Before we start I need to point out that then next item is a GIF. so does not count as a photo.
Thank you.
NORMA
With one look I can break your heart
With one look I play every part
I can make your sad heart sing
With one look you'll know all you need to know.
Gloria Swanson, 1922. Karl Struss
Can you name the film. I can't.
With one look they'll forgive the past
They'll rejoice I've returned at last
To my people in the dark
Still out there in the dark...
Toodle Pip
Iconic! Jx
ReplyDeletePS I have found the film from whence that fab cigarette-smoking photo originates - Sadie Thomson, a 1928 silent film directed by Raoul Walsh.
DeleteSadie Thomson, of course it is. Well done
DeleteYes very iconic. La Swanson and the Roxy’s last hurrah.
ReplyDeleteMy grandparents use to go to the Roxy in its heyday.
They were on a date before they married, for its opening night in 1927 with the film The Love of Sunya, and La Swanson herself was there for the film’s premier as she starred in the film. They later attended the premier of Sunset Boulevard in 1950 and met La Swanson in person.
The Roxy was a true movie palace and had 6000 seats, the largest theater in the USA. An organ and a 110 piece symphony orchestra provided music for the silent films and full stage productions. My Spanish born grandfather also loved the theater palace because it was done up in the style of old Spain. A neighbor’s son worked as an usher at the Roxy. They wore fine uniforms and were drilled in customer service US Marine Corps style. They had to be well groomed and well mannered at all times.
Eventually the costs of operating the Roxy theater became prohibitive and the building of movie houses in the burgeoning suburbs of NYC hastened its demise and demolition in 1960.
-Rj
Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful memories.
Delete"You're the pants on a Roxy usher
I'm a lazy lout, who's just about to stop
But if, baby, I'm the bottom
You're the top"
Those eyes! That cigarette! Fabulous photos!
ReplyDeleteSx
What ever it was She had she had it in spades.
DeleteA 'take no prisoners' type of glamour. Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI don't think she took any prisoners.
DeleteSadie Thompson! The ruin of man! Gloria Swanson is one of my favorites, she was absolutely fearless. Sunset Boulevard is one of the great films of the 20th century. Did you know, she and William Dufty wrote a food and diet manifesto called 'Sugar Blues'?? That was my bible for years.
ReplyDeleteAs always as soon as I start reading anything from you I am straight down a google Rabbit Hole. I had never heard of Sugar Blues and it sold 1.6 million copies apparently.
DeleteLove the photo of the Roxy ruins!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it fab and it is one from a series of photos too.
Delete