VIRGINIA EARL : STAGE ACTRESS : PROLIFIC ON BROADWAY : VAUDEVILLE : PHOTO BY BENJAMIN FALK : CABINET CARD

This cabinet card photograph features American stage actress, Virginia Earle (1873-1937). Much of her work was in light operas, musical comedies, and vaudeville. Earle was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her parents were Irish immigrants. She made her stage debut in 1887. She had a role in Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado” produced by the Juvenile Opera Company. She played in several of their productions. Earle then joined a touring company of the Pike Opera Company. When in San Francisco, she was hired by a vaudeville company where she performed for two seasons. She next went to Australia with a performing company. She was identified with Augustin Daly’s Edwardian musical comedies for many years. The musicals included “The Circus Girl” and “A Runaway Girl”.  Earle played in eleven Broadway production between 1899 and 1910. Earle was a “chronic” robbery victim. She captured one of the thieves. Earle was walking along Sixth Avenue (Manhattan) and saw a woman wearing one of the cloaks she wore in the production of “The Merry World”. Earle grabbed the woman and screamed for help. Eventually the woman was tried and acquitted. The woman’s husband claimed to have found the cloak and he was judged credible. In 1894, Earle married Frank Lawton, an actor and comedian. She divorced him in 1899. Earle’s photo portrait seen on this cabinet card, was taken by celebrity photographer, Benjamin Falk. Falk operated a studio in New York City. This photograph was likely taken in the late 1880’s or early 1890’s. The cabinet card has a slight curl and is in overall good condition. See Scans. 

6268

Buy this Cabinet Card Photograph (includes shipping within the US) #6268

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$39.95

6268

Buy this Vintage Original Cabinet Card (includes International shipping outside the US) #6268

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$49.95

Published in: on August 28, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , ,

KATHLEEN CLIFFORD : FRED HARTSOOK : MALE IMPERSONATOR : VAUDEVILLE : VINTAGE PHOTO

This vintage photograph features American stage and film actress, Kathleen Clifford (1887-1962). The IMDb credits her with 14 film credits between 1917 and 1932. She is known for “Richard the Lion-Hearted (1923)”, When the Clouds Roll by (1919)”, and “Who is Number One? (1917)”. She often played leading roles in her films for Paramount. During her film career, she worked alongside Douglas Fairbanks Sr., Betty Compson, and Wallace Beery. She appeared on the Broadway stage six times between 1909 and 1916. Clifford was famous as a Vaudeville comedienne and male impersonator. She was billed as “The Smartest Chap in Town”. At one point in her vaudeville career, she worked as a duo with female impersonator, Bothwell Browne. Like many movie performers, she left acting with the advent of sound films. During the early years of World War I, she served as a Red Cross Nurse with the British Army in France. Upon retirement, she became a business woman and owned “Broadway Florist” in Hollywood. Clifford also wrote a novel about her time in Hollywood. She was married to Miomir Peter Illitch for over 35 years. He was a banker. This original photographic portrait of Kathleen Clifford was taken by a highly talented and esteemed American photographer, Fred Hartsook (1876-1930). He owned a California studio chain that, at that time, was considered to be the largest photographic business in the world. His celebrity clients included President Woodrow Wilson, Henry Ford, Mary Pickford, and Charles Lindbergh. He also owned a resort and two ranches in Southern California where he raised Holstein cattle. He was married to Bess Hesby, queen of the San Francisco Pan-Pacific Exposition of 1915.  SOLD

Published in: on August 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

VIRGINIA MAYO : BEAUTIFUL ACTRESS : PICTUREGOER SERIES : WARNER BROTHERS

This vintage real photo postcard features American actress and dancer, Virginia Mayo (1920-2005). Virginia grew up in St. Louis. She began attending her Aunt’s acting school at age 6. She also took dancing lessons. She began her professional acting career after graduating high school. She began acting and dancing at the St. Louis Municipal Opera Theatre. She then toured the vaudeville circuit for three years. She appeared in some short films and then was “discovered” performing at a Broadway area night club, by Samuel Goldwyn. Goldwyn appreciated her for her talent as well as her beauty. He signed her to an acting contract with his company.  In 1941, she appeared on the Broadway stage with Eddie Cantor. Her first starring role occured in 1944 when she appeared in a film with Bob Hope. The IMDb reports that Mayo had 70 film credits between 1939 and 1997. She performed in one Broadway play (1941-1942). This vintage postcard is part of the “Picturegoer” series (No. D 541). She posed for the postcard’s portrait while under contract with Warner Brothers.  SOLD

Published in: on July 24, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

LOIS MORAN : AMERICAN FILM AND STAGE STAR : AFFAIR WITH F. SCOTT FITZGERALD

This vintage real photo postcard features actress Lois Moran (1909-1990). She was an American stage and film actress.  She was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She lost both her father, and then her step father, at an early age. In 1921, at the age of 12, Moran and her mother moved to Paris, France. She began singing and dancing at the Paris National Opera at the early age of 13 years old. By age 14, she was appearing in silent films. Her debut in a Hollywood film occurred in “Stella Dallas” (1925). Moran’s film experience included musicals. In fact, she appeared with Al Jolson in “Mammy” (1930). The IMDb reports that Moran acted in 39 films between 1924 and 1974. She parlayed her experience in movies to begin acting on the Broadway stage. The IBDb lists Moran as appearing in 3 Broadway plays between 1930 and 1933.  Moran’s personal life included a short affair (1927) with “The Great Gatsby” writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. Interestingly, one of the characters (Rosemary Hoyt) in “Tender is the Night” is said to mirror Moran. In 1935, she married Clarence M. Young, the assistant Secretary of Commerce. This postcard was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.3171/1). In the lower right hand corner is the logo of Fox Films. She was likely under contract with Fox when this photo was taken. The photo was taken by Fox photographer Max Munn Autrey (1891-1971). This vintage postcard is in good condition (see scans).

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5218

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$14.00

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #5218

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$24.00

Published in: on July 14, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , ,

VIOLET HOPSON : PRETTY BRITISH ACTRESS AND FILM PRODUCER WEARING RIDING ATTIRE

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 1 (CLOSE-UP)

VIOLET HOPSON : PRETTY BRITISH ACTRESS &FILM PRODUCER :PHOTO BY FLORENCE VANDAMM - Picture 1 of 3

POSTCARD 2  (SOLD)

Violet Hopson (1887-1973) is the subject of these vintage real photo postcards. She was a highly successful British actress and producer who performed and produced stage and silent film productions. She was born in Australia. She began her stage career with Pollard’s Lilliputian Opera Company in Australia between 1898 and 1900. Two of her sisters also performed with the company. In the early 1900’s she performed in the United States and Great Britain. In the US, she appeared in dramatic productions while in Britain she added comedies to her repertoire Film historian, Rachael Low asserted that Hopson was presented to the public as if she was a “glamorous film star” despite having a low impact screen personality. Her British film debut was in “Mr Tubby’s Triumph (1910)”. Beginning 1912, she worked for British director, screen writer, and producer, Cecil Heworth. He marketed her as a “Dear Delightful Villainess”. In 1919, Hopson made a bold move and began her own production company which created a number of films. She did a series of films utilizing the theme of horse racing. Her career began to slow down before the arrival of sound films. She appeared in a few supporting roles in talkies but then retired. The IMDb reports that Violet Hopson’s filmography has 120 credits between 1910 and 1933. Hopson had two marriages. The first was to actor Alec Worcester and it was of about ten years duration. She later married British film producer, Walter West.

This vintage portrait seen in  Postcard 1, presents Hopson, in what I believe to be, horseback riding attire. Her long coat, high boots, and riding crop, all support my conclusion. Hopson looks very “cool” in this photograph. She is pretty and appears self confident and resolute. This postcard was published by Cinemagazine-Edition of Paris, France. The postcard is part of a series (no. 217). This vintage photo postcard has some cloudiness on the right side edge of the postcard. Overall the postcard is in good condition and has excellent clarity (see scans).

Postcard 2 presents Hopson in a pensive pose. She is wearing pearls and her dress is designed with a gauzy cover. The card is  hand color tinted. The photographer who shot Hopson’s photograph is quite famous. Her name is Florence Vandamm (1883-1966).  She was originally trained and worked as a painter. She moved to the United States in 1923. She was a British photographer noted for her portraits of Broadway productions and performers. During her five decade career she shot over two thousand productions. The logo for Broadwest All-British Films can be seen under Hopson’s printed name.  The card has Hopson’s facimile autograph in the bottom right hand corner of the image.  (SOLD)

Buy this original Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #2774a

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$18.50

Buy this original Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #2774a

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$27.00

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

Published in: on June 20, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

CLARITA VIDAL : PRETTY STAGE ACTRESS : WWI NURSE : ROTARY PHOTO : RPPC

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

The pretty actress seen on these vintage real photo postcards is Clarita Vidal (1883-1919). She was an actress in Edwardian musical comedies. She was also known for her work in wartime Italy. She did this volunteer work as Countess Chiquita Mazzuchi. She once told a reporter that she did not know her nationality. There were varying stories about her background. She said she was born in Singapore and that her father was a Spanish Ambassador and her mother was from England. Vial also said that she was raised in Algiers among Spanish diplomat families. She stated her name there was Chiquita Saavedra de Cervantes. Vidal was a “Florodora girl”, a stage beauty.  “Florodora” was an Edwardian musical comedy that became one of the first successful Broadway musicals of the twentieth century. The show opened in London in 1899. Actresses Evie Greene and Ada Reeve were among the show’s performers. The Broadway production was performed at the Casino Theater in 1900 and ran for 552 performances. The show achieved some of its success from it’s chorus line of “Florodora Girls”. A Wikipedia entry describes the six female performers comprising the line as being ”tall, gorgeous damsels, clad in pink walking costumes, black picture hats and carrying frilly parasols (who) swished onto the stage and captivated New York for no other reason than they were utterly stunning”. The IBDB credits Vidal with two Broadway appearances; “The Silver Slipper” (1902) and “Cynthia” (1903). These appearances were followed by roles on the London stage, including “The School Girl” (1903). Renowned actress Billie Burke said of Vidal, “I remember Clarita Vidal, famous and smick-smack, who posed as if she were made of wax, with just one expression of sheer beauty”.  She left the stage after marrying in 1909. The press rediscovered her by late 1915. She was using the name “Countess Chiquita ‘Chick’ Mazzuchi” and was working as a nurse and ambulance driver during World War I. In 1917 she spoke at war relief fundraisers in New York City. She spoke about wounds she sustained during her service in Italy. Apparently, Miss Vidal was prone to exaggeration, or lying, depending on your perspective. The Italian Consul objected to her using the title of “Countess” and embellishing her nursing experiences in the war. The New York district attorney investigated her claims and she agreed to stop speaking and collecting money for the war effort.

The content of the message on Postcard 1 is interesting. The sender is wishing the addressee luck on her music performance exams. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.1707). The postcard is in good condition (see scans).

Postcard 2 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.1707C).  (SOLD)

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5135

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$32.00

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #5135

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$42.00

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

Published in: on June 18, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
Tags: , , , ,

MISS ETHEL HOLLINGSHEAD : ACTRESS : BROADWAY : MINK STOLE WITH HEAD : RARE RPPC

This rare vintage real photo postcard features pretty stage actress, Miss Ethel Hollingshead. Note her fur stole. The animals is whole, face and all. I believe the creature is a mink. Certainly, this garment is not politically correct in today’s world. Not much information about Miss Hollingshead is readily available. The IBDb reveals that she acted in two Broadway plays; “A Message From Mars” (1901) and “Saucy Sally” (1904).  She also appeared in “The Boatswain’s Mate” (1907) at London’s Wyndham’s Theatre. A deeper dive into the theater literature is required to learn more about Miss Hollingshead. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.1830A).  SOLD

Published in: on May 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , ,

MADY CHRISTIANS : GAY STAGE AND FILM ACTRESS : POLITICALLY INVOLVED : FBI : RPPC

Mady Christians (1892-1951) was an Austrian-American actress. She appeared in many films and stage productions, both in Europe and the United States. This photograph captures Christians and two dogs in a scene from the silent film “Zoph und Schwert (Braid and Sword)” (1926). Some of her most notable performances include roles in the films “The Great Dictator” (1940) and “The Shop Around the Corner” (1940). She was also a successful stage actress and appeared in several Broadway productions. Christians was forced to flee Nazi Germany in the 1930s and emigrated to the United States where she continued her acting career. She was an active performer between 1916 and 1951. She was born in Vienna. Her father was a well known German actor. The family moved to Berlin and in 1912 they moved to New York City where her father became the general manager of the Irving Place Theater. In 1917, she returned to Europe to study acting under Max Reinhardt. Before the early 1930’s she appeared in several European films. In 1929, she starred in the first full sound film made in Germany. After touring the United States in a play, she was offered a Broadway contract. While appearing in Broadway she became part of a small and influential group of lesbian theater producers, directors, and actors. Christians became involved in political issues. She worked to help refugees, to gain rights for workers, supported Russian War relief, and was involved in other political issues. Her political work brought her to the attention of the FBI and other anti Communist groups, notably the House Committee on Un-American Activities. The FBI investigated Christians when an informant identified her as a “concealed communist”. The investigation virtually ended her performing career. She passed away in 1951 This card was published by Ross Verlag. The firm operated in Berlin, Germany. Note the mention of the German film company Aafa Film-Regie and the film’s director, Victor Janson in the lower right corner of the image.  SOLD

Published in: on May 13, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

PEARL REGAY : DANCER : ISRAEL ORPHAN SOCIETY : NEW YORK : PRESS PHOTO : 1927

This vintage press photo features pretty dancer, Pearl Regay, teaching young orphans to dance. The children were under the care of the Israel Orphan Asylum in New York City. Miss Regay taught the children a few simple steps and also entertained them. Pearl Regay was a respected stage performer. She appeared in three Broadway plays between 1922 and 1928. These plays included “The Desert Song” and “George White’s Scandals”. The Israel Orphan Asylum was founded by Gustave Hartman, a municipal court judge and philanthropist. He founded the organization in 1913 and ran it until his death in 1936. The asylum cared for children ages one to six, and later in time, included girls up to the age of fourteen. Many of the children in the Asylum were orphaned by World War I. This press photo was taken by the International Newsreel Company. The photograph measures 8.25 x 6.25 inches. On the reverse of the photo is a stamp from the International Newsreel Company. In addition, there is a stamp from King Features Syndicate, which was likely the last owner of the rights of this photograph. SOLD

Published in: on April 28, 2024 at 12:01 pm  Comments (2)  
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

TWO STARLETS SUPPORT THE WAR EFFORT : JUNK YARD : WW II : JEEP : PRESS PHOTO 1942

This vintage press photo features two Hollywood starlets and a cocker spaniel posing at a Los Angeles junk yard in support of the war effort (World War II). They are sitting on a junked car. A sign in front of them states “A Salvage Heap Will Build A Jeep” and is a reminder to the public that they need to recycle and not waste items and materials that could be useful in fighting the war. The actresses appearing in this photograph are Elyse Knox and Marjorie Lord. The caption on the reverse of this photograph comments that the starlets beautify the salvage heap. Elyse Knox (1917-2012) was an American actress, model and fashion designer. She is known for appearing in “The Mummy’s Tomb” (1942) and the war morale booster film, “Follow The Boys” (1944). Knox was also a popular pin-up girl during the war. She retired in 1949 after acting in 39 films. Marjorie Lord (1918-2015) was an American television and film actress. She played opposite Danny Thomas in the TV series “The Danny Thomas Show”. Her first appearance on Broadway was at age 15 and in total, she was on the Broadway stage four times. The IMDb gives her 79 acting credits. The stamp on the reverse of this photograph indicates that the photo was taken for Acme Newspictures Inc. (Los Angeles Bureau). SOLD

Published in: on April 16, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , ,
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »