DOROTHY TENNANT : AMERICAN STAGE & SCREEN ACTRESS : “THE COLLEGE WIDOW” STAR RPPC

This undivided back vintage real photo postcard features American stage and screen actress, Dorothy Tennant (1865-1942). She is best known for her stage roles in the first ten years of the twentieth century. Her most prominent starring role was in the 1904 comedy, “The College Widow”. She performed in this play both on Broadway and on tour. She first appeared on stage in 1901 in the New York production of “White Roses”. The IBDb reports that she appeared in eight Broadway plays between 1902 and 1932. The IMDb states that Tennant acted in eight films between 1929 and 1938. This postcard was published by the Rotograph Company of New York City as part of a series (No.B936). The photo of Tennant seen on this card was taken by esteemed photographer Jacob Schloss.  SOLD

ELEANOR HOLM : GOLD MEDAL SWIMMER : EXPELLED FROM 1936 OLYMPICS : PRESS PHOTO

This vintage press photo (1936) features Eleanor Holm (1913-2004), an accomplished American swimmer and Olympian. She participated in the 1928 and 1932 Olympics. In 1932 she won a gold medal in the backstroke. She was selected to the 1936 Olympic team but was expelled from the team by Avery Brundage, President of the American Olympic Committee. On the way to the Olympics, Eleanor attended a drinking party aboard the ship that was taking her and her fellow athletes to Europe. Apparently she drank way too much. The team doctor found her in a near coma state. She also had been rude to a team chaperone. There were a number of charges; Eleanor did not deny them. Later in time, she stated that Brundage had a grudge against her because she had rejected him after he propositioned her. She ended up watching the swim events from the stands. Eleanor appears to have liked the limelight. In 1932, shortly after the Olympics, she had screen tests at a number of Hollywood’s major studios. That same year, she was named a WAMPAS baby star in the same class as Ginger Rogers. One of her first jobs with Warner Brothers involved barnstorming the country supporting both the movie “42nd Street” as well as the newly elected president, Franklin Roosevelt. In 1933 she married Art Jarrett (pictured in this photo), a singer and bandleader at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub. Holm appeared in four films playing herself and in one feature film, “Tarzan’s Revenge” (1938). Holm’s husband divorced her in 1938 1938. He stated he was humiliated by Holm’s expulsion from the Olympics as well as her having an affair. Holm married impresario Billy Rose in 1939. He had just divorced Fanny Brice. Also in 1939, Holm performed in Rose’s “Acquacade” at the World’s Fair. Holm’s marriage to Rose ended in 1954 in divorce. The divorce trial was sensational and was labelled “The War of the Roses”. Some months post divorce, Holm married again. Her new husband was an oil executive.  SOLD

ELLALINE TERRISS : PORTRAIT OF A STAGE ACTRESS : NAPOLEON SARONY : CABINET CARD

This vintage real photo postcard features acclaimed theater actress, Miss Ellaline Terriss (1871-1971). Ellaline Terriss was a British actress and singer who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ellaline was the daughter of leading actor William Terriss. He was murdered in 1897 by a deranged actor. She began her acting career in the 1880s. She was best known for her roles in musical comedies and her performances in popular shows such as “The Shop Girl” (1895) and “The Circus Girl” (1896). Terriss was also a talented singer, and her beautiful voice and charming personality made her a popular figure on the London stage. She was considered one of the leading actresses of her day and was known for her versatility, grace, and style. Throughout her career, Terriss appeared in numerous productions in London and on tour in Britain and the United States. She was also the wife of actor and producer, Seymour Hicks, who was a leading man in his own right. She continued to perform and was a prominent figure in the theatrical world until her retirement in the 1920s. Toward the end of her career, Terriss appeared in silent films and made a successful transition into talkies. This cabinet card portrait was taken by celebrated photographer Napoleon Sarony. He was based in New York City. A hand stamp on the reverse of the photograph identifies Siegel-Cooper Company. This firm was a department store in Chicago, Illinois. The store had it’s own photo studio and one wonders if this photograph was an item for sale within that studio. SOLD

MYSTERY ACTRESS IN SAN FRANCISCO: ETTA ?????

mystery

CABINET CARD 1

CABINET CARD 2   (SOLD)

These two Cabinet cards present quite a mystery. The dramatically dressed and attractive young woman in Cabinet Card 1 is simply identified as “Etta”. She appears to be an actress and my research reveals a large number of actresses named Etta who were stage performers around the turn of the century. I have been unable to determine this actresses identity, but a leading candidate might be Etta Butler (1879-1903). Etta Butler was a well-known actress and impersonator. She began her career at age 19 with the Tivoli Chorus in San Francisco. A year later she became a member of the “Around New York in Eighty Minutes” company. She was later featured in Frohman  comedies. She was last seen in “The Liberty Belles” at the Madison Square. Because of her popularity and promise, she was retained by David Belasco in a long term contract. She died of Typhoid fever in Roosevelt Hospital, in New York City at age 24. This mystery lady was photographed by Bradley and Bulofson of San Francisco, California.

Cabinet Card 2 has an inscription on the reverse signed by “Etta”. Are these two cabinet cards, taken by the same photographer, portraits of the same woman? One can see enough resemblance between the two images to hypothesize  that they are likely the same “Etta”. Take a look at another cabinet card by these photographers by clicking on the category “Photographer: Bradley & Rulofson”. That very same click will provide the reader with additional information about the photographers of this image.  (SOLD)

Published in: on January 16, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Comments (14)  
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MARY MANNERING: THEATRE STAR

Mary Mannering (1875-1953), stage star,  is featured in this cabinet card photograph by Schloss of New York City, New York.  Mary Mannering was born in London, England. She had her theatrical debut in Manchester in 1892. Daniel Frohman, theatrical producer and manager, convinced her to come to New York in 1896. She was quite successful in America. She played leading roles in romantic comedies and dramas for more than a decade. After appearing in 19 Broadway plays, she retired at the peak of her popularity, after playing in the “Garden of Allah” (1911). The  photographer,  Schloss was a well known New York City photographer who was famous for his portraits of theatrical stars. Note the foxing on this image. This cabinet card is in fair condition (see scans).

5557-1

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$18.00

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$28.00

Published in: on October 14, 2023 at 1:09 pm  Leave a Comment  
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ETHEL BARRYMORE: A STAGE BEAUTY

blog1CABINET CARD 1

CABINET CARD 2

                                                                                                                                      brrymore

                                                                 POSTCARD 1  (SOLD)

ethelPOSTCARD 2  (SOLD)

barrymorePOSTCARD 3

barrymore-againPOSTCARD 4   (SOLD)

BARRYMORE PCPOSTCARD 5  (SOLD)

ETHEL BARRYMORE: STAGE BEAUTY : BROADWAY : RPPC  (1906) - Picture 1 of 2POSTCARD 6 (SOLD)

Ethel Barrymore (1879-1959) was an outstanding American actress and a member of the famous theatrical Barrymore family. She was born Ethel Mae Blythe in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her parents were actors and she was the sister of John and Lionel Barrymore.  She was the great aunt of modern day actress Drew Barrymore.

Ethel Barrymore was considered by many to be the greatest actress of her generation. She was a major Broadway performer and first appeared there in 1895. She had roles in A Dolls House by Ibsen (1905).  She was a strong supporter of the Actors’ Equity Association and played a major role in the 1919 strike. She played in Somerset Maugham’s comedy, The Constant Wife (1926). She also starred in motion pictures beginning her film career in 1914.  Notable films included None but the Lonely Heart (1944) and The Spiral Staircase (1946). Around 1900, Winston Churchill proposed marriage to Barrymore but she refused. She later married Russell Griswold Colt in 1909 and had three children. She died of cardiovascular disease in 1959 at her home in California. The Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City is named in her honor.

The cabinet card 1 portrait of Ethel Barrymore was photographed by Phillips Photographers of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. To view other photographs by Phillips, click on the category “Photographer: Phillips”. The second image (cabinet card 2) of the actress was produced by Sarony, the famous celebrity photographer who’s studio was located in New York City. To see other Sarony photographs, click on the category “Photographer: Sarony”.

The third portrait of Miss Barrymore appears on postcard 1, published by the Rotograph Company who operated in  New York City and Germany. This postcard portrait was taken by famed Chicago photographer William Morrison. He is well known for his excellent portraits of theatrical stars. He produced both real photo postcards and cabinet cards. This postcard is number HB/1422 of the “Rotograph Series”. The image on this postcard is color tinted. This postcard has been mailed and postmarked (1907). The reverse of this postcard can be seen below.To view other photographs by Morrison, click on the category “Photographer: Morrison”.

The fourth portrait of Ethel Barrymore is an uncommon one (postcard 2). The image provides a lovely profile view of this legendary actress. If you search for this exact postcard online, you likely won’t find it. This postcard was published by E. Frey & Company who operated in  New York City . Research reveals that postcards displaying the printed name of  “E. Frey” were actually published by the Souvenir Post Card Company which existed between 1905 and 1914. It was located at 268 Canal Street in New York City. The company was purchased by Valentine & Sons and the combined company became Valentine – Souvenir. This postcard was printed in Germany and is in good condition (see scan).

The fifth photograph (postcard 3) of Miss Barrymore was published by the Rotograph Company. This postcard portrait was taken by famed Chicago celebrity photographer William Morrison.This postcard is number B 662 of the “Rotograph Series”. The image has excellent clarity.

The sixth image (postcard 4) is a vintage real photo postcard portrait of Ethel Barrymore. The postcard was published by Albert Hahn who was based in New York City (200 Broadway) and Hamburg. Hahn operated his company between 1901 and 1919. The postcard was produced in Germany sometime in the decade of 1900-1910. The postcard is part of a series (no. 5271).  (SOLD)

Postcard 5 offers a profile view of Miss Barrymore. The postcard was published by the Rotograph Company as part of the Rotograph Series (No. A 112). The photographer of this image is Burr McIntosh of New York City. William Burr McIntosh (1862-1942) lived an interesting life. Among his job titles listed by Wikipedia, are photographer, lecturer, film studio owner, silent film actor, publisher of the “Burr McIntosh Monthly”, reporter, and radio and early film pioneer. His sister was Nancy McIntosh, a noted operatic soprano. He was a graduate of Lafayette College in 1884. His most noted film role was his appearance in D. W. Griffith’s film, “Way Down East” (1920). Wikipedia notes that he appeared in 53 films between 1914 and 1934. This vintage postcard is in very good condition.

Postcard 6 is a portrait of Miss Barrymore that was postmarked in 1907.   (SOLD)

barrymore AGAIN 1

POSTCARD 4

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        POSTCARD 5   

ETHEL BARRYMORE: STAGE BEAUTY : BROADWAY : RPPC  (1906) - Picture 2 of 2Postcard 6 (Sold)

ERNA SACK : “GERMAN NIGHTINGALE” : OPERA STAR AND ACTRESS

This vintage real photo postcard features German soprano, Erna Sack (1898-1972). Her nickname was the “German Nightingale” due to her high vocal range.  She looks pretty in her dizzying attire and her feathered hat. Her blonde hair has been styled into ringlets. Sack was a very successful opera star. She toured all around the world. She also made many radio appearances and recordings. She performed in two movies,  Flowers from Nice (1936) and Nanon (1938).This postcard was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (no. A1930/1). The logo for the film company, UFA can be seen in the right hand lower corner of the image. Miss Sack’s photo was taken by the Hammerer studio. She also toured in the United States and one of the venues in her tour was Carnegie Hall. (SOLD)

ADRIENNE AUGARDE : POPULAR ACTRESS IN BRITAIN : GUITAR : UNCOMMON

This uncommon vintage real photo postcard features English actress and singer, Adrienne Augarde (1882-1913). She was born in London. Her father was a violinist and her mother was a Belgian singer. Augarde had several other members of her extended family who were successful theatrical or music performers. Her popularity transcended beyond Great Britain to include the United States. In fact, she appeared in four Broadway plays between 1905 and 1912. These plays included “The Dollar Princess” (1909) which ran for 250 performances. She was most known for her roles in Edwardian musical comedy.  Augarde started her career at age sixteen. She did pantomime and appeared in small roles in musical comedy and opera. Her popularity began with her playing leading roles in the musicals of George Edwardes. She then starred in a number of long running productions in both London and New York (1903-1912). While on a Vaudeville tour in the US, she became ill and died after an unsuccessful appendectomy. She was thirty years of age at the time of her death. She died in Chicago. Her ashes were put in an urn designed to look like a make-up box. Her cremains were sent to her mother in England. Miss Augarde looks quite pretty in this postcard. She is captured as she plays a guitar. This card was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.4859C). The photograph was taken by the Daily Mirror studios. This vintage postcard is in very good condition (see scans).   

5019-1

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5019

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$21.48

5019-4

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #5019

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$30.00

LEILA HYAMS : PRETTY FILM ACTRESS : FAMOUS MODEL : LISTERINE : “FREAKS” : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features American film and stage actress, model and vaudeville player, Lila Hyams (1905-1977). Her parents were vaudeville comedy performers and her mother was also a well thought of actress. Her parents also appeared together in a number of films. Leila began acting on stage as a child. In her teenage years, she worked as a model and became nationally known. She modelled for the first ad for Listerine. Leila’s film career was during the silent film and early talkie era and spanned from 1924 through 1936. Often playing leading lady roles, she appeared in more than fifty films. “Freaks” (1932)  was one of best known movies. Leila married her talent agent in 1927 and they stayed together for 50 years. The New York Times wrote in her obituary that she was “an attractive blonde actress who was eminently successful at playing ingenues.  This vintage postcard portrait is in very good condition (see scans). SOLD

MRS FISKE : THEATER STAR : ROTOGRAPH : BY MORRISON CHICAGO : RPPC

CABINET CARD 1(SOLD)

POSTCARD 1(SOLD)

This vintage real photo postcard and this cabinet card features acclaimed theater actress, Minnie Maddern Fiske (1865-1932). When performing, she was often billed as “Mrs. Fiske”. She was one of America’s leading actresses during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She performed in several Henrik Ibsen plays and is recognized as introducing American audiences to the Norwegian playwright. She was born in New Orleans, Lousiana, to parents that worked in the theater world. Her first professional acting gig was playing a role in a Shakespeare play. She was only three years old. By the age of four, she made her New York debut. Much of her childhood was spent touring with theater companies. At age sixteen, she played leading lady roles. She was recognized for her acting, but also for her beauty and singing voice. In 1890, she married Harrison Grey Fiske, successful playwright and Broadway producer. After takin three years off from acting, she returned to the theater in 1893 as an actor, playwright and director. The IBDb reports that she had 55 Broadway credits, combining her acting, writing, and directing. Among her successes on Broadway were “Tess of the d’Urbervilles (1897), “A Dolls House” (1902), “The Rose” (1905), and “The High Road” (1912). Her Broadway credits spanned from 1871 through 1930. In the mid 1910’s, Mrs Fiske starred in film adaptations of two of her stage successes. Although the films were well received, she believed she was more suited for theater than film. Despite her success in the theater, the talented actress died poverty stricken. Her financial downfall was realted to her battling against a group of producers that organized the Theatrical Trust (or Syndicate). The Syndicate controlled the nation’s best theaters and dictated what plays would appear and which actors would be in the cast. They relegated Mrs Fiske to appear in third rate theaters, churches, and skating rinks. Mrs. Fiske was not to be intimidated. She also was an advocate for animal welfare. She was involved in the activities of the ASPCA and other human leagues. She fought against the fashion craze of decorating hats with bird feathers. Many bird lives were sacrificed, and entire species were nearly wiped out as a result of this fad. She also educated the public about the cruelty involved in trapping animals. Because she was well known, respected and popular, she was able to influence animal reform. Mrs Fiske won a number of humanitarian awards. She was a strict vegetarian and was anti vivisection. During World War II, there was a liberty ship named  the “SS Minnie M Fiske”. Minnie Maddern Fiske was a woman born before her time. She was a feisty activist.

Cabinet Card 1 features acclaimed theater actress, Minnie Maddern Fiske (1865-1932). The photograph captures her in her role in “Tess of the d’Urbervilles (1897). Mrs. Fiske’s photograph for this cabinet card was taken by eccentric celebrity photographer, Napoleon Sarony. (SOLD)

Mrs. Fiske’s photograph on Postcard 1 was taken by William Morrison of Chicago, Illinois. The card was published by Rotograph as part of a series (no.B 627). (SOLD)