CHARLOTTE THIEL, GERMAN FILM STAR WHO SPURNED THE ADVANCES OF JOSEPH GOEBBELS

Charlotte Thiele (1918-2004) was a German actress. She was quite pretty. Thiele was born in Berlin and attended acting school at the “Schauspielhaus Berlin”. Her acting debut occurred in 1938 in a film directed by Kurt Hoffmann, a well known German film director that directed 48 films between 1938 and 1971. In 1939, she appeared in “We Dance Around The World” and the feature film made her an instant star. During the 1930’s and 1940’s she was often cast in roles where she played the “cool blonde”. In 1941, she appeared in a controversial propaganda film. The movie was a controversial pro euthanasia vehicle. The plot was about a successful doctor who is compelled to make a “heart wrenching” decision when his pretty young wife is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This movie was aimed at making the public more supportive of Germany’s euthanasia program and was a portend of things to come.  She is also known for playing a Lady Astor, in the film, Titanic (1943). In 1944, Thiele appeared in her last movie. Her career was ruined by Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels because she had rejected his advances. She went as far as throwing the dedicated engraved powder box he have her, into the trash. Thiele’s first marriage was to a prominent surgeon who was an assistant to a famous German surgeon.Her second husband was a Croatian diplomat. The couple emigrated to Argentina in 1944. She returned to Germany in 1954 and failed in her attempt to resume acting. However, in 1956, she appeared in an episode of the American television series “Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Presents/ Rheingold Theater”. The IMDb reports that Thiele appeared in 7 films. She died in Berlin in 2004. This vintage real photo postcard was published by Film-Foto-Verlag and was part of a series (no. A3823/1). The photographer was Hammerer for Wien-Film. It was published in 1943. The postcard features Miss Thiele in her role in the Wien-Film “Am Vorabend”.  SOLD

Published in: on May 26, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , ,

ADORABLE LITTLE GIRL : WHITE CAT : HANI REINWALD : FAUVETTE : RPPC 1913

This color tinted vintage real photo postcard features a barefoot adorable little girl and her white cat that she is carrying in a cloth bag. She is also carrying a bouquet of flowers and has a basket on her back. The model seen in this postcard photo is most likely, Hani Reinwald, sister of popular postcard model, Grete Reinwald. Both girls became stage and film actresses. I own another postcard from the same series as this postcard. That postcard is postmarked 1913, indicating that this postcard also dates back to that year. This French postcard was published by Fauvette as part of a series (No.1319). SOLD

Published in: on May 24, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , ,

KITTY BLANCHARD : 19TH CENTURY STAGE ACTRESS : GILBERT & BACON : CABINET CARD

This striking cabinet card presents Kitty Blanchard, a prominent American stage actress of the late 19th century. Seated in a confident pose, she is dressed in an elegant dark dress that hints at late Victorian fashion, with a fitted bodice and high collar, possibly made of velvet or a similar rich fabric. The neckline is modest, and the detailing is ornate yet refined, suggesting both stage presence and social grace. A subtle brooch or decorative element rests at her throat, drawing the viewer’s attention to her carefully arranged appearance. Her hair is styled in a voluminous upswept fashion, typical of actresses of her era, and her expression is composed, intelligent, and slightly reserved—conveying the self-assurance of a seasoned performer. There’s a maturity and dignity in her face that speaks of both artistic discipline and personal resolve. Her overall appearance is poised, polished, and unmistakably theatrical. Kitty Blanchard was a well-known American actress born circa 1850, likely in New York. She enjoyed significant success in the 1870s through the 1890s, often cast in melodramas and character roles that required both emotional intensity and comedic timing. She was married to William A. Mestayer, a fellow stage actor and playwright. The two frequently worked together and were regarded as a respected couple in theatrical circles of the time. Blanchard was best known for her roles in popular touring productions of melodramatic favorites such as “The Galley Slave” and “The Two Orphans”—the latter being one of her most memorable parts, where she often played the devoted sister. She was also admired for her comedic ability, particularly in domestic farces and sentimental comedies. Kitty Blanchard passed away in 1912, closing the curtain on a long and respected theatrical career. Though she never achieved national superstardom, she held a solid and admirable place in 19th-century American theater, especially as a stalwart of the traveling stage companies that brought culture to towns across the country. This cabinet card was produced by the esteemed Philadelphia photographic firm Gilbert & Bacon, one of the most prolific studio partnerships of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The studio was originally established by Charles M. Gilbert, who later partnered with William F. Bacon around 1875. Together, they operated a prominent photography business specializing in theatrical portraits, society figures, and portraiture of prominent Philadelphians. Gilbert & Bacon became known for their technical skill and their ability to capture the charisma of stage personalities, making them a favorite among actors and actresses appearing in Philadelphia theaters. Their studio, located on Chestnut Street, was active well into the early 1900s.  (SOLD)

Published in: on May 14, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , ,

BEAUTIFUL STAGE ACTRESS DENISE ORME (THREE VINTAGE REAL PHOTO POSTCARDS)

orme

                                                                            POSTCARD 1

orme 2

                                                                              POSTCARD 2

orme-2

                                                                                 POSTCARD 3  (SOLD)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 6007_0001-1.jpg

                                                                            POSTCARD 4  (SOLD)

Postcard 1 features stage actress Miss Denise Orme. She is very attractive and beautifully dressed. She is wearing a fur stole and and fur muffs. She has a lovely hat and wonderful smile. Miss Orme’s given name was Jessie Smither, and was later known as Duchess of Leinster. Denise Orme (1885-1960) was an English music hall singer, actress and musician who was a regular performeer at the Alhambra and Gaiety Theatres in London during the early years of the twentieth century. Her mother was a professor of music. She trained for her theatrical career at the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music. Her stage debut was in 1906 in the chorus at Daly’s Theatre in London. Later that same year she appeared in the title role of “See See” at the Prince of Wales Theatre. In 1906 she participated in gramophone recordings of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado”. Her marital history reveals that she had a predilection to choosing husbands that were “rich and famous”. She was married to an English Baron, A Danish millionaire, and an Irish duke. She was the maternal grandmother of Aga Khan IV.who is the current Imam of Nizari Ismailism which is a denomination of of Ismailism within Shia Islam with 15 million adherents. He is also a British business magnate. Miss Orme’s photographic portrait was taken by the Foulsham and Banfield Studio. Foulsham & Banfield were well known celebrity photographers. Frank Foulsham and A. C. Banfield operated a studio in the 1900’s through the 1920’s. The postcard was published by Rotary Photo and is part of the Rotary Photographic Series (#4098 Q). The postcard has a postmark from London, England, and dated 1907. The postmark date reveals that this portrait of Miss Orme was taken at the beginning of her stage career. In the message section of the postcard, the sender asks the receiver, “What do you think of Denise?”. In addition, the sender asserts on the front of the postcard “Nice hat, isn’t it?”. I have to agree; not only is Miss Orme lovely, so is her hat…….  

Postcard 2 shows the beautiful and well dressed Miss Orme peeking out from behind a curtain. The photographer is Alexander Bassano (1829-1913) who was a leading royal and high society photographer located in London. This postcard, like the first was published by Rotary Photo and is part of the Rotary Photographic Series (no. 1933 I).

Postcard 3 presents a close-up profile view of this stunningly pretty young actress. Like the first two photo postcards, this one is also published by the Rotary Photo company and is part of the Rotary Photographic Series (no. 4098 M). The photograph was taken by “Play Pictorial” which was an English theatre magazine published in London between 1902 and 1939. The publication provided a pictorial presentation of West End theatrical productions with each issue focusing on just one play.  (SOLD)

Postcard 4 presents a close-up profile view of this stunningly pretty young actress. It is published by the Davidson Brothers and is part of the Real Photographic Series (no.1670). The photograph was taken by Alexander Bassano. Bassano  (1829 –1913) was a leading royal and high society photographer in Victorian London.  (SOLD)

orme 2

REVERSE OF FIRST POSTCARD

orme 2 1

REVERSE OF SECOND POSTCARD

orme-1

REVERSE OF THIRD POSTCARD

REVERSE OF POSTCARD 4

Published in: on May 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (3)  
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

KITTY MALONE : EDWARDIAN RISQUE RPPC : VINTAGE THEATRICAL POSTCARD : RAPID PHOTO

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 SOLD

Postcard 1 is a risque original real photo postcard (RPPC) featuring Miss Kitty Malone, an early 20th-century stage performer or model. Malone is wrapped in a tight gown that accentuates all of her curves. The postcard was produced by Rapid Photo Co. in London, with the photograph taken at Dover St. Studios. In the image, Miss Kitty Malone strikes a dramatic pose, wrapped in a flowing, textured gown reminiscent of Grecian or theatrical costume styles. Her long, voluminous dark hair cascades down her shoulders, framing her striking face. She gazes directly at the camera with an intense and almost mysterious expression, her lips slightly parted. Her arms are lifted behind her head, adding to the dramatic, posed aesthetic that was characteristic of early Edwardian stage and artistic photography. This postcard is part of a series and numbered 2676 . This antique real photo postcard (RPPC) was postally used and sent in 1908. It features a green half-penny King Edward VII postage stamp, which was commonly used in the early 20th century for domestic postcards. The handwritten message is addressed to Miss V. Green and is written in black ink in elegant cursive handwriting. The sender, signed as “Aunt Emma”, writes to Violet, mentioning that she has received a postal order (P.O.) safely and hopes Violet and her mother are doing well. She asks if Violet’s mother has any homemade wine available and requests that she let her know by Sunday so she can send for a bottle. Aunt Emma also states that she will send money so it can be delivered by carrier on Wednesday, mentioning that she finds it beneficial for herself and thought Violet’s mother might feel the same. SOLD

Postcard 2 is a risque vintage postcard, published by Rotary Photo and numbered 1945G in the series, features Miss Kitty Malone in an elaborate theatrical costume. This card earns the title of risque because Miss Malone’s top is exceedingly short, exposing much of her legs. The photograph was taken by the renowned Foulsham & Banfield studio. Miss Malone is dressed in an ornate, short tunic-style dress adorned with intricate embroidery and decorative trim. The outfit is cinched at the waist with a bejeweled belt, and she wears sheer, flowing sleeves that drape elegantly from her arms. She also sports shimmering stockings, one of which is embellished with a delicate garter, and dainty, pointed shoes. Her regal headpiece, topped with tall, white feathered plumes, adds to the opulent and theatrical nature of her attire. Her expression is warm and confident, with a slight smile and a poised demeanor. She gazes directly at the camera, her head tilted slightly to one side. Her dark, voluminous hair is styled in an elegant updo, framing her face beautifully. Her pose, with one hand resting on her hip and the other raised near her face, conveys a sense of grace and charisma, suggesting she was a performer or stage actress. The background of the image is softly blurred, allowing the intricate details of her costume and expression to stand out. The overall aesthetic of the postcard captures the glamour and theatrical style of the era.  SOLD

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

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

MARGUERITE CHAPMAN : FILM SERIES : ACTRESS : BIKINI : RISQUE ; RWP CARDS : 2003

This vintage real photo postcard features American actress, Marguerite Chapman (1918-1999). She was born in New York. While working as a telephone switchboard operator, she began to pursue a career in modelling. She was involved in national advertising campaigns. She approached Howard Hughes about appearing in one of his films. The film was never made but he showed her screen test to some Hollywood people and in 1939, she was signed by 20th Century Fox. In 1941 she did a brief stint with Warner Brothers and between 1942 and 1948, she worked for Columbia Pictures. Her film debut was in 1940 and for a couple of years she appeared in small roles of various films. Her 1942, she was signed for a lead role in a Republic Pictures in a twelve part adventure series. More leading roles followed. During World War II she entertained the troops and sold war bonds. In the 1950’s her work mostly included supporting film roles and in the 1960’s she appeared on many television shows. Chapman was married and divorced twice. The IMDb gives her 76 credits in her filmography between 1940 and 1977. She is credited with originating the concept of traveling autograph conventions. This postcard was published by RWP in 2003. SOLD

Published in: on May 9, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , ,

MISS VIOLET CAMERON: SCANDALOUS STAGE ACTRESS

CABINET CARD 1

cameron

CABINET CARD 2
V CAMERON 3_0002CABINET CARD 3

CAMERON FRONTCABINET CARD 4 MISS VIOLET CAMERON : SCANDALOUS STAGE ACTRESS : CDV ; AD FOR MINERAL WATER - Picture 1 of 2CARTE de VISITE 1

Violet Cameron (1862-1919), was an English stage star. She was the niece of burlesque legend Lydia Thompson. Cameron  began her stage career as a child in 1871. She played several child roles at the Drury Lane Pantomime theatre. As an adult, she played many prominent roles in the most important English theatres. In 1886 she came to America and played in “The Commodore” and “Kenilworth”. In 1893 she had great success in the stage play “Morocco Bound”. She was involved in several scandalous love affairs during her stage career.  

Cabinet Card 1 is a product of Elliot & Fry, a prominent London photography studio.

Cabinet Card 2 was produced at the studio of W & D Downey in London, England.

Cabinet Card 3 is also by Downey. She looks lovely in her ruffly dress and her plunging neckline (relative to the cabinet card era) highlights her necklace. The reverse of the cabinet card has the stamp of Charles Ritzmann of New York City indicating that it was once owned by the esteemed purveyor of theatrical photographs.

Cabinet Card 4 also comes from the Downey studio. Cameron appears to be wearing a wedding dress in this cabinet card portrait. 

The reverse of Carte de Visite 1 has an advertisement for Taunus Mineral Water. The natural sparkling water came from Springs located near Frankfurt, Germany. Miss Cameron’s portrait for this carte de visite was taken by the celebrated Walery studio in London, England.

MISS VIOLET CAMERON : SCANDALOUS STAGE ACTRESS : CDV ; AD FOR MINERAL WATER - Picture 2 of 2

CARTE de VISITE 1

Published in: on April 29, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (25)  
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

DE DIONNE : PRETTY BUXOM FRENCH ACTRESS : RISQUE : ORICELLY : UNCOMMON RPPC 1910

This uncommon color tinted vintage real photo postcard features pretty and buxom French performer, De Dionne. Some research is required to learn biographical information about her. I found another postcard of this performer and the caption revealed that she had performed at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. This postcard was published by Royer. The firm was located in Nancy, France. The photographer of De Dionne’s photo seen on this card was J. Oricelly (Paris).  SOLD

Published in: on April 18, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , ,

PEGGY VERE : MUSIC HALL PERFORMER, STAGE STAR, AND FILM ACTRESS : A NOYER : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features pretty British music-hall performer, dancer, singer, and stage and screen actress, Peggy Vere. She performed in French music halls. Her debut was in Paris at both the Concert Mayol and at the Theatre des Varietes. In 1920 she performed at the Ambassadeurs and at the Casino de Paris. Between the years 1920 and 1940 she performed predominately at the Concert Mayol. Vere helped popularize “The Lambeth Walk”, a song from the musical “Me and My Girl” (1937). In 1919 he made her screen debut in a propaganda drama. The IMDb reports that Vere appeared in five films between 1919 and 1933. This postcard was published by Alfred Noyer (Paris, France) as part of a series (No.14). (SOLD)

Published in: on April 15, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , ,

PAULETTE DEL BAYE : CUBAN : FRENCH ACTRESS, SINGER, DANCER, & VAUDEVILLE RISQUE

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

Postcard 1 features actress Paulette Del Baye (1877-1945).This French actress, singer, dancer and vaudevillian was born in Cuba. In 1904 she performed in the production of “Sleeping Beauty” at the Moulin Rouge. She received excellent reviews. She performed on stage at least from 1906 through 1918. She also appeared in four silent films in 1921. One of these films was a Sherlock Holmes adventure. In 1909 she was accused of being involved in a plot to restore the French monarchy. This risque photo postcard was published by SIP as part of a series (no.1322). Miss Del Baye’s portrait was taken by esteemed celebrity photographer Paul Boyer. His studio was located in Paris, France. SOLD

Postcard 2 was published by VBC as part of a series (no.3036). Miss Del Baye’s portrait was taken by esteemed celebrity photographer, the Sazerac studio.The studio was located in Paris, France. This image was created by a photographic process called “Emaillographie”. It is interesting that the first five letters of the technique is “Email”.  SOLD

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

Published in: on April 13, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »