In the cards.

While Edith Meinhard may not have been a superstar in her heyday, she did have fans who sought out her autograph, received substantial press for even minor roles, and was popular enough to be included on collectible cigarette cards. 

Borg cigarette card, ca. 1932.

Macedonia cigarette card, early 1930s. Love the hat!

These are the only two cards currently in my collection, but there is at least a third card that has been produced (number 18 in the linked Aurelia series). For anyone who may be interested, Edith's card from the Macedonia series is available for purchase on eBay (number 42 in the pulldown menu) as of the date of this post. I'm curious to learn more about the photographer behind these images, Yva. What a fascinating (though ultimately tragic) life and career.

Glad tidings.

Warmest wishes to all this holiday season! A new job (among other things) has kept me busy, but I wanted to take the time to spread some joy and cheer, this time in the form of the wonderfully hardboiled Glenda Farrell. She's become a perennial favorite and my go-to for comic relief, and she could do it in style...

Promotional portrait for Man's Castle. "The dress has a definite [bateau] neckline with a border of galyak that emphasizes the shoulders. The sleeves are modified leg-o-mutton and the belt is black suede. An unusual belt clasp has a very cute holder for a red lipstick in the center. A red pin is fastened in the black galyak trimming. Black purse, black kid shoes, black galyak hat and cream suede gloves are used with the dress."

Promotional portrait for Go Into Your Dance.

The first Glenda Farrell photo I ever purchased, featuring a dress worn in Havana Widows. I adore the beaded starburst design.

Promotional portrait for Man's Castle. "This swagger suit is fashioned of rough grey wool alternately striped in black and white and trimmed with a broad mannish collar of black Persian lamb fur. In this photograph the broad shoulders are stressed, proving once again that Hollywood creates its own fashion decrees. Miss Farrell has chosen a grey cloth hat fashioned of the same plain material as the skirt of her suit. Her other accessories for wear with this outfit are of black, resulting in an effective blend of gray, black and white."

Promotional portrait for The Big Shakedown. "Her fall street frock is of brown crepe trimmed with stitched white crepe, and the matching hat is created along the new Chinese trend, with a pointed peak. Orry-Kelly designed them."