This vintage real photo postcard features a pretty and coy looking English actress named Dorothy Minto (1886-1957). She was born in Scotland. She was an actress known for “Once Upon a Time” (1918), and “A Little Bit of Fluff (1919), and “Raise the Roof” (1930). She was a popular actress on the London stage between 1905 and the mid 1930’s. Her early stage career was focused on classical plays and serious new theater but from 1912 and beyond, she concentrated more on musicals and comedies. It is notable that se appeared in the first runs of several of George Bernard Shaw’s plays. She also performed in plays by Shakespeare, Ibsen, Barrie, and Tolstoy, Minto’s career included appearances in ten films between 1916 and 1936. Interestingly, Minto appeared “Votes for Women” (1907) which was the first suffragist play performed on the London stage. She later became of member of the Actress Franchise League, part of the suffragist movement. She had two marriages and one child. Her infidelity led, or at least contributed to the end of both of her marriages. The National Portrait Gallery has 33 portraits of Miss Minto in their collection. Most of the images are by Alexander Bassano and Rita Martin.This postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no.4072 B). Minto’s portrait was done by Foulsham & Banfield. Foulsham & Banfield were well known celebrity photographers. Frank Foulsham and A. C. Banfield operated a studio from the 1900’s through the 1920’s. (SOLD)
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Miss Dorcy poses for her photograph at the Reutlinger studio in Paris, France. She is quite pretty and has a wonderful smile. The operator of the studio was celebrated theatrical photographer, Leopold Reutlinger. The postcard was published by Societe Industrielle de Photograpie (SIP) of Rueil, France. The Casino de Paris is advertised on the front of the postcard. The Casino de Paris was one of the better known music halls in Paris. Dorcy clearly performed there. I could find little information about this performer. In one article she was referred to as “Paulette Dorcy” but I can not confirm that “Paulette” is her first name. The card has a French stamp that was postmarked in 1905. This vintage postcard is in very good condition (see scans).
This vintage real photo postcard features pretty French film actress, Louise Lagrange (1898-1979). She was born in Oran, France, which is now in Algeria. Her movie debut occurred when she was nine years of age. Her first marriage was to film director Maurice Tourneur. Her second marriage was to actor, William Elliot. The IMDb credits her with 48 film credits between 1907 and 1952. Her appearances included such films as “A Roman Orgy” (1911), “The Nude Woman” (1926), “In the Shadow of the Harem” (1928), and “Cage of Girls” (1949). Do I detect a pattern here? Lagrange certainly acted in a large number of films with sexually provocative movie titles. Cinemagazine (Paris Edition) is the publisher of this card. It was part of a series (no. 425).This vintage postcard is in very good condition (see scans).
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I wish I knew more about this young lady. She has an infectious smile. Her dress is frilly and has rows of lace. Judging by her attire, my guess is that she is a “dancehall girl” or actress. Perhaps a viewer of this vintage old photo postcard has another opinion as to the story behind this image. Please share via leaving a comment. Some might consider this photo a bit risque. The woman seen in this image is wearing a very short dress for her era. An ink stamp on the reverse of the postcard reveals that this photograph was taken at the Avery studio. We only know that the studio was located on King’s Cross Road. King’s Cross is an area located in Central London. It may follow that Avery’s studio was located in London.
