![Gladys Cooper [1888-1971] in Fancy Dress Greeting Card](https://i0.wp.com/rlv.zcache.com/gladys_cooper_1888_1971_in_fancy_dress_greeting_card-r8162afade43742ee863fd3b6a9e728b7_xvuat_8byvr_325.jpg)
Miss Gladys Cooper [1888-1971] in Fancy Dress Greeting Card by FirstNightVintage
Looking into a mirror on her deathbed: ‘If this is what virus pneumonia does to one, I really don’t think I shall bother to have it again.’ IMDb
I do hope this is not apocryphal!
Miss Gladys Cooper [1888-1971] Greeting Card by FirstNightVintage
Unless you’re a theatre buff, you will probably only know Gladys Cooper for her grand ladies on screen such as Bette Davis’ mother, Mrs Henry Vale, in Now, Voyager or Beatrice Lacy in Rebecca.
![In Now, Voyager (1942) [Wikipedia]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladys_Cooper#/media/File:Gladys_Cooper_in_Now_Voyager_trailer.jpg)
I always find it enchanting to see how beautiful these wonderful actresses were in their younger days. Have you ever seen a photograph of Ethel Barrymore when young? I think you’ll be surprised. Which reminds me that I have a terrific theatre postcard of her brother John with which I must do something before the century turns.
Available at the following galleries:
Zazzle US
Zazzle UK
Take care and keep laughing!
First Night Design 
Reblogged this on Rogues & Vagabonds.
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I think the cameramen and photographers or the time, considering the equipment they had access to, were true magicians. A great actress and very beautiful too. Thanks, Sarah.
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And, for the most part, came up with images that were much more interesting and beautiful than today’s equivalent.
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I read “A Woman of Temperament” by Lucile Diff Gordon recently and she believed that during her time the number of beautiful women were very few and so when they were on stage, photographed or were employed as her mannequins the impact was greater, which doesn’t detract from the skill of the photographer. The photographs of the era do seem to have a “soft” quality which has been lost in the digital age and even with some of the black and white images of the 70’s. If you haven’t read the book it is worth reading although there is a wait as they are printed to order http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1908002425?refRID=GVVEK5GN3B3YVE7VRKR1&ref_=pd_ybh_a_29
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Thank you so much for telling me about the book. It sounds right up my street!
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I hope you enjoy it, I also bought “Neath the Mask” by John East after borrowing it from the library, mainly because Miss Ray is mentioned 😀
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Ethel Barrymore was very elegant, stunning pictures
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She was indeed.
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What a great actress! I loved her in Rebecca and My Fair Lady.
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Gosh, I’d forgotten about My Fair Lady – unforgivable!
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I agree the pictures of them in their youth are so beautiful!
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We shall not look upon their like again.
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yes I agree
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A grand old lady, and stunning in her youth. Nice tribute, Sarah.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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She certainly was, Pete.
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