LILIAN HALL-DAVIS : BRITISH SILENT FILM ACTRESS : DIED BY SUICIDE AT 35 : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features British silent film actress, Lilian Hall-Davis (1898-1933). She had much success in silent films but struggled with the transition from silent to sound films. This frustration and disappointment likely led to her experiencing mental health problems and eventually to her suicide at the age of 35.  She was one of Britain’s leading actresses in the 1920’s, appearing in numerous films that showcased her charm, talent and on-screen presence. She worked with some of the most respected directors of her time and was a recognized talented actress in both British and International films. She starred in both romantic and dramatic roles. She is best remembered for her performances in two of Alfred Hitchcock’s films, “The Ring” (1927) and “The Farmer’s Wife” (1928). Other notable performances were in “The Passionate Adventure” (1924), “The Ghost Train” (1927), and “The Guns of Loos” (1928). Her popularity is reflected by the number of collectible postcards (such as this one) and photographs that were published during her era. This postcard shows Miss Hall-Davis with short wavy styled dark hair. understated make-up and large expressive eyes. Her gaze is slightly off-camera, conveying a reflective, almost wistful mood. She is wearing an elegant sleeveless dress adorned with embellishments along the shoulder strap. A delicate pearl necklace adds to her refined and classic look. The photographer of Miss Hall-Davis’s portrait was Schneider, a Berlin based photographer, The postcard was published by Ross Verlag (Berlin). Ernst Schneider was one of the most celebrated studio photographers in Berlin during three decades (1900’s, 1910’s, 1920’s). He photographed many celebrities from the world of theater, opera, circuses, and film. He was also one of the most prominent fashion photographers in Berlin. In addition, he was well known for his nude photography and he published books showcasing his work in this domain. Sometime around 1908 Schneider began working with postcard publishers “Rotophot” and “Neue Photographische Gesellschaft” (NPG). In 1919 he began working with Ross Verlag.  SOLD

Published in: on November 25, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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ANNY ONDRA: BEAUTIFUL TALENTED ACTRESS : WIFE OF BOXING CHAMPION MAX SCHMELING : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features actress Anny Ondra. The postcard was published by Ross Verlag. The photograph is by Alexander Binder. The postcard is part of a series (no. 5873/1). Anny Ondra (1903-1987) was a Czech film actress. She was born in Tarnow, Galicia, Austria-Hungary (now Poland). She was active in the movie industry between 1914 and 1957. She acted in Czech, Austrian, and German films in the 1920’s. She appeared in some British dramas, most notably, Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Manxman” (1929) and “Blackmail” (1929). The IMDb credits Ondra with over 90 acting credits between 1914 and 1957. She appeared in more than 40 films in the sound era. However, her career in British films was hurt by her thick accent. Check out the youtube video below. In this “test film”, Hitchcock “interviews” Ondra and makes her visibly uncomfortable and embarrassed by asking her very personal questions. She was married to German boxing champion Max Schmeling between 1933 and 1987. Schmeling was the world champion between 1930 and 1932. He is  well known for his fights with African American fighter, Joe Lewis. Ondra’s father was a Czech, Austro-Hungarian military officer and she grew up in Tarnow, Pula, and Prague. At the early age of seventeen, she acted in the theater as well as in a film. When her family learned that she had acted in a film, they were extremely angry. In fact, she reported that she was given a beating by her father. Post World War I was a time, for many people, that being an actress was akin to being a prostitute. Ondra began to live with her boyfriend (her debut film’s director) but after some time, the relationship ended because she wanted a family and he wanted nothing to do with marriage. In 1933, after a three year romance, Anny married Max Schmeling. She had been in a film with the boxer (“Knock-Out”, 1935). It was a “happy” marriage and the couple remained together until her death in 1987. Ondra and Schmeling were hot names in Nazi Germany. German fascists tried to exploit them in order to popularize their movement. Schmeling was seen as a German superman while Ondra represented the blonde Aryan type. The two celebrities refused to collaborate. Schmeling turned down honors and even helped hide two Jewish children, saving their lives. However, because of Nazi propoganda, many believed that the couple had collaborated. As a result, Schmeling and Ondra suffered financially for their fictional cooperation with the Nazis. Ondra was portrayed in two modern day movies, “Ring of Passion” (1978) and Joe and Max (2002). Miss Ondra appears quite thin in this postcards’s photo. Note her fur collared jacket. SOLD

Published in: on December 31, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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ANNY ONDRA: BEAUTIFUL AND TALENTED ACTRESS AND WIFE OF BOXING CHAMPION MAX SCHMELING

POSTCARD 6 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5 (SOLD)


POSTCARD 1  (SOLD)

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POSTCARD 2  (SOLD)

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POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

ANNY ONDRA: BEAUTIFUL & TALENTED ACTRESS : WIFE OF BOXING CHAMP MAX SCHMELING - Picture 1 of 3

POSTCARD 4

 This risque vintage real photo postcard (Postcard 1) features actress Anny Ondra. The postcard was published by Iris Verlag. The photograph is by Verleih Norbert & Co.. The postcard is part of a series (no. 5446). The photo seen on this postcard captures Ondra in a scene from the movie “Blackmail” (1929). This particular postcard is rare. I have searched extensively and have not been able to locate this particular image elsewhere. Anny Ondra (1903-1987) was a Czech film actress. She was born in Tarnow, Galicia, Austria-Hungary (now Poland). She was active in the movie industry between 1914 and 1957. She acted in Czech, Austrian, and German films in the 1920’s. She appeared in some British dramas, most notably, Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Manxman” (1929) and “Blackmail” (1929). The IMDb credits Ondra with over 90 acting credits between 1914 and 1957. She appeared in more than 40 films in the sound era. However, her career in British films was hurt by her thick accent. Check out the youtube video below. In this “test film”, Hitchcock “interviews” Ondra and makes her visibly uncomfortable and embarrassed by asking her very personal questions. She was married to German boxing champion Max Schmeling between 1933 and 1987. Schmeling was the world champion between 1930 and 1932. He is  well known for his fights with African American fighter, Joe Lewis. Ondra’s father was a Czech, Austro-Hungarian military officer and she grew up in Tarnow, Pula, and Prague. At the early age of seventeen, she acted in the theater as well as in a film. When her family learned that she had acted in a film, they were extremely angry. In fact, she reported that she was given a beating by her father. Post World War I was a time, for many people, that being an actress was akin to being a prostitute. Ondra began to live with her boyfriend (her debut film’s director) but after some time, the relationship ended because she wanted a family and he wanted nothing to do with marriage. In 1933, after a three year romance, Anny married Max Schmeling. She had been in a film with the boxer (“Knock-Out”, 1935). It was a “happy” marriage and the couple remained together until her death in 1987. Ondra and Schmeling were hot names in Nazi Germany. German fascists tried to exploit them in order to popularize their movement. Schmeling was seen as a German superman while Ondra represented the blonde Aryan type. The two celebrities refused to collaborate. Schmeling turned down honors and even helped hide two Jewish children, saving their lives. However, because of Nazi propoganda, many believed that the couple had collaborated. As a result, Schmeling and Ondra suffered financially for their fictional cooperation with the Nazis. Ondra was portrayed in two modern day movies, “Ring of Passion” (1978) and Joe and Max (2002).  (SOLD)

Postcard 2 was published by Ross Verlag. The photograph is from the Hammerer studio.  The logo for UFA, a German film company, can be seen in the right hand bottom corner of the image.   (SOLD)

Postcard 3 is risque for it’s time. The postcard was published by Ross Verlag. Ondra’s photograph is from the Schlosser & Wenisch  studio. (SOLD)

Postcard 4 is an uncommon vintage real photo postcard is of Dutch origin and was published by  Remaco. The photograph shows Anny working in a tailor shop. She is pressing a shirt and smiling while she works. This photo likely captures a scene from one of Ondra’s films. Note the other woman in the photo busy at work on their tailoring tasks. This postcard is in very good condition. See Scans.

Postcard 5

Postcard 5 was published by Ross Verlag. The photograph is by Alexander Binder. The postcard is part of a series (no. 5769/2).  (SOLD)

Postcard 6 features Ondra playing the piano. She is displaying a beautiful half smile. The postcard was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.6740/1).The logo for UFA, a German film company, can be seen in the right hand bottom corner of the image.  (SOLD)

 

Published in: on November 29, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Comments (2)  
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LILIAN BRAITHWAITE : ENGLISH STAGE & FILM ACTRESS : “THE VORTEX” : RPPC

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

These vintage real photo postcards feature pretty English stage actress Lilian Braithwaite (1873-1948). Lilian’s major focus was the stage but she did appear in both silent and talkie films. Her father was a Vicar (member of the clergy). She first acted with amateur companies and when she decided to become a professional actress, her parents were opposed. Despite the parental opposition, in 1897, she joined a professional Shakespearean company. She married one of her fellow actors, Gerald Lawrence. They divorced in 1905 due to Lawrence’s adultery and desertion. Her first professional London appearance was in “As You Like It” in 1900. She joined a series of other stage companies over the years. Her major noted appearance was as the alcoholic mother in Noel Coward’s drama, “The Vortex” (1924). In 1927, she appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s film “Downhill”.

Postcard 1 was published by Philco. The card is part of a series (No.3067F). This unposted postcard is in Very Good condition (see scans).

Postcard 2 features Lilian in her role in the play, “If I Were King”. The publisher of this portrait postcard is Rotary Photo (No.3032). This unposted postcard is in Very Good condition (see scans).

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POSTCARD 1

Published in: on June 14, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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BETTY BALFOUR: “BRITAINS QUEEN OF HAPPINESS” (3 VINTAGE REAL PHOTO POSTCARDS)

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POSTCARD 1

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POSTCARD 2

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POSTCARD 3

Have you ever heard of Betty Balfour? You would definitely know who she was if you lived in England during the silent film era because she is considered the most popular actress there during the 1920’s. She was known as the “British Mary Pickford” and “Britain’s Queen of Happiness”. Her fans knew her best for her “Squibs” series of films. Betty Balfour (1903-1977) was also known for her stage career. She made her stage debut in 1913 and worked in theater for several years before entering the film industry. She did not attempt to extend her career to Hollywood  but she did star in a number of German films. In Britain she starred in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Champagne” (1928). Her sound era debut was in “The Nipper” (1930), Her popularity began to drop in the 1930’s though she still was getting film roles. In all, she appeared in more than 35 films. Balfour was married to composer Jimmy Campbell but the marriage fell apart in 1941 after a ten year run. She attempted a theater comeback in 1952 but it failed. She died in Weybridge, Surrey, England at the age of seventy-four. This vintage real photo postcard was produced by Picturegoer as part of a series (no. 2a). The company was based in London. Picturegoer was a British fan magazine focussing on contemporary films and the actors and actresses who performed in them. Picturegoer also published postcards. In fact, they produced over 6500 different real photo postcards on 2000 actors and actresses.

The second real photo postcard see here is of unknown origin. The publisher is not identified nor is the photographer. Interestingly, just as in the first image, Miss Balfour is wearing pearls. She certainly was quite pretty. This vintage postcard is in excellent condition (see scans).

The third real photo postcard features Miss Balfour in costume wearing a headpiece with very large feathers. Her v-neck dress is very beautiful. The portrait of Miss Balfour was taken by the Maull and Fox studio. The postcard was published by Cinimagazine and was part of a series (no. 84). Henry Maull (1829-1914) was a British photographer known for his portraits of famous individuals. He became a member of the Royal Photographic Society in 1870. During his career he had several partnerships. One of these partnerships (c1856-1865) was with George Henry Polyblank and the pair were very talented and produced great photographs. Between 1879 and 1885 Maul partnered with John Fox (1832-1907). The partnership with Fox was ended due to bankruptcy. However, the studio’s name was maintained after the bankruptcy by Fox’s son Herbert. Examination of the date of Maull and Fox’s partnership, it is clear that this photograph was produced by a photographer operating after the reign of Maull and Fox. Much of Maull’s work can be seen at the National Portrait Gallery in London, England.

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5147

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$9.95

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POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

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POSTCARD 3

Published in: on October 16, 2023 at 9:05 am  Comments (1)  
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BETTY COMPSON : PROLIFIC AND PRETTY AMERICAN FILM ACTRESS : SITS IN SPORTS CAR

This vintage real photo postcard features American actress and film producer, Betty Compson (1897-1974). She was nicknamed “the prettiest girl in pictures”. Compson was born in a mining camp in Beaver, Utah. Her father was a mining engineer, a gold prospector, and grocery store owner. Her mother was a maid in hotels and private homes. Betty graduated from Salt Lake High School. She was hired as a violinist at age 16 in a theater in Salt Lake City. She then played in vaudeville touring companies and it was during this stint she was discovered by a film producer (Al Christie) who signed her to a contract. She began her career during Hollywoods’s silent film era. Her debut film was “Wanted, a Leading Lady” (1915). After this film, her career rocketed. She appeared in 25 film in 1916. All but one, were shorts. In 1918 she was offered a contract by studio head Mack Sennett. She rejected the offer because the salary was too low. She continued to make numerous short films until the middle of 1918. She was frequently paired with Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle. She started making only feature films. She became a rising star after appearing opposite Lon Chaney in “The Miracle Man” (1919). Paramount became interested in her and signed her to a five year contract. In 1921, Compson established her own production company in order to have creative control over screenplays and financing. The first movie she produced was “Prisoners of Love” (1921). After she completed acting in “The Woman With Four Faces” (1923), Paramount refused to give her a raise. She wanted an increase in her $2500 per week salary. Compson was angry enough at Paramount, to leave the company, and sign with a British film company. She made four films in England, two of them were films penned by Alfred Hitchcock. Paramount lured her back to Hollywood from England by offering her a top dollar contract. She then appeared in a movie by director, James Cruze. The pair married in 1924, but divorced four years later. The divorce from Cruze nearly ruined her financially because of debt accrued by Cruze. After Paramount did not offer her a contract renewal, she began freelancing in lower budget films. In 1928 she appeared in a “part talkie” called “The Barker”. She played a manipulative carnival girl. She was nominated for a “Best Actress” for this role by the Academy Awards. In 1929, she gained much recognition for her role in “The Docks of New York”. She played a suicidal prostitute. These two films resulted in her popularity returning to it’s previous high level. She appeared in many “talkie” films. Unlike a lot of silent film stars, Compson made a successful transition into sound films. In fact, she even appeared in a number of early musicals. When she played singing parts, her voice was dubbed. Her career flourished. In 1930, she appeared in 9 films. Her last “hit’ was in “The Spoilers”. Her costar was Gary Cooper. Her popularity waned and she only got roles in low budget, less successful studios. Her last film was in 1948. After retiring from her movie career, she started a cosmetic line and assisted her husband in a business named “Ashtrays Unlimited”. In total Compson was married three times. Her second marriage, to agent/producer Irving Weinberg ended in divorce after four years. Her third marriage was to a professional boxer. The marriage lasted 18 years and ended upon his death in 1962. She had no children. She died in 1974 after suffering a heart attack. She had much impact on the early movie industry. The IMDb reports 209 film credits between 1915 and 1948. This vintage postcard is in excellent condition (see scans). Take a look at the YouTube video below. The video features Betty Compson appearing in the silent film, “The Docks of New York” (1928). The music accompanying this video is obviously modern, but, in my opinion, it is excellent. Compson demonstrates incredible acting ability. Her facial expression and her eyes speak for her. SOLD

Betty Compson in “The Docks of New York” (1928)
Music: “Marry Me” By Dave Pagett and Viv Jones (Sax)

Published in: on October 7, 2020 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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