The Ziegfeld Follies were theatrical productions modeled after the French Folies Bergères. They have been described as something of a cross between Broadway shows and Vaudeville reviews. Prominently featured in the Follies were the iconic "Ziegfeld girls" who were the mainstay of these shows. They were actresses and dancers, many quite accomplished. [Here's a full-length feature produced by Ziegfeld, titled "Glorifying the American Girl".]
Alfred Cheney Johnston took many photographs of the Ziegfeld girls. Many of these were tasteful nudes; the ones here are all clothed (or at least half-clothed).
Alexandra Carlisle
Anne Lee Patterson, 1931
Anne Lee Patterson
Barbara Stanwyck
[she became a big Hollywood star]
Bea Ackerman of the Ziegfeld Follies, 1923-24
Billie Dove, 1920s
Claudia Dell
Dog and Model
Drucilla Strain
Frieda Mierse - Ziegfeld girl
Hazel Forbes - Ziegfeld girl
Helene Costello
Kay English, Ziegfeld girl, 1929
Margaret Horan with dog
Marion Davies, Ziegfeld girl, 1924
Lovely photos. I enjoy searching the Web using the names of the ladies in the pictures. So many different life stories. Some sad with others making me envious I do not have such a fascinating, interesting life.
ReplyDeleteHowever, to some folks I have had the exciting life so I remain grateful for all the good that has and is happening in my life. And I feel sorrow for the lasses whose lives were tragic in whole or just in part. Their stories are a guide to us in the future to make the proper choices that hopefully avert the worst parts of life.