Seraphic Secret

Robert J. Avrech: Emmy Award winning screenwriter. Movie fanatic. Helplessly and hopelessly in love with my wife since age nine.

Friday Photos: Mood Board

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In shul this morning, a guy sitting next to me said: “Hey, your techeles matches your shoes!”
In shul, a guy sitting next to me said: “Hey, your techeles matches your shoes!”

This morning, after Daf Yomi, my friend turned to me and said: “Some week, huh?”

I said: “It seems that every week is some week.”

“Yeah.”

On that downer, let’s try and alter the mood with some photos and stories.

Recently, I caught a really wonderful film on TCM, I Was an Adventuress ('40) starring Zorina, Erich von Stroheim, Peter Lorre, and Richard Greene. I never heard of the film before. Catch it if you can, it's a little gem about con artists.
Recently, I caught a wonderful film on TCM, I Was an Adventuress (’40) starring Zorina, Erich von Stroheim, Peter Lorre, and Richard Greene. I never heard of the film before. Catch it if you can, it’s a delightful gem about con artists. You just never know when a good film is going to sneak up and grab your attention.

 

Seeta Devi (1912 - 1983) born Renee Smith, an Anglo Indian, was one of the first stars of silent Indian film industry. The Light of Asia ('25) was her debut film, and it made her an instant star.
Seeta Devi (1912 – 1983) born Renee Smith, was an Anglo Indian who was one of the first stars of the silent Indian film industry. The Light of Asia (’25) was her debut film, and it made her an instant celebrity.

 

Mary Nolan (1902 - 1948) b. Mary Imogene Robertson, was a Ziegfeld girl at the age of 15. Her nickname was “Bubbles.” She gained notoriety for her very public affair with Frank Tinney, a huge vaudeville star who was very married. Nolan eventually made her way to Hollywood where in 1928, she co-starred in West of Zanzibar. The film stars Lon Chaney and Lionel Barrymore, with Nolan cast as Chaney's defiled daughter Maizie. The film was a hit and Nolan's performance is spectacular.
Mary Nolan (1902 – 1948) b. Mary Imogene Robertson, was a Ziegfeld girl at the tender age of 15. Her nickname was Bubbles — which gives  some insight into young Mary’s character. She gained notoriety for her very public affair with Frank Tinney, a popular vaudeville star who was married. Nolan eventually made her way to Hollywood where in 1928, she co-starred in West of Zanzibar, directed by Tod Browning. The film stars Lon Chaney and Lionel Barrymore, with Nolan cast as Chaney’s defiled daughter Maizie. The film was a hit and Nolan’s performance is superb.

 

In 1929, Nolan starred in Desert Nights opposite John Gilbert, once again the Kentucky born Nolan turned in a finely calibrated performance. Unfortunately, Nolan had a taste for abusive men. She carried on an affair with MGM fixer Eddie Mannix, who beat Nolan to a pulp wench she threatened to tell Mannix's wife of the affair. Nolan was hospitalized for six months and endured fifteen surgeries. Basically, except for small parts in small movies, her career was over.
In 1929, Nolan starred in Desert Nights opposite John Gilbert. Once again the Kentucky born Nolan turned in a finely calibrated performance. Unfortunately, Nolan had a taste for abusive men. She carried on an affair with MGM fixer Eddie Mannix, who beat Nolan to a pulp when she threatened to expose their affair to Mannix’s wife. Nolan was hospitalized for six months and endured fifteen surgeries. Except for small parts in small movies, Nolan’s career was over.

 

Nolan put together a night club act. She sang, she told stories of her glory days as a Ziegfeld girl and a Hollywood star. She was also a heroine addict. The picture was taken in 1937. Nolan was but 35 years old. In 1948, her body was discovered in her small apartment, dead from an overdose of Seconal. She was 48 years old.
Unable to find work in Hollywood, Nolan put together a nightclub act. She sang, she danced, she told stories of her glory days as a Ziegfeld girl and a Hollywood star. She was also a heroin addict. This picture was taken in 1937 when  Nolan was but 35 years old. In 1948, Nolan’s body was discovered in her shabby Los Angeles bungalow, dead from an overdose of Seconal. She was 46 years old.

 

Elizabeth Taylor wearing a wonderful dress. Have no idea who designed it, but the cut and silhouette are perfect.
Elizabeth Taylor is wearing a wonderful dress. I have no idea who designed it, but the cut, silhouette, and lines perfectly highlight Taylor’s womanly shape. When did ladies stop wearing white gloves? If you’re looking for a signifier of cultural decline, the fall of white gloves gets my vote.

 

“Two White Dresses” by John Singer Sargent, completed in 1911.
And while we’re on the subject of beautiful dresses: “Two White Dresses” by John Singer Sargent, completed in 1911.

 

MM when she was still Norma Jean.
MM when she was still Norma Jean.

 

Offspring#2 was allowed to bring a one page “cheat sheet” into a Jewish history test when she was in high school. After the test, I took her cheat sheet and had it framed. It is beautiful, one of my most cherished pieces of art.
In high school, Offspring#2 was allowed to bring a one page “cheat sheet” into a Jewish history quiz. After the test, I took the beautifully rendered drawing and had it framed. It is beautiful, one of my most cherished pieces of art.

 

Child survivors of Buchenwald form a Magen David, 1946.
Child survivors of Buchenwald form a Magen David, 1946.

 

Livia and Maayan wish all our friends and relatives a lovely and inspirational Shabbat.
Livia and Maayan wish all our friends and relatives a lovely and inspirational Shabbat.

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Comments

  2. Poor Marilyn. A classmate of mine’s father was her psychiatrist who she called the night she died.

    A friend did her autopsy. Sad life. If only she could have stayed with Dimaggio.

  3. What a tragedy regarding Ms. Nolan. Is the picture at the nightclub in 1937 showing the damage done to her face from the beating? BTW – heroin drug, not heroine. Claudia

    • Yes, that’s Nolan backstage at some seedy nightclub. I’m not sure if her ravaged appearance is the result of beatings or drugs. Probably both.

      • Thanks,
        This kind of stuff fascinates me. If you ever want to read a really good book “A Perfect Red” by Butler is one I recommend. A very enjoyable read about the red dye produced by cochineal and why it was considered much more valuable than gold.

        • One more question, if you can answer without giving away insider info. When you guys are out busy shape shifting do you have do anything special with your tzizis, such as roll them up to keep them from flying around?

  6. I love the 4 final pics:

    Norma Jean is the girl next door in that pic. Replace her blond tresses with dark ones, and she sort of resembles your younger daughter. It’s the eyes… Or is it the smile? In any case, it’s my humble opinion.

    The Jewish history test cheat sheet — and I am fascinated that you had it framed. What a wonderful, colorful, original idea.

    The Buchenwald survivors’ Magen David pose speaks volumes.

    The 2/3 granddaughters’ pic is heartwarming.

    Have a wonderful Shabbos, and wishing you — and us all — a peaceful week ahead.

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