DOROTHY GISH : PRETTY SILENT FILM STAR : FASHIONISTA :PARAMOUNT : RPPC 1928

This vintage real photo postcard features actress, Dorothy Gish (1898–1968). She was a prominent American actress best known for her work in silent films and later in theater. She was also quite pretty which is apparent in this postcard portait. In addition, she was quite fashionable. She was born in Dayton, Ohio, into a family with roots in the performing arts. Dorothy and her older sister, Lillian Gish, are often remembered as significant figures in early American cinema, particularly for their work with director, D.W. Griffith. Dorothy and Lillian’s parents separated when they were young, leaving their mother to support the family. In 1902, the Gish family moved to New York City, where their mother sought work in the theater. Both sisters began acting on stage as children to help support their family. Dorothy made her stage debut at a young age, and by the time she was a teenager, she had already gained experience in theater. In 1912, Dorothy and Lillian were introduced to D.W. Griffith by their friend, actress Mary Pickford. Griffith immediately saw potential in the sisters and cast them in his films, launching their film careers. Dorothy’s early work with Griffith included supporting roles in films like The Musketeers of Pig Alley (1912) and The Birth of a Nation (1915). However, Dorothy’s specialty was comedy, and she developed a distinct, lively style that set her apart from her sister Lillian, who typically played more dramatic roles. Dorothy’s popularity rose as she starred in a series of comedic silent films, including Hearts of the World (1918) and Orphans of the Storm (1921), both of which also featured Lillian. While Lillian’s characters often embodied innocence and vulnerability, Dorothy’s roles allowed her to showcase a playful, often mischievous side, bringing her critical acclaim and a strong fan following. With the advent of sound films in the late 1920s, Dorothy, like many silent film stars, found it challenging to transition to “talkies.” She made a few sound films, but she gradually shifted her focus to theater, where she had always felt at home. Dorothy was well-suited to the stage, bringing her charm and humor to roles in productions such as Young Love (1928), which was a hit on Broadway, and The Chalk Garden (1956). Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Dorothy toured in various plays and continued to appear in films occasionally. She remained active in theater well into the 1950s, and her stage career extended her professional life even as her work in film slowed. In contrast to her sister, who continued to receive accolades in film well into the sound era, Dorothy’s legacy was tied more to her stage performances and her beloved silent film roles. Dorothy was known for her wit, independence, and close bond with her sister Lillian. The two were inseparable and supported each other throughout their lives, both personally and professionally. In 1920, Dorothy married James Rennie, a Canadian-born actor. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1935, and she did not remarry. After retiring from the stage, Dorothy lived a quiet life but remained connected to the arts and close to her sister. She passed away in 1968. This postcard was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.3513/1). The card was published in 1928/1929. SOLD

Published in: on October 12, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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THELMA TODD : FILM ACTRESS : LUCKY LUCIANO : SUICIDE : PICTUREGOER : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features American actress, Thelma Todd (1906-1935).  She rose to prominence during the 1920s and 1930s as a comedic actress in both silent films and early talkies. Todd became known for her beauty, talent, and comedic timing, appearing in over 120 films throughout her career. She was nicknamed “The Ice Cream Blonde” and “Hot Toddy”. Todd began her entertainment career as a teenager, winning several beauty pageants before making her way to Hollywood. She started in the film industry as an extra and later secured minor roles in silent films. Her breakthrough came when she signed a contract with Hal Roach Studios, where she starred alongside comedy legends like Laurel and Hardy, Charley Chase, and Our Gang. In the late 1920s, Todd successfully transitioned into “talkies,” showcasing her ability to deliver comedic lines with charm and wit. Some of her notable films from this period include “Monkey Business” (1931), “The Maltese Falcon” (1931), and “Horse Feathers” (1932). Despite her success on the silver screen, Todd faced personal challenges and setbacks. She had a tumultuous love life, including relationships with prominent figures such as director Roland West and gangster Lucky Luciano. Her relationship with West, who was married at the time, was marred by rumors and scandals. Tragically, on December 16, 1935, Thelma Todd’s life was cut short under mysterious circumstances. Her body was found in her car, parked in the garage of her café, the Thelma Todd’s Sidewalk Café in Pacific Palisades, California. While the exact cause of her death remains uncertain, it was officially ruled as accidental carbon monoxide poisoning due to a faulty garage heater. However, some speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding her death have persisted over the years. This postcard was published as part of the “Picturegoer” series (no.413). SOLD

Published in: on October 30, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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HEDDA VERNON : PRETTY GERMAN SILENT FILM ACTRESS, WRITER AND PRODUCER : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features pretty German actress, screenwriter and film producer, Hedda Vernon (1888-1925). She was an important actress in Germany during the days of the early Weimar Republic. Hedda’s father was the owner of a brewery and her mother minded the home. In 1912, Hedda was signed by the German Bioscope as an actress. She made her screen debut that same year, acting in the silent film “The Paper Trail’. This was the beginning of a prolific screen career. In 1914 she began her own production company in Berlin and began to produce her own films. Her husband, Hubert Moest was a film director and also founded his own production company. Hetta wrote two screen plays that Moest turned into films. She acted in a silent film, The Women House of Brescia (1920), which was banned by the British Board of Film Classification. The reason for the banning was that the film depicted prostitution. In the 1920’s Hedda’s film career began to wane. New actresses became the hot commodity in the film industry. She began to act in film supporting roles. In total, Hedda acted in over 70 silent films between 1912 and 1925. Hedda was married three times. Her first two marriages ended in divorce. Hedda died in 1925 but the details of her death are shrouded in mystery. The stamp box of this postcard has an interesting story. “NBC” (Neue Bromsilber Convention) was a price cartel established in 1909 that continued until the 1930’s. The purpose of the cartel was to ensure that the minimum price charged for postcards was kept at a sufficiently profitable level. This photo postcard is in very good condition (see scans).

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Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5211

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Published in: on June 9, 2024 at 10:07 pm  Leave a Comment  
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SUE CAROL : AMERICAN FILM STAR AND TALENT AGENT : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features American actress and talent agent, Sue Carol (1906-1982). She began her career in silent films during the 1920’s. She made the transition to talkies and appeared in a number of movies throughout the 1930’s. She appeared in more than 60 films during her career. Her notable movies included “No No Nanette”, “The Phantom in the House”, and “The Donovan Affair”. She also appeared in several westerns and musicals in the 1930’s. She later became a talent agent representing several successful Hollywood stars including Robert Wagner and Roger Moore.  She was married to actor Alan Ladd for more than two decades. This portrait postcard is in fair condition (see scans).

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5033

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$10.80

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Published in: on April 14, 2023 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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ANNA MAY WONG : FIRST CHINESE AMERICAN MOVIE STAR : FLAPPER : ANTI ASIAN BIAS

This vintage real photo postcard features the first Chinese American movie star, Anna May Wong (1905-1961). She had diverse performing experiences including silent film, sound film, stage, television and radio. Among her honors is that she will be depicted on the reverse of quarters as part of the “American Woman Quarter Series”. She was born in Los Angeles, California. She had to transfer from her public school to a Chinese school due to racial taunting. She began acting in silent films as a teenager. In 1922 she was in one of the first color films and appeared with Douglas Fairbanks in “The Thief of Bagdad” (1924). By 1924, Wong was an international star and a fashion icon. Wong was one of the early flappers. In 1928, Wong grew tired of playing stereotypical roles in Hollywood. She had enough of being the “Dragon Lady” or the “Butterfly Woman”. She began playing starring roles in Europe in some important plays and films. In the early to mid 1930’s, Wong commuted between Europe and the United States to perform in both theater and film. In 1935, Wong was the victim of significant anti-Asian discrimination when she was refused the starring role in Pearl Buck’s “The Good Earth”. MGM used a white actress in yellow face to play the starring role of the Asian character. One of the reasons she was excluded from the part was because she would have had to kiss a Caucasion actor is she took the role. Interracial kisses were prohibited in Hollywood. The next year Wong went to China to film a documentary about Chinese Culture and to visit the village that her family ancestors lived in. During the late 1930’s, Wong played in a number of B movies for Paramount Pictures. These films presented Chinese and Chinese American characters in a positive manner. During World War II she worked hard to aid the Chinese in their conflict with Japan. In the 1950’s she became involved with appearing on television. Wong never married. There were rumors of her being a lesbian and having affairs with director Leni Riefenstahl and actress Marlene Dietrich. In 1936, she was asked by reporters if she had marriage plans. She responded “No. I am wedded to my art”.  The IMDb reports that Wang has 61 credits in her filmography (1920-1961). In 1961, she died of a heart attack. This vintage portrait postcard was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No9596/1). The logo for Paramount Pictures can be seen in the lower right hand corner of the image. (SOLD)

Published in: on May 5, 2022 at 12:00 pm  Comments (2)  
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