FOUR PORTRAITS OF PROVOCATIVE GERMAN SILENT FILM STAR RUTH WEYHER

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RUTH WEYHER : SULTRY GERMAN SILENT FILM ACTRESS : RPPC - Picture 1 of 3

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Postcard 1 is a vintage real photo postcard that features German silent film actress, Ruth Weyher (1901-1983). She was born in Neumark, East Prussia, Germany.  Weyher grew up in Danzig where she studied painting until she switched to a conservatory to study singing. An illness robbed her of her singing voice and in 1919 she travelled to Berlin where she studied a Max Reinhardt’s theatre school. Reinhardt was a well known director and producer. She appeared in 48 films between 1920 and 1930. She starred in director Georg Wilhelm Pabst’s film “Secrets of the Soul” (1926). She also produced a film in 1929. During her career, Weyher only appeared in a few sound movies and she abandoned acting after marrying publisher Hans Geiselberger in 1932. It is reported that she retired at her husband’s request. The video clip below features Miss Weyher in her appearance in the film “Shadows: A Nightly Hallucination” (1923). The film title translation was done by “google translate”. Weyher’s costar in this film was Austrian stage and film actor Fritz Kortner (1892-1970). A review of this film describes Weyher as “beautiful and passionate”.  Ruth Weyher’s appearance in this film can be described as risque or provocative. One of the themes of this film is infidelity. This postcard was published by Ross Verlag and is part of a series (no. 3529/1). The portrait of Miss Weyher was taken by Alex Schmoll, a photographer located in Berlin, Germany. There is Italian print on the reverse of the postcard that roughly translates as “Exclusive sale publisher: Ballerini and Fratini, Firenze (Florence, Italy). A bit of research reveals that the publishing house, Ballerini & Fratini Montespertoli began in Florence in the year 1912.                                     

Postcard 2 features Ruth Weyher and was published by Ross Verlag. The postcard is part of a series (no. 3089/1). This portrait of Miss Weyher  has her posed in position to display her bare back. She has an engaging smile and holds a large fan of dark feathers. Some may find this image somewhat sexually provocative. The photographer of this photograph is Kiesel of Berlin, Germany.  (SOLD)

Postcard 3 is a vintage real photo postcard that features Miss Weyher holding an adorable kitten. This postcard was published by Iris Verlag and is part of a series (no. 892). The portrait of Miss Weyher was taken by Kiesell, a photographer located in Berlin, Germany. This postcard has remnants of it’s former scrapbook home on back of card. It is in  overall good condition (see scans).   (SOLD)

Postcard 4 was published by Ross Verlag and is part of a series (no. 3318/1). The portrait of Miss Weyher was taken by the Kiese studio in Berlin, Germany.   (SOLD)

 

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

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

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HERITO: A PORTRAIT OF MLLE HERO (THEATER ACTRESS)

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This vintage real photo postcard features French glamour star Herito (Mlle Hero). She was a celebrated actress and dancer of her era. Although she was a popular subject of photo postcards, this particular postcard is not very common. The postcard was published by Rotophot Berlin (RPH). Rotophot made it’s debut in Berlin, Germany around the turn of the century (1900). The company had other European offices including London and Budapest. They published many different postcard topics including stage stars. Many of their early postcards were tinted. Eventually Rotophot morphed into “Ross Verlag” a postcard company that collectors know for the many postcards they produced featuring actors and actresses.  (SOLD)

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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

CLARA BOW : AMERICAN SILENT FILM ACTRESS : “THE IT GIRL” : RISQUE 

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This uncommon vintage real photo postcard (Postcard 1) features silent film icon, Clara Bow (1905-1965 ). She successfully made the transition to talkies in 1929. Bow appeared in 46 silent movies and 11 talkies. She was known as the “It Girl” during the golden age of Hollywood. She was known for her vivacious energy, mesmerizing on-screen presence, and her impressive talent. She was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up in the borough’s tenements. Both of her parents had mental health issues and she grew up in an unstable and chaotic environment. She was a resilient and determined child and she took on a caretaker role for her younger siblings. She was responsible and mature beyond her years. Despite her humble background, she became a very influential figure in cinema history. Her rise from poverty to stardom, and her groundbreaking portrayals of independent and liberated women, helped her gain an enduring legend of the silver screen. Clara Bow was discovered in 1922 when she participated in a magazine contest searching for new talent. Her photographs were seen by film producer B. P. Schulberg who saw her potential and offered her a screen test. Her screen presence was impressive and she signed a contract with Paramount Pictures. In her earliest films, her versatility was was obvious as she transitioned effortlessly between dramatic and comedic roles. It was the 1927 film, “It” that made Clara Bow a superstar and earned her the nickname of “The It Girl”. She was viewed as modern, charismatic, and sexually liberated. Bow was also successful in “talkie” films, despite her Brooklyn accent. While Bow was successful professionally, her personal life was a “hot mess”. She had a long term troubled marriage to actor Rex Bell (m.1931) and she battled her own mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. In 1933, Bow retired from acting and became a rancher. This vintage real photo postcard was published by Ross Verlag (Germany) as part of a series (No.3394/1). Bow is wearing a grass skirt, a Hawaiian Lei, and holding a ukulele. She is showing her bare legs. The card is risque for it’s era. The logo for Paramount Pictures can be found in the images bottom right hand corner.  SOLD

Postcard 2 was published by Ross Verlag (Germany) as part of a series (No.4480/1). Bow is wearing a short skirt. She is showing her bare legs. The card is risque for it’s era. The logo for Paramount Pictures can be found in the images bottom right hand corner.  SOLD

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CAMILLA HORN : GERMAN ACTRESS AND DANCER : NAZI FOE : HOLLYWOOD : RPPC

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These vintage real photo postcards feature German dancer and film star of the silent and sound era, Camilla Horn (1903-1996). She also was an internationally known actress, starring in several Hollywood films of the late 1920’s as well as a few British and Italian productions. Her father was a civil servant working in the Railroad Industry. She was born in Germany and educated in Germany and Switzerland. Horn was educated to work as a dressmaker. She went to Berlin where she trained as an actress and dancer. She next became a cabaret dancer. In 1925, she worked as an extra in a German film. Her big break came in 1926 after she replaced Lillian Gist in the UFA production of “Faust”. In 1928 she left for Hollywood where she played opposite John Barrymore in “Tempest” and “Eternal Love”. She became romantically involved with film director, Joseph Schenck. She returned to Europe (upon the advent of sound film) and in the 1930’s got in trouble with the Nazis and was prosecuted for an alleged financial offense. During the war years, she was too outspoken against the Nazis. The regime investigated her. She tried to escape unsuccessfully to Switzerland. Thereafter, she kept a low profile. After the war, she was convicted by a British tribunal and sentenced for three months of jail due to some minor offenses. It was also reported that post war, she worked as an interpreter for occupying American forces. Horn was a screen star from 1930 until her retirement in 1953. Horn was married four times during her life. Interestingly, in about 1972 Bruce Springsteen wrote a song about her. Camilla Horn was quite beautiful. She had blonde hair, slanting brown eyes and classical features.

Postcard 1 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.4123/1). The logo for “United Artists” can be seen in the lower right hand corner of Horn’s image. This postcard has a 1930 postmark. (SOLD)

Postcard 2 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.7348/1). The card has a Latvian stamp and postmark.  (SOLD)

CLAIRE ROMMER : FILM ACTRESS :SAVED FROM NAZIS BY ARISTEDES De SOUSA MENDES

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These vintage real photo postcards feature German film actress, Claire Rommer (1904-1996). Her filmography on IMDb credits her with 49 film appearances between 1922 and 1934. She made her film debut at the age of eighteen. She also began her career as a soubrette appearing in operettas and comedies on the Berlin stage. However, her fame came from her film work. She played both leading and supportive roles. She played in silent films and made a successful transition to sound films. She even sang in some of her talkies. She was married to a prosperous Jewih man, named Adolf Strenger. Because of her marriage, in 1938 she was banned from any participation in the German film industry. It was thought that she was probably not Aryan like her husband. The rise of the Nazis forced the couple to leave Germany and emigrate to the United States via Portugal.The pair left Europe with the assistance of Aristedes de Sousa Mendes. He was a Portuguese Consular stationed in France. Mendes defied orders from his government and issued thousands of visas to Jews, allowing them to escape with their families and their lives. He was a hero for his work as a Holocaust rescuer. Ultimately, Mendes was severely punished for his defiance. After leaving Germany, Rommer’s film career ended. In the US, she divorced her husband and married a meat industry multi-millionaire.

Postcard 1 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.1933/1). Claire Rommer’s photo portrait was taken by celebrity photographer, Alexander Binder. This vintage photo postcard is in excellent condition (see scans). (SOLD)

Postcard 2 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.1933/2). Claire Rommer’s photo portrait was taken by celebrity photographer, Alexander Binder. This vintage photo postcard is in very good condition (see scans). (SOLD)

Postcard 3 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (no.3010/1). Miss Rommer’s portrait was taken by famed celebrity photographer Alex Binder, who operated his studio in Berlin. The postcard was postmarked in 1928. (SOLD)

EVELYN HOLT : GERMAN ACTRESS : BANNED FROM FILM BY THE NAZIS : RPPC

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Evelyn Holt (3 October 1908 – 22 February 2001) was a German actress. Her father was a journalist. Her film career began with UFA, a German film company. It did not take long for her to become a film star. She was popular in the 1920’s and early 1930’s. Holt was blond and blue eyed. In 1931 she became a soubrette at the Grosses Schauspielhaus (a popular theatre) in Berlin. Her film career came to an abrupt end when the Nazis’ took power. It was alleged that Holt was half Jewish, and she was banned from films. The ban was based on her being born with a Jewish sounding last name. Holt married Jewish publisher Felix Guggenheim (1904-1976) in 1936. Two years later the couple emigrated to Switzerland, then England, then the United States. She remained in the U.S. and never returned to acting.

Postcard 1 reveals that Evelyn Holt was quite pretty. She looks very confident in this image. Her dress is shiny. Is it silk? This postcard was published by Ross Verlag, a firm located in Berlin. The card was part of a series (no.6509/2). The photographer of this portrait is Walther Jaeger and the photograph was taken in Berlin, Germany. (SOLD)

Postcard 2 was published by Iris Verlag. Iris Verlag in Vienna was the most important Austrian publisher of film star postcards.  The logo for “Lux Film” can be seen in the lower left hand corner of  the image. The company was an Italian Film distribution and production company. This card is part of a series (no.946).  (SOLD)

Postcard 3  was published by Ross Verlag, a firm located in Berlin. The card was part of a series (no.3553/1). The photographer of this portrait is Ernst Schneider and the photograph was taken in Berlin, Germany.  He was considered to be 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. The card was postmarked in 1928 in the city of Riga, Latvia.  (SOLD)

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CORINNE GRIFFITH : AMERICAN FILM ACTRESS, PRODUCER, AUTHOR, & BUSINESSWOMAN

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This vintage real photo postcard features Corinne Griffith, an American film actress, producer, author, and businesswoman. Besides being talented, she was considered to be one of the most beautiful actresses of the silent film era.

Postcard 1 was published as part of the Picturegoer Series (No.97). This postcard has a crease in it’s top left corner and is in overall fair condition.  (see scans).

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5356

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Postcard 2 was published by Ross Verlag. Miss Griffith’s photo was taken by Defina. The logo for “First National Pictures” is located on the bottom left hand corner of the image. First National Pictures was an American motion picture production and distribution company. The company was founded in 1917 as a theater chain. It then began distributing movies and in 1924 it began producing films. In 1929 the company was absorbed by Warner Brothers. Griffith was under contract with First National between 1923 and 1932.  (SOLD)

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OSSI OSWALDA: BEAUTIFUL GERMAN SILENT FILM STAR

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The beautiful actress seen in the top vintage real photo postcard is named Ossi Oswalda (1897-1947). She was born in Germany and appeared predominately in silent films. She was a leading lady, popular comedienne,  dancer, and singer. Due to her popularity, she  was known as “the German Mary Pickford”. Ossi began her career as a ballerina and she danced in a chorus line for a theater in Berlin. She made her film debute in “Night of Horrors” (1916) and was noticed by actor/screenwriter Hanns Kraly, who introduced her to director Ernst Lubitsch. Oswalda’s early career began with appearances in several Lubitsch films. In 1921, she and her husband started a film production company that produced four films over four years, all starring Miss Oswalda. After 1925, she was under contract to UFA, a German film company. After the transition to “talkies”, Oswalda joined the ranks of actresses and actors, who’s career took a nose dive. She only acted in two sound films. Her final screen appearance was in “The Star of Valencia”. She then began acting on the stage. She appeared in operettas in Germany and Vienna. When the National Socialists took power in Germany, she emigrated to Prague with her “Jewish life partner”, Julius Aubenberg. In 1943, she wrote a story for a Czechoslovakian film. In summarizing Ossi’s career, the IMDb credits her with 51 film appearances,  producing 5 films, and 1 screen writing credit. It is reported that she frequently played child-like spoiled women. She appeared in drag in at least one film. Oswalda’s first marriage (1919-1925) was to a Hungarian baron. After her divorce, the actress began a highly publicized romantic relationship with Crown Prince Willhelm (1882-1951). Simultaneously, the actress Lily Damita, was having an affair with the Prince’s son. The royal family put a kibosh to both “inappropriate” relationships. In 1947, she died in Prague at age 48, bankrupt and suffering from multiple health problems. This German real photo postcard is published by Ross Verlag soemetime between 1919 and 1924. The photograph of Miss Oswalda was taken by Becker & Maass of Berlin. Note her pretty hat and fan. Hopefully, she wasn’t allergic to feathers. Oswalda was young when this photograph was taken. She was beautiful and no older than 27 years of age.            

Postcard 2 features Miss Oswalda in a very skimpy costume. Her feathered hat is quite showy . She has a wonderful smile and pretty eyes. This risque postcard was part of  a series (no. 1050/2) and published by Ross Verlag of Berlin, Germany. The logo of UFA, a German film company, appears on the lower right hand corner of the postcard. The reverse of the postcard reveals that that the photographer is Strobl J. Nandor of Budapest, Hungary. (SOLD)

  Postcard 3 is a German real photo postcard that was published by Ross Verlag. Miss Oswalda’s photo was taken by celebrity photographer Alex Binder.   (SOLD)

Postcard 4 captures Miss Oswalda looking amused. She is flashing a wonderful smile. This postcard was published by Ross Verlag of Berlin, Germany (no.474/2).   (SOLD)

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