POSTCARD 1
POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)
The pretty actress seen on these vintage real photo postcards is Clarita Vidal (1883-1919). She was an actress in Edwardian musical comedies. She was also known for her work in wartime Italy. She did this volunteer work as Countess Chiquita Mazzuchi. She once told a reporter that she did not know her nationality. There were varying stories about her background. She said she was born in Singapore and that her father was a Spanish Ambassador and her mother was from England. Vial also said that she was raised in Algiers among Spanish diplomat families. She stated her name there was Chiquita Saavedra de Cervantes. Vidal was a “Florodora girl”, a stage beauty. “Florodora” was an Edwardian musical comedy that became one of the first successful Broadway musicals of the twentieth century. The show opened in London in 1899. Actresses Evie Greene and Ada Reeve were among the show’s performers. The Broadway production was performed at the Casino Theater in 1900 and ran for 552 performances. The show achieved some of its success from it’s chorus line of “Florodora Girls”. A Wikipedia entry describes the six female performers comprising the line as being ”tall, gorgeous damsels, clad in pink walking costumes, black picture hats and carrying frilly parasols (who) swished onto the stage and captivated New York for no other reason than they were utterly stunning”. The IBDB credits Vidal with two Broadway appearances; “The Silver Slipper” (1902) and “Cynthia” (1903). These appearances were followed by roles on the London stage, including “The School Girl” (1903). Renowned actress Billie Burke said of Vidal, “I remember Clarita Vidal, famous and smick-smack, who posed as if she were made of wax, with just one expression of sheer beauty”. She left the stage after marrying in 1909. The press rediscovered her by late 1915. She was using the name “Countess Chiquita ‘Chick’ Mazzuchi” and was working as a nurse and ambulance driver during World War I. In 1917 she spoke at war relief fundraisers in New York City. She spoke about wounds she sustained during her service in Italy. Apparently, Miss Vidal was prone to exaggeration, or lying, depending on your perspective. The Italian Consul objected to her using the title of “Countess” and embellishing her nursing experiences in the war. The New York district attorney investigated her claims and she agreed to stop speaking and collecting money for the war effort.
The content of the message on Postcard 1 is interesting. The sender is wishing the addressee luck on her music performance exams. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.1707). The postcard is in good condition (see scans).
Postcard 2 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.1707C). (SOLD)
Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5135
To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below
$32.00
Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #5135
To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below
$42.00
POSTCARD 1
POSTCARD 2
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 