Published in: on November 19, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

LYA MARA : GERMAN SILENT FILM STAR : PRODUCER FREDERIC ZELNICK’S WIFE : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features German silent film star, Lya Mara (1897-1960). She was born in Latvia. Mara was trained as a ballerina. She was a stage performer before World War I. Her rise to fame was rapid and her career spanned a number of continents. Her first film in Germany was in 1918. It was produced by renowned producer, Frederic Zelnick, whom she married in 1918. Zelnick promoted her into major stardom. Her popularity in film was illustrated by the hundreds of photographs of her produced into postcards, cigarette cards, and trade cards. She had exotic looks, expressive eyes, and ability to convey complex emotions non verbally. These attributes made her perfect for appearing in silent films. In film she displayed a combination of sex appeal and naivety. A serious car accident in the 1920’s interrupted her career. At the end of the 1920’s she appeared in a number of Austrian films. She was unsuccessful in making the transition into sound films. In 1933, with Hitler in power, Zelnick and Mara hightailed it to London. She spent the last years of her life in Switzerland. Her long filmography spans from 1916 to 1931. This postcard was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.1218/3). Mara’s photograph was taken by Ernst Schneider. 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. (SOLD)

Published in: on November 18, 2025 at 12:59 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , ,

FEODORA : PRETTY PERFORMER : RISQUE : RPPC : 1907

This vintage real photo postcard features pretty performer, Feodora. This postcard is a bit risque for it’s era. She is showing a lot of bare skin. Feodora is wearing pearls, a hairbow, and a fur hat. The initals of the photographer (M.F.) appear in the lower right hand corner. The photographer’s studio was in Paris. The message on the reverse of the postcard indicate that it was written in 1907. SOLD

Published in: on November 16, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: ,

CLO D’HALY : PRETTY THEATRICAL PERFORMER : PHOTO BY LUCIEN WALERY : RISQUE RPPC

This postcard features pretty theatrical performer, Clo D’Haly. She possessed great beauty. This photograph was taken by esteemed photographer Lucien Walery. He was a celebrated Paris photographer known for his portraits of artists and cabaret dancers from the city’s music halls. He is well known for his portraits of Mata Hari and Josephine Baker. Walery did a great deal of work in the genre of nude/erotic photography. He photographed the beautiful women of Paris between the early 1900’s and the 1920’s. This photo postcard is a bit risque for it’s era. The postcard was published by SIP . SOLD

Published in: on November 13, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , ,

LUCY BERTHET : PRETTY OPERA SOPRANO : BY NADAR : HAND-TINTED : RPPC 1905

This exquisite early 20th-century hand‑tinted portrait postcard features the renowned Belgian‑born opera soprano Lucy Berthet (1866–1941), captured in profile by the eminent French studio Nadar. Gaspard‑Félix Tournachon, known as Nadar, was born 6 April 1820 and died 23 March 1910. His son, Paul Nadar (8 February 1856 – 1 September 1939), took over the studio. It’s believed this card is by Paul Nadar, as he is known to have photographed Lucy Berthet. Lucy trained at the Conservatoire de Paris , where she won the First Prize in opera singing in 1892. She debuted at the Paris Opera (Académie Nationale de Musique) in 1892 as Ophélie in Hamlet. She went on to perform major soprano roles: Juliette in Roméo et Juliette, Gilda in Rigoletto, Elsa in Lohengrin, Ortlinde in a French version of Die Walküre, Marguerite in Faust, Thaïs in Thaïs, and more through 1899. She was renowned as a long‑standing pensionnaire (resident artist) of the Paris Opera during the 1890s. This postcard features Lucy Berthet in a lavish embroidered costume, hand‑tinted with pastel purples and soft yellows, wearing a velvet choker with a jewel‑inset cross and matching headscarf. The publisher of this postcard was G. Piprot. He operated a studio in Paris. This card is part of a series  (N. 769 – Th. 70). This postcard is in very good condition. It offers a crisp vignette with rich coloring. It has minor age toning and mild edge wear. The card was mailed in 1907 from St‑Jean‑de‑Luz (Basses‑Pyrénées, France) to Madame Ch. Boulliez in Paris. The postcard has  a 5c green French stamp and a brief message, “Souvenir affectueux (affectionate remembrance),” The postcard is signed by E. Coutan,”. This card is part of the Belle Époque tradition of theatrical portrait postcards by top photographers. Paul Nadar frequently captured prominent performers—including Lucy Berthet.  (SOLD)

Published in: on November 10, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , ,

LA BELLE ALEXIA : ACTRESS & DANCER : RISQUE : MAURICE MANES : PARIS : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features pretty performer, La Belle Alexia. She was a dancer and was also likely an actress. Preliminary research found no biographical information. This photograph of Alexia is risque due to her low cut dress. She is wearing a lot of jewelry around her neck. Alexia is flashing a lovely smile. This postcard was published by EPJ (Maurice P Manes, Paris) as part of a series (no.579).  SOLD

Published in: on November 7, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , ,

DO DO WATTS : BRITISH STAGE AND FILM ACTRESS : CAREER WOMAN

This vintage real photo postcard features British stage and film actress, Dodo Watts (1910-1990), She had one appearance on Broadway in “The Middle Watch” (1929).When she retired from acting, she became a career woman. She owned a successful millinery firm in London. She also worked as a casting director for three films. She cast Diana Rigg in her role in “The Avegers” television series. Watts also worked as a theatrical agent. The IMDb credits her with19 film credits between 1925 and 1953. This card was published by Picturegoer as part of a series (no.537). The photograph seen on this card was taken by George Mannell. His firm was located in London, England. SOLD

Published in: on November 3, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , ,

VIOLET VANBRUGH : PHOTO BY LIZZIE CASWALL SMITH : UNCOMMON ROTOPHOT RPPC 1908

This is a rare and beautifully preserved Rotophot (RP) postcard featuring a striking portrait of the renowned British stage actress Miss Violet Vanbrugh (1867–1942). The postcard, numbered 0450, was published by Rotophot, a German publisher known for high-quality photographic postcards. The portrait itself was captured by Lizzie Caswall Smith, a prominent female photographer of actors and society figures during the early 20th century. This particular image is notable for its excellent clarity and fine detail, showcasing Vanbrugh in an elegant, dark gown with a delicate lace underlayer, her short wavy hair styled fashionably, and wearing simple yet refined pearl earrings. Violet Vanbrugh was part of a theatrical family—her sister, Irene Vanbrugh, was also a celebrated actress. She initially pursued her education at Exeter and developed an interest in drama at a young age. She made her stage debut in 1886 at the Theatre Royal, Margate, before stepping into the London theatre scene. Her breakthrough came when she joined Sir Henry Irving’s company, where she refined her skills and gained recognition for her classical performances. Over the years, she became highly regarded for her portrayals of Shakespearean heroines, including Lady Macbeth, Portia in The Merchant of Venice, and Queen Katherine in Henry VIII. Apart from Shakespeare, she also starred in major productions like “Caste” and “Diplomacy”. Vanbrugh was admired for her commanding presence and emotive delivery, making her a favorite among theatre audiences of the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. Violet Vanbrugh married Arthur Bourchier, a fellow actor, in 1894, and the couple became a theatrical powerhouse, frequently starring together in productions. They also managed the Garrick Theatre in London for a time. However, their marriage eventually ended in divorce. Despite personal setbacks, Vanbrugh remained a distinguished figure in the theatrical world well into the 20th century. She passed away in 1942 at the age of 75. The back of this postcard features the Rotophot logo in red, with a printed divider. It is addressed to Miss M. Pattison of  Cardiff, Wales. The handwritten message, written in cursive along the left margin, reads: “another for your collection”. The sender hopes the postcard will be added to the recipients postcard collection. The postcard bears a half-penny green King Edward VII stamp, which was postmarked in Cardiff in 1908.  (SOLD)

Published in: on October 30, 2025 at 8:45 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , ,

ANNE VERNON & HER DACHSHUND : FRENCH ACTRESS : PHOTO BY LUCIENNE CHEVERT : RPPC

Anne Vernon (1924- ) was a French theatre, television and film actress. She is seen in this vintage real photo postcard, posing with a Dachshund dog. Vernon began her film career in the late 1940s, gaining attention for her elegance, charm, and natural screen presence. Her first notable role was in The Murdered Model (1948), marking her debut during the French occupation. In the post-war years, she became a prominent figure in French cinema, appearing in a variety of genres, including comedies, dramas, and musicals. One of her most significant roles came in Jacques Demy’s The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964), where she played Madame Emery, the mother of Catherine Deneuve’s character. Her nuanced performance brought depth to the bittersweet romance of the film, which remains a classic of French cinema. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Anne worked with esteemed directors such as René Clair and Julien Duvivier, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile actress. She also appeared in international productions, making her a recognized figure beyond France. Notably, she appeared in the Hollywood film Shakedown (1950), playing the role of Nita Palmer alongside Howard Duff and Peggy Dow. This was her only Hollywood film. Despite this venture into American cinema, she remained less known in the United States compared to her prominence in Europe. Over her career, Anne Vernon appeared in approximately 40 films between 1948 and 1970. Anne Vernon was married three times. Her husbands included  French lawyer and politician Robert Badinter and politician Jean-Pierre Prouteau. As of January 2025, Anne Vernon is still alive. She is 101 years-old. Miss Vernon’s photograph seen on this postcard was taken by Lucienne Chevert (1911-1982). She was a Paris based photographer who photographed dozens of French film stars post World War II. She was the partner of the well known celebrity photographer, Sam Levin. 
This postcard was published by the Globe Edition (Paris) and is part of a series (no.137).  (SOLD)

Published in: on October 27, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (2)  
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

CLAIRE LUCE : VINTAGE GLAMOUR PORTRAIT : BY MANNELL STUDIO : PRETTY ACTRESS

This vintage portrait postcard captures the elegance and sophistication of Claire Luce, a celebrated American stage and screen actress known for her work in theater and Hollywood during the early to mid-20th century. Photographed by Mannell Studio, London, this stunning black-and-white image exudes the classic glamour of the era, likely from the 1920s or 1930s. In this portrait, Claire Luce is seen wearing a sleek satin gown with a low-cut back, reflecting the timeless fashion of the Art Deco period. Her delicate necklace adds a touch of refinement, while her softly curled platinum blonde hair is meticulously styled in the distinctive finger waves that were highly fashionable during that time. Her expression is both confident and alluring, with a slight smile and a captivating gaze that suggests both poise and mystery. She poses gracefully, her fingers resting near her chin in an elegant yet relaxed manner, enhancing the overall sophistication of the composition. Born in 1903, in Syracuse, New York, Claire Luce became a renowned actress known for her work on both stage and screen. She rose to prominence in the 1920s and 1930s, particularly for her performances in Broadway productions. One of her most notable roles was in Gay Divorce (1932), where she starred alongside Fred Astaire. This production later inspired the classic film The Gay Divorcee (1934), though her role in the film was played by Ginger Rogers. Luce also made a mark in Hollywood, appearing in films such as Up the River (1930), The Cohens and the Kellys in Africa (1931), and Over She Goes (1937). However, her true passion remained the stage, and she continued to shine in numerous theatrical productions, both in the United States and the United Kingdom. Aside from her acting career, Luce was admired for her beauty, grace, and sophisticated sense of style. She was often photographed in elegant gowns, embodying the glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood and theater. Claire Luce was known for her dedication to her craft, and while she had several notable relationships, she was never widely publicized for her personal life. She married Clifford Warren Smith, an English businessman, though details about their marriage remain relatively private. . Claire Luce’s contributions to theater and film continue to be remembered by classic cinema enthusiasts and theater historians. Her connection to Fred Astaire and the Broadway stage solidifies her place in entertainment history.  George Mannell (London) is the photographer who took this postcard’s photo portrait. The postcard is relatively uncommon.

Published in: on October 21, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
Tags: , , , , , ,
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »