This vintage real photo postcard features British actress, Ethel Cadman. She appears to be in costume. Theater Magazine (1910) did a profile of her when she came to the United States to perform in the Broadway production of “The Arcadians”. Critics who saw her perform in the play, considered her as one of the sweetest singers that England had ever sent to America. At the time, she was just 24 years old. Her musical ability and her grace created instant popularity in New York. The article notes that when Cadman left for America, her mother was extremely ill with influenza. Her mother encouraged Cadman to leave and predicted great success was awaiting her on this tour. The plan was for her mother to follow her to the US when she regained her health. When Cadman arrived in New York, she learned that her mother had died. The article states that Cadman inherited her “lark like” voice and musical talent from her mother who was a choir singer. At age eleven, she sang from “The Messiah” at a country church. She received her musical training from the Guild Hall Music school. Her professional debut was with the Mudie Manners Opera Company. She spent seven months in the chorus but then was elevated to become a prima dona. She performed in a number of operas until she met theatrical producer, George Edwardes, who introduced her to comic operas. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.4368E). The photographer who took Cadman’s portrait was Langfier. This postcard is unused and in good condition (see scans). SOLD
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