I drew this last night after becoming obsessed with a picture of late-Victorian.early 20th century actress Constance Crawley and her monkey.
I think I need to do a complete series. I am obsessed.
That picture of Gloria Swanson made a HUGE impression on me when I was a child. I believe it was included in “Life Goes To the Movies” - undoubtedly one of the most influential books on me growing up.
Above: The Roxy Theatre in 1927. An enormous movie palace built in New York City during the 20s, it had its grand opening on March 11, 1927 with the premiere of Gloria Swanson’s new film The Love of Sunya. Swanson both produced and starred in the movie.
Below: Gloria Swanson standing in the ruins of the Roxy Theatre after demolition (wearing $170,000 worth of jewelry, bless her heart!), October 1960.
Vintage photo of an actress, possibly taken by Nelson Evans. Perhaps 1910.
(via vintagegal)
Joan Crawford in the Hollywood Boot Shop with Salvatore Ferragamo, 1928.
“D.W. Griffith- Ferragamo writes- early in my career suggested that I run a beauty competition for the best feet, ankles, and legs in the city. He would offer the first price- a six months’ film contract- and I could give second and third prizes of shoes. The event was organized, and the winner, according to te panel of judges, was a girl named Marjorie Howard. My only choice was a girl with beautiful legs who was trying hard to break in films. Her name was Joan Crawford. I forget wheter she won second or third prize; but I know that those were the first shoes of mine she ever wore, and she is my costumer still.
Marilyn Miller during her years with “The Five Columbians” dance ensemble - c. Early 1910s
