Description

Description: This signed photograph was taken on the set of the silent film, The Actress, directed by Sidney Franklin. In this tight ¾ length shot, Norma Shearer is in the center wearing a formal ball gown. She is looking at, as she takes what seems a sheaf of papers from, the tuxedo-clad O.P. Heggie on her left, while the tweed suit-clad director Sidney Franklin at her right looks on. Heggie played the Vice Chancellor Sir William Gower and Shearer had the lead role, Rose Trelawny, in the film. Shearer signs with the sentiment: “Hoping we may bring you down to our level again sometime dear Mr. Heggie. Norma Shearer”and Franklin writes: “In remembrance of a most happy engagement. Sidney Franklin”

7” x 9” unmounted photograph. Item #A01984

Norma Shearer (1902-1983), known for her glamour and sophistication, was a Canadian-American actress who had a long career of playing spunky female roles. She was dubbed the “First Lady of MGM,” for being married to director Irving Thalberg. She won an Academy Award for best actress in The Divorcee (1930).

Sidney Franklin (1883-1972) was an American film director and producer with several movies to his credit. He was nominated for best director in 1937 for The Good Earth.

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: Fine condition, with bold signatures