Description

Description: This striking profile portrait of Otis Skinner as Hajj, the beggar, in Kismet is from the studio of the iconic Hollywood photographer, Elmer Fryer. A bearded Skinner is wearing a cloth cap and robe and his right arm is crossed over his chest. The signed inscription reads:

“To / Peter Heggie / With the always cordial regards of / Otis Skinner / 1930

The photograph is 10” x 8”. Emler Fryer/Hollywood is blindstamped at the lower right corner. Item #A01985

Otis Skinner (1858-1942) was an American actor on stage and in film who had an illustrious career which spanned 60 years. He excelled in Shakespearean roles and, by his own estimation, played in 16 plays and 38 parts, including Hamlet, Falstaff, Shylock, Romeo, and Richard III. One of his most successful roles was the role of Hajj, the beggar, in Kismet on Broadway and on film.

Oliver Peters Heggie (1877-1936), an Australian theater and film actor, began in amateur theater productions in Sydney and London. He gained prominence on Broadway (NYC), playing the lead in Androcles and The Lion, Old Man Minick in Minick, Shylock in The Merchant of Venice, Diggory in She Stoops to Conquer and others. He moved to Hollywood in 1928 and appeared in 27 films, including: The Count of Monte Cristo, The Mysterious Dr. Fu Manchu, etc.

Condition: In very good condition.