Vintage Movie Resources

The woman who rose above defeat. Above an unhappy marriage that cast a shadow over her girlhood. Above illness and pain. Above disappointment and heartbreak when she lost her contract with United Artists. And now she returns, happily married to Cedric Gibbons, triumphant over illness, more radiant than ever in “The Dove”.

Paul Robeson was not only the best-known African American actor of the early 20th century, he was also a bass baritone, concert artist, athlete, and activist; a truly remarkable personality who became famous both for his cultural accomplishments and for his political stances.

In the 1930's, African Americans were not widely featured in the mainstream press, and we believe that this piece from Picturegoer Magazine provides interesting insights.

Note: This text was published in 1937 and some readers might find some of the writing offensive.

Ever since I left Rosalind Russell I have been poring over the fancy nourishes beneath the Declaration of Independence — through John Hancock, the Adams boys and Button Gwinnett.

So far I haven’t uncovered a Russell. Only a very unusual inspiration, I’m sure, could drive me to such extensive historical research and abstract speculation. But then Miss Rosalind Russell is indeed unusual. She is a Declaration of Independence walking.

Sessue Hayakawa and Anna May Wong have been away from American movies for several years — winning stage triumphs in New York and European capitals. They’ve now returned to Hollywood to win back screen honors.

Note: This text was published in 1931 and some readers might find some of the Asian stereotyping offensive.

After Katharine Hepburn’s tender, sympathetic portrayal of poor silly, pathetic Alice Adams, she can snatch back that seat on the top of the Hollywood heap.