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

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

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

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

Published in: on May 7, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Comments (2)  
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CARMEL MYERS : JEWISH AMERICAN FILM ACTRESS : BEN HUR : RPPC

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

BLOTTER 1 (SOLD)

This vintage real photo postcard features American silent and sound film actress, Carmel Myers (1899-1980). Carmel Myers was an extraordinary actress who captivated audiences during the early years of Hollywood. She had striking beauty, magnetic screen presence, and versatile talent. Myers was born in San Francisco to Jewish immigrants. Her father was a Rabbi from Russian and her mother was from Austria-Hungary. She grew up in a theatrical household and was exposed to the performing arts from a young age. She participated in both school plays and local theater productions. At the age of 16, Carmel Myers made her professional debut on stage, impressing both critics and audiences with her natural talent. It wasn’t long before she gained the attention of film producers. In 1916 she made her screen debut in the silent film “The House of Mystery”. This was the start of a more than twenty year career in the film business. During the silent film era, Carmel Myers became one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood. Known for her expressive eyes, graceful movements, and remarkable versatility, she effortlessly transitioned between comedic and dramatic roles. Her notable films during this period include “Ben-Hur” (1925), where she portrayed the seductive courtesan Iras. Many of her early roles were playing a “vamp”. Carmel Myers was also an early advocate for actors’ rights and was instrumental in establishing the Motion Picture Artists Association. She fought for fair wages, better working conditions, and creative control for performers, contributing to the formation of movie industry unions. With the advent of sound in films, Carmel Myers smoothly made the transition from silent movies to “talkies.” Her resonant voice and impeccable timing added another dimension to her performances. She starred in a range of films throughout the 1930s, including comedies, dramas, and musicals, collaborating with renowned directors and actors of the time. her most popular sound films were “Svengali” (1931) and “The Mad Genius” (1931). Her final film appearance was in the 1945 production of “Blonde Ransom,” marking the end of her illustrious acting career. However, Myers remained involved with both radio and television. Carmel Myers lived a private life outside of the spotlight, rarely divulging details about her personal affairs. She was married three times, first to an attorney and song writer in 1919, in 1929, she married a second attorney, and thirdly, she married a Paramount Pictures executive in 1951. Her first two marriages ended in divorce, and her third marriage ended with her husband’s death. After her husband’s death, she wrote a book about handling grief effectively. After retiring from acting, Carmel Myers devoted herself to philanthropy and community work. She supported various charitable organizations and advocated for social causes.

Postcard 1 was published by A. Noyer and is of French origin. The card has the MGM logo on it’s front. (SOLD)

Blotter 1 is a vintage ink blotter that advertises the Frog Switch & Manufacturing Company, located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The blotter has a calendar for January, 1923. The blotter also features a photograph (litho) of Carmel Myers. (SOLD)

POSTCARD 1

BLOTTER 1

Published in: on April 1, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CAMILLA HORN : GERMAN ACTRESS AND DANCER : NAZI FOE : HOLLYWOOD : RPPC

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

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)

Published in: on March 30, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CORINNE GRIFFITH : AMERICAN FILM ACTRESS, PRODUCER, AUTHOR, & BUSINESSWOMAN

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

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)

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

Published in: on March 9, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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1st DOROTHY IN WIZARD OF OZ : ANNA LAUGHLIN :AMERICAN STAGE & SILENT FILM STAR

This vintage real photo postcard features American stage and silent film actress, Anna Laughlin (1885-1937). One of her major claims to fame is that she was the first actress to play Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. She was born in California and began her stage career as a “child elocutionist” (public speaker). At age six, she started acting in vaudeville and later, in touring theater companies. When she was a young teenager, she began appearing on Broadway. In 1900, she was in the Belle of Bohemia and in 1903 she performed in the Wizard of Oz. According to the IBDb, Laughlin appeared in eight Broadway shows between 1900 and 1914. The IMDb reports that Laughlin acted in 14 silent films between 1913 and 1915. She is most well known for her roles in “Northern Lights” (1914), “The Greyhound” (1914), “The Amazing Mr. Fellman” (1915) and “What Happened to Father” (1915). She quit show business in 1915 to focus on raising her daughter. Laughlin was married in 1904 (age about 19) to a jeweler. She was widowed in 1925. Laughlin’s daughter became a noted singer. Anna Laughlin died by suicide in 1937. Her cause of death was gas poisoning. She turned the gas on in her apartment because she was very depressed about being estranged from her daughter. They had previously been very close. According to the IMDb, the following words were found in her three page suicide note. “This is good-bye. People are dreadful. I love my child. I have given all I have in the world to put her where she is now … Lucy is never coming back. I am so afraid. Where did I fail?” This postcard was published in Germany by NPG (Neue Photographische Gesellschaft) as part of a series (no.1098). A. G. Steglitz is also listed as a publisher. The postcard is an “Oranotypie” and was published in 1904. An oranotype is a trade name for a type of glossy real photo postcard published by NPG. The company was a leading bromide photo printing company for many years at the beginning of the 20th century. This card has a French stamp and was postmarked in 1907. SOLD

Published in: on February 5, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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GINA PALERME : FRENCH ACTRESS AND DANCER : PHOTOS BY RITA MARTIN : RPPC

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature a portrait of French actress and dancer, Gina Palerme (1885-1977). She was an active performer between 1909 and 1929. She began her theater career in 1909 in France. An English impresario brought her to London in 1910. Her debut was in “The Quaker Girl” at the Adelphi Theater. This performance was followed by many more stage roles in West-end productions. Photographer, Cecil Beaton, wrote that she was glamorous and that “her off-stage appearances were as sensational as her stage escapades”. She returned to France in 1919 and starred in silent films. Her final screen appearance was in 1925. Her post film career was comprised of working in French cabarets, including Moulin Rouge. She also did revue work in the United States. The New York Times (1929) announced that French revue actress, Gina Palerme, from the Moulin Rouge in Paris, “arrived in America to appear in a new revue under the Shubert management. It was reported that Palerme spoke English well and this was her first trip to America. J. J. Shubert “discovered” her after hearing her sing at the Moulin Rouge. He offered her a six month contract to come to New York. There was also an option that offered her a three year contract upon finishing her Revue performances, to appear in “talkies”. Palerme was very pretty, as is apparent in these postcard photographs.

In Postcard 1, Palerme looks glamourous and her portrait can be seen as risque. Her ornate dress is low cut. This postcard was published by J. Beagles & Co. as part of a series (No.240A). Palerme’s photograph was taken by celebrity photographer, Rita Martin. Female photographers were uncommon during this era.  (SOLD)

Postcard 2 was published by J. Beagles & Co. as part of a series (No.240H). This card is part of the same series as Postcard 1. Rita Martin is the photographer who took both this portrait and the photo in Postcard 1. Note the golden color of Palerme’s hat. The color tinter clearly was a artist. Unlike many color tinters, this one believed in subtlety. (SOLD)

Postcard 1

Postcard 2

Published in: on November 24, 2023 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MADGE BELLAMY : RISQUE : PROVOCATIVE : TROUBLED FILM STAR : FOX FILMS : RPPC

This hand tinted vintage real photo postcard features Madge Bellamy (1899-1990), an American stage and film actress. She was a popular leading lady in films of the 1920’s and 1930’s. The sound era put the brakes on her career and a romantic scandal in the 1940’s brought it to a total stop. Madge was a Texan. She was born in Hillsboro and was raised in San Antonio and Brownwood. Her father was an English professor at Texas A&M University. As a young child she took dancing lessons but soon, she was interested in becoming an actress. At age 9, she made her stage debut in “Aida”. She and her family moved to Denver, Colorado. She met Carlos Bellamy there and the two married. When Madge decided to leave the state to pursue acting, her marriage ended. Madge went to New York City and worked on Broadway as a dancer. In 1919, she replaced Helen Hayes in Broadway’s “Dear Brutus”, opposite actor, William Gillette. Her career took off thereafter. In 1920, Madge appeared in her first film as a supporting actress to Geraldine Farrar. She then signed a contract with the Triangle Film Corporation. Her “breakout role” was as the title character in Lorna Doone (1922). In 1924 she signed a film contract with Fox Film Corporation. She stayed there five years and during that time she appeared in two films for film director, John Ford. In 1925, she began to have difficulties with fox executives. In 1928, she appeared in Fox’s first talking film, “Mother Knows Best”. In 1928, she married for a second time. The marriage lasted 3 days before she and her husband separated. By 1929, Bellamy’s career entered a tail-spin. She had made poor choices out of her unbridled anger. Fan magazines gave her the nickname of “Miss Firecracker” due to her temperament. In 1929, she also quit her contract with Fox, right after they bought the rights to make a film out of Broadway play. The vehicle was bought with a plan to have Madge be it’s star. Bellamy later admitted she quit over money and added “I got too big for my britches”. She didn’t work again until 1932. She accepted roles in “Poverty Row” (B-movies) films. One of these films was “White Zombie” (1932) in which she appeared opposite Bela Lugosi. Her performance received many poor reviews from film critics. By 1940, Madge basically had no film career. However, she wasn’t done with drama. She was arrested after firing three shots from  a .32 caliber revolver at her former lover of five years. The incident was premeditated. She was angry at her intended victim because he married a model shortly after ending their affair. Fortunately, her aim was poor and she missed. The only casualty was her ex boyfriend’s car which took a couple of shots into it’s body. Bellamy pleaded guilty to a lesser charge (violating gun laws), and received a suspended six month sentence and probation. Madge Bellamy’s IMDb filmography reports 61 credits between 1920 and 1945. This vintage postcard is provocative. This postcard is risque for it’s era. She is showing a lot of bare skin. The postcard was published while Madge was under contract with Fox. Therefore, the postcard is from before 1929. The card was published by J. Beagles and is part of the “Famous Cinema Star Series” (No.210P). (SOLD)

Published in: on November 13, 2023 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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FLORENCE VIDOR : SILENT FILM ACTRESS : WIFE OF FILM DIRECTOR KING VIDOR 

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

Postcard 1 is a vintage real photo postcard featuring silent film actress Florence Vidor (1895-1977). Florence was born in Houston, Texas. She began working in silent films due to the influence of her husband, King Vidor. He was a film director, film producer, and screenwriter. The pair married in 1915. Her first film contract was with Vitagraph Studios in 1916. She became a well known actress after her appearance in “Hail the Woman” (1921). Florence was noted to be one of early Hollywood’s great beauties. During the 1920’s, she was a major star for Paramount Pictures. She was the leading lady to actors Sessue Hayakawa and “drag star”, Julian Eltinge. She also acted for director Cecil B. DeMille. Sound films brought about the end of her performing career. In fact, she had so much difficulty with sound films, that she retired from acting before finishing the movie in which she was appearing. Florence divorced her husband in 1924. She married the talented and popular classical violinist, Jascha Heifetz in 1928. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1945. This photo portrait postcard can be found in the collection of the National Museum of American History (Smithsonian Institute). This vintage postcard is uncommon. SOLD

Postcard 2 was published by Alfred Noyer as part of a series (No.351). Note the logo for Paramount Films in the bottom right hand corner of the image. SOLD 

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

Published in: on October 28, 2023 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

betty balfour

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

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

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$19.95

balfour 1

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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GERALDINE FARRAR : PRETTY AMERICAN OPERA SINGER AND SILENT FILM STAR

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

This vintage real photo, Postcard 1, features Geraldine Farrar (February 28, 1882 – March 11, 1967). She was an American soprano opera singer and film actress. She was one of the most popular singers of the early 20th century and she appeared in several silent films as well as on stage. She was also a successful recording artist and a leading figure in the world of opera. She was known for her beauty, as well as her powerful and expressive voice. She was also known for her striking stage presence and her ability to convey emotion through her singing. Farrar had a particularly successful career at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where she performed for many years. She also performed in many other major opera houses around the world including La Scala (Milan), The Royal Opera House (London), and the Opera-Comique (Paris). Geraldine Farrar was born in Melrose, Massachusetts, in 1882. She began her career as a singer in vaudeville and later studied voice in Paris. In 1902, she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where she quickly became one of the most popular singers of her time. Farrar retired from the opera stage in 1922 and settled in New York City. She continued to perform in concerts and recitals for several more years. She also appeared in a few films, including a silent film version of Carmen, in which she played the title role. This postcard photo of Geraldine Farrar was taken by Julius Cornelius Schaarwachter (1847-1904). The photographer has five portraits in Britain’s National Portrait Gallery. Farrar is dressed in costume for her performance in the opera “Faust”, by composer, Charles Gounod. This vintage postcard is in very good condition (see scans).

Postcard 2 is a rare close-up portrait postcard of Miss Farrar. SOLD

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5444

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$27.85

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #5444

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Published in: on July 25, 2023 at 12:00 pm  Comments (3)  
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